1783.] HI.ST<iKV OF DKLAWAHK CoUNTV. 889 



Capt. Bariu'Y left liis own ship at Chester, and proceeded in 

 his prize to Piiiladelphia with the wounded and prisoners, Capt. 

 Jackson bein^; phiced in the family of a Quaker hidy, who nursed 

 him like a sister until he had recovered from his wounds.' 



On the 15th of A])ril, 1783, a cessation of hostilities was 

 proclaimed by the Council, but a definite treaty of peace was 

 not concluded till the 30th of November. 



Up to the commencement of the Revolutionary War, the So- 

 ciety of Friends had maintained a controlling influence over 

 public affairs in Pennsylvania. In the controversy with the 

 British Government, which preceded the breaking out of hostili- 

 ties, many members of the Society warmly espoused the Ame- 

 rican side of the question. An armed resistance against the 

 tyrannical measures of the mother country had but few advocates 

 in the beginning, and the idea of an independent government had 

 scarcely gained an ascendency among the people of Pennsylvania, 

 when the Declaration was made. The Society of Friends hav- 

 ing ever maintained a testimony against war and bloodshed, it 

 was not to be supposed that its members would advocate a policy, 

 (then a doubtful one,) certain to produce this result. 



When it became necessary to resort to "carnal weapons," the 

 Quakers, who had before been active, withdrew from the contro- 

 versy, and a very large majority of the Society assumed and 

 maintained a position of passive neutrality throughout the war. 

 Still there was a considerable number who openly advocated a 

 resort to arms. Even within the limits of this little County, one 

 hundred and ten young men were disowned by the Society for 

 having entered the military service in defence of their country.-- 

 Doubtless the Society furnished its proportion of Tories, but the 

 number was greatly exaggerated at the time by those unacquaint- 

 ed with Quakerism. Such persons construed their testimonies 

 against war, and their dealings with members who participated in 

 it, as indirectly favoring the enemy. Their refusal to pay taxes 

 exclusively levied for war purposes, was especially viewed in this 

 light. 



It has not been discovered that more than two Quakers resid- 

 ing within the limits of Delaware County joined the British 

 army. This small number, contrasted with the large number 

 who entered the American service, may serve to indicate gene- 

 rally the direction of the latent sympathy of the members of the 

 Society who remained faithful to their ancient testimonies. Be- 

 sides those who entered the military service, there were many 

 members of the Society who openly lent their aid to the Ame- 

 rican cause. 



• Life of Com. Barney, as quoted in Haz. Reg. x. 132. 

 ' Records of the several monthly meetings. 



