A special session of the legislature was then called by the Governor but, when that special session had adjourned on the 18th of November, it might just as well have never met.

It had attempted to remedy various grievances and had made concessions to the malcontents, but it had also passed measures to strengthen the hands of the Governor.

This only seemed to inflame the rioters, and the disorders increased.

After the lower courts a move was made against the State Supreme Court, and plans were laid for a concerted movement against the cities in the eastern part of the State.
Civil war seemed imminent.

The insurgents were led by Daniel Shays, an officer in the army of the Revolution, and the party of law and order was represented by Governor James Bowdoin, who raised some four thousand troops and placed them under the command of General Benjamin Lincoln.
The time of year was unfortunate for the insurgents, especially as December was unusually cold and there was a heavy snowfall.