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 5
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A number of our friends having been imprisoned and ban- ished, unheard, from their families, under a charge and insinu- ation that " they have in their general conduct and conversation
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INTRODUCTION.
evidenced a disposition inimical to the cause of America ;" and from some publications, intimating " that there is strong reason to apprehend that these persons maintain a correspon- dence highly prejudicial to the public safety," there may be induced a belief that we have in our conduct departed from the peaceable principles which we profess ; and apprehending that the minds of some may thereby be misled, for the clearing up of truth, we think it necessary publicly to declare, that we are led out of all wars and fightings by the principle of grace and truth in our own minds, by which we are restrained, either as private members of society, or in any of our meetings, from holding a correspondence with either army; but are concerned to spread the testimony of truth and the peaceable doctrines of Christ, to seek the good of all, to keep a conscience void of offence towards God and man, to promote the kingdom of the Messiah, which we pray may come, and be experienced in in- dividuals, in kingdoms, and nations, that they may " beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks, and nation not lift up sword against nation, neither learn war any more." (Isaiah, ii. 4.) And we deny, in general terms, all charges and insinuations which in any degree clash with this our profession.
As to a nameless paper lately published, said to be dated at Spanktown Yearly Meeting, and found among the baggage on Staten Island, every person who is acquainted with our style, may be convinced it was never written by any of our meet- ings, or by any of our friends. Besides, there is no meeting throughout our whole Society of that name, nor was that letter, or any one like it, ever written in any of our meetings since we were a people. We therefore solemnly deny the said letter, and wish that those who have assumed a fictitious character to write under, whether with a view to injure us or cover themselves, might find it their place to clear us of this charge, by stating the truth.
As from the knowledge we have of our banished friends,
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INTRODUCTION.
and the best information we have been able to obtain, we are convinced they have done nothing to forfeit their just right to liberty, we fervently desire, that all those who have any hand in sending them into banishment, might weightily consider the tendency of their own conduct, and how contrary it is to the doctrines and example of our Lord and Lawgiver, Christ Jesus ; and do them that justice which their case requires, by restoring them to their afflicted families and friends ; and this, we are well assured, will conduce more to their peace, than keeping them in exile.
We give forth this admonition, in the fear of God, not only with a view to the relief of our friends, but also to the real in- terest of those concerned in their banishment.
Having been favoured to meet to transact the affairs of our religious society, which relate to the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness, we have felt a renewed concern for the good and happiness of mankind in general, and in the love of the Gospel, have issued forth this testimony, for the clearing ourselves and our friends, and the warning of those who, from groundless suspicions and mistaken notions concerning us, may be persuaded to seek our hurt, to the wounding of their own souls and the loss of the community.
Signed by order and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting.
ISAAC JACKSON, Clerk.
From the Minutes of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, in 10th month, 1778.
REPORT.
We, the committee appointed by our last Yearly Meeting, to visit the generals of the two contending armies, on the second day of the week following our said meeting, proceeded to General Howe's headquarters, near Germantown, and had a seasonable opportunity of a conference with him, and deli-
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vered him one of the testimonies issued by the Yearly Meet- ing, and then proceeded on our way to General Washington's camp, at which we arrived next day, without meeting with any interruption ; and being conducted to headquarters, where the principal officers were assembled in council, after waiting some time, we were admitted and had a very full opportunity of clearing the Society from some aspersions which had been invidiously raised against them, and distributed a number of the testimonies amongst the officers, who received and read them, and made no objections.
We were much favoured and mercifully helped with the seasoning virtue of truth, and the presence of the Master was very sensibly felt, who made way for us beyond expectation, it being a critical and dangerous season. We may further add, that we were kindly entertained by General Washington and his officers ; but, lest on our return we should be examined as to intelligence, we were desired to go to Pottsgrove for a few days, within which time such alterations might take place as to render our return less exceptionable to them; where we were accordingly sent, under the guard or care of a single officer, and hospitably entertained by Thomas Rutter, a very kind man, and others of our friends.
In this town we had some good service for the truth.
Two of the committee were discharged on sixth day after- noon, and the other four on seventh day, having been detained between three and four days. Two of the Friends, upon com- ing within the English lines, then near Vanderin's Mill, were stopped and questioned respecting intelligence about the Ame- ricans, which they declining to give, they were sent, under a guard, to the Hessian colonel who commanded at that post, and he proposed several questions respecting the American army, which the Friends declining to answer, he grew very angry, rough, and uncivil, using some harsh reflecting lan- guage, and ordered a guard to conduct them to the Hessian General, Knyphausen, who appeared more friendly. But he, not understanding the English language, sent them, under the
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conduct of a lighthorseman or trooper, to General Howe's headquarters at Germantown; but upon the two Friends in- forming one of his aide-de-camps who they were, they were dismissed without being farther interrogated. So that no kind of intelligence was obtained from them, nor any departure from the language of the testimony they had delivered.
We believe the Lord's hand was in it, guarding us from im- proper compliances, and bringing us through this weighty ser- vice, though it was a time of close humbling baptism.
As to the charge respecting the intelligence said to have been given from Spanktown Yearly Meeting, we believe General Washington, and all the officers then present, being a pretty many, were fully satisfied as to Friends' clearness; and we hope and believe, through the Lord's blessing, the opportunity we had was useful many ways; there having been great open- ness and many observations upon various subjects, to edifica- tion, and tending to remove and clear up some prejudices which had been imbibed.
Signed, SAMUEL EMLEN, WILLIAM BROWN, JOSHUA MORRIS, JAMES THORNTON, WARNER MIFFLIN, NICHOLAS WALN.
The following paper, purporting to have originated from the Society of Friends, was directed by Congress to be published in Philadelphia.
Extract of a letter from General Sullivan to Congress, dated Hanover, (near Newark, New Jersey,) 25 August, 1777.
" Among 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 of the Yearly Meeting of
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INTRODUCTION.
Spanktown, held the 19th instant, I think worthy the attention of Congress.
"No. 1. Where is Washington ? what number of men or cannon ?
2. Where is Sterling ? what number of men or 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 or when.
" Washington lays in Pennsylvania, about 12 miles from Coryell's Ferry.
" Sullivan lays about six miles north of Morristown, with about two thousand men.
" SPANKTOWN YEARLY MEETING."
" Intelligence from Jersey, Sunday, July 28, 1777.
" I saw on their full march, about seven miles from Morris- town, on the road to Delaware, General Washington, General Muhlenburg, General Weeden, with four 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 pro- ceeding on their 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 Sullivan and General Conway, with three thousand men and no field pieces. " I am informed that General Sullivan has crossed the North
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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.
The above publication may be found at the Philadelphia Library in Folio 384, Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet, No. 304, Philadelphia, Tuesday, 9 September, 1777; and in the Supple- ment; and also in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2533, Phila- delphia, Wednesday, 10 September, 1777.
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"Phila the 31 of the mo: n/a
Eftermed Friend
The Prefung receparty of an Application to the where Perhaps the other Engagements of Importance may ly et be Interrupted, I hope well Plead my excuse. It is in behalf of my self, and the rest of the Sufering ( and aflited Jasente, Wives and neas Connections of eur belevel Husbands now in Bunchment at Winchester, what lados to our Bestsel iny The sorrowful forumstanie is the acc. we have lately received of the removal of one of them by Death, and that owers of them are much India " Noved, and as welfind they are in want of Receberys Proper for Such People Ne desure the Favour of General Washingtone to grant a Protection for One 11- Mon Wagens, and for the Persons we may Employ to go with them In order. That they may be accom modated with what is suitable for which wechall be much Obliged to himy sign's in behalf of the whole by
Mary Pemberton &
General Washington
Original in the Vifuce of Public Documents Harrisburg Penna 1845.
Jorge April 5 TH18
I take theliberty to include you a letter. from UM Mary Pemberton, requesting a fraffert for forme waggons to be Sent out with articles for the efe of her hufland and others, now in confinement. Is the person concerned are preforce of The frale, I did not think proper to comply with her request - I have offered her, that Iwond tranfmil her letter to you , and did not dolebt , but her application would meet with your ready con currence. If you will be pleased to find the haffport required to me-Juill convey it by a flagg . "The letter mentions one or more) waggons - Idarefay you will extend the indul. genes. as faras may be requipele and content tent with propriety. 6 Ihave the honor to be
Yourmost Ober Gewand
Gatheriron
Governor Wharton 1 1 Original in the Ifwe of Public. Dissements List resburg J'enn " 1048
Lancasterolan public service
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1
Acad Quarters Valley Forge 6. april 78
Dow Jones, 1120 Pleasants and two other aadres connected with the Quakers confined of Winchester in Vagones waited open me this day for permyown to rales to York Down to endeavo un to ottain the release of their Grunds as they were at. melled by the Offreer at the advanced packet to come within the Camp, of thought it fafer to feffer them to proceed, than to oblige them to return immediate by to the City you will fudge of the property of permitting them to proceed further than Lancas ter, but from appearances, Jemagine then request may be prifely granted as they seem much das trefood, humanity pleads strongly in then behalf. I have the down to be
To e two Excellency e Tin YS most of New !'
homas IV hairon Legs
C Lancaster_ Ordered is the Oyun of Public Documents HlavyJours Penn" in
JOURNAL
AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE EXILES, CITIZENS OF PHILADELPHIA,
SENT TO WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA.
From 2d September, 1777, to 30th April, 1778.
EXILE OF FRIENDS FROM PHILADELPHIA TO VIRGINIA.
Philadelphia, 9th month, (September,) 1777.
A REPORT had for some weeks prevailed that lists of a great number of persons were made out, with an intent shortly to apprehend and confine them ; but for what cause was a pro- found secret. Several who had the confidence of some of the leading men had seen the lists, and from what they could dis- cover in conversation, it was understood that four or five hun- dred of the respectable inhabitants were to be secured and sent out of the city.
A number of persons professing great attachment to the cause of liberty, undertook the arduous office of executing the arbitrary mandates of the President and Council, and called at our houses, demanding of most of us to sign a paper, conceived in the following terms.
" I, do promise not to depart from my dwelling-house, and to be ready to appear on demand of the President and Council of the State of Pennsylvania, and do engage to refrain from doing any thing injurious to the United States of North America, by speaking, writing, or otherwise, and from giving intelligence to the Commander of the British forces, or any person whatever concerning public affairs."
Several of us, on seeing the paper to be subscribed, replied
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EXILES FROM PENNSYLVANIA
that except going out of our houses as our various occasions of business had required, we had not infringed at any time upon the requisition demanded ; but we could not agree to give up that privilege ; on which we were told we must go before the President and Council.
Some of us were taken to the Masons' Lodge under a promise of being heard by the Council, who was said to be sitting there; but this was found to be a deception, as they were immediately put under a strong guard and a hearing denied them. Some were brought there without the offer of becoming prisoners in their own houses, but the greater part were treated in the following manner, with some inconsiderable variations.
Upon reading the paper, we demanded to know upon what authority they acted-and were answered, By virtue of a reso- lution of Congress, and by orders of Council. We demanded to see their written orders, which was in general absolutely refused. To some few, who were more pressing, part of a warrant was read ; but not one of us was suffered to read or copy the origi- nal. We remonstrated against so arbitrary a proceeding, and endeavoured to convince them that signing such a paper would be an acknowledgment of guilt, and would subject us to be re- moved at an hour's warning without knowing the charge against us; and after laying before them the iniquity of the · measure, we refused to become voluntary prisoners for sup- posed offences, because we knew ourselves innocent of any.
Some of the persons asserted they had undertaken the business against their inclination, to prevent it being executed by military officers, who would have used more rigour; but this appeared to be only to excuse themselves to us. They re- fused us a reasonable time to prepare for confinement, and in some instances brought a military force to intimidate us ; they entered the houses of John Hunt, John Pemberton, Henry Drinker, Edward Pennington, and William Smith, (broker,) broke their desks, searched them, and carried off private papers, and some printed books, under colour of orders for that pur- pose, which they would not show. The order of time we
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SENT TO VIRGINIA.
were apprehended and confined in the Lodge, by persons appointed, is as follows :
1777, 9th month, 2d .- William Druit Smith, Thomas Af- fleck, Thomas Gilpin, William Lenox, Alexander Stedman, Charles Stedman, Samuel Rowland Fisher, William Inlay, James Pemberton, Miers Fisher, Thomas Fisher, Thomas Wharton, Edward Pennington, John Pemberton, Owen Jones, Jr., Charles Eddy, Joseph Fox, Thomas Combe, Jr., William Smith, (broker.)
1777, 9th month, 3d .- Henry Drinker, Charles Jervis, John Galloway, William Hollingshead, E. Ayres, Phineas Bond, Thomas Pike.
1777, 9th month, 4th .- John Hunt, Israel Pemberton, Samuel Pleasants.
The above three were first called on, then taken by a par- ticular order of Council, and committed .- N. B. Two of the officers were active in breaking the desk of John Hunt, and searching his papers.
9th month, 5th-Elijah Brown.
9th month, 2d, continued .- The guards set over us refused for some time to suffer any persons to come to us, telling us their orders were to admit no persons whatever; towards evening, however, they relaxed from this strictness, and ad- mitted most of our friends who applied. About ten o'clock, being supplied with bedding, we lay down and slept in general very well.
9th month, 3d .- After breakfast we were called upon by a number of our friends, several of whom were refused admit- tance. Some of us conversing through the windows, were ordered by the guards to desist, and one of them presented his gun, cocked, and threatened to fire. This brought on a con- ference with Lewis Nicola; after which our friends who applied, were admitted to a considerable number. Ten o'clock, Henry Drinker, and Charles Jervis, were added to our society.
Lewis Nicola, the town major, having informed us that he had not the command of the guards, or any thing to do with
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EXILES FROM PENNSYLVANIA
our confinement, save that he was ordered by the President and Council to furnish William Bradford with a guard for the purpose, which he had accordingly done, but had nothing further in charge, we therefore, this morning took the oppor- tunity as Mr. William Bradford passed the door of our cham- ber, to represent to him the misbehaviour of some of the guard, who we apprehended were under his command, when he assured us that he had nothing to do with them, nor would he have any charge over us. We desired to know of him by what authority we were confined, upon which he produced a warrant signed by George Bryan, Vice-President of the Coun- cil, setting forth a recommendation of Congress to take up and confine a number of persons by name, and all others who by their general conduct had shown themselves to be inimical to the United States, &c., which he read to us. We acquainted him that we desired to be heard in our defence, and demanded a copy of the warrant, which he said he would procure for us upon our offering to take a copy and return him the original. He repeated his promise, saying he would copy it himself, and certify it to be a true copy.
William Bradford was here again about one o'clock, and told us that he had just come from Council, to whom he repre- sented the complaints against the guards,-our desire of a copy of the warrant, and a hearing. They informed him that as a number of persons named were not yet taken, it would be im- proper now to give a copy ; but we should have it as soon as that was done. That they would give Lewis Nicola written orders relative to the guard ; and as the Council was in con- ference with some members of Congress, it was probable we should have a hearing.
Between three and four o'clock, Benjamin Paschall, accom- panied by Edward Middleton, entered our chamber and ad- dressing himself to Wm. Smith, (broker,) said, " I am come as a magistrate of this city to know what you are confined here for." To which he was answered, " We are waiting to know that ourselves. We were sent here and detained by a military force, in opposition, and in direct violation of the civil autho-
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rity, and our cause is the cause of every freeman in Pennsyl- vania. That Lewis Nicola, town major, and William Brad- ford, colonel, had both declared they had no charge to keep us in confinement." " Who, then, does confine you ?" We an- swered, " We know not, nor on what account we are confined, but are told it is in pursuance of a recommendation of Congress and a resolve of the Council, signed by George Bryan, Vice- President-the President himself having denied he had any thing to do with it." He then asked if we had had a hearing, to which he was answered, "No!" He then said if we did not know what we were confined for it was his business, as a magistrate, to see and inquire about it. Between four and five o'clock, Benjamin Paschall and Edward Middleton returned, and informed us they had been to seek some of the great men, but could find none but Vice-President Bryan, who told them we were to be sent to Virginia, without a hearing ! At this extraordinary message we were astounded, and expressed, in proper terms, our sentiments upon so unheard of a stretch of arbitrary power. Benjamin Paschall and his companion seemed shocked at the idea, and after a discourse of some length, they concluded it was a case of so alarming a nature, that the citizens should interest themselves in it. He said he would confer with his brethren of the Bench, and do every thing in his power to avert a blow so fatal to the liberties of Pennsyl- vania. Edward Middleton said to one of the company upon leaving the room, " You shall not go yet;" and so they left us.
At eight o'clock, Phineas Bond was brought by Lewis Nicola into the room as a prisoner. He informed us he had been induced to accept of the parole, when offered to him, but for reasons which he gave us, he had surrendered it, and volun- tarily accepted of a place of confinement with us. Thomas Pike, who had also given his parole and surrendered to us, was also added to our number.
Philadelphia, 4th of 9th month, 1777.
This morning, taking our situation into consideration, we thought it expedient to urge William Bradford to furnish us
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with a copy of the warrant against us ; and the following letter was read, approved, and signed, and Samuel Coates and Thomas Eddy undertook to deliver it.
Masons' Lodge, 4th of 9th month, 1777.
FRIEND WILLIAM BRADFORD,-
When men are deprived of their liberty, it is their indisputa- ble right to demand of the persons who confine them, a copy of the warrant under which they act. This demand was made of the persons by whom we were arrested, by divers of us who were absolutely refused it. The extraordinary mode of con- ducting this business, prevented our knowing to whom we were to apply to procure a copy, till yesterday thou produced a copy of what we apprehended was the original. We then demanded a transcript, which thou promised to furnish us with, properly certified. At the second interview, thou made an objection : that, as a number of persons named in it had not been taken, it would be improper to expose their names, but as soon as that should take place thou would give us a copy.
As we are conscious of innocence, and it will be difficult to attempt any thing for our relief without, we now repeat our de- mand, and in order to obviate thy objection, we consent that the names of those who have not been arrested be omitted in the copy to be furnished us.
To this demand we apprehend no reasonable objection can be made, and therefore expect a speedy compliance, and are thy friends,
John Pemberton. James Pemberton. William Smith, (broker.) Charles Jervis. Miers Fisher.
Thomas Pike. Edward Pennington. Thomas Gilpin.
Thomas Combe.
Charles Eddy.
Owen Jones, jun.
Henry Drinker. Thomas Fisher. Thomas Wharton.
Thomas Affleck.
Samuel R. Fisher.
William D. Smith.
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Samuel Coates and Charles Eddy soon returned and in- formed us they had delivered our letter to William Bradford, who said he would go immediately to the Council, and call upon us with an answer. James Pemberton, Edward Pen- nington, Thomas Wharton, Henry Drinker, Thomas Combe, and Miers Fisher, were desired to consider of such further measures as would be most likely to procure relief for us, and to prepare an essay of a remonstrance, if they should think it a proper mode of application to any of the present powers. At 11 o'clock, William Bradford called and informed us that a copy of the warrant was preparing and should be delivered as soon as it was finished, which being done soon after, is as fol- lows :
IN COUNCIL.
Philadelphia, August 31, 1777.
Whereas, the Congress of the United States of North Ame- rica, have by their resolve of the 28th instant, August, recom- mended to the executive powers of the several States, to ap- prehend and secure all persons, who have in their general conduct and conversation evinced a disposition inimical to the cause of America, particularly, Joshua Fisher, Abel James, James Pemberton, Henry Drinker, Israel Pemberton, John Pemberton, John James, Samuel Pleasants, Thomas Wharton, sen., Thomas Fisher, and Samuel Fisher, (sons of Joshua,) together with all papers in their possession which may be of a political nature, and that the persons so seized be confined in such places, and treated in such manner as may be consistent with their respective characters, and the securities of their per- sons, and that the records and papers of the Meeting of Suffer- ings of the Society of the people called Quakers, in the several States, be forthwith secured, and such parts of them as may be of a political nature, be forthwith transmitted to Congress. And whereas, it is necessary for the public safety at this time, when a British army has landed in Maryland, with a professed
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