History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1T86.] SHAYS REBELLION. 493
and the court was opened. But on account of the absence
of the Grand Jury, most of whom were under arms
guarding the Court-House, no business could be done.
Great numbers of people flocked into the town during the
day, joining one side or the other. Some of the militia
companies ordered out to protect the courts, went over to
the insurgents bodily. For an insignia the malcontents
adopted a sprig of hemlock, which each man placed in his
hat, while the law and order men pinned a piece of white
paper to their head-gear. Finding that the government
party were acting on the defensive, Shays sent an insolent
demand to the court, stating on what conditions he would
disband his forces. His first requisite was that no indictments
should be found against his men for their acts, either
at Northampton or Springfield ; he proposed that no civil
cases should be tried except where both parties were willing
; and finally he demanded that the militia then in the
field should not be paid for their services. A prompt and
vigorous denial was made to these preposterous propositions,
the court declaring its intention to execute the law
in accordance with the requirements of the statutes. This
reply exasperated the rioters more than ever and they
threatened to attack the militia. Then they whined to the
court, complaining that the government forces had insulted
them, and would not permit them to march where they
pleased. They were told that they could go where they
wanted to, provided they behaved themselves properly.
Accordingly they paraded back and forth before the
militia, possibly with the hope of intimidating them. It is
claimed that Shays with difficulty prevented his followers
from firing upon the soldiers. On the third day, when it
became apjiarent that no jury could be impaneled, the court
adjourned, deciding not to attempt to open a court in Berk-
shire County, as had been the custom. The militia remained
upon the ground, and the mob, madder than ever,
threatened to drive them away. They marched valiantly
up and down in front of the government forces, but deeming
" discretion the better part of valor," eventually retired
to their former position. Gen. Shepherd, considering the
arsenal of more importance than an empty Court-House,
stationed his forces so as to cover that point. The insur-