Massachusetts. Quartermaster General's Dept.

HISTORICAL NOTE: The post-Revolutionary Massachusetts legislature endeavored to collect taxes levied to pay war debt and other state expenses, particularly burdening farmers in the western part of the state. Angered by foreclosures and imprisonment imposed for tax delinquency and not receiving satisfaction for grievance petitions filed with the legislature, the protesting farmers rioted and closed courthouses under the leadership of Revolutionary veteran Daniel Shays. The state militia was called out to suppress Shays' Rebellion in Sept. 1786, in Jan. 1787 a state army was formed for the purpose, and by February the insurgents were

With the establishment of the state army, the quartermaster general's office was responsible for furnishing it with supplies and services, including quarters and fuel for soldiers and horses, and use of horses and sleighs for carrying baggage. The quartermaster general relied on various civilians, town selectmen, and vendors to provide these supplies and services, and issued certificates (or vouchers as they are referred to in contemporary usage) acknowledging receipt. It was then the quartermaster general's responsibility to provide reimbursement and to submit regular accounts to the General Court.

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