The Fries Rebellion

Fries Rebellion
1798-99

An Armed Resistance to the House Tax Law, passed by Congress July 9, 1798. in Bucks and North Hampton Counties, Pennsylvania, when, during the troubles between the United States and France, now known as the Quasi-War, the US Congress levied a direct tax (on dwelling-houses, lands and slaves; sometimes called the Direct House Tax of 1798, of $2 million, of which Pennsylvania was called upon to contribute $237,000. There were very few slaves in the state, and the tax was accordingly assessed upon dwelling-houses and land, the value of the houses being determined by the number and size of the windows.

The inquisitorial nature of the proceedings aroused strong opposition among the Germans, and many of them refused to pay. Fries, assuming leadership, organized an armed band of about 60 men, a force that grew to about 400 by mid-day, who marched about the country encouraging the people to resist.

Written by W.W. H Davis, A.M.

• Chapter I Cause of Rebellion, John Fries
  Chapter II Insurgents PRepare to Resist the Law
  Chapter III Fries Captures The Assessors
  Chapter IV Opposition to House Tax Law in Northamptom
  Chapter V The Marshal Makes Arrests in Northampton
  Chapter VI Rescue of the Prisioners at Bethlehem
  Chapter VII The President Issues his Proclamation
  Chapter VIII Troops Called Out to Suppress the Insurrection
  Chapter IX Rev. Charles Henry Helmuth Issues and Address
  Chapter X The Army Marches
  Chapter XI Trial of John Fries
  Chapter XII Pardon of Fries
  Chapter XIII Conclusion

For information on the picture of Fries Rebellion used here,  please see  " The Confrontation . Enoch Roberts' Tavern in Quakertown . March . 6 . 1799 .
Painting by James R Mann . 1980 "