WHISKEY REBELLION BROADSIDE.


MIFFLIN, THOMAS. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas information has been received, that several lawless bodies of armed men have, at sundry times, assembled in the county of Allegheny ... and ... have committed various cruel and aggravated acts of riot and arson.... Philadelphia: August 7, 1794. Printed broadside with engraved headpiece, 330 x 200 mm. Docketed on verso. Leaf toned and creased, small chips at lower margin, offset from annotation.AMERICANS HAVE NEVER LIKED PAYING TAXES. Governor Mifflin of Pennsylvania issues this proclamation supporting George Washington's use of military force to suppress the protests over the "Whiskey Tax," the first tax imposed by the federal government on a domestic product. Though many farmers in Mifflin's state (some of whom were war veterans) opposed the tax, on the grounds that it seemed another example of "taxation without representation," Mifflin throws the weight of his office behind Washington and the federal government: "Whereas acts of violence have taken place, and the President has seen fit to send the militia, and whereas all law-abiding citizens must abhor these acts, "NOW THEREFORE, I have deemed it expedient also to ... cause to be prosecuted and punished, all persons whomsoever, that have engaged or shall engage in any of the unlawful combinations or proceedings aforesaid: AND FURTHER DECLARING, that whatever requisition the President of the United States shall make, or whatever duty he shall impose ... shall be promptly undertaken and faithfully discharged...."