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Table of Contents > Historic Autographs > Lot 14 |
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Browse the Auction in Groups of 25 Lots: |
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Lot Number: 14
Click for a Printable PageSign-in to Bid or Register to Bid Estimate Range: $4,000 - $5,000 |
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George Clymer 1793 Autograph Letter Signed To U.S. Treasurer Samuel Meredith With “Whiskey Rebellion” Related Content and Mentioning Alexander Hamilton |
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GEORGE CLYMER (1739-1813). A Founding Father of the United States , Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; In Continental Congress from Pennsylvania, 1776-1789; First U.S. Congress, 1789-1791; Head of the Excise Department of Pennsylvania during the Whiskey Rebellion, 1791-1794. Nov. 1793-Dated Federal Period, Autograph Letter Signed, "G. Clymer", as head of the Excise Department of Pennsylvania during the Whiskey Rebellion, with Integral Postal Cover with a “Nov 23” dated Franklin Marking (Philadelphia) and manuscript "1.8" postage rate, 3 pages, measuring 7.25" x 8.75" dated "Saturday", Choice Very Fine. This Letter is written to the Treasurer of the United States Samuel Meredith (George Clymer's Brother-in-law). In this Letter, Clymer writes regarding supplying a copy of the highly important excise laws of Pennsylvania to Alexander Hamilton, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury - these laws obviously of great significance to Hamilton during the ongoing “Whiskey Rebellion” focused against the excise tax laws. George Clymer, as head of the PA Excise Department, had been supplying Hamilton with reports on the difficulties in Western Pennsylvania in collecting the new Federal tax on distilled spirits. More interesting content follows, including writing of Land Office Warrants, family news, etc.Alexander Hamilton's role in the Whiskey Rebellion underscores his commitment to strengthening the federal government and ensuring its ability to carry out its responsibilities. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, proposed a series of economic measures to address the financial challenges facing the new nation. One of these measures was the excise tax on distilled spirits, including whiskey. The tax was intended to generate revenue for the federal government and help pay off the national debt. Farmers in western Pennsylvania, who relied heavily on the distillation of whiskey for their livelihoods, strongly opposed the tax. They argued that it disproportionately affected their businesses and imposed a burden on the agrarian way of life. The opposition grew into a rebellion as some farmers refused to pay the tax and resisted federal tax collectors. In response, President George Washington, under the advice of Hamilton, decided to take action to assert federal authority and uphold the rule of law. Washington himself led a militia force to western Pennsylvania to suppress the rebellion. Notably, Alexander Hamilton accompanied him during this journey. This historic “Whiskey Rebellion” period Excise Tax Law related Letter reads, in part: "None of the laws of Penna. being in print separate from the whole code I don't know how I shall be able to send Mr. Hamilton the excise system - I will however make some enquiries about it and write you further. I have had Charles Stewart with me in search of Land Office receipts, which I have found in the trunk left with... These he is to take to the office to see how much Nesbitt has been deficient in his payments, with a view to get a settlement of the whole. -- He thinks it will not be worthwhile to trouble yourself about Nesbitt thinking it will be difficult to induce him to admit you to a share of the savings he has made by a delay of his payments - he thinks besides that in taking to the part you have paid for, you may escape the danger of some interfering claims. I don't know what your determination was in this respect - let me know it in order to the patenting. I believe April next is the utmost limit allowed for patenting old warrants and surveys. Having your trunk at home I can turn to anything you may wish to know the state of in a manner more exact than your memory can tell you. Mrs. M. was yesterday in town and some of the girls and all in good health... M. H. I hear has received his marble chimney piece with the mixed sculpture of Britannia Minerva America (America is represented by a Minerva figure), the Tobacco plants and Serpents head or tails, etc. , so that upon the whole goes well... Let me know when anything new turns up, which has not got into the papers. --- (Signed) G Clymer" A well written 3 page Letter measures 7.25” x 8.75” with Integral Postal Cover to “Samuel Meredith Esquire / Treasurer of US / New York on the final page, on two very clean sheets. This Letter is easily readable in rich brown ink on quality “Powder Horn” watermarked laid period paper, boldly signed at its conclusion “G Clymer”. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, proposed a series of economic measures to address the financial challenges facing the new nation. One of these measures was the excise tax on distilled spirits, including whiskey. The tax was intended to generate revenue for the federal government and help pay off the national debt. Farmers in western Pennsylvania, who relied heavily on the distillation of whiskey for their livelihoods, strongly opposed the tax. They argued that it disproportionately affected their businesses and imposed a burden on the agrarian way of life. The opposition grew into a rebellion as some farmers refused to pay the tax and resisted federal tax collectors. In response, President George Washington, under the advice of Hamilton, decided to take action to assert federal authority and uphold the rule of law. Washington himself led a militia force to western Pennsylvania to suppress the rebellion. Notably, Alexander Hamilton accompanied him during this journey. Ultimately, the rebellion collapsed without significant bloodshed. The presence of a formidable federal force and the realization that the government was willing to use military force to enforce its laws contributed to the rebellion's failure. This event reinforced the federal government's authority and demonstrated its ability to maintain order within the country. The Whiskey Rebellion is often cited as an early test of the federal government's ability to enforce its laws and maintain domestic tranquility. It highlighted the tension between federal power and states' rights, a debate that continued to shape American politics in the years to come. Alexander Hamilton's role in the Whiskey Rebellion underscores his commitment to strengthening the federal government and ensuring its ability to carry out its responsibilities. _____ America is represented by a Minerva figure: Such as shown in the engraving: “America triumphant and Britannia in Distress.” A crude allegory of American prosperity and victory over England. Below the image an Explanation reads: I America sitting on that quarter of the globe with the Flag of the United States displayed over her head; holding in one hand the Olive branch, inviting the ships of all nations to partake of her commerce; and in the other hand supporting the Cap of Liberty. II Fame proclaiming the joyful news to all the world. III Britannia weeping at the loss of the trade of America, attended with an evil genius. IV The British flag struck, on her strong Fortresses. V French, Spanish, Dutch &c shipping in the harbours of America. VI A view of New York wherein is exhibited the Trator sic Arnold, taken with remorse for selling his country? and Judas like hanging himself. America is represented by a Minerva figure, seated beneath a dead tree, with a shield bearing a snake. The shield is ringed with another snake, the Uroborus. The American flag has thirteen stars. Date 1782. |
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Lot Number: 14
Click for a Printable Page Sign-in to Bid or Register to Bid |
Estimate Range: $4,000 - $5,000 |
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Early American 1520 Commerce St., # 312 • Winchester, VA 22601 Phone: 858 • 759 • 3290 Email: Auctions@EarlyAmerican.com |
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