Is “a little rebellion a good thing?”

o'a
liffle rebellion a goo d thing?"
The \Mhiskey Rebellion: Is
Laura Farris
Senior Historical Division
Perhaps one of the most influential internal rebellions prior to the
Civil War, the Whiskey
Rebellion proved to have a monumental impact upon the future ideals of democracy in the
United States. After Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, introduced a set of taxes
upon whiskey, poorer citizens, especially rural farmers, took up anns to protest the series
of
taxes. As the insurrection grew in size and scope during lTg\,President George Washington
felt
forced to call upon the militia to crush the insurrection. The political ramifications of the
whiskey rebellion contributed to the downfall of Hamilton's excise tax, the founding of political
parties and helped define the federal government's relationship to the states until the Civil War.
Ultimately, it could be argued, the Whiskey Rebellion led to a reaction focused on a political
discussion and movement that better coincided with the Founding Father's original
intent-a
govemment for the people.
Hamilton's upbringing proved influential in his political ideology and beliefs on the
proper role of the federal and state governments during his career. Throughout Hamilton's
childhood, he incurred tragedy and difficulty. After the death of nearly all of his close family,
Hamilton, orphaned and only later taken in by merchant Thomas Stevens, expressed his feelings
of despair and loneliness through his penmanship, which acted
as a catalyst
to his later political
fame.l Only furthering Hamilton's feelings of childhood denunciation, Princeton rejected his
Pg. I
Pe.2
admission to the school. Instead, Hamilton attended King's College, where he studied under
Tories.2 This education became the foundation for his later political career, leading
him to admire Britain and one day model the new government's national bank after Britain's
own. During the American Revolution, Hamilton became an aide and friend of George
Washington, who fought for the Revolution when Britain imposed tixes upon his beloved Mt.
Vemon.3 When Hamilton grew prominent as a Federalist, he adamantly fought for ratification
of
the Constitution, describing this new form of government as one that defied the very principle
of
Republican government. However, he claimed, this govemment still proclaimed the need for
strong rulers who could prevent the downfall of the American government.a Ironically, Hamilton
in his role as a strong leader later set in motion taxation that nearly caused the downfall of the
government and led to a rebellion so egregious that the federal government called on Washington
to crush it.
Even during his eady career, Hamilton demonstrated an affrnity toward the wealthier
classes, and likewise modeled his tax system favorably towards the more affluent classes.
In
1790, he displayed a cynical view against poor citizens who sold their IOUs to wealthier
gamblers in his Report on Public Credit.s He claimed that poor citizens who sold their debts
(often because they could not afford to wait for compensation) showed a distrust for the future
of
the national government and instead gave buyers of those debts full reimbursement.Ir |TST
Hamilton introduced a taxing system, intending for it to repay debts to foreign countries incurred
during the Revolutionary War and re-establish American credit. On February 12,1788 Hamilton
resolved in Congress that the Treasury needed more revenue in order to repay the debt and, thus,
instituted a tax that collected 5 percent on importations, a dollar for every hundred acres of land,
and a half a dollar for each house.6 These taxes met relatively little opposition: British citizens
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had often met with land or import taxes. On the other hand, British citizens had not often
encountered excise taxes.T Arguably,
if Hamilton
had established the whole of his taxation
system on land or imports, a rebellion of the Whiskey Rebellion's magnitude might never have
taken place. However, in March
of lTgl,Congress
passed Hamilton's excise tax into law.8
Seeking political gain with wealthy citizens, Hamilton showbd
little sympathy toward
small farmers and poor distillers who faced enonnous economic debts to repay after the
Revolutionary War. In response to objections about the government's debt reduction, Hamilton
claimed that Americans' dissatisfaction with his legislation caused the govemment's inability to
repay the taxes; therefore, responsible for the debt itself.e His motives for the excise tar lay in
both his ideology of a stronger, more centralized federal government and the large political
influence asserted by the eastern business interests. Up against such a concentrated political
interest, poor western farmers hardly had a shot. Hamilton desired to seek a source of revenue,
through his ta<ation system, before state goverrtments could collect it themselves.lO
The excise tax outraged poorer citizens, who had converted their grain into whiskey for
ease of transportation, since many alleged Hamilton purposefully targeted the impoverished
classes.
Unlike Shay's Rebellion, the Whiskey Insurrection gathered
a large number
of rebels,
nearly 7,000 in Pittsburgh alone.ll Though some rebels fought for the sake of fighting, most
found the tax unreasonable and against fundamental American rights. In response to the tax, in
an inhumane demonstration of indignation, small farmers banded together to tar and feather tax
collectors.l2 Another group of thirty to forty people raised arms and marched nearly twelve miles
to tax collector General John Neville's home.13 Their outrage lay in their belief that Hamilton
imposed the excise tax on whiskey and distilled spirits in order to affect the tax on the most
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people possible, regardless of wealth and the people's ability to pay such a tax. They also
believed that the federal govemment purposefully refused to listen to their complaints.
As a result, whiskey rebels resorted to rebellion tactics reminiscent and likely influenced
from the experiences of the French and American Revolutions. In an attempt to avoid the ta<,
small farmers used a variety of violent tactics based on experiences bf other countries.14 These
strategies, gleaned from the dangerous actions of French Revolutionaries proved that the
people's dependence on violence continued even after the formation of a new govemment.
Translated from a French paper for the National Gazette, one article read that the French
people's principal business lay in defending their liberty by taking up arms, with a "noble pride
of soul, and a more than Roman love of their country.''ls News of revolution occurring in France,
during which the lower classes fought against government taxes with a renewed sense
of
nationalism and pride, greatly affected the opinions of rebels. Ironically, rebels used similar
ploys to those they engaged during the Revolutionary War, taking up anns against their own
country.
While some took up arrns against the excise tax, the most influential consequence of the
Whiskey Rebellion centered on the manner in which rebels' strove to inforrr the government
of
their displeasure through commiuee meetings. While some rebels rioted dangerously, a more
peacefirl goup of
2l
protestors formed "Committees of Correspondence" for the counties
of
Washington, Fayette and Allegany in order to meet with representatives sent by President
Washington.l6 They intended to peacefully declare their disagreement with the federal
govenrment's tax, serving to further the belief in the rights of freedom of speech and assembly
written in the 1791 Bilt of fughts. With govemment representatives, committees discussed not
the riots but those farmers suffering from the imposed taxes.
ln one such
instanceo the Federal
Pg.5
Sheriffforced farmers to travel over 300 miles in order to attend court for not complying with
the ta:r.r7 Despite the Virginian Representative in the House of Representatives proclaiming that
the tax bestowed an unequal burden on westemers, wealthier eastern distillers declared their own
different views of the excise tax.l8
In contrast, the reaction of eastern traders and distillers to thb Whiskey Rebellion proved
the wide separation of wealth between western fanners and eastern merchants, which Hamilton
advanced by catering politically to wealthier citizens. In response to an article written by
"Sidney," a campaigner against the excise tax, a wealthier man by the penname of "Mum"
claimed in the National Gazette that all those opposed to the excise tax appeared both
unreasonable and non-genteel, for he viewed whiskey as plebian liquor.
"Mum" also asserted
that the plebian liquor produced on small farmers' "redundant" fams was worthless.le Moreover,
he believed that rebels should have paid the tax, with no concern towards their ability to afford
such a tax. This man's view of farmers' ability to pay the excise tax contrasted sharply wittr the
actual reality economically for many small farmers. By taxing whiskey, a central profit for small
farmers, Hamilton worsened economic faire for poorer merchants, especially since regulations
on the tax tended to favor wealthier citizens. In fact, the poor paid nearly twice as much as
wealthier distillers under the excise trur. Wealthier distillers also could raise prices on their
whiskey, as opposed to smaller farmers, because they produced more and their customers would
pay for higher prices.20 Furthermore, larger farmers in the East could pay the tax later than
poorer farmers, whom the government forced to either pay upfront or shut productions down.
This government ultimatum made the payment of the excise tax significantly more difficult than
"Mum" led many to believe.2l
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By crushing the rebellion, Washington responded to the insurrection and prevented
anarchy and the dissimilation of the new govemment. Leading those in opposition to the
Whiskey Rebellion himself, Washington held pride in the young nation's anny, claiming that his
militia marched for the "Constitution and the law." In order to preserve the Constitution's right
to suppress uprisings against the government, Washington arrived iir Pennsylvania during
September
of 1794. Many in Washington's army believed rebels anarchists and compared the
Whiskey Rebellion to a disease that would harm America if notprevented.22 Having no political
afifiliation, Washington acted not on behalf of a "pafiy* but on beha]f of citizens of the United
States. Thus, he did not crush the insurrection for political gain with either eastern whiskey
merchants or consumers of whiskey. In fact, crushing rebels remained miraculously peaceful
since only two people died in the insurrection, both accidental.23 Rather Washington's interest
remained primarily in uniting America because following the rebellion, in attempt to show
tendemess rather than tyranny, Washinglon gave pardons to many offenders.2a Yet, his actions
led to greater western expansion and an increased conviction in the fundamental rights enacted in
the new Constitution. Doubtful that the govemment upheld their best interestso many rebels
moved to the Ohio counfiry.25 Lik"*ise, rebels must have found the Ohio country perfect for
escaping government taxes and acquiring increased freedom from govemment and
laws-much
like colonists found colonies free from laws and taxations of the British government.
At the same time on a national level, the Federalist Party sank primarily due to increasing
evidence of infringement upon basic Constitutional rights throughout and subsequent to the
Whiskey Rebellion. As negotiations with Europe grew heated, the federal government attempted
to create an anny for use against a possible war with threats overseas. However, many people
believed that the government intended the army for use against whiskey rebels instead.26 The
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idea of an army made for use against its own citizens incited anger from rebelg who now
believed that the federal govemment deliberately attempted to take away civil liberties by
forcing them to pay the excise tax. After Washington and his army crushed the rebellion,
Washington decided to keep the federal militia there until the following spring, resulting in
fi,rttrer angst.27 Rebels, typically Anti-federalists in favor of a small'federal and strong state
government, already distrusted the federal administration. As a result, Anti-Federalists formed
the Republican Party. When the Alien and Sedition Acts passed in 1798 making it illegal to
publish anything slanderous against the Federalist govemment, Republican outrage erupted over
the unconstitutionality of the Acts.28 The idea of forcible suppression of the civil rights of the
rebels dwing the Whiskey Rebellion as well as the Alien and Sedition acts passed years later
contributed to the outlook of the Federalist government as tyrannical.
Due to Federalist infringement upon rights, the Republican Party rose to power on the
heels of Americans' desire for reform.Later, head
ofthe Republican Party, Thomas Jefferson,
opposed Alexander Hamilton's opinions on the role of government, from the national bank to the
whiskey tar<, from very eady on. He famously claimed that "A little rebellion is a good thing," an
attitude which definitely appealed to whiskey rebels who believed they exercised their basic
liberties. Jefferson even compared rebellions to medicine for a sound government; without them,
he claimed, government would take the form of a monarchy.2e
A great adversary of the Alien and
Sedition Acts passed under a Federalist government, Jqfferson co-wrote the Virginia and
Kentucky Resolves, which declared the acts unconstitutional and an infringement upon the rights
of citizens.3o Jeffersonos words likely found a haven in the hearts of those opposed to the strong
central government, such as prior whiskey rebels. His election in 1800 proved a major victory for
the emerging Republican govemmprrt. For those who elected him, Jefferson reversed the
Pg.8
whiskey tax as president in 1802, declaring it unconstitutional.3r Similarly, Albert Gallatin, a
chief leader in rebel committees during the insurrection, rose to political power as a result of his
leadership. A Republicaru he served in Congress and later became Secretary of the Treasury.32
By unfairly taxing poor western distillers, Alexander Hamilton contributed to the
downfall of his Federalist Party and the subsequent resurrection of dbmocratic and states-rights
ideals in the United States of America. When he instituted tares that benefited politically wellconnected eastern farmers at the expense of the smaller westem farmerso Hamilton weakened the
Federalist Party and strengthened the ideals of democracy and small government in rebels.
Meanwhileo eastern distillers and merchants believed rebels capable of paying the tax and
disagreed greatly with their protest. These protests came in the form of committees, ignored
for
the most part by the federal government and an increasing reflection of the increased importance
in freedom of speech and assembly. When Washington and Hamilton crushed the rebellion with
the federal
militia many settlers
reacted by removing themselves even further westward to avoid
the hand of the ever expanding Federal government. Ultimately, Washington's actions provided
a
platforrr on which Jefferson rose to power-that no govefirment should suppress the liberties
of the cofilmon people. Despite this fundamental basis of American Democracy in place, many
of the same political and underlying issues of the Whiskey Rebellion echoed in the last
congressional election cycle. Rhetoric between the Republican and Democratic parties about the
proper role of the federal government in state affairs only proved similar issues still exist in the
governmental system today.
(Word Count:2,412)
Pg. 9
I
Ron Chernow, Alacander Hamilton (New
2
Ron Chenrow, 39, 41, 49.
York
Penguin Press, 2004), 26-28.
3
Alexander Hamilton, comp., The Works of Aluander Hamilton; Comprising His Correspondence, and His
Politicsl and Officiol Writings, Exclusive of the Federolist, Civil and Military Yolumel, Edited by John C.
Hamilton. (New York: Charles S. Francis & Company, n.d.), 12-13.
a
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, comps., The Federalist Papers,the classical original ed. (n.p.:
SoHo Books, n.d.), 165.
5
Alexander Hamilton, "Alexander Hamilton, Report on the Public Credit," inGreat Issues in American History:
From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War 1765-1865, by Richard Hofstadter (New York Vintage Books:
Random House, 1958), 2: 14 l-153.
6
Hamiltorg The Worlrs of Al*ander Hamilton; Comprising His Correspondence, and His Political and fficial
Writings, Exclusive of the Federalist, Civil and Military Volume 2, Edited by John C. Hamilton. (New York Charles
S. Francis
& Company, n.L),239-241.
t Thomas
P. Slaughter, The Whiskey Rebellion: Frontier Epilogue to the American Revolutiorz (New York: Oxford
University Press, 1986), 12.
I Thomas Slaughter, 105.
e
Alexander Hamilton, comp., Ihe lltorks of Alexander Hsmilton: Cabinet Papers. 1789-1794., Edited by John C.
Hamilton. (New York: John F. Trow, n.d.), 4:249.
to
Hamilton, The Worl<s ofAluander Hamilton; Comprising His Correspondence, and His Politieql and fficial
Writings, Exclusive of the Federalist, Civil and Military Volume 3, Edited by John C. Hamilton. (New York: Charles
S. Francis
& Company, n.d.),256.
tt
Hugh Henry Brackenridge, Incidents of the Insurrection in the Western Ports of Pennsylvanis, in the Yeqr 1794
@hiladelphia: John M'Culloch, 1795), 66, accessed October29, 20ll,httpl/www.archive.orgldetails/
incidentsofi nsuro0inbrac.
12
20
"Famous Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania [graphic].," 1794, Library of Congress, accessed October 29,
I 1, http :i/hdl. loc. gov/loc .pnp / cph.3b22824.
t' Thomas McKean and William kvine, "Extract of a Letter from Pittsburgh, Aug.22, 1794,"
The Morning
Chronicle (London), October 11,1794, n. pag.
14
"America, From tfie New York Diary," British Evening Posl (London, England), October 9, 1794, n. pag.
t5
"France. August 25- 30, 1791," National Gazette, (Philadelphia), November 3, 1791,7
16
"America, From the New York Diary".
17
Thomas McKean and William lrvine, "Extract of a Letter from
.
Pittsburg[ Aag.22,1794-
.
tt *On ttre
Injustice of the Excise Law and the Secretary's Repo.!" National Gazette @hiladelphia),May 17,1792.
229
tn
"To Sidney and the Whiskey Drinkers," Nqtiondl Gazette @hiladelphia),May 14,1792,226.
Pg. 10
20
Michael Hoover, "The Whiskey Rebellion," Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau: U.S. Deparment of the
Treasury, accessed October 29,2011, http://www.ttb.gov/public_info/whisky_rebellion.shbnl.
2t
Steve Simon, "Alexander Hamilton and the Whiskey Tax," Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau: U.S.
Department of the Treasury, accessed October l0,20ll,http://www.ttb.gov/public_info/special_feature.shfinl.
22
"American Republic, Bedford," Courier and Evening Gazette (London, England), December 3,1794, n.pag.
23
Alexander Hamiltoq "Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin," in The Papers-of Alexander Hamilton,ed. Harold
Coffin Syrett (New York Cglumbia University Press, 1976), 27:315'318.
tn
George Washington, "Seventh Annual Message of George Washington" (State of the Union Address, Congress,
December 8, 1795), Yale Law School: Lillian Goldman Law Library, accessed October29,20ll,
http://avalon. law.yale.edu/1 8th_century/washs07. asp.
25
Anthony Wa5me, "Statement from Anthony Wayne to Native American Chiefs and Warriors," September 12,
1794, Ameican Memory, The Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
tu
"Military Establishment," May 30, 1794,735-738, Annals of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
27
Michael Hoover, *The Whiskey Rebellion".
28
The Virginia Report of 1799-1800, Touching the Alien and Sedition Laws; Together with the Virginia Resolutions
of December 21, 1798, the Debate and Proceedings Thereon in the House of Delegates of Virginia, and Several
Other Documents lllustrative of the Report and Resolutions (Richmond: J. W. Publisher, 1850),17-21, accessed
acbber 29,
201
l, hW
thdL loc.
govAoc.gdc/scd000 1.00 I 20508933.
2n
Thomas Jefferson, "A Little Rebellion Now and Then Is a Good Thing: A Letter from Thomas Jefferson to James
Madison," Archiving Early America, accessed October 29,2011,h@://www.earlyamerica.com/review/summer/
letter.html.
3o
The Virginia Report of 1799-1800, Touching the Alien and Sedition Laws; Together with the Virginio Resolutions
of December 21, 1798, the Debate and Proceedings Thereon in the House of Delegates of Virginia, and Several
Other Documents lllustrative of the Report qnd Resolutions,22-23.
'1 Steve Simon, "Alexander Hamilton and the Whiskey Tax".
tt
"Congress--Extra Session ," Oracle and Public Advertker (London), August 25, 1797 .
Pg.
ll
Bibliography:
Primary Sources:
Brackenridge, Hugh Henry. Incidents of the Insurrection in the Western Parts of pennsylvania,
in the Year 1794. Philadelphia: John M'Culloch,1795. Accessed October 29-,2011.'
http ://www. archive. org/details/
Mr. Brackenridge, founder of the University of Pennsylvania, wrote this account from his
first hartd knowledge of the details of the insurrection. Brackenridge lived from 1748 to l816
and, thus, witnessed the actions of whiskey rebels as they strove for revocation of the excise tax.
He wrote the book chronologically so that the events unfolded first-hand as he himself saw them.
His detail especially concemed soldiers in the rebellion, giving an extraordinarily detailed
picture of the suppression of the rebellion, despite his affiliation with the whiskey rebels. Instead,
he acted as a mediator during the rebellion and attempted in his writing to appear unbiased. This,
however, only resulted in anger from both sides-Federalists and Rnti-Federalists. In theory,
though, he managed to complete a book that appealed to both sides either way.
"America, From the New York Diary." British EveningPosl (Londorq England). October 9,
1794.
The British Evening Post provided a series of letters written by rebels and committee
members. Written by committee mediators Thomas M'Kean (also referred to as McKean) and
William Irvine, one letter portrayed the dire eflects the whiskey rebellion placed upon poor
distillers as they struggled to maintain their farms. As part of the Committees of C-onespondence,
they met with representatives sent from Congress and attempted to display the depth of the plighi
of farmers in order for Congress to overturn the whiskey tax. Significantly l"rr radical than most
rebels, they intended to repeal the law legally, ironically withoui rebellion and disaster. Their
tone likely touched the hearts of rebels, while still acknowledging representatives sent by
Congress. Though they desired to obstruct the law in all legal wayr, th"y also amended that
rebels acted perhaps with a little too much vigor. In the end, M'Kean and Irvine wrote that the
President offered to pardon rebels for their acts of treason. In another letter posted in the article,
Thgmas Mifflin promised to respect the rights of the whiskey rebels and protect them. Mitrlin
definitely wrote to rebels and appeared partial to the whiskey rebels and their cause.
"American Republic, Bedford." Courier and Evening Gazette (London, England). December 3,
1794.
In three letters, George Washington wrote to Henry Lee and described both obstacles and
proceedings of his militia taveling to Pennsylvania. As General of the militia during the
Revolutionary War, Washington once again became commander of the armed forces as he
marched to prevent an uprising in the west. He intimately described the situation of soldiers such
Ps.12
In describing his militia, he appeared very affectionate
and fond of them, more than once expressing wishes for their health and happiness. In describing
his own journey, Washington seemed especially excited and even expressed a lack of regret for
leaving his seat in the government. In another letter extracted in the newspaper, a soldier under
Washington expressed his cold indifference to the whiskey rebels' cause. His tone depreciated
the rebels cause and upheld his own "gold" cause-suppression of the rebellion. Calling
insurgents "Whiskey boys," the soldier expressed an unmerciful attitude towards rebels, but also
displayed a deep patriotism for the country and Washington.
as the hunger and cold they underwent.
"Famous Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania [graphic]." l794.Library of Congress. Accessed
October 29, 2011 . http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3b22824.
Created by an anonymous source, this wood engraving expressed the outright radicalism
some rebels showed towards tax collectors as enemies from the government. In the center of the
image, a tax collector rode on a rail, covered with tar and feathers. Meno presumably the whiskey
rebels, surrotrnded him and pointed tauntingly while one man carried aflag, much like the flag of
the French Revolutioq through the crowd. Drawing boys dancing in the crowd of people, the
artist appeared favorable toward the rebellion and possibly celebrated it, like the little boy. This
source described many instances of the tar-and-feathering of tax collectors occurring and seemed
mostly truthful in portraying the reality of the rebellion.
Hamilton, Alexander. "Alexander Hamilton, Report on the Public Credit." In Great Issues in
American History: From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War 1765-1865,by Richard
Hofstadter,145-151. Vol. 2. New York: Vintage Books: Random House, 1958.
A leading Federalist politician, Alexander Hamilton published lis Report on the Public
Credit in response to Congress' appeal for discussion on America's financial policy. A firm
believer in British government, Hamilton modeled much of his financial and political policies
after that of Britain-including his ideas for the National Bank. In his report, Hamilton addressed
the argument of debt holders and the possessors who bought the securities from them. In saying
that current possessors deserved reimbursement, Hamilton advocated for not the poorer, less
educated population, but for wealthier citizens. His tone towards poorer citizens reflected a
bitterness of spirit: he claimed that if the original holders had faith in the future of the country,
they would not have sold the debts. ln his report, Hamilton also claimed that the government
must impose tares in order to pay offthe national debt. He believed wholeheartedly in the need
to reform the national economy, expressing his words with great faith in the future government.
"The Report on the Public Credit" presented Hamilton, who refened to himself in the third
person, as a stoic politician.
-,
comp. "Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin." InThe Papers of Alexander Hamilton,
edited by Harold Coffin Syrett, 315-318. Yol.27. New York: Columbia University Press,
1976.
Pg. 13
In response to Washington's request, Hamilton wrote to Governor Thomas Mifflin to
discuss political matters. In this leffer, Hamilton expressed his sorrow that the two deaths in the
whiskey rebellion, both accidental, even occurred. However, Hamilton pressed that the
government needed to enforce the tax with the use ofthe militia. This militi4 he claimed,
*authority" of the laws. Hamilton also attempted to clear up nrmors regarding the
applied the
government's possible use of the militia against a war with the British. He even asked Mifflin to
"declare in his name" that the troops' sole use was for that of the whiskey insurrection. Finally,
he closed his letter by promising that rebels would have access to available rations of beef,
increased by a quarter of a pound. Likely an attempt at placating all'involved with the rebellion
after its sudden cease, Washington wrote with a compromising and sorrowful tone from
beginning to end of the letter. When he spoke of the militia's use, however, he insisted that
Mifflin
see through his plan.
C. Hamilton. Vol. 4. New York: John F. Trow, n.d.
Hamilton's cabinet papers provided a unique view into letters wriffen between Hamilton
and many influential politicians of the day. Written very legalistically, Hamilton's works dealt
heavily with legislation and papers that he transferred between himself and powerful figures such
as Washington. However, beneath the surface of formality expressed between Hamilton and the
other governmental figures, Hamilton showed true attachment to several correspondents. For
example, the papers displayed Hamilton and Washington's amiable friendship: Hamilton often
*the highest respect and truest attachment" for Washington, while Washington
ended letters with
replied with*very great esteem and regard" towards Hamilton. The equality of their friendship
also grew clear throughout the correspondence between the two. In their correspondence,
Washington left a great many decisions to the hands of Hamilton-showing a trueness of faith in
his Secretary of the Treasury. Venting through his correspondence with his friend, Hamilton
disagreed blatantly with the Whiskey Rebellion and wrote to Washington of his outrage over the
incident. Hamilton flavored his letters wittr initatiorg occasionally using completely capltaliznd
words such as *LEGAL" to further impress his message-a tone not likely lost upon
Washington.
Hamilton, Alexander, comp. The Works of Alexander Hamilton; Comprising His
Correspondence, and His Political and Official l(ritings, Exclusive of the Federalist, Civil
and Military. Edited by John C. Hamilton. 3 vols. New York: Charles S. Francis & Company,
n.d.
Composed of letters, resolutions, and proclamations, The Worles of Alexander Hamilton
addressed many major events in Congress in the years prior and subsequent to the Whiskey
Rebellion. Several papers included resolutions Congress took in regard to taxes and also
incorporated speeches given by Alexander Hamilton on the usefulness of those taxes. In such a
speec[ Hamilton pictured the Constitution as a wall preventing the American people from
experiencing true liberty. In many passages, Hamilton wrote in a fairly sarcastic tone. In fact,
Hamilton ridiculed many American's fear of a strong central government as unreasonable. When
Pg. 14
he also wrote of America's dependence upon small state governments, Hamilton's biases grew
prominent. When he wrote about state governmentso he expressed disdain with them, likely
viewing states as burdens. Throughout his letters and proclamations, Hamilton expressed his
desire for a strong federal power, composed of wealthier and more educated men, to rule over the
common man.
Jefferson, Thomas. "A Little RebellionNow and Then Is a Good Thing: A Letter from Thomas
Jefferson to James Madison." Archiving Early America. Accessed October 29,2011.
http ://www. earlyamerica. com/reviedsummer/letter. hfrnl.
Thomas Jefferson's letter to James Madison especially expressed the platform that
Jefferson took towards small, western farmers. In his letter, he spoke in favor of rebels rather
than eastern distillers, as Hamilton had done. He claimed that turbulences better informed the
people of governmental affairs. He also wrote that it prevented the formation of a monarchical
government system, explaining that even rebellions appeared useful at times: "Malo periculosam
libertatem quam quietam servitutem. Even this evil is productive of good." His idea that "A little
rebellion now and then is a good thing" exuded his political ideas that even the poor, uneducated
of society deserved a say in political matters. This contrasted with Hamilton's ideology that only
wealthy, educated men should hold the most power in govemment affairs. Jefferson wrote
optimistically: he foretold of the government's responsibihty to protect the interests of the
citizens. As a final note, Jefferson described the events occurring in Mississippi, New Orleans
and Louisiana and examined the relationship between the America citizens living there and
Spain.
Madison, James, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, comps. The Federalist Papers.The
Classical Original ed. N.p.: SoHo Books, n.d.
Under the penname "Publius,'o John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison fought
adamantly for the Federalists and ratification of the Constitution through their writings.
Throughout the letters, Hamilton, Jay and Madison displayed a passionate hope for the growth of
the fledgling country and a desire for reform. Hamilton discredited the idea that the Constitution
promoted an oligarchy and wealth of the rich, concerns which came mostly from Anti-Federalists
such as Jefferson. ln 1788, he spoke assuredly of the success of the Constitution if ratified,
describing the process of creating it as long and laborious. They also addressed potential issues
to resolve and suggested that even in disagreement, leaders found a solution. Discussing these
issues with great passion, they remained proactive throughout the letters, commenting on
activities of government. At times, however, the authors came across as uncompromising: they
believed the Constitution as the only correct form of legislation and disagreed with criticism
involving the Constitution. They typically flaffered those who agreed with them as intelligent and
those who disagreed as impatient.
McKean, Thomas, and William lrvine. uExtract of a Letter from Pittsburgh, Aug. 22,1794." The
Morning Chronicle (London), October ll,1794.
Pg. 15
Thomas M'Kean and William Irvine's letter on August 22,1794 expressed the
proceedings which occurred in committee meetings between govemment representatives and the
whiskey rebels. They both wrote extremely passionately: they believed ardently in the rights of
the rebels. In a pitying manner, Irvine and M'Kean described rebels as 'oneglected" and
"oubaged" by the government. They forthrightly declared that the pu{pose of the meeting as not
discussing the riots, but instead of those suffering on behalf of the government. They furthered
their argument with evidence of the people's neglect: the federal sheriff, for example, forcing
rebels to travel300 miles to a court proceeding. In the letter, they also described some of the
most monumental events during the rebellion: the storming of tax c6llector General Neville's
house, for example. However, attempting to remain slightly unbiased, the authors included a note
that Major Lennox applauded some rebels for finally paying the tax and persuaded the courts to
drop prosecution against those rebels. This account showed a more compromising view of the
govemment offrcials, likely to give incentives to rebels to pay the tax peacefully until
committees could revoke the law. This letter provided a thorough view of the proceedings in
committee meetings and responses of government offrcials to the more peaceful rebels.
"Military Establishment." May 30,1794.735-738. Annals of Congress. Library of Congress,
Washington D.C.
The "Military Establishment" debate occurred between many senators about the
foundation of the military force in the United States. Many senators, such as Mr. Smilie and Mr.
Giles, greatly discouraged the military force and even insinuated that the govemment held
ulterior motives for creating it. Mr. Smilie disagreed with the bill on principle, claiming that he
saw no other use for the military at the time. Mr. Giles seconded him by sayrng "that the bill
ought to be named 'A bill authorizing the President to pass a lail for raising ten thousand men."'
Other senators remained indecisive. Mr. Madison took a unique standpoint by claiming that he
agreed with the checks and balances of the system, that the legislative check the executive. Since
the president summoned an anny without the consent of the legislature, Madison disagreed with
the bill. Overall, senators (with the exception of those who remained indecisive) took a strong
stance against the bill. The tone of the debate consisted of very matter-of-fact language and
lacked flowery words or detail. However, it provided a useful source on the government's firm
belief in the upholding of the Constitution.
"On the Injustice of the Excise Law and the Secretary's Report.o' National Gazette
(Philadelphia). May 17, 1792.
Mr. Moore pointed out that in Virginia no people violently opposed the excise law,
almost as a disclaimer. Describing Virginian rebels, Mr. Moore observed that the people did not
oppose the law because they simply did not want to pay the tax. Instead, he then went on to say
that the excise law "was made to oppress and discourage distillation from materials, the products
of the U.S.' Furthermore, he claimed that the excise law caused a separation in the union in
terms of ability to distill materials (referring to monetary differences between eastern distillers
and western distillers). His arguments laid the groundwork for the legislative debate in the House
of Representatives. The debate provided the argument which Hamilton used to excuse the excise
Pg. 16
tax: the govemment needed the tax for use in the defense department. In response to this claim,
Mr. Moore asserted that the people should not suffer in order for their own defense. Moreover,
the excise law intruded upon their basic rights if the inequality between the eastem and western
distillers continued, he asserted. Throughout the debate, Mr. Moore appeared very passionate
about his topic and used logic and reason to point out the irony of the tor as a means of defense.
"France. August 25- 30,1791.* National Gazette (Philadelphia). November 3,1791.
In this passage, adopted from a French newspaper, the author spoke with a deeply rooted
love of France and its people. The author endeavored to end rumors that the revolution ruined
France as a country. Also, the author disagreed with the observation that French citizens suffered
without the most cornmon needs in life. In fact, the author claimed that those nrmors appeared in
American newspapers to dampen spirits so that America received no inklings for revolution and
despotism. The letter instead focused on the spirit of the people in Paris-a soulful, loving pride
that the author seemed to greatly admire. With this love, the people of Paris remained happy and
joyfirl, something the author claimed to never see before the revolution. The author obviously
held a biased opinion for the insurgents in the French revolution by downplaying the violence of
the revolution. Thus, it appeared likely that the author was himself an insurgent in the revolution.
"To Sidney and the Whiskey Distiller.' National Gazette (Philadelphia). May 14,1792.
The unnamed author of this letter held a contrasting belief with that of the rebels: westem
farmers should, in fact, pay the tax. Throughout, the author chastised rebels for silly and
unreasonable behavior in rebelling against the excise tax. To further demonstrate his
disagreement with rebels, the author used loud punctuation and italics, which confibuted to the
author's irritated and uncompromising tone. Neither a distiller nor someone who might converse
with such people, the author drew a definite line between himself and whiskey rebels. The
heading of the letter "To Sidney and the Whiskey Drinkers" implied that the author, as opposed
to the rebels, did not drink whiskey which also contributed to his condescending tone. The
authoros use ofthe words'Vulgar," "plebian," "genteel well-bred," and "ungrateful" in terms of
the whiskey and rebels also provided the letter with a haughty tone. At one point, the author even
o'Take
claimed
a hint from a friend,oo which displayed great irony since the author continually
thrashed rebels and their ideologies about the whiskey tzxo proving the writer as most hkely not a
friend. Despite biases against rebels, this source supplied a valuable perspective-that of a
wealthier or eastern merchant-since rebels wrote many of the letters at the time.
"Congress--Extra Session." Oracle and Public Advertiser (London). August 25,1797.
Congress discussed the practicality of paying for ambassadors to travel overse:N in this
debate. Albert Gallatin played an influential role in the debate with his vote against payments for
ambassadors. Gallatin appeared firm and practical; he left no doubts that he disagreed with the
payments and called the action "absurd." He also revealed his firm belief in the Constitution and
Ps.17
the implementation of checks and balances between the legislative and the judicial branch. This
source provided a peek into Gallatin's career in Congress and the influence he provided there.
The Virginia Report of 1799-1800, Touching the Alien and Sedition Laws; Together with the
Virginia Resolutions of December 21, 1798, the Debate and Proceedings Thereon in the
House of Delegates of Virginia, and Several Other Documents lllustrative of the Report and
Resolutions. Richmond: J. W. Publisher, 1850. Accessed October 29,2011.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gdc/scd0OO I .00 12050893 3.
The Alien and Sedition Acts along with the Virginia and Kentucky Resolves presented an
instance of revelry between the Federalist Party and the Republican government. The Alien and
Sedition Laws, immediately from Section 1.1, gave power, reminiscent of an oligarchy, to the
executive branch. Section 1.1 claimed that the President chose aliens to discriminate against "as
the President shall judge" without mentioning any check by the legislative branch. Since
Federalists tended to endorse the document, fears of oligarchy and monarchy likely flourished
after the publication of this law. In response, Jefferson and Madison wrote the Virginia and
Kentucky Resolves which declared the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional. Jefferson and
Madison's tone seemed disappointed in the actions of the government in passing such a law and
firm in the belief of its injustice to Americans. Together, the two documents presented a
perspective on politics after the whiskey rebellion as Adams became president and the Federalist
Party dissimilated.
Washington, Georgeo comp. "Seventh Annual Message of George Washington." State of the
Union Address, Congress, December 8,1795. Yale Law School: Lillian Goldman Law
Library. Accessed October 29,20ll.http:llavalon.law.yale.edu/l8th_century/washs07.asp.
Given by President George Washington" Washington's Annual Message explored his
thoughts on the fledgling country in1794, one year after the demise of the whiskey rebellion. He
began with his thoughts on foreign affairs fnst, describing the atmosphere between the Creek and
Cherokee Indians. This speech reflected hope that one day Indians and westem settlers might
find resolutions to their problems and live together harmoniously. He then spoke of the Emperor
of Morocco and the Court of Madrid-both foreign affairs-before he finally spoke of intemal
affairs. He appeared disappointed in previous actions of the rebels, but thankful that a new era of
quiet followed. Extending pardons to rebels in the whiskey rebellion, Washington displayed
mercy towards westerners who "have abandoned their errors,o'in his opinion, and sought
forgiveness. He applauded the country that once again the law and the Constitution reigned
supreme over "disorder and insurrection."
Wayne, Anthony. "Statement from Anthony Wayne to Native American Chiefs and Warriors."
September 12,1794. American Memory. The Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Wayne's statement at the Battle of Fallen Timbers solidified the ability of Americans to
*Mad Anthony Wa;me," Wayne pressed training and
expand westward into Ohio. Called
Pg. 18
discipline into his soldiers, which resulted in his win at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. After he
fought against tribes such as the Shawnee and Ojibwa Indians, he called for peace between the
Indians and Americans who expanded westward. This document provided a more thorough
perspective on other important events occurring in America during 1794 without the biases
typically found in newspapers.
Secondary Sources:
Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilto,re. New York: Penguin Press, 2004.
In his book, Ron Chernow observed Hamilton's political views on capitalism as relevant
to curront day politics. Throughout the book, Chernow definitely admired Hamilton and saw him
as a sort of 'tisionary" of his day, who led the country into a democratic era. The author also
viewed Hamilton as a messenger for people expressing futuristic ideals about govemment. A
great fan of Hamilton, Chernow described his entire life from birth to early career in a very
detailed marurer, lingering on Hamilton's impressive qualities. He then spent much of the book
describing the works of Alexander Hamilton-50 previously unpublished papers-and detailed
the writings. In order to do so, however, Chernow frst provided great detail in background
information on the era which inspired Hamilton's impressive volumes of works. Due to such
expansive background information, Chernow divided the book, over 725 pages long, into forty
three chapters and an epilogue and also included an extensive bibliography.
Hoover, Michael. "The Whiskey Rebellion." Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau: U.S.
Department of the Treasury. Accessed October 29,20ll.http://www.ttb.gov/public_info/
whisky_rebellion. shtml.
A member of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, author Michael Hoover
described the whiskey rebellion concisely, yet provided background and an "epilogue" to the
rebellion as well. The author appeared weary of the tax, even claiming the excise law as cause
for "concern." He then described the plights of whiskey rebels, typically small farmers and
distillers, and his tone reflected the prty he felt for them. Relating Washington's actions in
response, Hoover provided a detailed outline to the events preceding the actual march in
Bedford. At the end, he sought out many individuals-such as Gallatin, Brackerridge, and
Finley-who supported whiskey rebels and later became influential political leaders. After his
"epilogue," Hoover included aparagraphon visiting sites where the whiskey rebellion occurred
and brief sentences on the history of each area. He also included links to the George Washington
Papers and biographies on Alexander Hamilton as further reading, before citing his own
bibliographical information.
Simon, Steve. "Alexander Hamilton and the Whiskey Tax." Alcohol and Tobacco
Bureau: U.S. Deparhnent ofthe Treasury. Accessed October 10,2011.
http://www.ttb.gov/public_ info /special*feature.shtml.
Tu
and Trade
7
Pg. 19
Simon detailed mostly the life of Alexander Hamilton and the effects of the whiskey tax.
Simon wrote an article that, while short, he researched exhaustively. Throughout his writing,
Hoover displayed an affinity towards Hamilton, believing him a strong and correct choice for
Secretary of the Treasury. Along with his description of Hamilton as a politician, Simon included
a section on the background of the govemment and the legality of taxes. He said that government
often incurred debt, but Congress reserved the right to pass taxes on the people under the
Constitution. Explaining direct and indirect taxes, Simon attempted to explain the problem the
government faced in implementing an excise tax against the public. He later defended
Hamilton's use of the excise tax as a means of bringing money intothe treasury and presented
Hamilton in a good light.
Slaughter, Thomas P. The Whiskey Rebellion: Frontier Epilogue to the American Revolution.
New York: Oxford University Press, 1986.
Slaughter's book "The Whiskey Rebellion" accounted the whiskey rebellion in great
detail, and many academic sources cite his book in their papers or books as a result. Slaughter
focused extensively on the background during the 1 780s- 1 800 so that events occurred in
chronological order. In this background information, Slaughter reflected on the economic and
political events that occurred during the time period, providing a platform on which the rest of
the paper formed. He also detailed the social classes, distinctions at the time and how they played
a role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Slaughter cited not just facts and statistics, but provided the
broad view of society, rather than an outline of specific events. He broke the book into tlree
parts: context, chronology, and consequence, in which he examined the background, the major
actions by the rebels and the govemment, and lastly the impact of the rebellion. In the
conclusion, Slaughter ties the whiskey rebellion farther even into the mid nineteenth century.