History of the Reed family in Europe and America

INTRODUCTION. 7
Shay's Rebellion. The townsmen of Gen. Reid sympa-
thized strongly with the Shay party, and were very indig-
nant at Gen. Reid for accepting the appointment. On the
succeeding night, when people might be supposed to be
in sound sleep, he saw from his chamber-window a large
number of men approaching the house, armed with all man-
ner of offensive weapons, evidently with an intent against
his person. He raised the window, and told them that the
man who advanced another step would be shot. His man-
ner and known determination of character convinced them
at once that he would act as he said, and that they were
fortunate in being thus timely discovered by him when
they were at such a safe distance. He then took advantage
of the impression he had made, to give them some wise and
wholesome advice relative to their duty as citizens ; and,
when he had brought his harangue to a close, the parties
separated, — the mob to their several homes, and he to
quiet slumber. The next sabbath morning, he received an
early call from the venerable pastor of the parish to suggest
the propriety of his staying at home that day, on account
of the fury of the populace ; but his reply was, that he
should be in church at the proper hour. He was accord-
ingly there ; but his determined countenance and his repu-
tation were sufficient to keep the people under restraint,
and no violence was done to him. He lived long enough
to convince his townsmen of the justness of the cause he
had espoused ; and they loved and respected him the more
for his independence of character.
But few of those bearing the name of Reed have ever
been a public charge, or inmates of penitentiaries. They
have been usually of a religious turn of mind, being firm
supporters of the institution of the gospel ; but they are
fond of mirth and fun, — a propensity which seems to run
through all of the name within my observation.