Shays could not provide stores and equipment and was unable to maintain discipline.
A threatened attack on Cambridge came to naught for, when preparations were made to protect the city, the rebels began a disorderly retreat, and in the intense cold and deep snow they suffered severely, and many died from exposure.

The center of interest then shifted to Springfield, where the insurgents were attempting to seize the United States arsenal.
The local militia had already repelled the first attacks, and the appearance of General Lincoln with his troops completed the demoralization of Shays' army.

The insurgents retreated, but Lincoln pursued relentlessly and broke them up into small bands, which then wandered about the country preying upon the unfortunate inhabitants.
When spring came, most of them had been subdued or had taken refuge in the neighboring States.
Shays' Rebellion was fairly easily suppressed, even though it required the shedding of some blood.

But it was the possibility of further outbreaks that destroyed men's peace of mind.

There were similar disturbances in other States; and there the Massachusetts insurgents found sympathy, support, and finally a refuge.