Hamilton Volunteers to Fight the Insurrection
Document 1794Hamilton expresses his wish to join in the effort to combat the insurrection in western Pennsylvania. [Whiskey Rebellion]
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Philadelphia — Sept 19 1794.
Sir
Upon full reflection I entertain an opinion that it is adviseable for me, on public ground, considering the connection between the immediate ostensible cause of the insurrection in the Western Country and my department, to go out upon the expedition against the insurgents. In a government like ours, it cannot but have a good effect for the person who is understood to be the adviser or proposer of a measure which involves danger to his fellow citizens, to partake in that danger: While, not to do it, might have a bad effect. I therefore request your permission for the purpose.
My intention would be not to leave this till about the close of the month so as to reach one of the columns at its ultimate point of rendezvous. In the mean time I take it for grant General Knox will arrive, and the arrangements which will be made will leave the Treasury department in a situation to suffer no embarrassment by my absence; which if it be thought necessary may terminate about or shortly after the meeting of Congress — with perfect respect and the mult attachment, I have the honor to be
[To the President of the United States]
Sir Yor obt Servt
Type
Letter Signed
Description
Hamilton expresses his wish to join in the effort to combat the insurrection in western Pennsylvania. [Whiskey Rebellion]
Date
09/19/1794
Author
Recipient
Sent from
Philadelphia
Repository
Collection
Document number
1794091900101
Notable persons
George Washington
Alexander Hamilton
General [Henry] Knox
Congress
Secretary of War
Secretary of Treasury
President Washington
Notable locations
Philadelphia
Western Country
Western Pennsylvania
Notable items
expedition
danger to his fellow citizens
permission
columns
ultimate point of rendezvous
Treasury department
The advisor or proposer of a measure which involves danger to his fellow citizens [should] partake in the danger
whiskey rebellion
insurrection

