1787- Written by James Bowdoin- Governor of Massachusetts
Over the past 6 years many farmers in the state of Massachusetts took out loans to buy land so they could have larger farms. These farmers took the loans from the bank knowing that these loans would need to be paid back. Over the last few years many farmers in our state have refused to pay back these loans. Our banks have done everything possible to allow the farmers the chance to pay them back. Banks have given the farmers extra time to pay the money they owed but this has not worked. The farmers have still refused to pay. Many banks have accepted some payments in the form of crops so that the farmers would have more time to make payments with real money. Banks cannot stay in business if customers return payment with corn, beans, wheat, or other crops. They must get paid back in money.
Banks have tried everything they could to help the farmers in our state. The farmers simply continued to refuse payment. This left the banks with little choice but to take back the farm land they made loans to. Some of our farmers have been arrested for failing to pay back what they owe. Others have had their farm land taken from them. These farmers have begun to take up arms (guns) against the very state that tried to help them by giving them loans. The farmers have already gone to courthouses and pulled some of the judges out at gunpoint. They force the judges to sign papers that will give the farmers back their land. Others are forcing the judges to let the prisoners out of jail. This group of rebels is being led by a man named Daniel Shays. Mr. Shays has assembled a group of nearly 1,400 rebels that has already closed down six courthouses and threatened the lives of many government officials.
Last night we received word that Daniel Shays and his 1,400 rebels are on their way to the US Arsenal in Springfield, Massachusetts. Their plan is to take over the arsenal and get all the weapons there so they can then take over our entire state. We need to stop this rebellion and punish these criminals. Since the Revolutionary War has ended we no longer have a national army to protect us against this threat. I am writing this letter as a plea to the citizens to help stop this group that has become as threatening as an army of Redcoats.
IN YOUR NOTEBOOK PLEASE ANSWER IN COMPLETE SENTENSES!!!
- What do you think should be done about this situation?
- Who is to blame for the situation in the state of Massachusetts? Why?
- What should happen to the farmers who have rebelled?
- Prepare to give a written summary of the situation to the class