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

504 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1787.
were commanded by Capt, Luke Day, ^ Another body of
four hundred insurgents from Berkshire, commanded by
Eli Parsons, was at Chicopee, while Shays with eleven
hundred more was approaching along the "Bay Path."
Gen, Lincoln was at Worcester on the 2V\ The intention
of the rebels was to attack and defeat Gen, Shepherd's
small force before the commander-in-chief should arrive.
Efforts to Combine Conuecticut Rivcr intervened between the
the Rebel Forces. divisious of Day and Shays. On the 24^"
of January, the latter sent a messenger to
Day, informing him that he should attack Gen, Shepherd
the next day, and urging Daj'- to cross the river to his
assistance. But Day was not ready, and sent back word
that he could not co-operate in the attack till the 26"', On
his return the messenger was captured and his dispatch
placed in the hands of Gen, Shepherd, Ignorant of the
decision of Day, Shays, expecting his assistance, advanced
at the appointed time.
Before Shays appeared. Day, relying upon
Day Summons Gen.
Shepherd to Sur- ^]jq g^fg trausmissiou of his dispatch, sent
the following summons to Gen, Shepherd.
In all probability he believed that his missive would end
the strife, and that the glory of the victory would fall
him,
"Head Quarters, West Springfield, Jany 25, 1787,
to
" The body of the people assembled in arms, adhering to the first principles
in natural self-preservation, do in the most peremptory manner
demand,
"1. That the troops in Springfield lay down their arms.
" 2. That their arms be deposited in the public stores, under the care
of the proper officers, to be returned to their owners at the termination
of the present contest.
"3. That the troops return to their homes on parole.
"To the commanding officer at Springfield, Jan. 25, 1787.
Luke Day, Commandant of this division."
On the back was this endorsement.
"By Col. Eli Parsons."
1 Hampshire Gazette, Jan'y 29"', 1834.