The New York Packet

Major Cushing arrived in Boston on Friday the 9th inst. express, with dispatches from the Hon. General Lincoln, to his Excellency Governor Bowdoin—he left Head-Quarters, at Peterham, on the Wednesday previous to his arrival, at which time the army were under marching orders, for Berkshire county.

Peterham, Feb. 6, 1787, ten o'clock in the evening

Dear Sir,

In my letter, written this morning, I mentioned my intentions to march to Berkshire, by the way of Northfield, but since, I have received a letter from General Patterson, a copy of which is enclosed, requesting speedy succour, which has determined me to take a more direct rout to that county.

People are instantly giving themselves up and soliciting a pardon.

I have the honor of being, dear Sir, with great esteem, your Excellency's most obedient servant,

B. LINCOLN

Governor Bowdoin.

Lanesborough, Feb. 5, 1787

Dear Sir,

Having intelligence on Wednesday last that a party of insurgents were collecting at a place called Stafford's Hill, at the south part of Adams, I thought it my duty to move the troops under my command toward them; that evening I arrived at Pittsfield; seeing me determined to come towards them, they decamped from their situation, with a declared intention of collecting their force the next day, at the south end of Williamstown: Convinced my safety depended on the rapidity of my motions, on Friday I marched towards the intended place of rendezvous of the enemy, a small party had collected, who immediately dispersed at my approach. On Saturday I returned to this place—here I have been informed, that the insurgents are collecting at the south-east and south-west corners of the county.

A man by the name of Bishop was taken prisoner, and this day released in Partridgefield, by a party under the command of Major Wiley, of about 35 men, who his followers stiled General, and who said he was then pointing his course towards Washington, where he was to be met by a party of 200 more, who had marched from this county, and who had not been able to make their way to Shays, by reason of the force of government, which lay in their way. From Sandisfield I am informed, and by gentlemen on whom I depend, that about forty men had marched from that town, and were progressing towards the same place. Mr. Hunt, a gentleman of veracity and judgment, was this day made a prisoner by the same party, then increased to 100 men. I am further assured that a man who principally directs the movements of the insurgents in this county, has been some days since in the State of New-York, endeavouring by the propagation of every falsehood he could invent, to rouse the inhabitants to reinforce his party here.

I have thought it my duty thus to detail to you my real situation, and am certain, that if in your power, you will immediately dispatch a body of men from those under your command to my aid. Should this not be the case, I would suggest to your consideration, the propriety of making a detachment from the body of the militia under the command of Gen. Shepard.

I am, Sir, with much esteem, your most obedient servant,

JOHN PATTERSON.

P. S. To-morrow I shall move to Lenox where I shall possess the most eligible situation either to defend myself, or prevent a junction of the enemy. Should I find them collected, in a situation in which I shall judge it practicable to attack them with a probability of success, I shall not wait the determination of the General Court, that they are in a state of rebellion—to consider them as such, and act accordingly.

Hon. Major-General Lincoln.

Extract of a letter from an officer in the State's Army, dated Hadley, Feb. 2d, 1787, to a gentleman in Boston.

Honored Sir,

The feeling, humane mind must have many melancholy reflections at beholding the situation of these counties, which is truly deplorable. Father against son—brother against brother—friend against friend—enbruing their hands in each others blood. The whole country is in arms, and there appears a cessation of all business, except what belongs to war. There is scarce an hour, but petitions and applications, from towns, are presented to the General, praying that reconciliation may take place without bloodshed; and it is really affecting to hear the prayers of the inhabitants, that he would interpose to stop a further proceedings in arms. Gen. Lincoln conducts like a man of humanity, and still retains his dignity as a good officer and commander.