To John Jay from Henry Knox, 3 October 1786
From Henry Knox
Springfield 3 October 1786—
My dear Sir
You will have heard the issue of the late serious insurrection at this place. Mr Stagg the bearer will give you particulars—Government has lost ground.
Faction desperate faction gains strength hourly—They speak of a military government and embodying troops ^against the constitution.^—The number which appeared against government ^is opposed to Law^ were great. had all the parties which were on the march joined previous to the dispersion of the Malcontents they would have mustered 2000 strong—Government mustered about 900. ^but^ These were men of respectable Character and great property compared with the opposite opponents.—1 I shall set out for Boston, immediately and hope to be in New York the latter end of next week ^[in margin] please keep this to yourself—^ I am Dear Sir your affectionate humble Servt
The honourable John Jay
Dft, NNGL (EJ: 90519). Endorsed: “Genl Mr Jay—3 October / 1786—”.
1. For JJ’s reaction to Shays’s Rebellion, see the editorial note “Supporting a Strengthened Constitutional Structure,” above.