Frontier Rebellion

7/25/2019 Frontier Rebellion

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Frontier Rebellion:

The Tale of David Bradford

By Stephen Kass

Chapter One

In 1781, the same year Cornwallis surrendered his army to General Washington at

Yorktown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took steps to abolish slavery within its

borders. As a result, the Mason-Dixon line was extended to the Ohio River. Although

this line would eventually represent the border between southern slave states and northern

free states, in 1781 it was drawn up to settle the border between Virginia and

Pennsylvania. This became especially important to the residents of what at that moment

became Washington County, the first county ever to bear the name of the great general,

almost a decade before he became president.

Along with a new name came a new sense of community as both the surrounding

county and the small city at its center, also named Washington, suddenly had an identity

all their own. They were now separated from the much larger Westmoreland County, and

they were proud to be named for the man who, in defeating the British, made possible

their independence, which they valued greatly.


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But what these frontier people valued even more was finally having a home of

their own, no longer under question or dispute from the many people and governing

bodies that had claimed ownership over the years. The people of Washington were

Pennsylvanians, finally, and for the first time they felt that maybe they were no longer on

their own in the wild frontier.

* * *

Not to worry, David. We shall have you a permanent place on the Bar soon

enough, John McDowell, a portly man in his mid-fifties with wispy brown mutton

chops, said before stoking the embers in his fireplace and returning to his upholstered

chair.

Weve been anticipating the chance to see you take to the courtroom, young

man, added James Allison, a slightly younger, and considerably thinner, man.

David Bradford reclined in his chair and took a sip of brandy, considering his next

move. He knew these men were his key to success in Washington County, and he

wouldnt have left Maryland for the frontier without such promising political

connections. The parlor where the three men were sitting was ornately decorated, with a

rug spread across the solid oak floor, elegant furniture, and several paintings. Mr.

McDowell had obviously spared no expense on a room for entertaining guests and such

extravagances clearly marked him as a member of Washingtons social elite.

Both he and Mr. Allison were prominent lawyers in addition to being elder

members of Rev. John McMillans Chartiers Church and trustees for the soon to be

established Canonsburg and Washington Academies. They were something of a political

team, and their latest project was David.


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I expect to impress you both, although I fear my sisters may have already placed

me too highly in your minds, David responded after a moment.

Nonsense, Mr. Allison scoffed, we rarely heed the opinions of our wives.

McDowell erupted with laughter at the comment and David forced a smile. He

thought of how much effort it took to monitor his every word and action around these

men before allowing his thoughts to drift to his own wife, Elizabeth, for just a moment.

He wondered how she was getting along with the children and realized it was getting late.

In all honesty, David, Im not thoroughly convinced you are yet able to fathom

what youve sunken your teeth into here in Washington, McDowell said finally.

Dear lord, came Allison chiming in, the list of grievances these peasants are

able to imagine makes one wonder how such simpletons can have so much on their

minds.

First they come to you about the current state of the land, McDowell took over,

and who claims ownership of what. But then they complain about ridiculous matters

like the weather, as if you were in a position to commune with God himself and could fix

such a thing. So concerned about their harvests all the time, and wanting you to do

something about it.

And then it will be on to Indian attacks, Allison scoffed, of which we have had

none in over five years.

Finally, said McDowell, comes the incessant ranting about being summoned to

federal court in Philadelphia.

Actually, John, remarked Allison, I firmly agree with their position when it

comes to that matter.


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I fully do as well, replied McDowell. But who do they think has to make the

journey more frequently? They or us? We are the lawyers, after all.

Allison and McDowell had made one thing perfectly clear to David, and it had

nothing to do with the poor farmers they were trying to warn him about. He realized

instead that the only one way to command respect from these men was through forceful

conviction and confidence. They hated nothing more than sniveling complaints and

testaments of inability.

Not to worry, gentlemen, he said after finishing his brandy. There is nothing

with which this place, or its people, could hope to challenge me. I can now see that my

merits have not properly been expressed to you. I am not thoroughly convinced either of

you is yet able to fathom my capabilities.

After a long pause, David worried that he had just ruined any chance he had of

getting on good terms with these men. But then John spoke and David knew he had been

right to feign arrogance with them.

Well, hes certainly got fire in his belly, hasnt he James? McDowell chuckled.

Just what we need in these parts, Allison agreed. Now I really do relish the

chance to see him in action.

With that, David Bradford stood up and put on his coat.

Good evening, gentlemen, he said. I must be going now. It was a pleasure to

be in your home, Mr. McDowell.

Please, David. John will be fine from now on, McDowell insisted.

We shall see you tomorrow morning, David, at the courthouse. Theres a seat on

the Bar waiting to be etched with your name,Allison stated.


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With that, David left McDowells house and rode his horse back to the log cabin

where he and Elizabeth were living with their newborn son, Thomas. His wife was still

awake, but the baby was fast asleep. Elizabeth sat at their only table, her porcelain face

and ashy, blond hair dimly lit by the firelight.

How did it go? she asked.

I think I impressed them, David responded.

So then theyve agreed to place you on the Bar?

He nodded. Great things our going to happen for us, Elizabeth. Ill not have my

family huddled in this cabin for long.

* * *

The next morning, David stood outside at the Washington Court House, waiting

for his new allies. His broad shoulders nearly spanned the impressive oak doors and his

hair matched their color so well it might have been made invisible if not for the wind. He

looked almost like a sentry, strong and full of youthful energy.

McDowell and Allison arrived together, twenty minutes later. After brief

greetings, the three entered the court together and David found that he was the first order

of business on the court docket that day. As soon as the presiding judge and court

officials saw McDowell and Allison, they sprang into action and immediately appointed

David as a registered member of the Washington County Bar Association without even

giving him the examination. He was asked only one question, concerning the proper

spelling of his name, before the judge looked down at David, who was standing in the

center of court, and announced:


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Let the recordshow that I, the right honorable Judge Robert Philson, do declare,

with the good and legal authority of the Court of Washington, that you, Mr. David

Bradford, shall hereby be recognized as a full member of the Washington Country Bar

Association, and shall immediately assume all proper rights and responsibilities

associated with that post, on this day April Twenty Fourth, in the One Thousand and

Seven Hundred and Eighty Second Year of Our Lord.

The words resonated in Davids ears and he felt oddly different at hearing them.

Though they were just words, he could feel they power, the status that they had just

bestowed upon him. It was like being born a new man. He had now joined the ranks of

the social elite. Hed been let into their club and he couldnt wait to take full advantage

of his membership.

David quickly got to work, taking on as many cases as he could and working at a

feverish pace. He soon became known as a legal Jack-of-all-trades for being willing to

take on any case at all. He handled everything from land title disputes, property

grievances and tax violations all the way down to simple cases of public drunkenness and

general disturbances of the peace.

And he soon became familiar with the complaints of frontier farmers. McDowell

and Allison had not been mistaken in their explanation. For the most part, people on the

frontier felt alienated from the rest of the country and didnt see how or why people they

had never seen or spoken to could have so much authority over their lives. They had

become accustomed, before the drawing of the Mason-Dixon line, to numerous absentee

landlords who claimed that the land in Washington was rightfully theirs and attempted to


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impose taxes of various sorts. Most people had rejected these taxes, and as a result,

became used to living on their own without much interference from any governing body.

At the same time, they wanted to believe they were not on their own and that

somebody would protect them from Indian attacks, which they all felt were imminent.

Wildly exaggerated tales of the Battle of Wyoming and the Cherry Valley Massacre, in

which Iroquois raiders tortured American patriots, had been circulating for years and had

grown to epic proportions. Many farmers came to David asking him what the law

proposed to do about this looming Indian threat. He soon learned that the idea of Indians

frightened them just as stories of ghouls and goblins frightened their children. However,

there was nothing David could really do on the matter, but he always told people that

hed see what he could do.

In general, life for David was good. Hed lived up to his promises to McDowell

and Allison, both of whom were impressed with his work ethic, and even more amazed at

his courtroom demeanor. David Bradford had an incredible amount of charisma. They

soon learned that he could charm a judge or a jury as if through some magic spell. Both

men were pleased in their latest investment as it afforded them the ability to relax a little.

They let David handle the cases while they took credit for bringing such a successful

young lawyer to town.

The town also took a very quick liking to David. Most people regarded him as

affluent, yet friendly to commoners and, most of all, trustworthy. His youth granted him

a handsome and honest face, although something in his features or demeanor gave people

the sense that he was mature. David went out of his way to help anyone he could.

Whether it be Henry Bower who felt that his neighbors chickens were wandering too


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close to his turnip patch or Dr. John Kimmel who had been summoned to federal court in

Philadelphia on matters concerning his medical practice, David did not discriminate.

Each case was as important as the next to him and the people he dealt with could tell. He

had even traveled to Philadelphia with Dr. Kimmel, and two other clients who had been

summoned, leaving his family behind in Washington for over a month on each occasion.

His dedication and personal attention to each problem afforded him a great deal of

respect, especially amongst farmers and other workers who had grown resentful of

McDowell and Allison for being too haughty to deal with their concerns. As a result, the

23-year-old David Bradford was quickly promoted to the position of Deputy Attorney

General for Washington County in early 1783.

David grew accustomed to life on the frontier. He enjoyed the sense of liberation

that living away from major cities and more established bureaucracies afforded. In

Washington it seemed that people mostly did as they pleased, without concern for

authorities any higher than the local ones, and David was a part of that local authority. In

a way, he seemed to be living in his own little country, as if he were on a deserted island

and had been appointed to the tribal council. His job and status soon afforded him

considerable wealth and, as he promised, he was able to move his family out of their

humble log cabin and into a much more appropriate living quarter.

Construction of the Bradford House began in the summer of 1786. It was to be

made of stone, quarried near Washington, which immediately marked it as a lavish

mansion by frontier standards. David was conflicted about building the house. Although

he wanted to provide his family with a luxurious house and secretly he felt that the small

cabin he had been living in for four years did not suit a man of his stature, he also knew


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that to advance any further amongst the politically powerful he must upgrade his living

situation. He couldnt exactly invite judges and politicians over for dinner parties at a log

cabin.

On the other hand, he worried about alienating himself from the rustic frontier

people who had come to love him so much. He knew they secretly resented the pomp

and wealth of men like McDowell and Allison and he didnt want people to think he had

betrayed them. Such concerns drove him as far as to have plans for a tunnel drawn up,

which would be accessible from the basement and extend almost half a mile to a nearby

ravine. He doubted the townspeople would ever go so far as to attack his home or try to

rob him, but he still took measures to protect himself and his family just in case.

Upon its completion in 1788, The Bradford House stood as one of the most

impressive structures in all of Washington. It was a beautiful house with a large garden

and servants quarters in the back. The interior had been decorated with only the most

impressive furnishings, and the wood for the floors and staircase was pure mahogany,

imported from Europe and shipped from Philadelphia at great expense. David and

Elizabeth now had a proper place to call their home and soon made use of it, inviting

McDowell and Allison, Davids sisters Agnes and Jane, and other friends over for

extravagant dinner parties that lasted late into the night.

As far as the wealthy elite were concerned, David Bradford was the toast of the

town. But to his surprise, the commoners of Washington, who comprised almost all of

the towns population, had a reaction contrary to the one he expected. David had won

them over in his early days as a lawyer through hard work and honest concern for their

problems. They respected him for treating them as equals and respected him more for


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working almost as hard as they did. While many people also believed that living in such

a simple house truly made David one of them, no one was upset when he abandoned his

lowly cabin.

In their eyes, he had earned his wealth and deserved to move up in the world. He

hadnt been born into prosperity like he other members of the upper class,but had started

at the bottom and worked his way up. If anything, the building of the Bradford House

only made the farmers respect him more. Now they felt that they had an ally in the elite,

someone who understood and cared about them but also had the power to do something

about it. He was the first person they went to when they needed help.

These years would mark some of the best for David Bradford. He had risen very

high very quickly, faster than he had ever dreamed. He felt that nothing could stop him

from attaining whatever he wanted. Before long, he would be king of his little island.

But David would soon be rudely reminded of what he had so easily forgotten.

Washington was not its own little island. It was part of a newly formed nation, and there

were more powerful men working to establish control of that union.


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Chapter Two

On April 30th, 1789, the United States of America, still in its infancy, attained its

first national leader when George Washington was inaugurated on the steps of Federal

Hall in New York City. This was a hectic time for the new president as the nations

competing political factions tore at him from every direction. Most of the prominent

figures within the new government, many with their own opinions and agendas, were

eagerly waiting to see what would happen during Washingtons first few years in office.

Would he hold the country together and finally establish the authority of the federal

government? Or would he fail, as the Articles of Confederation had failed, and cause the

states to recoil back into their own separate entities, destroying any sense of a union or

national identity?

Washingtons first year as president was a whirlwind of meetings, speeches,

debates and social events. The furious arguments between Federalists and Anti-

Federalists still raged, even two years after the ratification of the Constitution, threatening

to tear the country apart. It seemed that Washington was needed everywhere and that his

attention must be directed to almost every concern since people now looked to him as the

preeminent leader. He was still respected as the great general who liberated the nation


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from the British. Now he was expected to do something even more impressive. He was

expected to hold his new country together.

In May of 1790, just over one year after taking office, George Washington

collapsed under the pressures of his new title. Gravely ill with pneumonia, he was taken

back to his home in Mount Vernon, where he was bedridden and under nearly constant

medical supervision. Sensing the seriousness of the situation and fearing for

Washingtons life, fierce political rivals Alexander Hamilton, a staunch Federalist and the

first Secretary of the Treasury, and Thomas Jefferson, Washingtons Secretary of State

and the leader of the newly formed Democratic-Republicans, met at Mount Vernon to

attend to their ailing leader.

* * *

It was mid-afternoon when Jefferson and Hamilton stood in Washingtons guest

parlor, suffering an uncomfortable silence as they waited for the doctor who was

attending to their president to emerge from the bedroom and report on his condition.

Have you any information at all on his state? Hamilton finally broke the silence.

Youve spoken to his physician, havent you?

Not the one who attends to him at present, Jefferson responded. I spoke to the

other two who had previously attended to him.

And?

Both reported he was in the very action of death and had little to recommend as a

treatment, Jefferson reported.

Which is why a third has been summoned? Hamilton asked.

How very perceptive of you, Mr. Hamilton.


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Jeffersons insult did not go unnoticed. Hamilton had grown accustomed to such

jabs as the two had been heatedly arguing over almost every policy either one had tried to

enact for the past several years. There was such a deep ideological rift between them,

each holding beliefs nearly opposite to the other about what was best for their young

nation. However, neither man was quite accustomed to being in such close proximity and

such a private setting, normally doing all of their debating through various publications or

in the halls of Congress.

You resent me for delaying my arrival, Hamilton responded after a few

moments.

On the contrary, Jefferson said, taking a few steps away from Hamilton and

sitting down in an ornate chair in the corner of the room. I was rather enjoying your

absence.

You were not with him at Yorktown, Mr. Jefferson, roared Hamilton as he

strode over to Jefferson and towered over him. You know nothing of the dedication I

have for this man. If I recall properly, you managed to keep your hands entirely clean

during the struggle against the British.

It is often the practice of a small mind to overlook the importance of legislation

and diplomacy, replied Jefferson as he looked away from Hamilton as if ignoring him.

Or the practice of a coward to remain idle while his countrymen die around him

fighting off tyranny and oppression.

Now see here! shouted Jefferson as he jumped to his feet. I may not have been

a soldier, but I had great deal to do with the Revolution. I risked my life declaring our

independence and I do not recall you being present to sign that document. Furthermore,


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without French assistance, the colonies would have been doomed, and I worked tirelessly

to attain such assistance. A hodgepodge collection of untrained farmers alone was

helpless against the might of the British Empire.

The American Patriots were not so helpless as you might estimate! Ill not listen

to such...

Hamilton was primed to continue, but was cut off by the sounds of Washingtons

new doctor coming down the stairs. The two men exchanged vehement looks, but

returned to a civil demeanor out of concern for the more pressing issue. The pale-faced

doctor appeared in the parlor and was startled to find the two men waiting for him.

Goodness, said the doctor. I had not expected to find President Washington

entertaining guests in such a condition.

Rest assured. He is doing no entertaining of anysort, Jefferson responded.

We are simply here to monitor his condition and help in any way we are able.

How is he? Hamilton asked.

At this the doctor remained silent and his eyes drifted to the floor. He stood still

for a moment before looking up and opening his mouth as if to speak, but then lost the

courage to say anything.

Well! Out with it, man, Hamilton roared.

I...I do not have it in me to pronounce a death sentence upon such a man, but I

fear for his life.

What can we do for him? Jefferson asked. Is there any possible remedy?

Rest...rest and the Good Lords providence.

Theres nothing more you can do for him? asked Hamilton.


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Ive left him something to ease his pain and aid his sleep, but there is nothing

more. God may save him, sir, but surely I cannot. Just see to it that he is not disturbed.

With that, the doctor turned and made his way to the door, leaving Jefferson and

Hamilton alone to ponder the situation. They stood in silence for a good while, absorbed

in their own thoughts, entirely forgetting their earlier feud.

The people of this nation will not react well such news, Jefferson said finally.

Their faith in the government is already on unsteady ground, Hamilton

concluded as he strode back into the center of the parlor. Too little has been done to

establish federal authority.

Are you still on about that? Jefferson scoffed as he approached Hamilton.

Youd have them replace King George with George Washington and never know the

difference. Or would you rather take the throne yourself?

Your ignorance is appalling, said Hamilton with his finger just in front of

Jeffersons face. This nation is free and men like me have seen to it, but it still must

have proper order. Without strong central government there will be chaos. If you must

know, my arrival here was delayed due to matters concerning the fiscal plans I intend to

bring before Congress this coming session.

I sincerely hope you do not still intend to persuade Congress to absorb all of the

states war debts.

That is the only way for the federal government to be recognized as a legitimate

governing body. How else are we to show the people that we are taking responsibility for

their well being? Assuming the war debts is the best way for us to establish the character

of a national economy.


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It is a truly absurd idea, as I have been trying to explain to you for over a year,

Jefferson insisted as he stared into Hamiltons eyes before breaking off and walking

towards the chair in the corner. Not every state assumed an equal portion of the debt.

You will cripple the states by removing their individual responsibilities while stripping

them of their rights to self govern.

It is just like a Virginian to oppose such a plan, claimed Hamilton as he

followed Jefferson across the room. Your state escapes the war with the smallest debt,

so you of course you rail against any plan that might help the others.

Virginia is financially self-sufficient. How exactly do you propose the federal

government will pay off such an enormous debt? asked Jefferson as he turned to face

Hamilton.

It is simple. We shall levy taxes.

Dear God. You truly have gone mad, Jefferson stated in frustration as he turned

to sit in the chair again. You claim to honor the men who gave their lives to drive away

British taxation and at the same time suggest that we replace their taxes with new ones of

our own. You will drive this nation into anarchy with such policies.

Our nations Constitution provides that Congress shall have the power to levy

taxes, said Hamilton, once again standing over Jefferson. We must exercise this power

in order to further establish federal authority and raise capital for the national

government. If we assume the states debts, the people will understand the necessity of

taxation and be willing to comply. Furthermore, the taxes I propose will be nothing like

the ludicrous ones imposed by the British.


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Jefferson took a moment to absorb what he had heard. Once again he thought of

how much he wished he had not been abroad while the debates of the Constitution raged,

despite knowing the importance of what he accomplished in France. If only the

legislation had been delayed, he might have been able to help. He did what he could

through letters, making it known that he strictly opposed many of the provisions outlined

in the proposed Constitution, but the letters took months to travel back to America and he

knew they could never have carried the same weight as a personally delivered speech.

If he had been able, he would have stood alongside the likes of Patrick Henry and

other Anti-Federalists, possibly tipping the scales in their favor. Now he feared that the

independence the colonies had won during the Revolution had all but been erased by the

desires of people like Hamilton to establish firm, centralized power in the federal

government.

What exactly do you expect to tax, that will not result in a revolt? Jefferson

asked.

Mainly whiskey and other intoxicating spirits.

Whiskey, Jefferson stated bluntly.

My fiscal plan will place a tax upon anyone who produces and sells whiskey,

Hamilton explained. It will be seen a justified taxation because not everyone is

interested in such spirits and will have the added benefit of promoting a measure of social

responsibility regarding drunkenness. You underestimate the common mans capacity to

see reason. There will be no revolt. Nothing like that nastiness we dealt with in

Massachusetts,


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Hamilton paused, remembering that Jefferson was still in Paris during Shays

Rebellion.

Oh, my apologies, he added. You would have no knowledge of that matter,

being conveniently absent at the time.

Jefferson was prepared to argue the matter further, but suddenly lost the heart to

continue. After a moment, he simply stood up, brushing past Hamilton, and walked

across the room to an open window and stared out upon the beautiful expanse of land that

covered Mt. Vernon. His thoughts drifted to the ailing leader upstairs and he wondered

what the future might hold for the United States.

He opposed a strong federal command, but still thought it necessary to have some

form of centralized government. Even a republic would be impossible if the nations first

leader died so soon after taking command. And aside from that, Jefferson had a great

deal of respect for George Washington and it pained him to think of what the doctors had

said. His demeanor turned from agitated to morose and Hamilton was shocked at the

transformation, especially in the midst of a heated debate.

If he fails to recover from this, you might never get the chance to enact your

fiscal plan, Jefferson said finally.

What do you mean?

You said it yourself, Jefferson continued. This nation is on unsteady ground.

He is most likely the only man capable of uniting the states and convincing the people to

follow us. If he dies just one year into his term, the peoples faith in our ability to govern

them will collapse completely. Who could possibly hope to replace him right now,

especially after his time in office was so tragically cut short?


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Hamilton took a moment to consider what Jefferson had said and a wave of fear

hit him. For the first time, he agreed with Jefferson completely. It might be different if

they had initially chosen another leader, but nobody could hope to replace such a

powerful figure and national hero, and certainly not after his untimely death. The people

would view his death as a symbol of the governments failure, a sign that federalism

should be abandoned entirely. The country would surely collapse into turmoil as the

states fought each other with no semblance of central control. His mood soon changed to

match Jeffersons somberness.

I see what you mean, Hamilton said.

Jefferson turned from the window and his eyes met Hamiltons. For a brief

moment, there was nothing but understanding and mutual concern between the countrys

most intense political rivals. Hamilton completely agreed with the words Jefferson spoke

next.

Never in the history of this nation has so much depended upon the life of one

man.


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Chapter Three

It was June in 1791, almost exactly one year after President Washingtons

miraculous recovery, when David Bradford first learned of the federal governments plan

to impose a tax on the production of whiskey. He was alone in his office in the

Washington Courthouse when a quiet knock on his door was followed by a low voice.

Excuse me, Mr. Bradford, sir, David recognized the voice of Abraham Miller, a

local farmer, coming through the door. Mind if I have a word?

Of course not, David said. Come in.

Mr. Miller, in his mid-sixties, sported a thick gray beard and carried a cane

wherever he went. He had a bad leg and took his time entering the office. David had

once handled a case concerning a dispute over the price Mr. Miller paid for tools he

purchased from another farmer. The other farmer falsely claimed they had agreed upon a

higher price and was trying to extort the extra money after Miller had already taken the

tools. David had a firm memory of Miller as being a humble and honest man throughout

the process.


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Why hello, Abraham, he said as the man entered. What brings you to my

office?

I come to ask your help, Mr. Bradford.

Help with what? You havent purchased any more hammers from that Conner

scoundrel, have you?

Abraham smiles slightly and shook his head.

No, sir. Ill not have more dealings with him, sir. Rest assured.

Then whats the trouble?

Well, I heard tell from Henry Bower the other day about new taxes. He tells me

President Washington just made it law that all folks is to be taxed on their whiskey from

now on.

David had heard nothing about new taxes being imposed on the federal level, but

he considered the possibility that it might be true. However, he quickly decided it was

more fiction than reality. During his time in Washington, he had learned that news

usually traveled much faster through rural gossip and hearsay than through conventional

means, but was often highly distorted as a result.

I dont doubt the possibility, Abraham, David started, but I would advise you

not to get too worked up just yet. Henry Bower is a good man, but often times these

things are just wild rumors.

How can you know it for a rumor, sir? Millerresponded. Henry told me just

the other day and already most folks say the same.

Well, for one thing, President Washington is not entitled to levy taxes. The bill

would have to pass a vote in Congress.


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Miller paused to absorb this information and for a moment he began to doubt the

story, but quickly became resolute once again.

Maybe he got that part wrong, but I think the tax is true. Everybodys already in

an uproar about it. You dont understand, sir. Whiskey is our livelihood. Without

whiskey, most us farmers aint got the means to feed even our young,

What does whiskey have to do with feeding your children?

See, sir. Most farmers in these parts grow grains. We work all year long to

grow grain and when we harvest we use much as we can to make flour for our families to

use for bread and such. But we grow enough that we have a good portion left over to sell

and we need to sell it so we can buy more seeds and other such things we need to plant

and grow more grain the next year. But theres no local market for all that grain way out

here on the frontier.

So you have to transport the grain to other places to sell? David asked.

Yes, Mr. Bradford. Mostly we take it to Pittsburgh. But its expensive to

transport those big barrels of grain. Theres just too much and we got no hope to fit it all

and most folks cant take but one trip cause it take so long to get to Pittsburgh. So just

about everybody turn the grain to whiskey.

You mean to say that all of the farmers in the area distill their own whiskey?

Yessir. Damn near all. Frontier farmers been makin whiskey for generations.

Please, believe me, Mr. Bradford. Were not some pack of lazy drunkards. Sure, some

folks save a bottle or two to warm up in wintertime. But not many. Most folks need to

sell all they can. Me, I never drink the stuff. Dont agree with me in the least.


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David took a few moments to think things over. He was ashamed that he had

lived in Washington for so long without knowing farmers distilled their excess grain into

whiskey and sold it in the city. He prided himself on being a man of the people and he

thought he knew most of the farmers pretty well. But it occurred to him that he didnt

know much about their day-to-day lives and their farming techniques. He only knew

about their legal problems and in almost ten years hed never handled a case concerning

whiskey.

So youre worried that a tax on whiskey will become too costly? David asked.

Yessir. Us farmers barely get by as it is. If they start a tax, we got no hope to

make a profit on our whiskey and we wont have the money to buy anymore supplies for

the next year. Please, believe me when I say so, sir. We likely to starve if they tax our

whiskey.

Then I sincerely hope this whiskey tax is just a rumor. But if it is real, Im not

sure there is much I could do to help.

Please, Mr. Bradford. We need you to help us somehow. You the only one who

canhelp us.

Honestly, I...

David started to speak, but was stopped short when his eyes met Millers. He was

going to explain that a federal law passed by Congress was entirely out of his hands as

Attorney General of Washington County (he had been promoted in 1789), but couldnt

bear to destroy the mans hope. David understood that the local farmers looked to him as

a man of chief legal authority, and he could see the desperation in Millers eyes.


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Most of the time, David was the only one the farmers trusted to handle their legal

problems, and they simply lacked the education to know the difference between local and

federal government. Many of them didnt even recognize the federal government as an

entity that could impose laws upon them at all.

For them, the president and Congress were simply out of sight and out of mind.

But that didnt stop them from fearing a potential conflict should such a government

attempt to control their lives. And in the event of such a conflict, they were prepared to

make David their general.

I cannot be sure I can help, Abraham, David said after a longsilence. But Ill

do whatever I can. I promise you that.

David tried to put conviction in his words, but they still felt cold and empty to

him. Saying them felt too much like repeating all of the hollow promises he had made

over the years about looking into measures to guard against Indian attacks, knowing full

well that such a matter was out of his hands. But Mr. Miller was overjoyed nonetheless.

Thank you, Mr. Bradford, sir. Thank you kindly. You the only one we can

count on, sir. Thank you very much.

I cant promise Ill be able to achieve anything, Abraham.

But youll try, sir. At least youll try. Thats all I ask.

* * *

Over the next several months, many poor farmers came to see him about the

proposed whiskey tax. At first David held onto his hope that the tax was just a rumor and

wished the matter would simply disappear. He would have liked to help, but didnt really

want to get involved in something that would challenge the authority of the United States


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Congress. For as long as he could, he pretended the tax didnt exist. But as more and

more people came to him it became harder for him to ignore.

Finally, he looked into the matter and learned through some of McDowell and

Allisons political connections that Alexander Hamilton had indeed proposed a tax on

whiskey and that Congress had passed the necessary legislation. The only upside was

that the executive branch was taking its time in making preparations to enforce the tax.

This would be the first tax ever levied upon the citizens of the United States by the

federal government, and apparently President Washington wanted to make sure there

would be no mistakes.

But the delay would not last. Soon, federal tax collectors would be sent to

Washington County to enforce the tax. When they came, they would inspect everyones

property to determine who was distilling whiskey and in what amounts. They would then

force the people to pay their portion of the tax. David knew how the farmers would react

to this and he feared a terrible confrontation was looming.

To make matters worse, Hamilton had apparently included a provision in the tax

that would provide for a flat rate to be applied to any major distillers who produced

whiskey in bulk, so as not to disrupt any large-scale whiskey businesses and threaten an

economic downturn. However, small, independent producers, unable to take advantage

of the flat rate, would instead be taxed by the gallon.

David knew that if the farmers caught wind of that fact their indignation would

turn to complete outrage. Luckily, Hamilton had been trying to keep the provision from

becoming widely known since he wanted most people to believe that the main purpose of


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the tax was to enact a measure of social control over intoxicating spirits rather than to

raise revenue for the new government.

The more he learned, the more conflicted David became. He disagreed with the

tax just as much as the farmers did, and sympathized with their plight. He wanted to help

them in any way he could, but the fact remained that he was in no position to take legal

action against the tax. Plus, he feared what might happen to him if he dared to challenge

Congress or President Washington.

David was unsure of how members of the federal government might react to

silence dissenting voices or punish those who openly opposed them. However, he

estimated that at the very least, a federal protest would ruin his career. At the worst, he

could be charged with treason and sentenced to death.

However, the parade of distraught farmers coming to his office and begging him

to do something about the tax only intensified. With each new face he became more

convinced that he needed to do something to help. Each night, when he lay down with

his wife in their luxurious bedroom, all he could think of was the poor farmers in their

cabins, much like the one where he used to live, struggling to provide for their families.

He couldnt sleep. With each passing day he became more angered at the thought of

federal tax collectors coming to impose taxes he felt were completely unjust. He

wondered if Alexander Hamilton had even considered the frontier farmers when he

proposed his tax plan. He wondered if Hamilton had any idea what the ramifications of

his new policy would be.

Eventually, David decided to turn to the person he trusted most to advise him. On

was a cold night in September, he finally explained his dilemma to his wife, and she


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wasnt at all surprised. Rumors of the whiskey tax had been circulating all over town and

Elizabeth had overheard quite a lot. She also had fully expected David to be pulled into

the controversy since she knew how much the people of Washington looked up to him.

What do you intend to do? Elizabeth asked.

I honestly cannot say, he responded. I am completely torn on the matter. I am

powerless to change a federal law, but these people will not understand that. And if I do

nothing, many of them will be ruined.

The people ask too much of you, David. I know you as a good man. You would

do anything in your power in order to help them. I am sure of it. But this matter is

beyond you.

But to them it is not. If I tell them there is nothing I can do, it will surely crush

them. I cannot bring myself to do that.

What do Mr. McDowell and Mr. Allison think you should do?

They have told me to stay out of it entirely.

Maybe you should heed their advice.

Those men only concern themselves with self preservation.

They have done a great deal for us, David.

David paused to consider Elizabeths words. It was true that McDowell and

Allison were his keys to success in Washington and the primary reason he had risen so

quickly. But lately he had grown tired of their political scheming. It had become

apparent to him that they only cared about profit and power, and he had started to feel

more and more that his success was valuable to them only for their own benefit.


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I know it is harsh of me to criticize them after everything they have afforded us,

but it has become difficult to restrain myself. Those two see the farmers as a butcher sees

a slab of meat. I cannot see them as anything but people just like you and I, Elizabeth.

You are a good man, David. It has always been in your heart to help others.

David realized then that his mind had been made up for some time as to what to

do for the farmers. He decided to get to the heart of what was really bothering him.

I fear your words may be too kind. You are a good wife, Elizabeth. I would

never want to take any action that would place you or the children in jeopardy.

You are worried about what the government will do to us if you get involved in

this?

I am not certain what actions they might take, but I cannot image there would be

anything but swift punishment. What would you have me do?

Every bit of Elizabeths rational mind told her to persuade David to drop the

matter entirely, just as McDowell and Allison had, but something else would not allow it.

You have always provided for us in the past, she said after a long pause, and I

trust that will not change. I love you very much, David. I would have you do what is in

your heart.


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Chapter Four

As the months turned to years, David became more and more absorbed in the

conflict over the whiskey tax. He knew there were no practical legal measures he could

take, but he threw himself wholeheartedly into the growing political movement to oppose

the tax. Farmers across the frontier, spreading from the Carolinas, through Maryland and

Virginia, and all the way to northern Pennsylvania were becoming organized against the

federal government. They saw the tax as a direct attack upon their livelihood and they

had resolved to oppose it any way, even if it meant betraying the US government.

Several independent groups suddenly formed, led by men who rejected the tax

and drew men to the cause. However, these groups lacked any sense of collective

organization and operated on their own, fighting the tax however they saw fit. As a

result, the measures they took varied greatly. Some simply spread pamphlets and other

propaganda asking everyone to refuse to pay the tax. Others threatened any and all

whiskey producers, large and small, to join the rebellion and destroyed the stills of those

who refused.

David Bradford quickly became the symbolic leader of the anti-tax movement in

Washington and began to organize everyone he could into a unified force against federal


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control. McDowell and Allison disapproved of his actions, but he no longer cared.

David came to embody the spirit of a revolutionary and felt a deep responsibility to do

anything he could for his followers, who were growing rapidly. He knew a potentially

violent conflict was brewing, and he soon focused his efforts on preparing them for the

worst.

In late September in 1793, David decided to call a town hall meeting to properly

address how the town would resist paying the tax. Tax collectors had been operating in

the area for over a year and many people had reluctantly paid them, knowing no other

recourse. But the tax was already having devastating effects on the already depressed

local economy and people were becoming truly enraged.

The effects of the tax stretched beyond farmers since many people on the frontier

used bottles of whiskey as currency to barter and trade. However, federal collectors had

no sympathies for these practices. Anyone who possessed whiskey was subject to the

tax, and people with a still were charged even more. Rapidly, people from all across the

county reached their breaking point and would not tolerate the federal intrusion. They

regarded the tax collectors as being no different from the British soldiers and government

officers who had plagued them before the Revolution. Plans were forming for a large-

scale boycott of the tax, and many people felt violent measures would need to be taken to

achieve such a thing.

David knew a boycott could only succeed through the utmost cooperation, so he

wanted everyone to be fully united when it came time to resist paying the tax. He also

wanted to avoid any violence. His initial plan was to have an open forum to discuss the

matter, but as rumors of the meeting spread, the information became distorted.


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Somehow, most people were under the impression that David was going to

deliver a speech and soon that was exactly what everyone expected. On September 21st,

almost two hundred men, many of them bringing their wives and children as well,

gathered on the steps of the Washington Courthouse to hear David speak.

Though it was not what hed intended, David decided to give the people what

they wanted and had spent several days preparing a speech. He stood alone at the main

entrance of the courthouse and looked out over the expanse of people who had covered

the steps. The general commotion fell silent as David delivered his first lines.

Citizens of Washington, he began. Too long have you been ignored by the

men who claim to watch over all who inhabit this great nation and provide for your well

being. Too long have you been forgotten by those who claimed to offer you freedom and

prosperity. Too long have you struggled in poverty, only to watch those men who

promised to help, turn a blind eye to your suffering. This nation was established on the

ideals of independence, equality, and liberation from unjust taxation. How many of you

fought for these men, bled for them, risked your lives for them during the Revolution as

they promised you your freedom? How many of your friends, your fathers, and your

brothers died for those promises? Our relatives and loved ones sacrificed their lives to

force the British Empire off of our shores and back across a vast ocean, only to have our

nation enslaved once again by a government just as greedy. We were promised liberty

and democracy. We were promised an end to tyranny and taxation. But the United

States of America has been subjugated at the foot of the Federalists. Their new tax

threatens to destroy you all, and yet you have been asked to accept its authority. But no

true patriot would ever accept the authority of that which strips him of his land and his


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life. No patriot would stand idly by while the rich and powerful deprive him of his right

to happiness. These laws are not the laws those who fought for us were promised. These

rights are not the rights of free men. This tax brings with it nothing but the stench of

oppression, and I say the people of Washington will tolerate it no longer! Stand as one,

and together we shall prevail! Stand united, and together we shall have our freedom!

To this, thunderous applause rose up from the people and rolled out along the

hills, and in that moment David Bradford allowed himself to believe that what he had

promised them was possible.

* * *

Throughout the following spring, tensions over the whiskey tax escalated heavily.

By the summer of 1794, the peoples animosity forthe tax collectors had gotten almost

entirely out of control, as threats against the collectors increased and more people rushed

to join the resistance. The people who heard Davids speech had become emboldened,

and as stories of what he said stretched across the land, the tale elevated him to the status

of a mythical hero. Stories sprang up everywhere about how David Bradford had

promised to fight off the tax collectors with his bare hands and how he had promised to

ride all the way to Philadelphia to hold President Washington hostage until the

government agreed to repeal the tax. Some people recognized these outlandish rumors

for what they were, but they drew inspiration from their spirit nonetheless.

The real David Bradford seemed to have diminished slightly while his legend

grew. The past few years had been stressful, and his youthful face now showed

considerable signs of age. It was as if, at 34, hed jumped right into his mid-forties.

More due to a lack of concern for shaving than regard for appearance or status, he now


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sported a deep, oak colored beard that glinted with bits of gray, just like his hair. The

pressure to live up to his promises had taken its toll.

David now worried that the revolt had now grown beyond his ability to manage it.

Throughout the countryside, there had been attacks on individual tax collectors,

orchestrated by small groups of men whose resolve had been strengthened by the idea of

fighting off tyranny, and it was David who had planted such thoughts in their minds.

Alexander Hamilton sensed that an increased federal presence was necessary in

Washington County and ordered a large group of federal collectors to convene in the city

of Washington to force David Bradford and his followers to comply with the tax.

On July 10th, 1794, a group of eighteen tax collectors, some of them armed,

assembled just outside the city and then marched down Main Street. David had expected

something like this to happen eventually and had taken steps to ensure that anyone

sympathetic to the boycott would be ready at a moments notice, similar to the Minute

Men militias used during the Revolution. As soon as people caught sight of the posse,

they immediately gathered at the Bradford House, on the southern end of Main Street,

and waited for the collectors to arrive. Within twenty minutes, over fifty men had formed

a barricade outside of the house.

When they finally reached the Bradford House, the collectors were surprised to

find they were so heavily outnumbered. There were a few nervous exchanges amongst

the men, but a stout man named Rothbard, who reported directly to Alexander Hamilton,

quickly took command.

We are here today because this county is in severe violation of the federal excise

upon distilled spirits, Rothbard boomed. Under the good authority of the government


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of the United States of America, we demand that all persons in violation of this law shall

immediately pay all fees, in addition to all legally imposed penalties for failure to

comply, or face swift punishment in the form of imprisonment and possible seizure of

property.

At the utterance of the words good authority there was quite a bit of laughter,

but when Rothbard finished speaking, he crowd erupted in outrage. A few men shouted

complaints, even more yelled insults, and the crowd slowly began to spread out and

surround the collectors. David knew he had to gain control, and he stepped forward to

speak.

We understand that you men are only here to fulfill your duty, he began. But

we do not recognize the federal excise in this land.

This drew a raucous cheer from all those gathered besides the collectors.

The federal government, he continued, does not understand the importance of

whiskey to the lives of these men. It is not a luxury or a vice in this land. It is their

livelihood. Believe me when I say we are prepared to resist any tax on distilled spirits

since such taxes deny us the liberty we were promised. However, we have no desire to

harm you. Please, just turn back and leave peacefully. Tell your superiors that we

refused your collections.

David Bradford, I presume, Rothbard replied. We have heard a great deal

about you. I am certain such a learned man of the law recognizes the impossibility of

what he asks. Your terms are unacceptable.

Whats unacceptable is you people comin in here with your taxes and threats,

said Abraham Miller as he stepped forward gingerly. Were free men in Washington.


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You will be silent, cripple, barked Rothbard. I will not be lectured by a

simpleton.

This remark was like a match falling on dry grass. Until that moment, tensions

had been high, but everyone had been waiting for Davids cue before doing anything.

However, nobody was prepared tolerate such insults, especially when they were directed

at someone as well loved and respected as Abraham Miller. And truth be told, even

David was moved to anger.

In an instant, the mob converged on the collectors. The few men who had pistols,

one of them being Rothbard, tried to draw their weapons, but were overcome. One man

managed to pull his from his pocket, but he was overpowered and his arms were forced

upward. A single shot was fired into the air before he was disarmed and wrestled to the

ground. As most of the mob went straight for Rothbard, eleven of the original eighteen

collectors were able to struggle their way free of the mob and fled without being pursued.

The six who remained with him were easily thrown to the ground and beaten.

As for Rothbard, he received by far the worst treatment. Once he was stripped of

his pistol, he was stripped to his undergarments and roughly held in place on the ground

while two men used blades to crop his hair. While this was happening, a few members of

the mob left to retrieve the hot tar and feathers they had been storing nearby for just such

an event. When they returned, they lathered Rothbards entire body with the tar, burning

him severely, and rolled him in the feathers. He would be left permanently disfigured,

but fortunately the tar was not hot enough to kill him.

After they were done with Rothbard, the mob bound the other mens hands and

feet with rope and all seven of them were loaded onto a horse drawn cart. They were


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then paraded through town while members of the mob yelled cheers of victory to

everyone who had come down to Main Street to watch. When they reached the city

limits, the mob tossed their prisoners from the cart and told them to leave Washington

County immediately and warned them never to return, unless they wanted a treatment

similar to Rothbards. The mob then returned to the town triumphantly and orchestrated

an impromptu town wide celebration to rejoice in the banishment of the tax collectors.

David Bradford had participated in no part of the attack on the collectors, but at

the same time he had done nothing to oppose it. In truth, he had derived a great deal of

satisfaction from watching the men overcome the collectors and defend their town from

such a threat. Hed gained special pleasure from watching them beat Rothbard and crop

his hair, but when it came to the tar and feathering, he became rather uneasy. David

feared the men were taking things too far, and he actually felt some sympathy for

Rothbard. But still, he did nothing to intervene.

In the end, David truly believed the taxes, and by extension the men who enforced

the taxes, were unjust and that the citizens of Washington had a right to resist them.

After all, the United States of America had been founded upon a tradition of resisting,

violently if necessary, any form of oppression that threatens a mans right to life, liberty,

and the pursuit of happiness. In Davids mind, the federal government was guilty of such

oppression and deserved to be treated as the enemy. So he allowed himself to forget the

regret he had felt at watching Rothbard being maimed and became absorbed in the

celebration, in which he was a hero. Though he had done nothing to help, most of the

people regarded him as the source of the entire resistance and gave him nearly all of the

credit for ridding Washington of the tax collectors.


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But when he returned to his house later that night and looked at Elizabeth, all of

the regret he had felt came rushing back tenfold. He was overcome with an intense

feeling of shame and dread. What had happened that day was not a victory. It was a

tragedy that he was responsible for. Until then, the attacks on tax collectors had been

mild and scattered, but this would be seen as a declaration of war. He hadnt banished

the tax collectors from Washington at all. He had ensured that they would be back in far

greater numbers, and they would bring the full might of the federal government with

them.

Elizabeth said nothing, but simply looked up at him with a mixed expression of

concern and apprehension. David wanted to speak to her and explain what had happened.

He wanted to tell her how worried he was for what might happen to them now. More

than anything, he wanted to tell her how sorry he was. But when he opened his mouth,

he could only summon the strength for four words:

What have I done?


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Chapter Five

George Washington was sitting in the second floor private office of the

Presidents Mansion in Philadelphia, in early August of 1794, thinking about what had

transpired. Over the past year or so, hed beenreceiving reports from all over the frontier

concerning resistance to the new excise on whiskey, some of them involving minor

violence against federal authorities, but the latest report was by far the most troubling. A

few troublemakers refusing to pay the tax was one thing, but a mob of over fifty men

performing such atrocities was a sign of outright revolt.

Washington sat in his thick, oak chair and read the report again by the dim

firelight until the cabinet members hed been waiting for arrived. Itwas very late to be

holding a meeting of this sort, but he didnt want to discuss this matter during the day

when the house would be full of people. Finally, there came a knock at the door.

Come in, Washington called.

The old door creaked as it opened and Alexander Hamilton came walking into the

room followed by Thomas Jefferson. Hamilton strode over to Washingtons chair

immediately and stood before the president as if at attention, while Jefferson preferred to


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simply take a seat in the corner. He could barely be seen, since the fire was the rooms

only source of light.

You have both been informed of our situation on the western frontier I assume,

Washington stated.

Indeed, sir, Hamilton responded. I received the dispatch just a few days ago.

Jefferson simply chuckled softly.

Do you find something amusing, Mr. Jefferson? the president asked.

My apologies, sir, but I learned of this situation years ago when Mr. Hamilton

explained his plans for a new excise tax to me, Jefferson said with a grin.

At this, Hamilton turned around and glared at Jefferson. The animosity between

them had only grown over the years and Hamilton was so enraged at this point that he

might have physically attacked Jefferson if they had not been in the company of the

president at the time. Washington was simply annoyed.

I grow weary of this incessant bickering, he said.

If Mr. Jefferson would simply cease his endless feuding with me, our

government might begin to work at an appropriate pace, Hamilton said. He has fought

me at every turn over every policy.

Excuse me, Jefferson interjected, but I fail to see how my attempts to prevent

you from leading this nation into ruin are something I should abandon. I do seem to

recall you making some sort of guarantee in regards to there being no possible resistance

to such a tax.

Hamilton took a few steps toward Jefferson and opened his mouth as if to shout,

but Washington cut him off.


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Enough! he demanded. I will not have anymore of this from either of you. I

did not summon you here in the middle of the night to listen to another political wrestling

match. We are faced with a major problem, a direct threat to our newly formed

government. These frontiersmen have openly assaulted an assembly of collections

officers and are celebrating the event even now. They refuse to recognize their

responsibilities under the tax laws, and in so doing have stated their intention to resist the

very authority of the federal government. This situation is far more important than any

personal quarrel between the two of you. I would have you both act as cabinet members

rather than children for once.

Both men fell silent immediately. Hamilton strode away from Jefferson and took

a seat across from the president.

Now I am sure I will nothave to impress upon either of you the importance of

dealing swiftly with such a rebellion, Washington continued. The question, however,

is what exactly should be done.

An armed rebellion of this nature can only be dealt with by military force,

Hamilton urged. We must act quickly to gather the necessary troops and suppress this

uprising.

Either I am mistaken, Jefferson interrupted, or you and I received different

reports on the matter. I cannot remember anything about the men being armed.

They tarred and feathered my chief collections officer! Hamilton roared.

Since when do tar and feathers qualify as weapons? Shall we count all roofers

and pillow makers as members of the militias? Your men were the only ones carrying

pistols, Jefferson rebutted.


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And you can see why they felt it necessary to carry such weapons, said

Hamilton. They were met with nothing but violence from the beginning. I am telling

you, military force is the only way to solve this. Their leader, this Bradford fellow, is

quite the inflammatory agent. He is an educated man, from what I hear, but has taken it

upon himself to become the personal crusader of the working class. He has them riled up

to the point of anarchy. We must march into Washington and seize him at once.

Are you suggesting that I send an army against our own citizens and into the

very town that has chosen to honor me by adopting my name? Washington questioned.

At this there was once again firm silence. Washington stared at Hamilton, then at

Jefferson, before looking back to Hamilton, but neither man seemed willing to respond.

Both could tell they had crossed the line once again with their arguing and to make

matters worse, neither had any idea how to respond to such a question. A few embers

cracked loudly from the fire, and Hamilton actually flinched at the noise. Realizing that

he would have to be the next one to speak, Washington continued.

It occurs to me, Alexander, that much of this is in fact the result of your actions.

You failed to consider the full ramifications of your proposed economic policies. I

understand that you were only attempting to make this nation stronger, and I commend

your intentions, but I fear what your ignorance may bring next if I continue to follow

your advice.

Sir, I... Hamilton started, but he was quickly cut off.

Sir, Mr. Hamiltons policies were indeed misguided, Jefferson said, but

unfortunately the mistakes of the past are unalterable. A man may only affect the present


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moment, and at present it does seem that this situation has become entirely chaotic. I

must admit, swift action through military force is most likely our only recourse now.

Washington let out a long sign as if defeated. He had known since reading the

report that it would come to this, but he hadnt wanted to admit it. He was hoping that

somehow Hamilton or Jefferson could offer another solution, but there simply wasnt

one. To let such a blatant assault upon federal authority go unpunished would

compromise the government forever. They would be seen as weak in the eyes of the

people and the states would quickly denounce them as no longer valid. The Constitution

would soon be repealed and the union would crumble.

Then we come to another problem, Washington said. The Continental Army is

far too small to send against such an uprising. We have no idea how many men we might

face if we march into Washington. Bradford has no doubt summoned even more to his

cause with his latest victory and an attempt at open military suppression will attract even

more attention from the people living there.

Then we must summon militias from the states, Hamilton insisted.

What makes you think they will cooperate? Jefferson asked.

The Constitution provides the president with the power to raise militiasfrom the

states in the event of a threat to the government or national well being, Hamilton

informed him.

Dear lord, you devils managed to sneak all sorts of things in that document,

didnt you? Jefferson scoffed.

How right you are! It is a shame youwere not with us to argue that provision

down, Hamilton sneered. We would be completely out of options in that case.


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For the first time since sitting down, Jefferson rose from his chair. The detached,

sarcastic demeanor he had been displaying was erased by real anger. He took the insult

about his objection to Hamiltons policies, and especially the reference to his absenteeism

during the Constitutional Convention, very seriously. However, President Washington

raised his arm in a gesture of peacekeeping, and Jefferson simply stood silent.

Please, Washington said. I know you two have your differences, but I need

you both to portray an air of solidarity, especially now, at least while in the eye of the

public. Alexander is correct. Our only choice now is to invoke our right to summon

militias from the states.

Both men looked a little shocked at his decision. They were now standing side by

side and both faced their leader with rapt attention.

Make the necessary preparations, Alexander, Washington continued, and

inform me when an adequate militia is assembled. I will lead them myself.


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Chapter Six

It was a cold night, later that October, when John McDowell and James Allison

went to the Bradford House to visit David. The wind was violent and they were forced to

hold their hats in place while they walked. It had been some time since they had seen

their former protg. His involvement with the rebellion and their opposition to such

participation had distanced them.

Both men agreed that Davids actions were making it much more difficult to do

business, both with the federal government and especially with the banks that stood to

profit by certain policies the government had enacted. Federal authority was a major

boon for the businessman, and McDowell and Allison had greatly resented ever

spreading so much word about their support of David Bradford during his earlier career.

Now many people were wary of getting involved with them out of fear that it might

indicate anti-government sympathies.

In a sense, what they had come to tell David was for his own benefit, but they

probably would not have done so if they had nothing to gain by it themselves. Allison

rapped hard on the large front door and the two of them waited for an answer. They were

let in by a servant and told to wait in the downstairs parlor while David was summoned.


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What are you two doing here? David asked upon reaching the landing of the

staircase.

That is no way to greet old friends, David, McDowell said.

Old friends we may be, but you have opposed my every action for the last two

years, David responded. I cannot imagine youve come to make peace now.

On the contrary, David, Allison argued, we come in your best interest. We

have urgent news that you must not wait to act upon.

David was doubtful, but intrigued. After a few moments of consideration, he

entered the parlor and invited the men to take a seat. David, however, remained standing,

and simply wandered to the fireplace, where a fire was still burning, although much of

the light in the room came from candlelit lanterns. He rested his elbow on the mantel and

turned to face his company.

So, what news do you speak of? he asked.

Your life is in grave danger, David, Allison started. We have come to warn

you. You must flee as quickly as you can. Tonight, if possible. You havent much

time.

David was shocked, and a little offended by the thought of them coming to his

home to try driving him out of town with such intimidation.

What on earth are you talking about? he demanded.

President Washington has invoked Martial Law and has summoned militia

members from several states in order to quell your little uprising, McDowell stated. It

seems he was highly displeased with your latest attack on federal officers and has become


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determined to make an example of this county, and of you specifically. He is marching

here to arrest you for treason as we speak.

In the back of his mind, David had been expecting something like this to happen

eventually, but it still hit him like a punch to the stomach. His legs felt weak and he

wanted to sit down, but he refused to sit alongside McDowell and Allison so he forced

himself to remain standing. He hoped neither of them had noticed the moment of

weakness.

I appreciate the warning, he said finally, but I have no intention of abandoning

my family or the people of Washington. The tyranny of this government cannot be

allowed to continue and I will stand with these people and fight if necessary.

You do not realize the futility of such an action, McDowell said. The states

have combined to provide over thirteen thousand men for the Presidents militia and he is

marching all of them here. You have no hope of resisting.

Attempting to fight such an army will only result in massacre, David, Allison

asserted. You must realize that. If you truly care about these people, you have no

choice but to flee in the hope that a bloody conflict will be avoided.

Upon hearing this, David could no longer stand and chose to take a seat a chair

across from the sofa McDowell and Allison were occupying. He didnt think he could

truly trust either of them, but he still believed what they were saying. Such a response

from the government only made sense, and even if they were exaggerating the numbers,

the farmers of Washington and the others who had joined their cause had no chance of

resisting a force even half that size.


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I know we have had our differences these last few years, McDowell said, but

you must understand that we all wish to avoid a massacre. And although you may not

believe us, we care about your safety as well.

He stopped speaking and took a moment to glance at Allison. Both men seemed

to be considering something, although David was too preoccupied to notice. McDowell

gave a slight nod, which prompted Allison to speak.

Weve heard rumors that, upon your capture, President Washington intends to

hang you on the steps of the courthouse to serve as an example for every citizen of the

United States that opposition to the government will not be tolerated.

David was appalled, and his anger forced him back to his feet. Somehow, in the

excitement of the moment, he was bothered more by the idea of such open oppression

and intimidation rather than by the thought of his own death.

They intend to stage a public execution? he bellowed. This is their notion of

liberty? To force people into submission under penalty of death!

You must remember, David, McDowell urged, that treason is the highest of all

crimes in this land. And you cannot argue that you are guilty.

I may be guilty of opposing a tyrannical government, David replied, but it was

not long ago that President Washington was guilty of the same crime. He has become

worse than King George and the United States government worse than the Empire it

replaced. It is clear to me that great power may corrupt even the greatest man.

McDowell and Allison exchanged looks once again and both men had to fight the

urge not to scoff at such a statement. They were pleased, however, that their plan seemed

to be working.


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We are sorry it has come to this, David, Allison stated, but you now realize

how grave the situation has become, do you not? You must agree that the only

reasonable course of action would be for you to leave Washington immediately.

David had walked back to the mantel over the fireplace and was staring at a

painting of his family hed commissioned shortly after they moved into the house. He

and Elizabeth looked so young and he wondered if the artist had been too flattering, but

he realized that she looked almost the same today. It was he who had aged considerably

in the past five years.

In the painting, their children were all still very young, the oldest, his son

Thomas, being only eight. James, William, and Peter were only a year apart in age at six,

five, and four respectively. Their youngest, and only daughter, Angela, was still just an

infant. The children had all been growing up without him, raised mostly by Elizabeth

and the Bradford House servants. As he looked at the painting, David marveled at how

quickly time had passed. He had felt for a long time that he wasnt spending enough time

with them, but there were so many pressures placed upon him by his legal practice and

the people of Washington that he never seemed to be able to rectify that mistake. Now

the thought of leaving them to grow up without any father at all tore him apart inside.

I apologize for my earlier hostility, David said finally. I want to thank you

both for informing me of the militia and the presidents intentions, but I am unsure if I

will leave Washington or not. Now, if you would not mind, it is late and I am going to

retire.

David walked out of the room and left McDowell and Allison to be led out by the

same servant who let them in. When he was halfway up the stairs, he heard McDowell


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call out something about doing the right thing, but he paid it no attention. He went

straight for the master bedroom and when he got there he found that Elizabeth was still

awake.

Whats the matter? she asked as soon as he entered.

David made his way across the room and sat down on the bed beside her. He

wore a grim expression and she knew something terrible had happened.

President Washington is leading an army of over thirteen thousand men, which

he has gathered from various state militias, and he intends to bring them here, David

informed her. According to Mr. McDowell and Mr. Allison, I am his primary target and

he intends to have me hanged for treason in front of everyone.

My God...

They came to urge me to flee Washington while I can.

What are you going to do?

I dont know, I...

David lost the strength to maintain his composure any longer, and he broke down

in front of his wife into heaving sobs. Elizabeth sprang up immediately to hold him.

I am so sorry, Elizabeth, he cried, for bringing this upon us. I never should

have gotten involved in this rebellion, and now I have ruined us. I swore that I would

always take care of you and the children, but I have failed. I convinced these people to

challenge their government and because of that, I have failed you all.

Elizabeth gripped David tightly and kissed his forehead several times. She felt so

sorry for what had happened to him and wished she could have done something to stop it.


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You have not failed us, David, she said. Dont ever think that you have failed

us. Your family loves you and you have been a wonderful husband and father. You have

provided us with everything we could ever need and more. It is not your fault that this

has happened. You did not choose to lead these people, they chose you.

I should never have allowed myself to become so involved.

No, you did the right thing. You offered hope to those who had none. You

stood up for them and fought to make their lives better. And though it seems this

resistance is doomed to end, it will stand as a source of inspiration for people

everywhere. You taught people that it is always right for them to fight for their freedom,

and one day they might prevail. That will be your legacy.

After that, the two of them sat in each others arms for a long time. They said

nothing, and yet communicated more than words ever could. David was so grateful to

have such a kind and devoted wife, and Elizabeth was proud of everything her husband

had become. After a while, they separated and just lay together, awake, and thinking

about what to do.

Eventually they decided that David had no choice but to leave. It was the only

chance the town had of avoiding a massacre. If he stayed, the people would be too

devoted to protecting him, no matter what he told them, and their deaths would

accomplish nothing. They also decided that it would be impractical for him to travel with

a wife and five children, especially since he would be a fugitive.

David was worried about his familys safety, but decided Elizabeth was right

when she pointed out that it was unlikely President Washington would go so far as to

harm an innocent woman and her children. They agreed they would miss each other


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terribly, but Elizabeth was also right when she said: I would rather miss my husband for

the rest of my life and know that he was safe somewhere far away, than watch him be

hanged in front of me.

So they decided that David would pack up the things he needed and depart the

next day. He wasnt sure where he would go, but he knew he had to make it out of

United States territory, and luckily he was not too far away from open territory living on

the frontier. He would head for Pittsburgh first and decide from there where to go. After

making all of the necessary preparations, they kissed each other goodnight and Elizabeth

lay back down to sleep, but David stayed up.

Thank you for everything, he said. I will join you soon, but there is one more

thing I have to do.

Elizabeth rolled over to sleep as David left the room and walked down the

hallway to the childrens bedroom. He opened the door slowly to avoid making any

sound and crept into the room. There were two beds along the wall, each shared by two

of the boys, while Angela had her own, smaller bed. She was still young enough to be

strapped to the bed for the night to prevent her from falling out while she slept and

possibly rolling into the fire, which was kept burning all night during the winter to keep

the children warm.

David made his way across the room as quietly as he could until he reached the

side of the bed where Thomas was sleeping. He shook his son gently to wake him.

Wha...Whats going on? Thomas said, still half asleep.

Shhhhh, dont wake the others, David whispered. I only need to speak with

you for a moment and then you can go back to sleep.


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What is it? Thomas whispered back, now more alert.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, and I was not sure if Id have time tell you

this so I have to do it now. There are men coming to arrest me, Thomas, for challenging

the tax and they mean to do me great harm. Do you understand?

Thomas nodded.

My only chance is to escape before they arrive, but it means I have to leave you

all behind. I am very sad to have to do this, but it is the only way. But I need you to

promise me something before I go. Can you do that?

Thomas nodded again.

I need you to look after your mother and make sure shes all right. You must

care for your brothers and most of all, your sister. They will all be depending on you

from now on. Make sure you take good care of them all until I see you again. Im

counting on you. Do you promise?

I promise, Thomas whispered.

Thank you, Thomas. Now go back to sleep. I will see you in the morning.

Father... Thomas called, just above a whisper, as David was turning to leave.

Yes, Thomas?

The thirteen-year-old boy looked at his father as if it were the last time he would

ever see him. He knew they would see each other the next day, but he had no idea what

would happen after that. All he could think of was that he knew his father was leaving

and he wasnt sure if he was ever coming back. The severity of this laiy on him like a

giant stone, but at the same time he was honored. It felt good to know that his father


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trusted him with such an important task and thought of him as enough o

Documents

Frontier Rebellion