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It is the early hours of a bitter January morning in 1787.

Snow crunches underfoot as a column of men moves steadily through the Massachusetts countryside.

Farmers, laborers, veterans of the Revolution.

Many still guided by the discipline learned in their days serving in the

Continental Army. They march in formation, muskets slung over shoulders. A head on horseback rides a man

named Daniel Shays. Though he may have the stern bearing of a former military man,

Shays is a reluctant figure drawn into this struggle by the desperation of those following him.

Together, these men, this force, marches on the Springfield Armory about 90 miles west of Boston,

its stores of weapons guarded by a newly raised militia.

To the state of Massachusetts, this march is one of rebellion.

To the men here in the snow, it is their last resort. After months of petitions ignored,

the closing of courts, debts unpaid. Ever since this day, 239 years ago, a question has

surrounded these actions. Are these men threatening a revolution

or simply upholding one?

Our guest for today's episode is Dr. Daniel Bullen, author of the book Daniel Shea's

Honorable Rebellion. Based in Western Massachusetts, Dr. Bullen's other works include

The dangers of passion, the transcendental friendship of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller,

and The Love Lives of the Artists, Five Stories of Creative Intimacy.

I'm Don Wildman, and this is American History Hit.

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