To the Printer of the Hampshire Gazette.
SIR,
It has some how or other fallen to my lot to be employed in a more conspicuous
manner than some others of my fellow citizens, in stepping forth in defence
of the rights and privileges of the people, more especially of the county of
Hampshire.
Therefore, upon the desire of the people now at arms, I take this method to
publish to the world of mankind in general, particularly the people of this
commonwealth, some of the principal grievances we complain of, and of which
we are now seeking redress, and mean to contend for until a redress can be obtained,
which we hope will soon take place; and if lo our brethren in this commonwealth,
that do not see with us as yet, shall find we shall be a peaceable as they be.
In the first place I must refer you to a draught of grievances drawn up by
a Committee of the people now at arms, under the signature of Daniel Gray, Chairman,
which is heartily approved of, some others are also here added, viz.
1st. The General Court, for certain obvious reasons, must be removed out of
the town of Boston.
2d. A revision of the constitution is absolutely necessary.
3d. All kinds of governmental securities, now on interest, that have been bought
of the original owners, for 2s. 3s. 4s. and the highest for 6s. 8d. on the pound,
and have received more interest than ever the principal cost the speculator
who purchased them- that if justice was done, we verily believe nay positively
know, it would owe this commonwealth thousands of pounds.
4th. Let the lands belonging to this commonwealth at the eastward, be sold
at the best advantage, to pay the remainder of our domestic debt.
5th. Let the monies arising from impost and excise, be appropriated to discharge
the foreign debt.
6th. Let that act, passed by the General Court last June, by a small majority
of only seven, called the Supplementary Aid, for twenty-five years yet to come,
be repealed.
7th. The total abolition of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas and General
Sessions of the Peace.
8th. Deputy-Sheriffs totally set aside, as a useless set of officers in the
community; and Constables, who are really necessary, be impowered to do the
duty, by which means a large swarm of lawyers will be banished form their wonted
haunts, who have been more damage to the people at large, especially the common
farmers, than the savage beasts of prey.
To this I boldly sign my proper name, as a hearty well wisher to the real rights
of the people.
THOMAS GROVER.
Worcester, Dec. 7, 1786. |