Eye - 7 July 2023
A revolutionary role
Friendly finances may have had an unexpected role in the US American revolution.
While reading some biographies of the signatories of the US Declaration of Independence, one Friend saw Quakers putting in a surprising appearance.
They write: ‘Quakers were opposed to its signing (“we… utterly reject any proposition, should such be made, that may cause or add to a separation from our mother country”). But one of the signatories, a Robert Morris, has this in his biography:
“Mr. Morris received a letter from Gen. Washington, then with his army on the Delaware, opposite Trenton, in which letter he communicated to Mr. Morris his distressed state, in consequence of the want of money.
“The sum he needed was ten thousand dollars, which was essentially necessary to enable him to obtain such intelligence of the movement and position of the enemy, as would authorize him to act offensively. To Mr. Morris, Gen. Washington now looked, to assist him in raising the money.
“This letter he read with attention, but what could he do? The citizens generally had left the city. He knew of no one, who possessed the required sum, or who would be willing to lend it.
“The evening approached, and he left his counting room to return home. On the way, he accidentally overtook an honest Quaker, with whom he was acquainted. The Quaker inquired of him the news. Mr. Morris replied, that he had little news of importance to communicate, but he had a subject which pressed with great weight upon his mind.
“He now informed the Quaker of the letter which he had received, the situation of General Washington, and the immediate necessity of ten thousand dollars. ‘Sir,’ said Mr. Morris, ‘you must let me have it. My note and my honor will be your only security.’ The Quaker hesitated a moment, but at length replied, ‘Robert, thou shalt have it.’ The money was soon transmitted to Washington, whom it enabled to accomplish his wishes, and to gain a signal victory over the Hessians at Trenton, thus animating the drooping spirits of patriotism, and checking in no small degree, the proud hopes and predictions of the enemy.”’
It looks like it might have been Quaker money that (helped) save the US American revolution!
Running for fun
An athletic Quaker from London
Found his marathon shorts coming undone
But he couldn’t care less
At the state of his dress
For he’d sworn to make this one a fun run.
Alec Davison
An invitation to colour
A space to express yourself, an opportunity for a child in your life to bring some personalised sunshine to the page, or something that helps you to centre down – enjoy!
Comments
Modern Quakers shouldn’t take credit or feel responsible for the actions of individuals who happened to be members of a Quaker Meeting and who acted in a personal capacity. It is the collective discernments which has been properly tested in a Meeting for Worship that are significant.
By Gareth E on 6th July 2023 - 9:54
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