The New York Packet

NEW-YORK. MARCH 6.

On Saturday advices were received from General Lincoln, dated on Tuesday last; by which it appears that the main body of the insurgents, to the number of three hundred, rendezvous at New-Canaan, in Columbia county, in this State, about 27 miles back of Kinderhook and in a neighbourhood where they appear to have some friends; from whence, on Monday before they in two parties made an excursion into Massachusetts, towards Stockbridge and the country adjacent, uniting at Great-Barrington, under the command of one Hindman: at Stockbridge they plundered the house of Mr. Sedgwick, and many other inhabitants; and made prisoners of several gentlemen who had acted in favour of government. General Lincoln having lately disbanded all his troops, excepting about two hundred which were north of Great Barrington at Pittsfield, was not in a situation to pursue them.

On the retreat of Shays and the Insurgents from Massachusetts into Vermont, and previous to their coming into this State, Major Tyler, acting as Adjutant General to General Lincoln, raised a party of Volunteers in Vermont and pursued them; and at White Creek, which is the line between this State and Vermont, some of his party made prisoner of Adam Wheeler, a principal among the insurgents, who soon after was rescued by forty men, inhabitants of that neighbourhood.

It is said that Shays and Parsons were both with the parties that went into Massachusetts, but that they do not appear to have the principal command. Head quarters is at one Botwick's, and HINDMAN appears to be the principal.

On Saturday, in consequence of this information, the Legislature passed some private resolutions; and yesterday his Excellency the Governor, attended by Col. Fish Adjutant General of this State, Egbert Benson, Esq. the Attorney General, and Col. Willett, with several other gentlemen, set out for that part of the State. It is expected that the Governor will collect a sufficient force at Kinderhook, and soon put an end to the disturbances which Shays and his adherents have fomented.

It is asserted as a fact, that the Legislature of Vermont have lately repealed the law passed a few years ago, which authorised their Governor to deliver up offenders from the United States on proper application. The complexion of this business appears very unfavorable to government; as by the repealing of this law they sanction all villains who may fly to them for protection. Even Shays and his adherents, if they escape, may reside under that government without molestation.