A name sarcastically applied to a riot in Pennsylvania, which occurred in March, 1799. Certain persons had poured hot water, or something equally unpleasant, on the head of the federal tax-collector, and were arraigned for treason. They were pardoned by President John Adams, in a proclamation dated May 21, 1800.
1799. Porcupine first exposed him. Fenno tore the mask, and the hot water insurrection, Lancaster, and Montgomery’s new method of preserving the law inviolate, have clearly exhibited the cloven foot…. The tale of a tub begat the hot water war, and that begat the devil among the taylors.—The Aurora, Phila., May 3.
1799. This hot water war will turn out a very dirty business to its authors in the end.—Id., May 4, under the heading of ‘The State Trials.’
1800. Three citizens were condemned to death for participating in this hot water war.—Id., June 11.
1800. [In Philadelphia, Noah Webster] will find the London Cockneyisms flourish in perfection—veal—here converted into weal,—and wine into vine,—the hot-water-war he will find described as a hot vater var, &c.—Id., June 20.
