Journals of the Continental Congress,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1786.
Congress assembled. Present, as before.
War Office, October 18th, 1786.
Sir: In my letters to your Excellency of the 3r.d and 8th. instant I mentioned some of the difficulties which operated to prevent establishing a sufficient guard at Springfield for the protection of the stores of the United States.
Previous to my departure from this city the parties assembled at Springfield, for, and against Government, had dispersed. It was not in General Sheppard's power to retain a guard, as the insurgents made it a condition of their dispersion, that he should also disband his force. On communicating with him and several other persons of information and judgement, it appeared, that an attempt to raise a guard of the well affected militia, would probably re-assemble instantly, the insurgents, in larger numbers than before. I therefore conceived, it would be proper, previous to my taking a measure that would hazard the government, to communicate fully with Governor Bowdoin on the subject, so that if necessary, he might obtain Legislative authority to raise a considerable body of men for the protection of the stores and to curb the insurgents.
The Gentlemen with whom he advised on my communications, were of the most respectable characters in the state for their political knowledge. After receiving ample information of the nature & extent of the designs of the insurgents they were unanimously of opinion that the stores ought to be protected in their present situation by the highest exertions, as an attempt to remove them, would require as large a force, as to protect them. But a removal would deeply wound the reputation of the state and the Union, encourage rebellion, and discourage the well affected.
All agreed, that a considerable armed force was necessary for the protection of the stores. But difficulties occurred on consideration, which appeared insuperable, to prevent the proposal from originating from that Government. Secrecy was considered essential, but impracticable in a numerous legislature, constituted of a variety of characters. After the most mature deliberations, it was Concluded, that a force could be obtained only in consequence of a requisition of Congress. This sentiment was unanimous, and as the Honorable Mr. King was present, he can give the reasons at large which induced it.
The great numbers of people in Massachusetts* and the neighbouring States who avow the principle of annihilating all debts public and private. The probability of those men combining themselves into an armed body for the purpose of executing their designs. The dreadful consequences which may be expected from wicked and ambitious men, possessing the command of a force to overturn, not only the forms, but the principles of the present constitutions, require the wisest councils and most vigorous measures on the part of Government.
I conceive my Official duty obliges me to inform Congress, that it is my firm conviction, arising from the information I have received, that unless the present commotions are checked with a strong hand, that an armed tyranny may be established on the ruins of the present constitutions. The insurgents will not probably longer delay the execution of their designs, those systems can be formed and means found for that purpose.
I have taken those measures for the collateral security of the stores which the nature of the case admitted. Major General Sheppard has the orders of the Governor, to furnish such a guard as I would request, and I have requested him to possess himself of the intentions of the insurgents respecting the stores and that whenever he shall learn that their designs are ripening for execution, that he shall collect all his force and endeavor to prevent them.
I have also requested his Excellency the Governor of Connecticut, to direct the commanding officers of the militia of that State, to march to Springfield with a body of twelve or fifteen hundred men, whenever they shall receive advice from certain persons, that the insurgents are about to attempt the stores.
But I must confess I consider these arrangements as inefficient. and that nothing will be adequate, but placing a body of five hundred men at least at Springfield. On this occasion I humbly submit to the wisdom of Congress the propriety of adding such numbers to the troops now in service, as shall complete a legionary corps of fifteen hundred men. This would give protection to the Magazines during the ensuing winter and if they should not be requisite for the same purpose the next spring, they might be marched to the frontiers, or disbanded, as Congress should think most proper.
I have the honor to be etc.
H. Knox.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 150, II, folio 67. According to indorsement it was read October 18 and referred to Mr. [Charles] Pettit, Mr. [Henry] Lee, Mr. [Charles] Pinckney, Mr. [John] Henry, and Mr. [Melancton] Smith.]
* - The following links will provide a more clear understanding of the above;
Letters of Delegates to Congress, James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, March 19, 1787
Here is what Thomas Jefferson's final determination about the subject outlined above was;
"Yet where does this anarchy exist? Where did it ever exist, except in the single instance of Massachusetts? And can history produce an instance of rebellion so honourably conducted? I say nothing of it's motives. They were founded in ignorance, not wickedness. God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, & always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. We have had 13. states independent 11. years. There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a century & a half for each state. What country before ever existed a century & half without a rebellion? & what country can preserve it's liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon & pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. It is it's natural manure. Our Convention has been too much impressed by the insurrection of Massachusetts: and in the spur of the moment they are setting up a kite to keep the hen-yard in order. I hope in God this article will be rectified before the new constitution is accepted."
- Thomas Jefferson, Nov. 13, 1787 letter to William S. Smith.
The above information gives a very clear understanding as to the TRUE meaning of the words;
"The Right of the People to Keep and Bear Arms shall NOT be Infringed."
Now doesn't it?
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