Bucks County Quakers and the Revolution

Bucks County Quakers and the Revolution I N BUCKS COUNTY, as elsewhere, military measures arising out of the struggle for independence did not meet with universal approval. Those in the county who did approve, however, by 8 May 1775, had come to the resolution "to form themselves into associations, in their respective Townships, to improve themselves in the military art, that they may be rendered capable of affording their Country that aid which its particular necessitys may at any time require." By the following 12 June, companies of associators had been formed and were organized into three battalions before the end of July.' Out of their ranks came men who served in the Flying Camp sent to Amboy in 1776, and who participated in the battles of Long Island and Fort Washington. Up to 1777, all those who participated in military exercises were volunteers. But after the passage of Pennsylvania's first draft law, the Militia Act of 17 March 1777, military service became compulsory for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 53. Those who refused to serve when called out were fined stated amounts; if they refused to pay the fines, their goods could be siezed and sold.' To such "peaceable" people as Quakers, the bearing of arms for the purpose of waging war of any kind was contrary to all their religious 1 See the "Minutes of the Commit. of Safety of Bucks County, 1774-1776," Pennsylvania Archives, Sod Series, XV, 346. Tim resolution leas reached less than a month after Lexington and Concord, and two deys before the Second Cominental Congress was scheduled to meet in Philadelphia, at which time the Congress resolved the Colonies should be put in a state of defense. 1 On 12 June the Committee of Safety appointed Joseph H. to publish an advertisement notifying the officers "of the different associamd Companies" in the county to meet 20 July to chose their field officers. Ibid., 346-347, Their names were published in the Permsylvarks Gazette of 26 July 3775. The First Bucks Co. Battalion included one company from Newtown; a second company from Bensalem; a third from Lower Makefield; the fourth from Northampton Twp.; the fifth from Middletown; the sixth from Southampton; the seventh from Falls Twp.; and the eighth, a light infantry company, from Bristol Borough and Trop. The Second Bucks Co. Battalion of Associators included the first company from Buckingham and Wrighmtown; the second from Warrington; the third from Flilltown; the fourth from Plumstead, two from Solebury; one from Upper Makefield; one from Warminster; one from New Britain; and one from Warwick. The Third Battalion included a company from Bedminster; one from Nockamixon; one from Tinicum; one from Rockhill; one from Springfield Tarp.; one from Richland; and one from Lower Milford, for the rolls of which see Pennsylvania Archives, Sod Series, XIV, 143-174. 1 For the organization and operations in 1777 of the militia under, the Act of 1777, see "The Pennsylvania Militia in 1777," The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine, XXIII, 161. 291 292 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine tenets. The government responsible for such war-like measures was also misguided. Members of the Society of Friends who voted at elections held under the revolutionary government, who paid taxes in support of it, or participated in it in a civil capacity, were all considered guilty of "misconduct." Consequently, as the war accelerated, the various monthly Meetings felt concerned to treat with those members whose activities touched in any degree on war-like measures, in an effort to convince them of the inconsistency of their actions with the tenets of the Society. This was a difficult time for those Friends who were torn between a sense of patriotism and the convictions instilled in them by their religious training. For if they were unable to condemn their "misconduct" to the satisfaction of the Meeting, after earnest exhortations and successive visitations, they were "testified" against by the Meeting: testimonies were prepared and read in the Meeting, and the recalcitrant members were declared "disunited" with the Society until such time as they became "rightly sensible" of their error. Such a step was not lightly taken by the Meeting, nor was the refusal of a member to condemn his actions an easily reached decision. The length of time — often several months — which elapsed between the first caution and the final action, clearly indicates the extent of soul-searching to which each man was subject. The following extracts from the transcribed minutes of Middletown Monthly Meeting reflect not only the earnest endeavours of the Meeting to reclaim its wayward members, but the uncertainty and indecision as to where their duty lay under which those members labored in that trying time. At a monthly Meeting held by Adjournment the 14th Day of the 9th Month 1775.° William Blakey, John Mitchell, John Watson and John Woolston are appointed to assist the Overseers in treating with such of the Members of this Meeting who have entered into military Service, and endeavour to convince their Judgement of the Inconsistency of the Practice with the Profession we make. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown, the 5th Day of the 10th Month 1775. The Friends appointed to assist the Overseers in treating with such of our Members who have entered into Military Service, report they have been with most of them, and used their best Endeavours to answer the End of their Appointment; and the Meeting desires them to continue their Care therein as they may see Occasion. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown, the 2nd Day of the 11th Month 1775. The Friends appointed to treat with such of our Members who have entered into military Service, report they have made some further Progress therein since last Meeting, and that several whom they have been with continue the Practice. It is therefore thought necessary See the transcribed Minutes of Middletown Monthly Meeting, Socks Coumy, 175}_1800, 349, Sula, Collections of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. This minute is the first in which any notice is taken of thou who had "entered ircrn Military Service." Bucks County Quakers and the Revolution 293 that Friends pay them another Visit, and report to next Meeting who they are that have entered into the Service, and the Disposition of Mind they find them in, in order that the Meeting may be better enabled to use such further Means as their Case and the Reputation of the Society requires. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 7th Day of the 12th Month 1775. The Friends appointed to treat further with such who have entered into military Service made their Report in Writing, viz: "Agreeable to the Directions of last Meeting the following Members who have been concern'd in military Exercise have been treated with, and appears disposed as followeth: "SAMUEL BILES and JOHN THORNTON have been in the Practice, and don't appear at present willing to condemn their Conduct or satisfy Friends that they decline it; Samuel proposed being at this Meeting, and John desired Friends to wait till the next. "WILLIAM CARTER and PHINEAS PAXSON have been in the Practice and vindicate their Conduct therein. "MAHLON PAXSON and JOSEPH CROASDALE have been in the Practice, and appear not yet determined to leave it off. "OBADIAH WILLETT 5 has also been in the Practice, and by the Dispositi on in which he appears, gives no Encouragement of forsaking it. "THOMAS TWINING and AMOS THACKRAY have both been in the Practice, and appear in a good Degree sensible of their Error, and propose to make Satisf action. "SAMUEL TWINING, JuNit and AMON SCOTT have also been spoke with, on the like Occasion." — Signed by all the Committee. After which Thomas Twining and Amos Thackray, each offered a Paper of Acknowledgment and Condemnation of their aforesaid Misconduct, which the Meeting accepts, and orders them to be kept with such of the Meeting's Papers. And none of the other Persons mentioned in the above Report being here, their Matter is left until next Meeting. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown, the 4th Day of the 1st Month 1776. MAHLON PAXSON appeared and informed this Meeting that he had left off the military Exercise, and proposed not to meddle any more with it, desiring Friends would accept thereof as Satisfaction. But, as the Meeting thinks nothing short of an Acknowledgment and Condemnation in Writing sufficient, he desires until next Meeting to con sider of it. SAMUEL BILES and JOHN THORNTON being both here, signified they thought they should decline the military Practice in Future, but refused to condemn their past Conduct in that Respect, desiring another Month to consider more fully of the Matter, which the Meeting agrees to. WILLIAM CARTER, PHINEAS PAXSON, OBADIAH WILLETT, JOSEPH CROASDALE and SAMUEL TWINING JuNa not being here, and some Friends expressing a Freedom to pay some of them a further visit, it is desired that any Friend who finds such a Concern, would endeavour to do it before next Meeting, until which time the Matter is left. S Obadiah Willeo was on the roll, dated 19 Aug. 1775, of the ash Associated Company of Southunmon, as were Samuel Biles and William Carter. The others may not have as yet joined companies when the August rolls were taken. Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd Suns, XIV, 150-151. 6 Samuel Twining, Jr. was also on the August roll of the ash Associated Company of Southampton. Amos Thackray was on the August roll of the sod Associated Company of L. Makefield, and Amon Scott on the August roll of the let Associated Company of Newtown. Ibida 151, 143. Six,, ,, she December Meeting was reported also to have married out of the Society; a testimony was prepared against him which he declined to appeal. 294 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the lot Day of the 2nd Month 1776. MAHLON PAXSON attending this Meeting, but not having any thing prepared in Writing, desires Friends would forbear with him another Month, in which time he hopes he shall be enabled to give the Meeting Satisfaction, which Request is agreed to. Some Friends who have visited SAMUEL BILES since last Meeting, report that he informed them he should be necessarily hindered from attending this Meeting, but proposed being at next, until which Time his Matter is left. JOHN THORNTON being here, informed the Meeting that he had nothing in Wnting to offer at present, but thought (if he continued in the Mind he was now in) he should make such an Offer to next Meeting. JOSEPH CROASDALE attended this Meeting, and offered a Paper of Condemnation for his Misconduct of entering into military Exercise, which is accepted, and ordered to be kept with such of the Meeting's Papers. WILLIAM CARTER, PHINEAS PAXSON, OBADIAH WILLETT and SAMUEL TWINING, jUNR being neither of them here, their Matter is left until next Meeting. The Overseers report that JOHN CROASDALE has entered into military Exercise, whereupon Thomas Stapler and :Thomas Wilson of Southampton are appointed to speak with him on the Occasion and give him such Advice as they may see necessary, and report thereon to next Meeting. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 7th Day of the 3d Month 1776. MAHLON PAXSON attended and offered a Paper as satisfaction for his late Misconduct, which was read and left to further Consideration until next Meeting. And as some Friends express a Freedom to converse further with him, on the Occasion, they are desired to do it before that time. SAMUEL BILES not being here, nor having sent the Meeting any Reason for his Absence, it is the Sense of the Meeting, that unless he condemn his Misconduct in a suitable manner, he ought to be testified against; and Thomas Wilson, William Blakey are appointed to pay him another Visit, and endeavour to convince him of the necessity of his doing something; and unless he appears disposed so to do, they are to prepare a Testimony and bring to next Meeting to be considered, and to let Samuel know they are to do so. JOHN THORNTON having signified to last Meeting a Disposition to attend this Meeting, in order to condemn his late Misconduct; but he not being here, nor sent any Word to the Meeting, William Richardson and Jonathan Paxson are appointed to speak with him, and enquire the Reason of his Non-attendance; and that if he declines to condemn his said Misconduct, they are to prepare a Testimony against him and bring it to next Meeting for Approbation, and acquaint him therewith. WILLIAM CARTER being here desires another Month to consider of his Matter before the Meeting, which is granted. John Mitchell and Robert Croasdale are appointed to acquaint PHINEAS PAXSON, OBADIAH WILLETT and SAMUEL TWINING juNilt that the Meeting think themselves under a Necessity to testify against them for their disorderly Conduct; and unless they propose offering some Satisfaction, they are to prepare Testimonies against them, and bring to next Meeting to be approved, and to acquaint each of them with the Meeting's Conclusion. The Friends appointed to speak with JOHN CROASDALE report they have done so, and seem'd unable to convince him of his Error: Nevertheless Thomas Stapler and Ezra Comfort are appointed to pay him another Visit, and labour further with him for that End, and report to next Meeting. Bucks County Quakers and the Revolution 295 At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 4th Day of the 4th Month 1776. MAHLON PAXSON now attending, and his paper offered to last Meeting being read and considered, and several Friends who have lately conversed with him, expressing their Satisfaction of his Sincerity, his said Paper is received, and ordered to be kept with such of the Meeting's Papers. The Friends appointed to pay SAMUEL BILES another Visit, report they have done the Meeting's Message to him, and that he gave them some Expectation of attending this Meeting; but he not being here, the aforesaid Friends are desired to acquaint him that they are ordered to prepare a Testimony agt him, and bring it to next Meeting for Approbation. The Friends thereto appointed, report they have been with JOHN THORNTON, and that John said he should not give himself any further Trouble about making Satisfaction; and they apprehending him in no suitable Disposition of Mind so to do, have prepared a Testimony against him, which being read was (with some alteration) approved and signed; and the some Friends are appointed to give him a Copy thereof, and acquaint him with his Right of Appeal, and return his Answer next Meeting. WILLIAM CARTER attended and offered the Meeting a Paper, in which he so fully condemns his late Conduct respecting military Exercise, that Friends are willing to accept thereof; and his said Paper is received, and ordered to be kept with such of the Meeting's Papers. One of the Friends appointed to speak with PHINEAS PAXSON, OBADIAH WILLETT, and SAMUEL TWINING, Just report they have discharged that Trust, and that Plaineas Paxson and Samuel Twining signified they should not offer any Satisfaction, and Testimonies against each of them being prepared, were with some Amendment approved and signed, and Jahn Mitchell and Isaac Thackray are appointed to give them Copies thereof and inform them of their Right of Appeal, and report their Answer to next Meeting. The said Friend further reports that OBADIAH WILLETT proposed being here, in order to offer Satiqaction, but he not attending, the above Friends are desired to speak with him, and acquaint him that unless he does something next Meeting, a Testimony will go forth against him, and if he declines doing anything, they are to prepare a Testimony accordingly. One of the Friends appointed to speak with JOHN CROASDALE, reports that he with the other Friend went on Purpose, but that John would not given them an Opportunity to speak with him; It is therefore the Sense of this Meeting that he be testified against, and Thomas Stapler and Thomas Wilson of Southampton are appointed to prepare a Testimony accordingly, and bring it to next Meeting to be considered. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 2nd Day of the 5th Month 1776. One of the Friends appointed to speak with SAMUEL BILES, reports he has done so, and that Samuel did not propose offering Satisfaction, but was wilhng Friends should proceed against him; and they having prepared a Testimony it was read, and (with some Amendment) approved and signed, and Thomas Stapler and Thomas Wilson of South ampton are appointed to give him a Copy thereof, and inform him of his Right of Appeal, and return his answer to next Meeting. The Friends appointed to speak with JOHN THORNTON report they gave him a Copy of our Testimony against him and acquainted him with his Right of Appeal, and that his Answer was, if he concluded to appeal, he would let the Meeting know it, but as we hear he declines it, the Testimony is ordered to be kept with such of the Meeting's Papers. 296 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine The Friends appointed to give PHINEAS PAXSON and SAMUEL TWINING Juisix Copies of Friends Testimonies against them, report they have done the Meetings Message to them, according to order, and that neither of them propose to appeal, therefore the said Testimonies are ordered to be kept with other such Papers. One of the Friends appointed reports he hath done the Meeting's Errand to OBADIAH WILLETT, and that Obadiah declines offering any Satisfaction; and he having prepared a Testimony, it was read, and being agreed to was signed, and Isaac Thackray and Jonathan Paxson are desired to give him a Copy thereof, and inform hurl of his right of Appeal & report his Answ. to next Meet.. The Friends appointed to prepare a Testimony against JOHN CROASDALE produce one, but not agreeable to Friends Blinds, it is therefore returned to them to alter against next Meeting. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 6th Day of the 6th Month 1776. The Friends appointed to give SAMUEL BILES a Copy of our Testimony against him, report they performed that Service, and that Samuel don't intend to appeal. The Friends appointed to give OBADIAH WILLETT a Copy of Friends Testimony against him, report they have done so, and that he says he don't intend to appeal. The Friends who were to prepare another Testimony against JOHN CROASDALE produce one which (with some small Alteration) was approved and signed; and Thomas Wilson of Southampton and Ezra Comfort are to give him a Copy thereof and acquaint him of his Right of Appeal, and report his Answer to next Meeting. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 4th Day of the 7th Month 1776. One of the Friends appointed to give JOHN CROASDALE a Copy of our Testimony against him, reports he did so; and that John did not resolve whether he would appeal or not. The Overseers inform that GILBERT RODMAN has entered into military Discipline to learn the Art of War, and that they have spoke with him about it, and he appears unwilling to condemn it; nevertheless Thomas Wilson, John Mitchell and James Wildman are appointed to visit him and endeavour to convince him of his Error, and report to next Meeting. At a monthly Meeting held in Middletown the let Day of the 8th Month 1776, The Friends appointed to visit GILBERT RODMAN report they have performed that Service, and don't seem able to convince him of his Error, but that he rather vindicates his Conduct; nevertheless Ezra Comfort and Thomas Wilson of Southampton are appointed to labour further with him, and if he continues in the same Mind, they are to prepare a Testimony and bring it to next Meeting; and if they find it necessary to do, they are to let him know it. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the Sth Day of the 9th Month 1776. The Friends appointed to labour further with GILBERT RODMAN report they have done so, and that he declines offering any Satisfaction for his Misconduct, and they having prepared a Testimony against him, it was (with some Alteration) approved and signed, and William Richardson, Jonathan Paxson are to give him a Copy thereof, and acquaint him with his Right of Appeal. The Overseers report that SAMUEL WILLETT and BENJAMIN SCOTT, two young men who had a Birthright amongst Friends of this Meeting, are gone and entered into the War; and as War is so inconsistent with Friends Testimony, it is the Sense of this Meeting that they be immediately testified against; and there being Testimonies at Bucks County Quakers and the Revolution 297 this time prepared; they were read, and being approved, were signed on Behalf of the Meeting, and Thomas Wilson of Southampton is appointed to give them Copies thereof, if he has an Opportunity, and inform them of their Right of Appeal. At a monthly Meeting held at Middletown the 3rd Day of the 10th Month 1776. The Friends appointed to give GILBERT RODMAN a Copy of our Testimony and acquaint him with his Right of Appeal, report they have done so, and that he said he should not appeal. Thomas Wilson reports he has done the Meeting's Message to SAMUEL WILLETT and BENJAMIN SCOTT, according to order, and that neither of them propose to appeal. At Middletown Monthly Meeting held at the Home of William Blakey (occasioned by the Soldiers having deprived us of the Use of our Meeting House) the 6th Day of the 2c1 Month 1777. 7 The Clerk of the Preparative Meeting reports from thence that HENRY MITCHELL and WILLIAM CARTER had voted at the late Election held under the present unsettled State of Affairs; and Henry being here, offered a Paper condemning the same, which was read, and with some Amendment, received. And William Carter not being here, Thomas Stapler and Ezra Comfort are appointed to pay him a Visit, and inform him that unless he makes some Satisfaction for his Misconduct, he will be further proceeded against, and if he inclines to do anything, put him upon attending next Meeting for that Purpose, and report thereon to the Meeting. WILLIAM RICHARDSON offered a Paper condemning his Misconduct in sending a Person to take Care of his Team that was pressed, 9 expressing his Sorrow for the same which was read and received. At Middletown Monthly Meeting (continued to be held at William Blakey's) the 6th Day of the 3d Month 1777. The Friends appointed to visit WILLIAM CARTER report they have done so, and that he declines offering any Satisfaction, or coming to the Meeting on the Occasion, nevertheless the aforesaid Friends, with William Blakey and John Woolston, are desired to pay him another Visit, and endeavour to convince him of his Error, and report to next Meeting. It appears by a Report from the last Preparative Meeting, that WILLIAM RODMAN and THOMAS JENKS Jurist 50 have assumed to judge in a Matter relating to military Affairs, whereupon Thomas Wilson of Southampton, Jonathan Paxson, Ezra Comfort, William Blakey and Thomas Wilson are appointed to visit and treat lovingly with them on the Occasion, and shew them the Inconsistency of their Conduct with Friends Testimony, and report to next Meeting. o The monthly Meetirigs in November and December 1776 were held as usual at the Meetinghouse. The January Meeting was also held at the Meetinghouse, but under conditions not explained in the minutes until the following 7th month (July), for which see the text below. 8 The election for representatives to the Revolutionary Assembly had been held 5 Nov. 1776, at the direction of the Provincial Convention in Philadelphia. For the notice of the authorizing ordinmce, see she Evening Post, 26 Sept. 1776. On 3 Dec. 1776, the Council of Safety had ordered the hire of all available wagons for the use of the Contuaental Army. at this time retreating across New Jersey. Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council • • , XI (1852). 28. 1. William Rodman apparently was the seen, man who had been regularly elected each year since 1763 as a representaime from Bucks County to the Provunial Assembly , Jenks appears to have been a newly elected representative. Rodman was a resident of Bensalem Twp., and Jenks of Middletown Twp., where he had a fulling mill. 298 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine At Middletown Monthly Meeting held at 'William Blakey's the 3rd Day of the 4th Month 1777. Several of the Friends appointed to visit WILLIAM CARTER report they have been with him, but don't appear able at present to convince him of his Error, he rather vindicating his Conduct: Nevertheless William Richardson, Jonathan Paxson and John Woolston are appointed yet to pay him another Visit, and treat solidly with him; and if they see no Hopes of his being reclaimed, to prepare a Testimony against him, and bring it to next Meeting to be considered. The Friends appointed to treat with WILLIAM RODMAN & THOMAS JENKS, report they visited them both, but that they did not appear to be so sensible of their Error as could be desired, and neither of them being here, the aforesaid Friends are desired to use further close Labour with them, in order that they may do what is necessary on the Occasion, and desire them if they are inclined, to endeavour to satisfy Friends, to attend next Meeting for that Purpose, and report to the Meeting the Disposition they find them in. At Middletown Monthly Meeting held at the House of William Blakey the lit Day of the 5th Month 1777. The Friends appointed to pay WILLIAM CARTER another Visit, report they found him much in the same Disposition as reported last Meeting, he continuing to vindicate his Conduct, and refusing to offer any Satisfaction, they have prepared a Testimony, which being read was with some Alteration approved and signed, and John Mitchell and Isaac Thackray are appointed to give him a Copy thereof and inform him of his Right of Appeal, & report his Answer to next Meeting. The Friends appointed to treat further with WILLIAM RODMAN and THOMAS JENKS, report they have been both treated with, and that William said altho' he could not see the Matter in the Light his Friends seem'd to see it, yet as it had given Friends Uneasiness, if it was to do again he would not do it; and Thomas being here, expressed himself much in the same manner; but they not appearing as sensible of their Error as is desired, the Matter is left under the Care of the same Committee until next Meeting, earnestly desiring the Friends concerned solidly to consider of it until that Time. At a monthly Meeting at Middletown held in our usual Meetinghouse the 5th Day of the 6th Month 1777. The Friends appointed to give WILLIAM CARTER a Copy of our Testimony against him, report they did so, and informed him of his Right of Appeal, and that he said he should not appeal. THOMAS JENKS JUNK attended this Meeting, and offered a Paper respecting his Conduct in Assembly, wherein he declares he would not do the like, were it to do again, in which the Meeting believing him to be sincere, agrees to accept of, hoping he may be more careful in Future. WILLIAM RODMAN not being here, the Committee (appointed to treat with him and Thomas Jenks) are desired to continue their care towards him. At a monthly Meeting of the People called Quakers held at Middletown the 3rd Day of the 7th Month 1777. One of the Friends appointed to treat with WILLIAM RODMAN, reports that he went to William's House with an Intent to have an Opportunity with him on Behalf of the Meeting, but William being under such a State of Indisposition of Body, that it was not thought a suitable Time, the Matter is therefore left under the Care of the same Friends. A Number of Friends being nominated (not minuted) at 90r monthly Meeting the Bucks County Quakers and the Revolution 299 First Month last, to speak with William Shippy jun' " in regard to our Meetinghouse, now brought the following Report in Writing which is as follows, "The Committee appointed by the monthly Meeting of the 1st Month last, to speak with William Shippy concerning our Meetinghouse now report, That on the 31 0 Day of the 12th Month 1776, William Shippy jun' with a Number of Soldiers came and took Possession of the Mettinghouse of us the People called Quakers in Middletown, and appropriated it to the Use of an Hospital for their Sink; and it appears that on the next Day several Friends took an Opportunity with said Shippy 8z let him know it was contrary to their Minds that their Meetinghouse should be put to the Use as above. The 2' Day of the first Month 1777, being the Time for our Monthly Meeting, and Friends pretty generally met, went and held their Meeting for Worship among the Soldiers; the Men their Meeting for transacting the Affairs of Society Up Stairs, and the Women theirs in the Schoolhouse. The Mens Meeting appointed a Number of Friends to go to William Shippy on Behalf of the Meeting and let him know it was not consistent with their Minds nor Principles that their Meetinghouse should be put to the Use of the Soldiery. Fourth of said Month, the Committee mostly had an Opportunity with him, and delivered their Message, and let him know they thought it their Right and desired it as such, but he refused it to them. Fifth of the Month and first of the Week, met at the usual Time, held Meeting Up Stairs. Fifth Day following, being the Time for our Preparative Meeting, met and held Meeting again Up stairs in the Meetinghouse: But some Friends not appearing well satisfied to meet amongst that People, it was concluded to meet in the Schoolhouse, where Meetings were held a few Times, but it appearing not large enough, it was concluded to meet at the House of William Blakey, where Meetings were held the usual Days for us to meet on, till we got our Meetinghouu again, on the 15 . Day of the fifth Month last. "And on the 21" Day of the 1 Month last, our Schoolhouse was taken Possession of, the Master and Scholars ordered out of Doors by one Doctor Bond th from New England, who said he was ordered so to do by the aforesaid William Slippy; and it was made Use of by the Soldiery for a considerable time, in which time our School was held in a House of William Richardson's. William Blakey Thomas Stapler Jonathan Paxson Thomas Wilson "Signed by William Richardson" Ezra Comfort At a monthly Meeting of the People called Quakers at Middletown the 7th Day of the 8th Month 1777.. The Friends appointed to treat with WILLIAM RODMAN report they had an Opportunity with him, and he appeared under a weak State of Body, not able to attend the Meeting; therefore the Meeting thinks best the Matter be left under the Care of the some Conunittee." 11 This was Dr. William Shippers (1736-1808), "Director of the Military Hospital in the Middle Department" for the Continental Army. See the Evening Post, 14 Jan. 1777. 18 This may have been the Dr. Nathaniel Bond who was directed by General Washington early in Jam 1777, to inoculate for smallpox all the soldiers in mauters at Morristown, N. J. Washington to Dr. William Shippen, 6 jan. 1777, as quoted in James E. Gibson, Dr- Bodo Otto and the Medical Background of the American Revolution (1957), 131. Prom this time until Feb. 1778, the Meeting was snore concerned about Friends who held Negroes in bondage, one of whom was William Rodman, than about Friends in military service. Rodroan was finally testified against in February for refusing to free his slaves. No Friends were cautioned about their participation in war-like acnvitim during this