USA > Virginia > Exiles in Virginia : with observations on the conduct of the Society of Friends during the revolutionary war ; comprising the official papers of the government relating to that period. 1777-1778 > Part 22
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It is our fervent desire that this may soon appear to be the pious resolution of the people in general, of all ranks and de- nominations ; then may we have a well-grounded hope, that wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy and good fruits, will preside and govern in the delibera- tions of those who, in these perilous times, undertake the transaction of the most important public affairs ; and that by their steady care and endeavours, constantly to act under the influences of this wisdom, those of inferior stations will be in- cited diligently to pursue those measures which make for peace, and tend to the reconciliation of contending parties, on principles dictated by the spirit of Christ, who " came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them." (Luke ix. 56.)
We are so fully assured that these principles are the most
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certain and effectual means of preventing the extreme misery and desolations of wars and bloodshed, that we are constrained to entreat all who profess faith in Christ, to manifest that they really believe in him and desire to obtain the blessings he pro- nounced to the makers of peace. (Matt. v. 9.)
His spirit ever leads to seek for and improve every oppor- tunity of promoting peace and reconciliation, and constantly to remember that as we really confide in him, he can, in his own time, change the hearts of all men in such manner, that the way to obtain it, hath been often opened contrary to every human prospect or expectation.
May we, therefore, heartily and sincerely unite in supplica- tions to the Father of Mercies, to grant the plentiful effusions of his spirit to all, and in an especial manner to those in superior stations, that they may with sincerity, guard against and reject all such measures and councils, as may increase and perpetuate the discord, animosities, and unhappy contentions which now sorrowfully abound.
We cannot but with distressed minds, beseech all such in the. most solemn and awful manner, to consider that, if by their acting and persisting in a proud, selfish spirit, and not regard- ing the dictates of true wisdom, such measures are pursued as tend to the shedding of innocent blood; in the day when they and all men shall appear at the judgment seat of Christ, to re- ceive a reward according to their works, they will be excluded from his favour, and their portion will be everlasting misery. (See Matt. xxv. 41 ; 2 Cor. v. 10.)
The peculiar evidence of divine regard manifested to our ancestors, in the founding and settlement of these provinces, we have often commemorated, and desire ever to remember, with true thankfulness and reverent admiration.
When we consider-That at the time they were persecuted and subjected to severe sufferings, as a people unworthy of the benefits of civil or religious liberty, the hearts of the king and rulers under whom they suffered, were inclined to grant them these fruitful countries, and entrust them with charters of very
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extensive powers and privileges. That on their arrival here, the minds of the natives were inclined to receive them with great hospitality and friendship ; and to cede to them the most valuable part of their land on very easy terms. That while the principles of justice and mercy continued to preside, they were preserved in tranquillity and peace, free from the desolating calamities of war; and their endeavours were wonderfully blessed and prospered, so that the saying of the wisest of kings was signally verified to them, " when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Pro. xvi. 7.)
The benefits, advantages and favour we have experienced by our dependence on, and connexion with, the kings and government, under which we have enjoyed this happy state, appear to demand from us the greatest circumspection, care, and constant endeavours, to guard against every attempt to alter or subvert that dependence or connexion.
The scenes lately presented to our view, and the prospect before us, we are sensible are very distressing and discouraging; and though we lament that such amicable measures as have been proposed, both here and in England, for the adjustment of the unhappy contests subsisting, have not yet been effectual, nevertheless, we should rejoice to observe the continuance of mutual peaceable endeavours for effecting a reconciliation ; having grounds to hope that the divine favour and blessing will attend them.
" It hath ever been our judgment and principle, since we were called to profess the light of Christ Jesus, manifested in our consciences unto this day, that the setting up, and putting down kings and government, is God's peculiar prerogative ; for causes best known to himself ; and that it is not our business to have any hand or contrivance therein, nor to be busybodies above our station, much less to plot and contrive the ruin, or overturn of any of them, but to pray for the king, and safety of our nation, and good of all men ; that we may live a peace- able and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty ; under the
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government which God is pleased to set over us."-Ancient Testimony, 1696, in Sewall's History.
May we therefore firmly unite in the abhorrence of all such writings, and measures, as evidence a desire and design to break off the happy connexion we have heretofore enjoyed, with the kingdom of Great Britain, and our just and necessary subordination to the king, and those who are lawfully placed in authority under him ; that thus the repeated solemn declara- tions, made on this subject, in the addresses sent to the king, on behalf of the people of America in general, may be con- firmed, and remain to be our firm and sincere intentions to observe and fulfil.
Signed, in and on behalf of a meeting of the representatives of our religious Society, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey ; held at Philadelphia, the 20th day of the first month, 1776.
JOHN PEMBERTON, Clerk.
TO OUR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN IN RELIGIOUS PROFESSION, IN THESE AND THE ADJACENT PROVINCES.
Dearly beloved friends and brethren.
Our minds being renewedly impressed with a fervent religious concern for your spiritual welfare, and preservation in the love and fellowship of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, by the constrainings of his love, we are engaged to salute you in this time of deep exercise, affliction, and difficulty ; earnestly desiring, that we may by steady cir- cumspection and care, in every part of our conduct and con- versation, evidence, that under the close trials, which are and may be permitted to attend us, our faith and reliance is fixed on him alone for protection and deliverance, remembering his gracious promise to his faithful followers, "Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world." (Matt. xxviii. 20.)
And " as it became him for whom are all things, and by
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whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings," (Heb. ii. 10) let us not be dismayed, if we are now led in the same path.
As we keep in the Lord's power and peaceable truth, which is over all, and therein seek the good of all, neither outward sufferings, persecutions, nor any outward thing that is below, will hinder or break our heavenly fellowship in the light and spirit of Christ. (G. Fox's Epistle, 1685.)
Thus we may with Christian fortitude and firmness withstand and refuse to submit to the arbitrary injunctions and ordinances of men, who assume to themselves the power of compelling others, either in person or by other assistance, to join in car- rying on war, and in prescribing modes of determining con- cerning our religious principles, by imposing tests not war- ranted by the precepts of Christ, or the laws of the happy con- stitution, under which we and others long enjoyed tranquillity and peace.
We therefore, in the aboundings of that love, which wisheth the spiritual and temporal prosperity of all men, exhort, ad- monish and caution, all who make religious profession with us, and especially our beloved youth, to stand fast in that liberty, wherewith through the manifold sufferings of our predecessors, we have been favoured, and steadily to bear our testimony against every attempt to deprive us of it.
And, dear friends, you who have known the truth, and the powerful operations thereof in your minds, adhere faithfully thereto, and by your good examples and stability, labour to strengthen the weak, confirm the wavering, and warn and caution the unwary against being beguiled by the snares of the adversaries of truth and righteousness. Let not the fear of suffering, either in person or property, prevail on any to join with or promote any work or preparation for war.
Our profession and principles are founded on that spirit which is contrary to, and will in time put an end to all wars, and bring in everlasting righteousness ; and by our constantly
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abiding under the direction and instruction of that spirit, we may be endued with that " wisdom from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypo- crisy." (James iii. 17.) That this may be our happy experience is our fervent desire and prayer.
Signed, in and on behalf of the meeting for sufferings held in Philadelphia, for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the 20th day of the 12th month, 1776.
JOHN PEMBERTON, Clerk.
MINUTE OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING HELD IN PHILADELPHIA, 8TH MONTH, 4TH, 1777.
The account from the several meetings in Philadelphia re- lating to the subject of sufferings being read, their care and attention to the direction of the Yearly Meeting is approved of, and their further attention on such cases as may arise is desired ; and as it may be useful for these now brought to be communicated to the Meeting for Sufferings for further con- sideration, the clerk is directed to lay them before that meeting.
Copied from the minutes of said meeting.
JOHN PEMBERTON, Clerk.
AT A MONTHLY MEETING OF PHILADELPHIA, HELD ON THE 25TH AND 31ST DAYS 7TH MONTH, AND 1ST 8TH MONTH, 1777.
" A committee being appointed, agreeable to the recom- mendation of our last Yearly Meeting, to advise and assist any of our friends who have been brought under sufferings on account of our Christian testimony, and to preserve a record of sufferings, have acquainted this meeting in writing, that, they have several times met and freely conferred on the sub-
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ject, and although a number of our brethren have suffered on various occasions under the prevailing tumults and confusions which have attended, yet no account of particular cases hath been so collected as to enable them to make a full report there- on ; we have therefore continued the same committee, and de- sired their further attention to the service, that the intention of the Yearly Meeting may be fulfilled.
AT A MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS IN PHILADELPHIA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, HELD THE 30TH 7TH MONTH, 1777, BY AD- JOURNMENT.
The committee appointed by this meeting, to advise and assist such of our members who might be subjected to suffer- ing for the testimony of truth, and to keep a record thereof, agreeably to the direction of the last Yearly Meeting, brought in a report in writing, a copy of which is herewith sent.
" TO THE MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS IN PHILADELPHIA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
" We the committee appointed to advise and assist such of our members who might be subjected to suffering for the tes- timony of truth, and to keep a record thereof, agreeably to the direction of last Yearly Meeting, do report, That we have kept this matter under our care, in order that we might give our assistance when necessary. And although there were some occurrences previous to our appointment, wherein some were subjected to suffering, no cases have fallen out of late which required our particular care. Nevertheless we may observe that some Friends have been injured in their property, by having had blankets taken from them on account of their non-compliance with a requisition that was made for a number of blankets, for the purpose of equipping soldiers going to war. Some also who followed their lawful vocations on the days appointed by those in authority, to be observed as public fasts,
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have been molested, and their shops violently shut by the rabble.
" And likewise on the evening of a day lately appointed by the present powers, for public rejoicing, divers Friends had their windows broke by a licentious mob, because they could not join with the multitude in illuminating their windows. But no account has been brought in by any Friend of the loss or damage they have sustained.
" Signed, at the request and on behalf of the committee, by " JOHN REYNELL.
" Philadelphia, 28th 7th month, 1777."
The Monthly Meeting for the Northern District having had a committee appointed to the like service, produced to that meeting the following report.
" Inasmuch as divers of our members have been subjected to various losses, oppressions and impositions, under the present commotions and tumults, the committee appointed in the 12th month last, to preserve a record of the sufferings of our brethren for a faithful adherence to the cause and testimony of truth, think it right to submit to the consideration of the Monthly Meeting, a general view of the several matters in which the committee have been exercised, to encourage and promote faithfulness, and a conduct consistent with our religious pro- fession, as also by a brotherly sympathy and labour, to endea- vour to relieve, assist and strengthen, some of our oppressed brethren.
" Many of our houses have been stripped of the leaden weights used for the hanging of windows, by order of those who have in these tumultuous times assumed the rule. In like manner have a considerable number of blankets been forcibly taken and carried away from many Friends, declared to be for fitting out men to go to war. The being compelled into a con- tribution for such a purpose has been grievous to honest minds. And some have had their stock of this necessary article so re- duced, as to be likely to want the needful covering in a cooler
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season. So far as have come to our knowledge, we have reason to believe Friends have mostly suffered in this, and the first instance, with a good degree of patience and meekness, and have generally shown a disapprobation of such exactions.
" The houses of several Friends have been wantonly abused, and their windows broke and destroyed by a rude rabble, for not joining with the present rulers in their pretended acts of devotion, and conforming to their ordinances in making a show of that sort in shutting up our houses and shops, professedly to observe a day of humiliation, and to crave a blessing on their public proceedings, but evidently tending to spread the spirit of strife and contention.
" The like abuses and wanton destruction of our property hath lately been repeated, because Friends could not illuminate their houses, and conform to such vain practices, and outward marks of rejoicing, to commemorate the time of these people's withdrawing themselves from all subjection to the English government, and from our excellent constitution, under which we long enjoyed peace and prosperity.
"Some of our members have also had soldiers forced into their houses and kept there for some time, by which families have been much incommoded, and our peaceable testimony disregarded by the authors of this imposition.
"Edward Wells was seized in the street by a number of armed men, and for refusing to bear arms, or to aid and assist in warlike services, he was committed to the New Prison in this city, and there confined about three days, by order of General Putnam.
" And for the like refusal Thomas Masterman, William Brown, and William Wayne, were taken from their dwellings by an armed company of men, and with drum and music paraded through the streets for a considerable time before they were permitted to return to their habitations.
" Samuel Shaw having been appointed under the present rulers to act in conjunction with their magistrates as an overseer of the poor, after a deliberate consideration of the
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matter, concluded to decline the office, believing it to be incon- sistent with his own peace of mind, and the solid advice of Friends at our last Yearly Meeting. He was fined for refusing to serve, twenty pounds, and had his goods distrained and taken from him to the value of twenty-eight pounds.
" William Compton's case will close the report we have to make, which is set forth in the two following minutes of our Monthly Meeting, except that of his having been kept close prisoner near six weeks, debarred from the conversation and advice of his friends, and thereby prevented from manifesting innocence of the charge brought against him, at a time when he was threatened with very severe usage, even to the endan- gering of his life, although from aught that has appeared, the authors of this injurious and cruel treatment had not the least grounds therefor.
" 5th month 27th, 1777 .- The committee appointed to afford their advice and assistance to such of our brethren as might be brought under suffering, having had divers meetings with the overseers and several other Friends, and taken into their con- sideration the situation of William Compton, one of our mem- bers, who was committed to the New Prison in this city on the 18th day of last month, by a written order signed by Philip Schuyler, acting in the character of a general and commander of the military forces in this city; and though repeated applica- tions have been made to him, and his promise obtained, that William should be enlarged, having informed Friends that so far as had come to his knowledge nothing criminal in the view of those who now exercise authority in this place, had upon examination been found against him ; yet he is still continued in confinement, and there appears fresh occasion for an exercise of brotherly care and Christian sympathy in his case. After a solid deliberation thereon in this meeting, our friends John Hunt, Charles West, John Parrish, Samuel Smith, William Cowper, William Fisher, Joshua Howell, Isaac Cathrall, and Henry Drinker, were appointed to take the same under their immediate and religious care, and desired to afford such assist-
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ance and help therein as our said friend's situation may appear to require, and should they apprehend it necessary, they are at liberty to lay the same before our Meeting for Sufferings for their advice in this matter, in which our Society now is, and may be deeply interested.
" 5th month 25th, 1777 .- The committee nominated last month having several times met together with some of our brethren in this city, on the day of their appointment and the succeeding day, and seriously considered the alarming stretch of power which had been, and the severity which was proposed to be exercised in the case of William Compton, they concluded it right to remonstrate against, and endeavour to prevent some very arbitrary proceedings, with which he was then threatened, and after diligently pursuing the matter, and personally attend- ing an examination which he was subjected to, a discharge from his confinement was obtained, with a certificate that there did not appear the least grounds for the charge brought against him.
SAMUEL SMITH, WILLIAM COWPER, CHARLES WEST, JOHN PARRISH, HENRY DRINKER.
" To the Monthly Meeting of Friends of the Northern Dis- trict of Philadelphia, to be held by adjournment this day.
" Philadelphia, 7th month 29th, 1777."
The foregoing report was read, and considered, in our said meeting, and committed to the care of the representatives, to be laid before our Quarterly Meeting.
HENRY DRINKER, Clerk
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought up from our seve- ral Monthly Meetings, chiefly for not bearing arms and paying
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taxes for supporting a war against the government this year, is four hundred and sixteen pounds five shillings, Pennsylvania currency.
Divers Friends were imprisoned; some soon discharged ; three continued prisoners upwards of three months, were fined by the court but not yet levied, and their persons discharged from imprisonment.
Extract from the minutes of our Quarterly Meeting, held in Rahway, the 18th of 8th month, 1777.
By JOHN SHOTWELL, Clerk.
Extract of a letter from General Sullivan to Congress, dated Hanover, August 25, 1777.
" Among the baggage taken on Staten Island, the 22d instant, I find a number of important papers. A copy of three I enclose for the perusal of Congress. The one from the Yearly Meeting at Spanktown, held the 19th instant, I think worthy the atten- tion of Congress.
"No. 1. Where is Washington ? what number of men or cannon ?
2. Where is Sterling ? what number of men and cannon ?
3. Where is Sullivan ? &c.
4. Where is Dayton and Ogden ? what number ?
5. Whether there be any troops passing or repassing ?
6. Intelligence from Albany.
7. Intelligence from Philadelphia.
8. Be very particular about time and place. " Information from Jersey, 19 August, 1777.
" It is said General Howe landed near the head of Chesa- peake Bay, but cannot learn the particular spot, nor when.
" Washington lays in Pennsylvania, about twelve miles from Coryell's Ferry.
" Sullivan lays about six miles northward of Morristown, with about two thousand men.
" SPANKTOWN YEARLY MEETING.
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" Intelligence from Jersey, Sunday, July 28, 1777.
" I saw on their full march, seven miles from Morristown, on the road to Delaware, General Washington, General Muhlen- burg, General Weeden, with two thousand men, and General Knox with his train of artillery, consisting of fourteen field pieces, and one howitz, seventy-nine ammunition wagons, and one hundred and thirty baggage wagons; and then proceeding on the road from Hackettstown to Easton, there saw on their full march to Delaware, General Stevens and General Scott, with four thousand men and light field pieces, and on the road met twenty-nine flat-bottomed boats, and proceeded down to Quibbletown, where I saw General Stirling and General Con- way with three thousand men and no field pieces. I am in- formed that General Sullivan has crossed the North River, and is bringing up the rear. As to the truth of that, I hope I shall be able to inform you in two or three days."
Received, August 31, 1777.
Published by order of Congress. CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
Many of the historical writers on the American Revolution having censured the Society of Friends for their attachment to the Colonial Government, and for the expressions in their epistles to their members, of the satisfaction and advantages they had enjoyed under it, it will be proper to show that Congress, even at a subsequent date, made use of stronger ex- pressions in their public addresses to the king, of their loyalty and attachment ; and for this purpose the following documents are inserted in relative position to each other.
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Epistle of Friends, 1st month 24th, 1775.
" We are therefore excited by a sin- cere concern for the peace and welfare of our country, publicly to declare against every usurpation of power in opposition to the laws and government, and against all combinations, insurrec- tions, conspiracies, and illegal assem- blies; and as we are restrained from them by a conscientious discharge of our duties to Almighty God, by whom ' kings reign, and princes decree jus- tice,' we hope through his assistance and favour to be able to maintain our testimony against any requisitions which may be made of us inconsistent with our religious principles, and the fidelity we owe to the king and his government as by law established, earnestly desiring the restoration of that harmony and con- cord which have hitherto united the people of these provinces, and been attended by the divine blessing on their labours."
Address of Congress to the King, July 8th, 1775.
" Attached as we are to your majesty's person and government, with all the de- votion that principle and affection can inspire, connected with Great Britain by the strongest ties which can unite societies, and deploring every event that tends in any degree to weaken them, we solemnly assure your majesty that we not only most ardently desire that the former happiness between her and these Colonies may be restored, but that a concord may be established be- tween them upon so firm a basis as to perpetuate its blessings, uninterrupted by any future dissensions, to succeeding generations in both countries, and to transmit your majesty's name to pos- terity, adorned with that signal and lasting glory that hath attended the memory of those illustrious personages whose virtues and abilities have extri- cated states from dangerous convul- sions, and by securing happiness to others, have added the most noble and durable monuments to their own fame."
The historian Gibbon, in summing up the character of the primitive Christians, gives the following account of their prin- ciples, which is in remarkable coincidence with the tenets of the Society of Friends, to which reference is made in the In- troduction .*
" The Christians were not less averse to the business than to the pleasures of the world. The defence of our persons and property they knew not how to reconcile with the patient doc- trine which enjoined an unlimited forgiveness of past injuries, and commanded them to invite fresh insults. Their simplicity
* Gibbon's Decline and Fall, chap. xv.
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was offended by the use of oaths, by the pomp of magistracy, and by the active contention of public life ; nor could their humane ignorance be convinced that it was lawful on any oc- casion to shed the blood of our fellow-creatures, either by the sword of justice or by that of war; even though their criminal or hostile attempts should threaten the peace and safety of the whole community. It was acknowledged that under a less perfect law the powers of the Jewish constitution had been exercised, with the approbation of Heaven, by inspired prophets and anointed kings. The Christians felt and confessed that such institutions might be necessary for the present system of the world, and they cheerfully submitted to the authority of their Pagan governors. But while they inculcated the maxims of passive obedience, they refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military defence of the empire."
THE END.
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