John Malcolm (May 20, 1723 - November 23, 1788) was an American-born customs official and army officer who was the victim of the most publicized tarring and feathering during the American Revolution.

Some Patriot leaders who believed mob violence hurt their cause tried to dissuade the crowd by arguing that Malcolm should be turned over to the justice system.

Richardson was a customs official who had killed a 12-year-old Bostonian named Christopher Seider, but escaped punishment by receiving a royal pardon.

The crowd took him to the Liberty Tree and told him to apologize for his behavior, renounce his customs commission, and curse King George III.

[2] While awaiting a reply Malcolm unsuccessfully ran for Parliament against John Wilkes, the controversial champion of colonial rights.

"[2] Despite writing in his petition that he wanted to return to Boston and resume his duties as a customs official, and that being tarred and feathered was now a badge of honor for him, the king was not impressed.