John Fries
Who pardoned him: John Adams
What he was pardoned for: Treason
Why it was controversial: John Fries led the Fries Rebellion, another armed protest against taxes. This is another case where the president’s conduct went against what Alexander Hamilton wanted. Hamilton wrote to others expressing his displeasure about the pardon as well as his general disdain for Adams’ conduct. When the letter was published, it created a breakdown within Adams’ political party, and this breakdown helped his opponent, Thomas Jefferson, win the next election.