Manuscript DS, signed “John Hancock,” one page, 12.5 x 7.75, August 1, 1789. As governor of Massachusetts, Hancock appoints Samuel Buffington as "Aid de Camp to Major General William Shepard, Commander of the fourth Division of the militia in this Commonwealth comprehending the County of Hampshire…with the rank of Major." Boldly signed in the left margin by Governor John Hancock, and countersigned by Secretary John Avery, Jr. The white paper seal affixed to the upper left remains intact. Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 24.25 x 17.5. In fine condition.
Buffington was serving under Shepard during Shays' Rebellion of 1786-87, in which they had to defend Springfield against a rebel militia. Buffington, commanding a company of light horse under Shepard's command, directly confronted Shays during his march to the Springfield Armory. In the exchange, Buffington warned Shays that Shepard would defend the Arsenal by means of force. Shays continued to advance, and Shepard first fired warning shots over the heads of Shays' men, followed by grape shot fired by two cannons. The rebel advance was halted when four Shaysites were killed and 20 were wounded. A typed transcript of Buffington's deposition on the subject is included.
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