A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry: With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States, and other documentsJudson, L. Carroll (Levi Carroll)
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A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry: With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States, and other documents
Judson, L. Carroll (Levi Carroll)
Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799; United States. Declaration of Independence -- Signers; Washington, George, 1732-1799
In the organization of the general government through all its
ramifications he took a deep interest and an active part. Every
subject that was presented to Congress for consideration he analyzed
with the skill of a sage, a statesman and a philosopher. In 1790, he
closed his legislative career and declined again entering upon its
arduous duties. Under the act of Congress of 1791, imposing a duty on
domestic distilled spirits, Mr. Clymer was appointed to superintend
its collection in his own state. The tax was then called, by way of
opprobrium, the _excise_. This law gave great dissatisfaction in many
places, and in Pennsylvania produced what was termed the _whiskey
rebellion_, which required the military to restore order. Unpleasant
as it was, Mr. Clymer proceeded to perform his duty by appointing the
required collectors in each county, endeavouring to persuade the people
to submit to the law whilst in force, and pursue the constitutional
remedy for its repeal if they believed it wrong. During the height
of the excitement he hazarded his life among the malecontents where
but few other men would have been spared if clothed with the same
office. He finally resigned this station, and was soon after appointed
a commissioner, with Colonels Pickens and Hawkins, to negociate a
treaty with the Cherokee and Creek Indians in Georgia, which was
effected on the 29th of June, 1796, and closed his long, faithful and
arduous public career. He had perilled his life, his fortune and his
sacred honour for his country; he had been her unyielding and fearless
advocate amidst the storms of revolution, civil discord and open
rebellion; he now saw her peaceful, prosperous and happy, with the
illustrious Washington presiding over her destinies. He could therefore
retire to enjoy the fruits of his labours and his toils, without any to
disturb or make him afraid.
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