The Whiskey Rebellion
It tested the newly ratified Constitution, and the nation's unity
Mar 26, 2007
It began, as many insurrections do, over the subject of money - namely, the lack of it. The states were individually hampered with staggering war debts. As the battle to strengthen the young country intensified; backroom politics, between arch rivals Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, gave support for a southern capital city. In exchange the federal government assumed all war debts.
Implementing the compromise was difficult, as national coffers were bare. Persuaded by Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, President George Washington and Congress imposed an excise tax on the distilling of spirits in 1791.
Favoring larger distilleries with lower per gallon taxes and further options for reduced fees; the brunt of the revenue was to come from small private distillers.
Additionally news of the national government, rather than an individual state, creating revenue raising taxes caused alarm. Heated opposition came from the western frontiers, New York down to Georgia, and including the soon to be admitted state - Kentucky. Whiskey production was vital to local economies particularly for its bartering worth. In addition, distilled grains eased many transportation problems. Carting raw grain across rugged mountains and poor roads, en-route to eastern markets, was fraught with trouble.
Payment of the tax, in cash - a rare commodity in remote regions, only served to fire up resentment especially in four western counties of Pennsylvania. Registering one’s stills meant appearing at a tax office. Few existed in the backcountry, and journeying to one was impractical to many small distillers.
Less than twenty years after declaring a war against taxation citizen protests began with distinguished Pennsylvanians, like future Secretary of State Albert Gallatin, urging moderate opposition.
Meanwhile the proposed tax revenue languished.
A lack of individuals willing to serve as tax collectors also proved a major setback.
Despite being a large commercial distiller himself, Washington considered the growing opposition a threat. Failure to adhere could diminish the fledgling Constitution’s powers; possibly allow seceding of western territories and force an ultimate dissolution of the country.
Years passed with modest compliance and little money.
As reports of increasing guerilla violence against Pennsylvania’s taxmen grew; Washington asked former Brigadier General, John Neville, to undertake the position of Inspector of Revenue. Neville was charged with enforcing revenue collection, and aiding US Marshall, David Lennox, in serving writs on known offenders.
Long simmering resentment boiled over in July of 1794. On the 15th Allegheny County farmer, William Miller, refused to accept his summons to court in Philadelphia. Shots rang out as Lennox and Neville departed, but no one was injured.
The following day hopeful of catching Lennox at Bower Hill, Neville’s home, a citizen’s army surrounded the farm. Realizing the situation Neville fired, killing Miller’s son. Armed slaves joined the ensuing battle resulting in the army’s hasty retreat.
Returning the next day, the insurgents found only ten soldiers defending the house. After an hour of thundering fire the militia’s leader was killed after supposedly reacting to a call of truce. Rage spurred the insurgents to burn down Bower Hill, and the violence escalated.
Washington trying to pass the problem to the Supreme Court received a fast reply that the situation demanded military action. Disheartened and citing treason against federal authority he ordered the muster of over 12,000 soldiers. Until his October 1794 departure, at the head of the army, Washington attempted to find a peaceful conclusion. It was finally accomplished following his conversation with rebel leaders.
Many of the insurgents were arrested and released. Sentenced to death, the final two were pardoned by Washington as his last Presidential Act.
The country had held together.
