The excise tax on whiskey was Hamilton's measure, passed in 1791. It fell hardest on western farmers who converted surplus grain to whiskey for transport and sale. By 1794 the resistance had turned violent. Washington's response established that the federal government would enforce its laws by force when necessary.
The Excise Tax on Distilled Spirits was signed into law March 3, 1791. Western Pennsylvania farmers, for whom whiskey was both currency and livelihood, refused to pay. Tax collectors were tarred and feathered. By July 1794 the resistance had become open rebellion. The federal marshal serving writs was fired upon, and a force of about 500 men burned the home of the regional tax inspector.
Washington issued a proclamation on August 7, 1794, invoking the Militia Act of 1792 and ordering the insurgents to disperse by September 1. They did not. Washington then called up militia from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. He personally reviewed the troops at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, making him the only sitting president to command troops in the field. Hamilton rode with the army. The rebellion dissolved on the army's approach. Twenty men were arrested. Two were convicted of treason and later pardoned by Washington.
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