1786

 

A disagreement between a supporter of Shay and an opponent.

    There was discussion in 1786, with the French minister, about agreement to close the Mississippi to American trade for thirty years, in return for trade concessions elsewhere. The Northern states generally favored the idea, Southern states opposing. “As tension mounted some New England delegates began to discuss forming a northern confederation. Vague rumors of these conferences disturbed Monroe, who would have been truly alarmed had he known that a few had even talked of creating a monarchy.” (24/56) 

    Ammon describes Monroe’s wife, Elizabeth Kortright, as “a remarkably beautiful woman,” “a devoted wife and doting mother.” 

    As for Monroe, lacking an estate, he turned to law – although the work did not greatly interest him.  Ammon notes, without comment, that when Monroe’s brother Andrew faced bankruptcy, James “had to sell several slaves to meet his brother’s needs.” Meanwhile, he adds that Mr. and Mrs. Monroe had to wait anxiously for new furniture to be shipped from New York. (24/61, 62, 65) 

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Shay’s Rebellion: “The farmers swore that the incidence of taxes upon them was excessive, and upon the merchants too light.” “At this period men were imprisoned for debt, and all prisons were frightful holes.” (2/175) 

After several minor engagements, in which the insurgents were worsted, the decisive action took place at Petersham, where, in February, 1787, the rebels were surprised by [General] Lincoln. A large number were captured, many more fled to their homes, and the rest withdrew into neighboring States. (2/176-177)