184

Act of the Massachusetts Senate ordering a tax to suppress Shays's Rebellion.

[Boston: Adams and Nourse], 17 February 1787
Letterpress broadside, 12¼ x 8 inches, signed in type by Samuel Phillips, Artemas Ward, James Bowdoin, and John Avery; folds, uneven toning, partly laid down on later board; uncut.

  • Notes: The text begins: "Whereas it is necessary that a considerable sum of money should be immediately procured to defray the expences incurred by reason of the detachments lately made for the suppression of the unnatural rebellion now existing in the Commonwealth." Taxes were to be collected and handed in within ten days, and "the good people of the Commonwealth . . . are called upon to give a substantial proof of their attachment to our happy Constitution, and their regard to the freedom and safety of their country, by an immediate payment of the taxes." 

    None traced at auction since 1923. Evans 20508; Ford, Massachusetts Broadsides 2469. 
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