Lot 309
1794 (Oct. 7) Carlisle Pa. To Philadelphia Pa., folded letter with "Camp near Carlisle" dateline, bearing manuscript "12 2" rating; minor tape reinforcement, Very Fine, the 12½ cent rate for distances of 100-150.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
Letter from a soldier on the march to quell the Whiskey Rebellion. The letter says in part:
"…I can now state facts more justly being on the spot - As to the Insurgent who was killed - his language was so abusive previous to any violence being used to him that even that might have justified it - When required to surrender - he insulting turned and endeavored to make his escape - and it was not until after repeated charges to halt that the fatal shot was fired - The friends to the Insurgent (the whiskey boys so called) however endeavor to make a handle of this - and after failing in an attempt to use it as the means of exerting the pity of government now make it a handle for initiating the minds of their party - We have heard of their collecting in large bodies in different places - they have not ventured to appear before us however as yet - nor is there much reason in my opinion to fear it - we have now about 800 horse and 2 or 3 thousand foot and expect to march by Friday next with the President at our head towards Fort Cumberland where the Virginia and Maryland militia are to join us in our march to Fort Pitt -"
Some of the inhabitants of Northcumberland Cty have of late become extremely riotous - they have erected their anarchy poles - and I fear will require a detachment of our troops to put a stop to their career - Dan Levy who has just come down from this land has joined our troop - gives an unpleasant account of violences they have committed - There fresh disturbance, will I fear prolong the time of our service…"
The letter provides an insightful first-hand account of this early test of the new government of the United States. Residents of Western Pennsylvania had become angered over the Whiskey Tax as well as the law requiring they travel miles (necessitating much time and money, neither of which they had) if they were accused of not paying the tax. These rural citizens had tarred and feathered tax collectors and also engaged in a few skirmishes with guns. President Washington mobilized an army consisting of militia from several states and quickly quelled the violence. The result of this use of force was a more highly respected central government.
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| Realized $6,250 |
