The excise tax - or "whiskey tax" - is passed through Congress in order to raise revenue for the new country. Individuals in Western Pennsylvania immediately voice their displeasure and vow to evade the tax.
The tension and discontent reaches a point of violent outbreak against tax collectors in the western counties of Pennsylvania. The Pittsburg Assembly meets to discuss the problem.
Nearly 400 rioters harass tax collectors such as John Neville, the regional tax supervisor. They attack Neville and set fire to his property in response to the continuation of the whiskey tax.
Rebels meet at Braddock's Field to further discuss their grievances. Meanwhile, Washington urgently sends a peace commission to Pennsylvania - and when that doesn't work, he orders a militia response.
Diary of George Washington, September 30, 1794Having determined from the Report of the Commissioners, who were appointed to meet the Insurgents in the Western Counties in the State of Pennsylvania... I left the City of Philadelphia about half past ten o'clock this forenoon accompanied by Colo. Hamilton & my private Secretary.”
George Washington's Diary, October 20th, 1794Matters [with the army staff] being thus arranged I wrote a farewell address to the Army through the Commander in Chief Govr. Lee to be published in orders and having prepared his Instructions and made every arrangement that occurred, as necessary I prepared for my return to Philadelphia in order to meet Congress, and to attend to the Civil duties of my Office.”
The army apprehend approximately 150 men and arrest them for treason, but most cases are hampered due to a lack of evidence and witnesses.
Washington issues pardons to John Mitchell and Philip Weigel, two men who were found guilty of treason.