151. Shays' Rebellion
a. A temperate statement of real grievances leading to the "Rebellion"
Minot's History of the Insurrection in Massachusetts, pages 34-37.
The following "schedule of grievances" was adopted by a mass convention of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in 1786. For the general narrative, cf. American History and Government, § 188-192.
At a meeting of the delegates from fifty towns in the county of Hampshire, in convention held at Hatfield, in said county, on Tuesday, the 22d day of August instant [1786], and continued by adjournments until the twenty fifth, etc. Voted, that this meeting is constitutional.
The convention from a thorough conviction of great uneasiness, subsisting among the people of this county and Commonwealth, then went into an inquiry for the cause; and, upon mature consideration, deliberation, and debate, were of opinion, that many grievances and unnecessary burdens now lying upon the people, are the source of that discontent so evidently discoverable throughout this Commonwealth. Among which the following articles were voted as such, viz.
1st. The existence of the Senate.[148]
2d. The present mode of representation.
3d. The officers of government not being annually dependent on the representatives of the people, in General Court assembled, for their salaries.