In the aftermath of Shays's Rebellion GW wrote to HenLee thanking him for his observations on the civil unrest caused by the post-war economic downturn and the failure of MA to come to the aid of the beleaguered farmers of their state. GW notes:
"The picture you have exhibited, and the accounts which are published of the commotions, and temper of numerous bodies in the Eastern State,are equally to be lamented and deprecated. They exhibit a melancholy proof of what our trans-Atlantic foe has predicted; and of another thing perhaps, which is still more to be regretted, and is yet more unaccountable, that mankind when left to themselves are unfit for their own Government...In a word, I am lost in amazement when I behold what intrigue, the interested views of desperate characters, ignorance and jealousy of the minor part, are capable of effecting, as a scourge on the major part of our fellow Citizens of the Union; for it is hardly to be supposed that the great body of the people, tho' they will not act, can be so shortsighted, or enveloped in darkness, as not to see rays of a distant sun thro' all this mist of intoxication and folly."
Shocking, GW! Those farmers had no money to pay taxes because there was no money anywhere! They tried to petition the government for a redress of grievances, just like they were supposed to, but the political elite in MA didn't want to listen. What else were they supposed to do except for protest? Yet, you, HenLee, Fort Knox and JMAD all decided--thanks to the pernicious influence of A-Ham, no doubt--that Shays's Rebellion was a sign that the people were "unfit" to rule. And then...you know what you did...I'm not even going to say it.
Know this GW: we see you and we are not pleased. Bad Founder, v. bad.
