Whereas, (groups have formed) to defeat the (enforcement) of the laws laying (taxes) upon spirits within the United States...it is in my judgement necessaryfor calling forth the militia in order to suppress the distilled

(revolt)...and to cause the laws to be duly (enforced). Therefore...I, George Washington, President of the United States, do hereby command all persons, being

insurgents"...to disperse and retire peaceably

*insurgents are rebels

Why did President Washington feel he had to act so quickly and firmly in this situation?