Philip Vigol and John Mitchell
Who pardoned them: George Washington
What they were pardoned for: Treason
Why it was controversial: Philip Vigol (also written as Wigle) and John Mitchell participated in the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against taxes on whiskey. The two were convicted of high treason for their participation, and sentenced to death. Alexander Hamilton had introduced the tax, and thought the men responsible for the rebellion should be punished to the full extent of the law. Washington’s pardon went directly against his wishes.