1756.] HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. 265 



agreed they have power to keep a record of such tilings as come 

 before them, as they may tliink necessary." 



The Delaware Indians had been so far seduced by tlie 

 French, as to engage in committing the most barbarous atroci- 

 ties against the frontier inhabitants of Pennsylvania. The Six 

 Nations still remained friendly, and it was hoped that through 

 the instrumentality of this powerful combination of savajres. the 

 Delawares could be brought to terms of peace. The Quakers 

 used every effort to bring about this result, but the Governor 

 unwisely made a formal declaration of war against the Dela- 

 wares; and not to be behind the savages themselves in cruelty 

 and atrocity, a proclamation was issued ofifering a premium for 

 prisoners or scalps taken from their Indian enemy. 



A reconciliation was, however, soon brought about, through 

 the instrumentality of Sir William Johnson, the Six Nations, 

 the Quakers, and a few of the Delawares who remained faithful. 



Although England and France had been engaged in hos- 

 tilities in their American possessions for about two years, yet 

 until May of the present year no formal declaration of war had 

 been made between the two Governments. 



As Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, Robert Hunter 

 Morris was succeeded by William Denny, towards the close of 

 August. 



The British ministry, in discussing some matters connected 

 with the defence of the Province, had intimated an opinion 

 adverse to Quakers acting as members of Assembly. A number 

 of this Society was, nevertheless, elected,^ but four of them 

 immediately sent in their resignations. Two of these, Peter 

 Dix and Nathaniel Pennock, were from Chester County. This 

 appears to have placed those having no conscientious scruples 

 on the subject of taking up arms, in a majority in the 

 Assembly, but still the want of harmonious action between that 

 body and the Governor, was not diminished. The future angry 

 disputes between the parties, conclusively demonstrate that 

 Quakerism was but a small item in the serious obstacles to 

 harmonious legislation. The representatives of the people, 

 without distinction of sect or party, knew their rights, and 

 determinedly asserted and maintained them against all doubt- 

 ful claims of prerogative, either by the Crown, the Proprietaries, 

 or the Executive. The doctrines that eventually led to a sepa- 

 ration between the Colonies and the Mother Country, had their 

 origin in these and similar disputes. 



So captious had the Governor become, that it seemed almost 



1 The Germans are accused of voting for Friends as members, seeking in their 

 religious scruples " a protection against taxes and military labors." — Gordon's Hist. 

 Penna. 339. 



