Lot 514
[Whiskey Rebellion] Two Letters: One From Each Side. Two autograph letters written during the Rebellion:
(1) A 2-page letter by rebel G. Fisher, 8 x 6 3/4", Harrisburg [Pennsylvania], July 5, 1794, reporting to John Glossinger that "Drummer & fifes of my company of Light Infantry at 4 oclock yester Morning paraded completely acquiped & with the Genuine ardour of Freeman agreed unanimously to march at a moments warnhing, in Defence of their Rights, Liberty & Property…." (2) A one-page letter, 8 x 6 3/4", Camp at Carlile, Oct. 11, 1794, written by William Harris of Chester County, Pennsylvania, who was marching through southern Pennsylvania trying to catch up with President Washington's main army. He informs his wife, "Unfortunately we arrived about One Our two Late to see our troops march from this place," but he expects to overtake them the next day in Shippensburg, "We expect we shall not stop short of Bedford, as the President is Determined to Listen to no Proposals till he Marches his Army into the midst of there country." On the address leaf below his wife's address, he wrote, "Sign of Genl. Washington." Both letters toned.
In 1791, when Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton placed an excise tax on whiskey in order to help fund the new nation's large national debt, farmers in western Pennsylvania suffered the most from the tax burden and many refused to pay. The situation deteriorated and in July 1794, farmers attacked the home of the Pennsylvania tax inspector. President Washington personally led a force of some 13,000 militia to put down the resistance, but by the time he arrived, the rebels had disappeared and order was restored. The tax was repealed President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. [See the Whiskey Rebellion flag in this section].
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
Ex. The Claude Harkins Collection of Americana.
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| Realized $320 |
