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This "Address to the Ladies" is patterned on a popular song from before the American Revolution. The song was called "Young Ladies in Town" and first appeared in The Boston News-Letter in 1769. It was a reaction to the Townshend Acts and called on women to boycott English textiles and other imported goods. The original version had the ladies wearing clothing of their own make and spinning, and also throwing away their bohea and hyson teas. This version refers to money being scarce and times growing worse, both causes of Shays' Rebellion. The attack on the Springfield, Massachusetts arsenal occurred nine days after this appeared in the Hampshire Gazette.

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