Hamilton, Alexander

1 page (10 x 8 in.; 253 x 204 mm) on a bifolium of laid paper watermarked L Munn, "War Department" (Philadelphia), 25 September 1794, to Samuel Hodgdon, with integral address leaf, docketed "Letter from Mr. Hamilton 15 Septbr 200 Rifles to get to Carlisle all others to to to Cumberland"; some light stains, seal tear and repair.

1 page (10 x 8 in.; 253 x 204 mm) on a bifolium of laid paper watermarked L Munn, "War Department" (Philadelphia), 25 September 1794, to Samuel Hodgdon, with integral address leaf, docketed "Letter from Mr. Hamilton 15 Septbr 200 Rifles to get to Carlisle all others to to to Cumberland"; some light stains, seal tear and repair.
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Secretary Hamilton prepares the War Department for a military expedition into Pennsylvania to put down the Whiskey Rebellion. The Whiskey Rebellion—a revolt by western frontiersmen (many of whom where veterans of the Revolutionary War) against a federal excise tax on whiskey had been festering for nearly three years until President Washington, urged by his Secretary of War, determined to use military force to bring it to an end. Hamilton here writes to Samuel Hodgdon, the superintendent of military stores: 

"You have already been directed to forward to Carlisle 100 rifles. After reserving a sufficient number for the company forming here, you will send on to Fort Cumberland all the residue at your command with whatever articles usually attend them and are ready. I understand you that at Philadelphia & Lancaster there were … originally 1000. Inform me immediately what you can do in this particular & give all possible dispatch. Let me know the route which will be taken to Fort Cumberland."

The insurrection collapsed as soon as troops marched into western Pennsylvania, and most of its leaders evaded punishment. This letter is not published in The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Syrett, although three others to Hodgdon of the same date are.