A JOURNAL
OF THE
LIFE, TRAVELS, AND RELIGIOUS LABORS
Of
WILLIAM SAVERY,
A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, OF THE SOCIETY
OF FRIENDS, LATE OF PHILADELPHIA.
COMPILED FROM HIS ORIGINAL MEMORANDA,
BY JONATHAN EVANS.
STEREOTYPE EDITION.
PHILADELPHIA:
FOR SALE AT FRIENDS' BOOK-STORE,
No. 304 ARCH STREET.
1873.








PREFACE.
IN perusing so interesting a narrative as is presented in the account of the Christian labors of
this worthy minister of the gospel, the inquiry may
arise, why it has been permitted to lie so long
unprepared for the public eye? In reply to this,
it may be remarked that some of his papers were
for a long time mislaid, and when collected, they
were placed in the hands of several persons to
examine and arrange, neither of whom made an
essay for accomplishing the task. They were voluminous, and a variety of engagements arising
out of the peculiar state into which the religious
Society of Friends here has been thrown within
the last fifteen years, seemed then to preclude the
practicability of undertaking the work. But from
the conviction that there was much in the papers
to. interest and instruct the seeking, religious mind,
(iii)




iv                PREFACE.
I was induced to transcribe those parts, and to
endeavor to arrange the whole so as to form  a
regular account of his life and labors, so far as
materials could be obtained. In the course of his
travels, he was much more particular in the memoranda he made than has been customary for Friends
in his station; giving a cursory description of the
country, its produce, the value of it, and the habits
of the people where he travelled. This peculiarity
is accounted for by the fact, that his notes were
made for the information and gratification of his
near connections; and it would seem, without any
prospect of their publication. Some of those details, which may be found in other works, have
been abridged, though there is more of this description still retained than is common in most
journals of Friends, but which will probably be
interesting to many readers, and render the work
more acceptable to them.
I was intimately acquainted with William Savery,
and esteemed him as a brother beloved. His affable
disposition, his catholic spirit, and his truly Christian principles, endeared him to those who knew
him, and peculiarly qualified him as an instrument
in the Divine hand to draw others into the love of




PREFACE.                    V
truth, and into an obedience to the convictions of
the Holy Spirit. His ministry was generally more
of a doctrinal nature than that of many other
Friends, accompanied with a fervent engagement
that his audience might be brought to an heartfelt
experience of the unspeakable love of God, in
sending his dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, into
the world to save sinners; of the efficacy of his
propitiatory sacrifice and the sanctifying power of
his Holy Spirit, who hath by his own blood obtained
eternal redemption for all that come unto Him in
true faith: at times declaring with much solemnity
and reverence, that he would rather lose all he had
in the world, than be robbed of his faith in the
divinity of Christ.
His submission to the power of Divine love in
his own heart, by which he was brought out of sin
and corruption, and his indefatigable devotion to
the cause of Christ, present an instructive example,
calculated to invite old and young to diligence and
faithfulness in the path of manifested duty, that
they may become lights in the world, and through
Divine mercy, be partakers of that salvation which
is only obtained through our Lord Jesus Christ.
JONATHAN EVANS.
PHILADELPHIA, Seventh month, 1837.
1*




vi               TESTIMONY.
TESTIMONY
Of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia
for the Northern District, concerning WILLIAM
SAVERY.
It appears that he was born in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1750, and educated in the principles of the Christian religion as professed by us;
and was placed with a Friend in the country, to
learn the trade of a tanner. On his return to the
city in 1771, being naturally of a lively and social
disposition, he soon joined with those who, being
themselves the votaries of folly and vanity, encouraged him in a departure from the simplicity of
truth; which, aided by his own propensities, drew
him into many deviations from the religious principles of his education. In this situation he was
arrested by the powerfully convictive evidence of
the Spirit of Truth; and in the year 1778, at a
meeting held at Merion after an interment, was
much affected, and lasting impressions were made
on his mind by that solemn scene, and the testimonies then delivered.
In the autumn of that year he married in Chester
county, and settled within the limits of our Monthly




TESTIMONY,                Vii
Meeting-spent much of his time in retirement at
home, and in the thirtieth year of his age, first
opened his mouth in a public testimony; and dwelling.inward with those gifts and qualifications with
which he was favored, he became an able advocate for the cause in which he had embarked; and
by faithful attention thereto, his labors were blessed
to the benefit of numbers, especially amongst the
youth, to many of whom he was an eminent instrument of good.
He was engaged to travel much on this Continent in the service of Truth, being several months
in each year, from 1789 to 1795 inclusive, absent
from home on Gospel errands; and by accounts
received, his labors of love were to the satisfaction
of those among whom his lot was cast.
Having had his mind drawn into near sympathy
with the Friends at Pyrmont in Germany-with
the entire unity of his brethren at home, on the
18th of the Fifth month, 1796, he embarked for
Liverpool, and thence soon proceeded to London,
and then to Pyrmont. After paying an acceptable
visit to the comfort and strengthening of Friends
there, and in some other parts of Germany, he
went to Nismes in the south of France, visiting a




vill              TESTIMONY
small company of such as professed with us, in
that neighborhood, much to his own comfort and
peace. -Then returning to England, he visited
many of the principal towns and places in that
nation, Ireland and Scotland, and had large public
meetings with those not of our Society. Having
thus discharged his religious duty in those parts,
he returned to his family and friends in the Tenth
month, 1798.
He labored diligently in his temporal business
for the support of his family, as well as for the
relief of the poor and distressed, to whose wants
his liberal mind was ever ready to administer according to his ability; yet this did not interrupt
his steady attention to other religious duties, being
diligent in the attendance of meetings, and in
various services to which he was called and appointed, for the benefit of society and the promotion
of the cause of truth and righteousness.
In 1802, the neighborhood in which he lived
was visited with a pestilential disease, which carried
many off in a short time. Not being easy to leave
this scene of woe and misery, he voluntarily resigned himself to visit those in distress, both Friends
and others, with advice and counsel, in the love




TESTIMONY.                  ix
of the Gospel, to the great consolation and comfort
of many. A like affliction befalling that and other
parts of the city and neighborhood, in the following year he was again engaged in the same manner,
freely devoting himself, both night and day, to
relieve the distresses of others, with which his feeling mind was deeply affected.
In the early part of his sickness he was borne
up above complaining, or admitting that he was
much out of health, until the disease, which proved
to be a dropsy, had made such progress, that it
was visible to his friends. He continued to attend
to his outward concerns and religious duties; and
in some of the meetings which he last attended,
was led to open a prospect that his time here would
not be long; but, in an animating view of a blessed
immortality, signified it was no matter how short,
provided this were attained.
He was remarkable for punctuality and uprightness in his dealings; and not long before his decease, said to a friend who often visited him, "It
is necessary to look to our outward concerns, there
are so many reproachful failures;" and appeared
desirous once more to get to meeting, that he might
have an opportunity to warn such of the elderly




X               TESTIMONY.
part of society who had got into the earth, and of
the youth who had got into the air. "I thought,"
said he, "I was once strong for the work, but now
I am a child, brought back to my horn-book, and
have nothing to trust to but the mercy of God
through Christ my Saviour." Thus reverently depending, he was preserved to the last in great
resignation and composure of mind.
He was mostly confined from the 26th of the
Third month, except frequently riding out for the
benefit of air and exercise, till the 18th day of the
Sixth month, 1804, in the evening of which he was
considerably worse, continuing ill through the
night, and on the 19th in the morning, about six
o'clock, closed his useful life in the fifty-fourth
year of his age. On the following day, his corpse,
attended by a great number of his friends and
neighbors, was interred in Friends' burial-ground
in this city.




THE JOURNAL
OF
WILLIAM SAVERY.
CHAPTER I.
Early religious visitations-Reflections made in after life-Marriage
- Renewed exercises and their effects -First appearance in the
ministry-Religious visits from 1781 to 1789-Visit to S. Carolina
and Georgia-Deputation to the Indians of the N. West-Address
by Friends to the Indians-Journey to meet the Indians-Voyage
up Niagara River and Lake Erie- Drunken Indians -DetroitReligious Meetings-Kindness of the Officers to Friends-Gathering and appearance of the Indians- Interview with a Wyandot
Chief-Great heat of weather-Horrors of Indian Wars  Repeated Disappointments - Indian Slaves- Leaves Detroit-Joins
the Commissioners in Camp-Continued detention-Dangers from
the Indians — Meetings on the Frontiers- Sickness - Indians
decline receiving the Commissioners-Address from Friends sent
to the Council —Indians refuse the terms offered by Government
-Start for home-Party divides-Voyage down the St. Lawrence
- Terrible Storm and suffering Night - Montreal -- St. Johns -
Voyage down Lake Champlain-Sickness and Suffering-Whitehall-Journey through N. York State-Albany-Yellow Fever in
Philadelphia-Voyage down the Hudson-Arrival in Philadelphia
-Reward for the Sacrifices made  Interest of Friends in the
Indians.
WILLIAM SAVERY was born in the city of Philadelphia,
in the year 1750; received an education in the principles
of the Christian religion, and was placed with a Friend
in the country to learn the tanning business. Returning
(11)




12                THE LIFE  OF
to the city after the expiration of his apprenticeship, he
associated with those, who, like himself, were much
inclined to vanity and folly; and seeking the enjoyment of ease and pleasure in a course of life far remote from true happiness, he became less susceptible
of tender impressions, and gradually much estranged
to the voice and heavenly care of the great Shepherd
of the sheep. In this situation it pleased Divine Goodness, by the powerful reproofs of his Spirit, so to break
in upon his wandering mind, as frequently to bring him
to an awful sense of the bondage of corruption wherein
he was held, to some glimpse of the peace and comfort
consequent upon a life of piety and virtue, and the
necessity of laboring to become a participant in that
redemption, which, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, is graciously extended to the sincere penitent
of every name and nation.
In a review of the benighted condition in which he
had been involved, and of the extension of Divine
mercy in plucking him as a brand out of the burning,
he says," I may acknowledge, that notwithstanding my revolt and turning aside from the paths of purity and
peace, the Lord has been graciously near me all my
life long, and has watched over me as a tender Father
for good, smitten me by his Spirit when I have been
rebelling against his holy law written in my heart,
making merry over the Divine witness there; and has
reached to me and tendered me in the midst of mirth
and jollity. He often followed me to my chamber, and




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   13
upon my pillow has drawn tears of sorrow and contrition from me, when none have been privy to it but
his All-seeing Eye: so that my days of joy and laughter have often produced nights of sorrow and weeping.
Still I continued sinning and repenting and turning
the grace of God into wantonness for a number of
years, being at times favored to see, in part, the beauty
there is in holiness, but fearful of incurring the scoff
and scorn of the world's deluded votaries should I turn
my back upon it.  Activity of spirits, loose discourse
and noisy mirth, were my sad refuge to drown serious
reflection: yet the worm that never dieth, a wounded
conscience, often embittered my sweetest draughts of
pleasure.  In this state I was inclined sometimes in a
serious hour to read a pious author, which, I think, by
the assistance of the gracious Helper, was made serviceable to me, being roused to more serious thought than
ever before.
" I now saw the iniquity of mispending my precious
time, andl refrained from frequenting taverns and places
of diversion.  I struggled hard to break myself off
from my fondness for much company, seeing the snare
there was in it; being apt to relate adventures and
tales to provoke mirth, and often for the embellishment of them to strain beyond the truth —I was much
concerned to watch over myself in this, which is both
dishonorable and sinful.  Oh the folly of thus mispending our precious time! how watchful! how careful ought we to be of our words and actions; always
remembering, that the sacred eye of an all-seeing God
2




14                THE LIFE OF
pervades the most secret chambers we can retire to,
and his ear is ever open to hear both the evil and the
good.  Yea, many of the present day have known,
when the terrors of the Lord have overtaken them for
sin, and they have had to taste of the spirit of judgment and of burning, that every secret thing has been
brought to light, and all the hidden works of darkness
have been made manifest; that even for idle words
they have had to render an account.
*'When we have long wandered, and got far and
wide from the pure path, in which the Lord's ransomed
children have to walk, though it may seem to have
been in small things, yet they make close trying work
for us; and i,;v deep baptisms we have to pass
through, befo,: we can witness our sins to be wiped
away and cast, as it were, into the depth of the sea.
When this is experienced, such have indeed cause to
acknowledge with great humility of soul, that it is of
the mere mercy of Him whose mercies are, (blessed be
his great name,) over all his works.  Some, who with
myself, have been rescued as from the very jaws of the
devourer, can praise his holy name with songs of gratitude and joy, knowing, that in the midst of judgment
he does still remember mercy."
In the year 1778, attending a meeting at Merion,
held after an interment, he was on that solemn occasion. deeply impressed with serious thoughtfulness.
Being married that year, he settled in business in
Philadelphia. The state of his mind about this time
is described by himself nearly as follows:




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  15
"I had been employed in bringing myself to a more
circumspect life, being pretty careful in my conduct
and conversation, and just in my dealings among men,
and was willing to believe I had attained to great matters, and that I might now take up my rest; for by
my own strength, abilities and contrivance, I could not
only keep up a fair upright character among men, and
make my life happy and myself respected; but also,
(Oh, the deceitful workings of Satan! Oh, the mystery
of iniquity!) that it would, at the close of time here,
gain me an inheritance in the regions of purity and
peace, among all those that are sanctified.  But, how
can I sufficiently adore my great and good Master, for
his continued regard and care over me, in that he did
not suffer me to remain long in this state of delusion
and error.  He disturbed my false rest, and made me
at times exceedingly uneasy with it, and gave me at
length to see, that notwithstanding my regularity of
behavior and all my boasted attainments, I fell far
short of that purity, which all the vessels in the Lord's
house must come to; and that I was yet under the law,
which cannot make the comers thereunto perfect, not
having passed under the flaming sword, nor felt the
day of the Lord to be come, which burns as an oven.
"This brought great distress and anxiety of mind
over me, and sometimes I was ready to doubt the truth
of these divine revelations; and was exceedingly desirous to find, if possible, an easier way to peace and
happiness, than by submitting myself to the cross, of
which I had as yet experienced but little. I was much




16                THE LIFE  OF
tossed and distressed, as one who was in a dark and
howling wilderness, where I could see no way out,
either to the right hand or to the left. But at length,
the Lord, who indeed watched over me continually for
good, blessed and praised for ever be his name, brought
me into some degree of composure.  The strong impression then made on my mind, its application to the
state I was in, and the instruction it conveyed to me,
left me no room to doubt its being divinely intended
for my good.  My eyes became more clearly opened
to discern where I was, and that all the righteousness
of my own putting on, was as filthy rags, of which I
must be stript, before I could experience a putting on
of that purity and righteousness, which is the fine
linen of the saints.  In great distress and anxiety I
saw nothing for me to lean upon, but to dwell alone
and keep my eye open and my spiritual ear attentive
to Him, who is the unchangeable High-Priest of his
people. and with whom are all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge, who knows the states of all his children, and when and where He leads them, graciously
affords ability to follow, to the praise of his ever
adorable name.
"It pleased Him to lead me as into the wilderness,
and to give me a sight of my former disobedience and
folly.  Oh  the bitterness and distress that covered
me when I was alone or in meetings.  I experienced
but few pleasant draughts of his love, my meat was
gall and wormwood, and my drink of the bitter waters
of Marah. This was not unfelt by some sympathizing




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   17
Friends, who were anxious that I might know  an
establishment upon the Rock immoveable.  Thus I
continued, but was still preserved desirous to know the
Master's will, and in measure made willing to obey,
though under the cross; yet the way to the kingdom
was for some months much darkened, and a sense of
my sinful conduct often brought me almost to despair
of ever finding forgiveness with an offended God: and
my burden in meetings was almost insupportable.' Oh! these were times of baptism never to be forgotten in mutability.  One evening, sitting in my house
alone, great horror and trouble seized me-I wept
aloud, and after a short time went to bed; but my distress was so great, that it almost overcame me, and I
thought I tasted of the misery of fallen spirits.  Not
being able to contain myself, I arose and walked the
room.  My spirits at length being nearly exhausted, I
threw myself on the bed again, but had not lain long,
before I grew cold like one near death, a clammy sweat
covered me, and I was to appearance stupid.  In this
state I was, through adorable mercy, released from the
horror that before surrounded me, and was comforted
X\ith a sight and feeling of a state of inexpressible
happiness and joy; and when so far come to myself as
to have utterance given me, I cried aloud on this wise,
Oh! now I know that my Redeemer liveth.
"Oh! the sweetness I then felt, in being favored
with such an evidence of the goodness and mercy of
Good! It far surpassed everything I had ever before
experienced, and was such that I hope to bear it in re2*




18                THE  LIFE  OF
membrance as long as I have a being here.  Tears of
joy ran freely down my cheeks, insomuch that I could
not restrain them nor scarcely utter a word for a considerable time; and my dear partner, who shared with
me in my affliction, was also made a partaker with me
in my exceeding great joy.  Blessed for ever be the
name of the Lord, though He sees meet for our refinement to try us even to an hair's breadth, yet in our
utmost extremity his all-powerful arm is made bare for
our deliverance."
Being thus, in infinite mercy, brought to a living
experience of the unfathomable love of God towards
his poor fallen, helpless creatures, and the extension
of his power for their redemption, through our Lord
Jesus Christ; he was concerned to abide under his
purifying baptism, that he might really know the coinmullion of saints, and have fellowship with the Father
and with his Son Jesus Christ. Having felt the terrors
of the Lord for sin, it led to close watchfulness and
fear, lest the enemy, through his subtlety, should draw
his mind away from a steady subjection to the cross;
and when disengaged from his outward avocations, he
spent much of his time at home in retirement.
In the year 1779, he accompanied a Friend on a
visit to the meetings of Friends in Virginia and Carolina., and as far as appears, it was about this time that
he was engaged to speak a few words in meetings, by
way of Gospel ministry. To a mind sincerely desirous
of advancing in the way and work of salvation, this
journey must have furnished many instructive lessons,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                    19
which, carefully treasured up, would be lastingly beneficial.  Some circumstances seem  to have made such
deep impression on his feelings, as occasioned him to
notice them with much concern.  A Friend had been
drafted to serve in the army, but being conscientiously
scrupulous against bearing arms, could not comply with
the requisition.  He was therefore tried by a courtmartial, sentenced to be whipt, and received forty
lashes on his bare back with a whip of nine cords.
Although he had no friend to sympathize with or to
encourage him in a faithful testimony to the peaceable
kingdom  and government of Christ, he meekly and
patiently suffered his flesh to be thus barbarously mangled in the presence of some thousands of persons.
William says, "Great endeavors were afterwards used,
Iboth by threats and persuasions, to induce him to comply with some service in the military establishment,
such as waiting upon the sick, or in some other employ
that they might take hold of, so as to answer their purpose: but remaining steadily fixed, he could have no
freedom to countenance their measures, let the consequence be what it might.  I think it is worthy of remark. that his prudent wife appeared to be more concerned on account of an evil report that her husband
had been brought to a compliance, than for all his suffering, or all they were worth in the world. After the
time had expired, for which he had been drafted, he
returned home.  Here, I may mention the reasons
offered by a certain Major Roberts in the American
army, why t'he Friends ought not to suiffr; he >aid,




20                 THE  LIFE  OF
the Quakers had not deceived them, they had borne
their testimony from  the beginning, and were never
known to bear arms on any occasion; they also paid
taxes, which were three-fold more than their proportion; those treble taxes were in consequence of their
Tiot uniting in warlike measures.  It may also not be
improper to take notice of a remark made by a great
woman of the church of England, that she observed
some of the Quakers' children had departed from the
plainness of their profession and got about half-way
into the fashions of the world, which rendered them
ridiculous in the eyes of others and a reproach to their
own Society."
ITis appearances in the ministry being approved, he
was acknowledged as a minister in the year 1781; and
in 1785, with the concurrence of his Monthly Meeting
visited the Yearly Meeting held in Baltimore, and
some other meetings in Maryland.  In 1787, he attended the Yearly Meetings of New York and Rhode
Island, and visited several other meetings within the
states of New York and New England; and in 1789,
was again engaged in paying a religious visit to some
meetings in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
In 1791, the Monthly Meeting uniting with his
prospect of religious duty to visit the city of Charleston, South Carolina, and other places of the Southern
States, he took his passage in a vessel bound for
Charleston in the fourth month, and arrived there
on the 2_2d.
He says, "24th being First-day, was at two meet



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  21
ings: they were attended by more people not professing with us, than Friends, who do not appear to be
more than fifteen members in the place; but the meeting-house was too small to answer my concern of seeing
the inhabitants.  Second-day being a time generally
allotted for recreation and amusement, the negroes
appeared in their best trim and many of them cheerful, yet the great numbers of them, and the reflections
consequent on their abject condition, gave everything
a melancholy tinge with me. Appointed a meeting to
be held in the Methodist meeting-house in the evening
of the 26th.  The house was filled, and it was said
that several hundreds could not get in.  Some fundamental truths were opened, showing that the work of
righteousness is peace, and the effect thereof, quietness and assurance for ever.  The Lord was pleased
to favor with ability to my humbling admiration; the
meeting was still and solid, and I went to my lodgings
in peace.
"Colonel Laurens having obtained the privilege of
the Baptist meeting-house, I agreed to have a meeting
there in the evening of the first of fifth month.  It
being First-day, I was at Friends' meeting in the
morning, which was large; that in the evening was
also large and satisfactory. Left the city and got to
T. Lewis's the 5th, about fifty-four miles.  Here are
about seven families, who have built a small meetinghouse, being convinced mostly without instrumental
means; they meet in the manner of Friends, twice a
week, and appear to be an innocent people. Our land



22                THE LIFE  OF
lord has freed ten negroes, several of whom cost fifty
guineas each; he and his wife are united in this, that
they never found peace of mind until they had so done.
On our road we met between thirty and forty negroes,
of both sexes, almost naked, some of them lame and
decrepit, travelling to Ashley bridge, a considerable
distance off; there to be put up and sold at vendue.
This made our hearts sad, and caused the reflection;
certainly there is a righteous and omniscient Judge
that commiserates the poor and oppressed, and takes
cognizance of the actions of hard-hearted and merciless oppressors, and by terrible things in righteousness
will sooner or later plead the cause of the afflicted.
It is sorrowful, that because judgment against an evil
work is not speedily executed, the hearts of men are
set to do evil.
" Rode upwards of one hundred miles, and got to
Bush-river meeting the 8th; appointed one to be held
at four o'clock in the afternoon, which w:;s large, being
attended by many professors.
"'The 9th, had a meeting at Rocky Spring; many
Baptists and others attending, it was very large, and
through mercy strength was given to labor, but I fear
little good was done.  Proceeded to Cane creek and
had a meeting; though the people appeared very raw,
yet it was to pretty good satisfaction. The next meeting was at Paget's creek: a variety of religious professors were present, and near the close the people
were much tendered. Had meetings at Raybor's creek,
Mud-lick, and Allwood, and on the 15th was at Cam



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   23
bridge or Ninety-six. Had a meeting in the Courthouse, with a mixed multitude: it was large, and thought
to be open and satisfactory.  In the afternoon had
another meeting in a large unfinished building; many
attended, and we thought it was well we were there.
Got to Wrightsborough, in Georgia, and attended
their week-day meeting on the 18th.  The neighbors
being invited, it was a large gathering, and ended well.'" The 19th, had a meeting at Mendenhall's: a large
number of Methodists and Baptists attended.  Two
women fell on their knees, and trembled, and shook,
and prayed, and exhorted.  I could scarcely account
for such an extraordinary appearance, as they continued in these agitations some time after meeting
broke up.  Several wept, and most of the people appeared serious. I stept in among them again, and advised the women to stillness; and then thought I had
a more favorable opportunity to speak to the people
than before; upon the whole I felt easy when it was
over.  As we were riding through the woods on the
20th, the road being narrow, the iron of the swingletree breaking, it fell on the mare's legs and set her to
running and kicking in a frightful manner. I expected
nothing but to be dashed against the trees every moment, for I had not power to stop her, nor any possibility of jumping out, without imminrent danger; but
through the singular interposition of divine Providence,
who has watched over me with the tenderness of a
father all my life, the creature suddenly stopped and
trembled exceedingly, when all my efforts were in vain.




24               THE  LIFE  OF
A few yards further might, in all probability, have
terminated the scene, and I was accordingly endeavoring to be collected in my mind.  Such a marvellous
escape was greatly to my humiliation, and presented
an impressive lesson to me.  What shall I render to
thee, 0 Lord, for all thy unmerited mercies, and to
what end hast thou so often been gracious to me, but
that I might more fervently seek and serve thee, the
remainder of my days.  Lord grant me strength so
to do!
" The 22d being first-day, had a meeting at Wrightsborough: the people of different professions and ranks
came in great numbers; it was thought to be a solid,
tendering time; but not feeling quite easy, I appointed
another at four o'clock in the afternoon, the people
continuing in the woods. This was truly a relieving
time, and we thought we had never witnessed so much
brokenness throughout: they were loath to part with
us, and many tears were shed on both sides.  I endeavored as soon as possible to retreat, but they stopped the sulkey frequently, and seemed reluctant to let
us go. Accompanied by several Friends, we passed
on to Augusta, and proposed a meeting at four o'clock
in the afternoon of next day; but the people being
thoughtless and dissipated, were so taken up with their
diversion, that we did not obtain the company of more
than twenty.  We proposed another at ten o'clock, in
the forenoon of the following day. As they can scarcely
tolerate us on account of our abhorrence of slavery,
this was truly a trying place to lodge in another night.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  25
Near the time appointed, the bell was rung, and about
one hundred collected; many of them appeared to be
people of some note, and being favored with utterance,
I cleared my mind, and before we parted, gave them
a charge to be more cautious of discouraging disinterested religious visits in future.
" On the 28th we got to Savannah.  The next day
being First-day, the parson came and offered his meeting-house for a meeting at five o'clock in the evening,
which was large; several of the clergy, and many
people of note, attended; they appeared to be total
strangers to us, and were at first light and airy, but
became more serious, and were mostly very attentive.
The Lord was near, and I trust was mouth and wisdom.
I left them easy and comforted in mind, being glad I
gave up to go there, though in the cross.  Crossed
Savannah river, and lodged at  ~-  Blunt's, who is a
hard hearted slave-holder.  One of his lads, about
fourteen, coming in from the field at dark, was ordered
to go and milk the cows; and falling asleep through
weariness, the master called out and ordered him a
flogging.  I asked him what he meant by a flogging.
He replied, the way we serve them  here is, we cut
their backs till they are raw all over, and then salt
them. Upon this, my feelings were roused, I told him
that was too bad, and queried if it were possible; he
replied it was, with many curses upon the blacks. It
disturbed us much, but I hoped his orders would not
be obeyed. We went to supper, and this unfeeling,




26               THE  LIFE  OF
wretch craved a blessing, which I considered to be
equally abhorrent to the Divine Being as his curses.
" 31st. Rose in the morning, and whilst at the door
musing, I heard some one begging for mercy, and also
the lashes of a whip. Not knowing whence the sound
came, I ran, and presently found the poor boy tied up
to a post, his toes scarcely touching the ground, and a
negro whipper, with five or six hazel rods lying by him.
He had already cut him in an unmerciful manner, and
the blood ran to his heels. I stepped in between them,
and ordered him untied immediately, which with some
reluctance and astonishment was done. Returning to
the house, I saw the landlord, who then showed himself in his true colors, the most abominably wicked
man I ever met with, full of horrid execrations and
threatenings upon all the Northern people; but I did
not spare him, which occasioned a by-stander to express
with an oath that I should be'popped over.'
"We left them, distressed in mind, and having a
lonesome wood of twelve miles to pass through, were
in full expectation of their waylaying or coming after
us, to put their wicked threats in execution; but the
Lord restrairied them. This was a day of heaviness
and sorrowful reflection, and the next house we stopped
at we found the same wicked spirit. We rode through
many rice swamps, where the blacks are very numerous,
great droves of these poor slaves working up to the
middle in water, men and women nearly naked: a
peck of corn is their miserable subsistence for a week.
A gloomy sadness covered them, so as scarcely to admit




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   27
of the interchange of a sentiment. O Christianity and
humanity, how are ye disgraced! Where will such
astonishing horrible conduct end?
"Sixth month, 2d, got to Charleston.  On Firstday, the 5th, attended Friends' meeting in the morning, and had a public meeting in the evening at the
Baptist meeting-house, which was large and a relieving
time to my mind.*
"The 23d was at Cane creek, North Carolina; it
being their week-day meeting.  It was pretty large,
many came to it directly out of their harvest fields,
and our good Master was with us.  Had meetings at
several places to a good degree of satisfaction, and got
to Petersburg, in Virginia, the 2d of Seventh month.
On First-day, the 3d, had a public meeting at four
o'clock in the afternoon, which was very large, the
people of other religious denominations attending, the
house could not contain them all; but it ended well." *
In the year 1792 he visited the meetings of Friends
in Virginia, attended their Yearly Meeting, and appears
to have been favored with strength to fulfil the service
required of him, with peace to his own mind.
The condition of the Indian natives in this country
had for some years engaged the attention of the Yearly
Meeting of Philadelphia, and its representative body,
the Meeting for Sufferings; and in the recollection of
* The reader will observe that there is a considerable interval
between these dates; no memoranda appear to have been made,
and the information requisite to fill the chasms which are left
by the writer cannot now be obtained.




28               THE  LIFE  OF
the kindness shown by those original proprietors of
the soil to the Friends who first landed on these shores,
and the friendship which subsisted between them, the
Society had endeavored to cherish that bond of union,
and to evince their gratitude and love by such aid as
it was in their power to bestow.
These acts of benevolence, however, had been interrupted by war, devastating the frontier settlements,
and staining the land with blood. Deeply affected with
the horrors attendant on this cruel contest, the Meeting
for Sufferings, in the Eleventh month, 1792, was engaged to prepare a respectful memorial to the President
and Congress of the United States, recommending the
adoption of such pacific and just measures toward the
natives as might arrest this savage warfare, and establish peace upon a firm basis. In the Second month
following, the meeting was informed that a treaty was
likely to be held at Sandusky (now in the State of
Ohio), and by messages received through Captain Hendricks and his brothers, two Indian messengers recently
from the Western country, and also a letter from Hopackon, a sachem of the Delaware nation, it appeared
that the Indians were very solicitious some Friends
should attend it, and as a confirmation of the message
and a token of their continued friendship, they sent
three strings of white wampum.
Several Friends, of whom William Savery was one,
feeling their minds religiously engaged to visit the
Indian country about the time the treaty was to be
held, and producing to the Meeting tor Sufferings in




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   29
the Fourth month, 1793, minutes, expressing the unity
of their respective Monthly Meetings, and the approbation of President Washington having been obtained,
they were deputed in its behalf to attend the said
treaty, and present to the natives the following address,
viz:
"To the Indians living on the North-Western and
Western borders of the United States, and all others
whom this writing may concern:
" BROTHERS,
"Hearken to the speech which your friends called
Quakers, assembled in Philadelphia, from several parts
of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, &c., now send to you by
their brethren, John Parrish, William Savery, John
Elliott, Jacob Lindley, Joseph Moore, and William
Hartshorne.
"' Brothers,-When our grandfathers came with Onas
over the great waters to settle in this land, more than
one hundred years ago, they kindled a large council
fire with your grandfathers, and sat together around
it in much good-will and friendship, smoking the
calumet pipe together; and they told your grandfathers that they were men of peace, and desired to
live among you in peace and love, and that their children might also be careful always to live in the same
love one with another, as brothers of the same family.
"This council fire was kept burning with a clear
flame many years, which gave a good light to all around
the country, and the chain of friendship which was
3*




80                THE  LIFE  OF
made at the same time, was kept clean from rust by
our fathers and your fathers; until about forty years
ago, an evil spirit whispered bad stories in the ears of
some of your people and of some of the white people,
so that the light of the ancient council fire was almost
put out, and the old chain of friendship was made dull
and rusty.
"Brothers, — Our grandfathers told your grandfathers, that the Great and Good Spirit who made
them  and all people, with a design that they might
live on this earth for a few years, in love and good-will
one toward another, had placed his law in the hearts
of all men, and if they carefully attended to its inward voice, it would keep them in love and friendship,
and teach them to shun everything that would occasion
them to trouble and hurt one another.
"Brothers,- Do you not find that after you have
been angry and quarrelsome, or done any bad action,
you are made uneasy and sorrowful; and that when
you are sober and serious, and do good actions, your
minds feel pleasant, easy, and comfortable? It is the
law from the Good Spirit, who is all love, and who
placed it in your hearts, which gives you such peace
and comfort when you do well, but when you do evil
things, it reproves you and makes you feel uneasy
and sad.
"Brothers,-We wish you to consider and remember, that the Great Spirit sees and knows all the
thoughts of your hearts, and of the hearts of all mankind, and all their actions.  And when their bodies




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  81
die, such men of all colors and all nations, who have
loved, served and obeyed the holy law of the Good
Spirit, placed in their hearts, He will receive their
souls, which are never to die, and they will live with
Him in joy and peace for ever: but the souls of bad
men who have lived wickedly in this world, must live,
after their bodies die, with the bad Spirit in a state of
distress and misery.
"Brothers,-We make profession of the same principles with our grandfathers, which teach us to love
you and all men; and in that love we feel our minds
drawn to send you this speech, with a great desire foryour good.-We were made glad when we heard that
the sober, good people among you were disposed to
promote peace and brighten the old chain of friendship, with the white people of the United States; and
that many of you have a desire that you may be instructed in tilling the ground, and to live after the
manner of the white people, which we believe you will
find to be more comfortable for you and your families,
than to live only by hunting; and we think it will also
be good for your young people to be learned to read
and write, and that sober, honest, good men should be
sent among you for teachers.
" Brothers,-We have often told some of your chiefs
when we have had the opportunity of taking them by
the hand in this city, that we are not concerned in the
management of the affairs of government, which are
under the direction of the President of the United
States, and his counsellors, but that we should, at all




32               TIE LIFE  OF
times, be willing to do anything in our power to promote love and peace.
"Brothers, —We greatly desire that the commissioners who are now sent by the President, and also
your counsellors and chiefs, may look up to the Great
Spirit for his wisdom and help, that you may all be
made wise and strong to light up the council fire. and
brighten the chain of old friendship, that all things
may be settled to satisfaction, and a lasting peace
established, so that there may be no more difference
or war between your people and the inhabitants of
these States.
" We desire you may receive our friends, by whom
we send this writing, in love, as brothers who are disposed to encourage you in all good things.-And, in
the ancient love which our grandfathers felt for each
other, we salute you, wishing you happiness in this
life, and that which is to come, and remain your friends
and brothers.
" Signed by forty-four Friends.
"Philadelphia, fourth month 19th, 1793."
Of this journey, which proved to be one of great
exposure and personal suffering, William Savery has
preserved memorandums; from which it appears, that
they left Philadelphia in the Fifth month, 1793, and
on arriving at New York, met with John Heckewelder,
a Moravian missionary, who had lived among the Indians, and was going to attend the treaty.  On Firstday, the 5th of the month, they attended two meetings




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  833
in the city, and appointed one at seven o'clock in the
evening, which was largely attended by professors of
several denominations: it was solid, and ended to
satisfaction. They left New York that evening, and
got to Albany the 8th.
William says, " our stores having arrived with general Lincoln, they were nearly all put on board of eight
batteaux, built for the purpose; two of these were
covered in the centre with painted canvas, about nine
feet in length, surrounded with curtains, and had each
a table in the middle. Embarking the 9th, our little
fleet attracted the attention of the inhabitants, who
were civil, and I believe wished us well. It was truly
a novel scene to most of the passengers. The Mohawk
has a strong current, frequently rapid, and so shallow
that the bottoms of our boats often rubbed the bed of
the river; this made hard work for the boatmen.
"The 13th, all our boats and baggage being transported to the landing, above the falls, we went on board,
and arrived at fort Herkimer, making only seven miles
to-day.
"14th. J. Heckewelder, Jacob Lindley, and myself,
being with general Lincoln, we became engaged in religious conversation with much kindness and charity;
the General expressed many just and valuable sentiments on the weighty subjects under discussion. Arrived at fort Schuyler in the evening.
" 1 7th. The boats and stores being yesterday taken
over from fort Stanwix to Wood creek landing, we sat
off about eight o'clock in the morning, but as the creek




34               THE LIFE  OF
was only about six inches deep, were obliged to take
about two tons out of our large boats and carry it in
wagons, to the junction of Canada creek; after this,
having the aid of the waters of a mill-dam at the head
of the creek, the boats readily floated.  Most of the
passengers walked this distance, which was about seven
miles. At three o'clock we embarked again, and made
about sixteen miles to-day; here we encamped, and
next day got to the mouth of Oneida lake.  About
three o'clock got through the lake to fort Brewington,
at the mouth of Onondaga river.
"19th. After breakfast sailed down a beautiful
stream twelve miles, to Oswego falls. Some Onondaga
Indians followed us in a bark canoe, and caught some
fine salmon and other fish for us. We encamped and
lodged comfortably, being about eighty in company.
" 20th. After drawing our boats by hand on rollers,
about one hundred yards, we launched them below the
main falls, and again embarking, went down a rapid
rocky current to Oswego fort, twelve miles.  It is a
strong British garrison, commanded by Captain Wickham, who sent his servant to invite us to his quarters,
and treated us respectfully. After being hospitably
entertained, we left the fort and embarked on lake
Ontario; rowed hard to a harbor fifteen miles, which
we reached about nine o'clock in the evening, and encamped.  Made twenty-nine miles on the 21st.  As
the wind was high next day, we lay at the harbor until
afternoon, then sailed seven miles, and encamped on
the beach.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  35
"The 25th, got to Niagara fort, and staid until
about four o'clock; then crossed the river, which is
about half a mile wide, and took possession of two
rooms in an unfinished house, which the commissioners
had prepared for us, having our own provisions and
mattresses.
"26th. Waited on the governor at his request, and
were treated respectfully; dined at our lodgings upon
wild pigeons, which the Indians shot flying, with their
bows and arrows.  The town consists of about fifty
houses: it is laid out in half-acre lots, and is likely,
from the extensive navigation and increase of population, to be a place of considerable trade in a few
years.
" 27th. Packed up our bedding and proceeded with
all the batteaux and stores to the landing-place, seven
miles up the river; pitched our tents on the bank of a
green meadow, and at the invitation of Captain Smith
and other officers, several of us dined with them at the
mess-house.  Here are large barracks, with three or
four hundred men, in a low unhealthy spot, many of
them very sickly, and a number die almost daily.
" 30th. Were visited by the governor, Timothy
Pickering, and others. The governor offered his house,
at this place, for our accommodation; but its low situation occasioned us to decline accepting it.
"31st. Several of us went down in our boat to
Navy Hall, and spent several hours with the commissioners: we got passes from Governor Simcoe, to go on
to Detroit, by the first king's vessel from Fort Erie.




86               THE LIFE  OF
"First-day, 2d of Sixth month, a meeting being appointed to be held in a barn, about four miles from our
encampment; Friends, and some people from the landing, attended. It was larger than we expected, being
composed of a variety of professors, among whom were
eight or ten Friends, who are settled in the neighborhood.  No regular place of worship being kept up for
many miles, the opportunity of assembling for that
purpose appeared to be very acceptable; the meeting
was solid, and we hope may be useful.
"3d. Struck our tents, and packed up as many
stores as were thought necessary-a wagon being prepared to take them, and one of our large boats mounted
on a carriage, we set off for Chippeway, the landing
place above the falls, where we lodged at a tolerably
good house.
" 4th. Proceeded early up Niagara river, against a
strong current, which was rather unpleasant, for had
we been driven down half a mile, every effort must
have been unavailing to rescue us from descending the
tremendous cataract. Arrived at a farm-house, where
being supplied with milk and butter, we breakfasted;
dined at a tavern four miles below Fort Erie, where
we found a large number of farmers convened from a
considerable distance, in order to render an account
of their improvements and  property; several of
whom were Friends and Menonists from Pennsylvania.
Reached Fort Erie about four o'clock, and finding
three British vessels, we took our passage, but the
wind being unfavorable, could not sail.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  87
"Fourth-day, the 5th, the wind still unfavorable.
The land between Niagara and this place, is generally
rich and well timbered, and is settling fast by people
who are mostly from the United States, and among
them  a greater number of members of our Society,
than I had expected to find. While at dinner the wind
becoming fair, a gun was fired to hasten the Indians
and other passengers on board. We sailed pleasantly,
at the rate of about four miles an hour, having on
board about ninety persons, forty-five of whom were
Mohawks, Messasauges, Stockbridge, and Cayuga Indians.
"Fifth-day, the wind pretty fair; sailed pleasantly
in much harmony, the time spent agreeably and usefully. We conversed with the Indians and made them
some small presents, with which they were much pleased.
Towards evening the wind abating, the vessel rolled
so much as to cause many of the passengers to be sick,
myself among the number.  A  storm  of rain, with
thunder and lightning, coming on in the night, some of
us got but little rest, and having a large quantity of
powder on board, our situation was awful, but Divine
Goodness preserved us through it, for which I desire
to remain thankful, and increasingly studious in my
inquiry,' What shall I render Him for all his mercies?'
"Sixth-day, the wind unfavorable.  Seventh-day,
sailed perhaps thirty or forty miles.
"First-day, the 9th, about noon came in sight of
the Bass islands, near which are abundance of fine
fish;- continued heaving the lead from about eleven
4




38                THE LIFE OF
o'clock to three -the water near those islands being
shoal.  Held a meeting in the cabin, at which were
present our cabin passengers, and some of those in the
steerage, Captain Hendricks and his Indians, Captain
John, apd as many of his as could find room — they
all behaved soberly, and it was satisfactory to us.
Several of the Indians expressed the same; and Captain John informed the captain of the vessel, he should
be glad if he could have had what was said in writing,
and was more familiar and friendly ever after. Arrived
at nine o'clock at the mouth of the river Detroit.
" Second-day, weighed anchor with a fair wind, but
a strong current against us; the morning being fine,
it afforded us a beautiful prospect of continued houses,
farms, wind-mills, luxuriant meadows and orchards,
which had a very pleasing effect, having seen nothing
like it since we left the Mohawk river. Arrived at
Detroit about eight o'clock, and after breakfasting on
board, went on shore to procure lodgings, but finding
the rent of two rooms to be four dollars per day, we
gave up the idea of finding our own provisions, and
took up our boarding at a house where we have a good
table, and sleep upon our own mattresses: all kinds
of foreign articles are about three-fold more than in
Philadelphia. Veal, one shilling, beef, fifteen pence
per pound, fowls, four shillings a couple, butter, two
shillings and sixpence, &c.
"Third-day, the 11th, the weather was very warm:
walked round the town and found the number of houses
and inhabitants to exceed my expectation. We com



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   89
puted the houses, exclusive of the barracks, at two
hundred; some of them  good, especially along the
bank of the river. There is only one place of worship,
which is a Romish chapel. Lieutenant-colonel England commands the regiment quartered in thi  place;
he is a very respectable man: the officers are civil and
polite, and possess a good opinion of Friends.
"Fourth-day, the 12th, many Indians came to see
us, but most of them being intoxicated, we had little
conversation with them. The people seemed astonished
to see Quakers; and some of the officers calling to
visit us, treated us respectfully.
"Fifth-day, had a serious conference with Captain
John, and other chiefs of the Mohawks, to our satisfaction; they expressed themselves friendly, and much
approved of our attending the treaty.
" 14th. Almost wearied out with the importunities
of the Indians for rum, we however put them  off.
Some of the Chippeways having arrived last evening
from  Michillimachinack, and encamped outside the
picquets, we paid them a visit, but they had drunk
much rum before we went, were very rude, called us ill
names, and appeared very angry.  All the Indians I
had ever seen were far short of these in their extraordinary terrifying painting, and the appendages of
their dress; any description I am capable of giving,
must afford a very faint idea of the ferocious appearance of this nation. On leaving them, one followed
and took hold of the arm of one of us, crying very
harshly,'come back, come back.' A ship-carpenter




40               THE LIFE  OF
who was near, and understood their language, said he
believed if we had returned to them, they would certainly have killed us, which most likely they would;
this made us more cautious of going into their company
afterwards, especially when heated with strong drink.
A number of Indians frightfully painted, passed through
the town. dancing the war dance, some of whom having knowledge of us, came to our lodging to pay us a
compliment; but I wish to be excused from a, compliment of the like kind in future.  The frightful painting of their faces and bodies, which are almost naked
on such occasions, their terrifying whoops and yells,
their ferocious countenances and actions, together with
the tomahawks and scalping knives in their hands, form
so horrid a scene, that every truly Christian mind must
recoil from it with disgust and sadness. Sorrowful indeed it is to reflect, that such is the depravity of many,
under the dignified character of Christians, whose conduct towards these poor creatures ought to have been
marked with a pacific desire of inspiring them with the
mild and blessed doctrines of the Gospel, that they
are, alas! taking delight in encouraging them to this
exercise, and stimulate them with large potations of
strong liquor, until they become frantic.
"Dined by invitation at the officers' mess-house;
their respectful, polite behavior to Friends, marked
their character as gentlemen, and merited our acknowledgment; they permitted us to use great freedom with
them. and I hope we kept our places.' eventh-day, after informing the colonel of err




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   41
intention to hold a meeting here to-morrow, to which
he cordially assented, we viewed two places which were
offered for the purpose; but they being somewhat inconvenient, the king's ship-builder offered his boathouse, which being large, and in a fine airy place on
the side of the river, we accepted it.  Being much
troubled with the continual visits of the Indians, begging for rum and other things, we were obliged to retire up stairs to avoid them.
" First-day, 16th of Sixth month, attended the meeting at ten o'clock forenoon.  The colonel having dispensed with the accustomed military exercise, which is
practised at that hour, a large number of soldiers and
most of the officers were present, besides a considerable collection of the inhabitants of the place of both
sexes; and as the house was in a large open lot, great
numbers stood out of doors.  This being doubtless the
first meeting of our Society at Detroit, curiosity was
greatly excited; their behavior at first, as might be
expected, was a little restless, talking, taking snuff,
&c., but upon one of our company endeavoring to set
before them the nature of our mode of worship, with
a request they would join in our manner, they were
very attentive and became still; some of them, especially
among the poor soldiers, were reverent and thoughtful.
The service, which was considerable, appeared to be
received with openness, and I believe the opportunity
ended to mutual satisfaction.  There is no Protestant
place of worship, that I can hear of, within a long way
from this place: all that has the shadow of worship,
4*




42                THE  LIFE  OF
except the Roman Catholic, is the reading of prayers
and church service by an officer, sometimes on Firstdays, at which the Protestant inhabitants attend.
After dinner the colonel's boat being prepared, about
twelve or fifteen of us proceeded down the river to
attend a meeting appointed at four o'clock, six miles
off. Several other boats set off in company, but the
wind being high, one of them put back-there were a
number of Menonists with long beards present, some
French people, and the farmers in the neighborhood:
-  I hope the meeting ended well.  Returned to Detroit, thankful to the Author of mercies for his unmerited kindness during the day.
" Second-day, 17th.  We have need to ask for both
faith and patience to support us under our long detention,,and the continual alarming reports of the disposition of the Indians, who are collecting for the treaty.
Most of those who pass this place are said to go prepared for war, if the commissioners do not comply
with their wishes: they are in a haughty spirit, being
elated with their successes. There are many among
the inhabitants here kindly disposed towards us, who
appear to be very doubtful for our personal safety at
Sandusky, and seem  rather to desire we would not
venture.  We are thankful in being preserved so far
in quietness and confidence, trusting in the Omnipotent
arm  for preservation.  We cannot admit a doubt of
the propriety of our coming, nor of the motives which
led to it; yet I may say, it is the most trying situation I was ever brought into. May the Lord preserve




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   43
the little band,'wise as serpents and harmless as
doves.' At four o'clock several of our company dined
at Colonel England's.  The state of my mind made
me wish to be excused, but thought it improper to
slight so respectful an invitation to us poor strangers.
The colonel is a man of great openness of manners,
quite a soldier, and his wife an amiable woman. Five
of the officers of the regiment being present, we sat
down to a table spread in all the elegance of a populous
city. After travelling several hundred miles of wilderness, and encamping on the ground like poor pilgrims, it was really marvellous to find plenty and
elegance, at least equal to the most fashionable houses
in our city.  He did everything to make our visit
agreeable, which has also been the disposition of all
the officers since we arrived.
"Fourth-day, a boat coming for us from the neighborhood of the Menonists, which arrangement had
been made on the First-day preceding, all the Friends,
except myself, went down in it. Having a pain in my
head and bones, and being apprehensive it was the
prelude of a fever, I took some medicine and confined
myself all day.  Towards evening was much relieved,
but the prospect of a fit of sickness so far from home
put my resignation to the will of an all-wise Providence to the proof, and I found, as I have often before,
that it is one of the highest degrees of attainment, to
say with sincerity,' Thy will be done.' Fifth-day evening, at the request of the officers, I spent an hour or
two with four of them, and conversed on the nature




44                THE  LIFE  OF
of our business with the Indians. They expressed a
belief that much respect would be paid to the sentiments
of Friends, and assured me that the discouraging sentiments we had heard respecting our personal safety at
the treaty need not occasion us a moment's concern,
for it was not strange that such insinuations should
drop from those who were interested in the continuance of hostilities.  Some remarks on the difference
of our pursuits and profession produced the expression
of a prospect which some of them  had, that before
very long they would exchange the sword for the
ploughshare.
" Sixth-day, 21st, a number of Indians arrived from
many hundred miles to the North-west.  They were
frightfully painted; their dress more singular than any
I have yet seen, and generally large muscular men.
It is amazing to reflect on the vast distance they travel
in their canoes along the continued chain of lakes and
rivers in this part of America. We are now fourteen
or fifteen hundred miles by the water communication
from the sea at LouisboArg, and the trade is carried
on, it is said, for two thousand miles beyond this, from
whence none but the costliest furs, as beaver, marten,
&c., are worth bringing.  Schooners go about six hundred miles beyond Detroit; thus the trade in furs is
brought to this place far beyond what I could ever
have imagined.  A  vast country, which may in time
become an extensive empire, remains unsettled in the
British territories, in which are large bodies of excellent
land: that which lies along the river Le French, about




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   45
fifty or sixty miles above this, is fast settling, and two
hundred acres to a family are given gratis. Good fish
are plenty in these waters, but no eels have ever been
found above the falls of Niagara, nor rats on the land.
"First-day, 23d, we held a meeting in a large sailloft, but not having given notice to the colonel of our
intention, the soldiers were out on parade. The gathering was pretty large, many coming in from the country;
and the doctrine appeared to be closer than some present could bear. A serious call was sounded, to examine the foundation of a hope of salvation through
Christ, while men remain under the dominion of a long
catalogue of sinful indulgences and profanity; and inculcating the necessity of having our conversation such
as becometh the Gospel of Christ, in order to obtain
an inheritance in his kingdom. The labor was painful,
and tended to our mortification, but this is good for us;
indeed it would be a vain expectation for us to think
to reign, where Truth so evidently suffers: may we be
favored with an increase of resignation to the Divine
will. In the afternoon I had some painful reflections
on the state of the people, and the prospect of some
weeks longer continuance among them.  The upright
intention of our hearts in coming on this fatiguing and
exercising journey being recurred to, I went to bed
somewhat revived, in humble confidence in the Divine
arm for support; and remembering the gracious promise,' Lo! I am with you always.'
" Second-day, 24th, Joseph Moore and myself went
down to the river La Rouge, and proceeded five miles




46               THE LIFE  OF
up it to a new grist-mill, where we dined. The people
settled on the sides of the river are mostly French and
Germans; the land flat and wet. We had conversation
with several Germans, who appeared to have a great
desire for us to hold a meeting; one man kindly offering to send horses for us whenever we gave them notice.
"25th. J. Heckewelder returned yesterday from the
Moravian town, on the river Le French, and brought
with him Gabriel Senseman, a missionary, and six or
seven Indians, among whom was John Killbuck, and
his son, who had been educated at Princeton College,
but has again resumed Indian habits and manners.
These poor Indians, who do not go to war, have been
driven about, from place to place, and much distressed.
Governor Simcoe has now granted them ten miles square
of land, which they are beginning to cultivate; but at
prysent their situation was represented to be very distressing, for want of provisions, having scarcely anything to subsist on, but roots, until their corn grows.
Heckewelder and Senseman requesting our attention
to them, Friends took it into consideration, and no
other resources appearing, we thought it right to procure corn and flour for them, to the amount of one
hundred dollars; part of which they immediately took
off in their canoes. Dined at William Forsythe's, on
the river side, and wrote an epistle to the Moravian
Indians.
" 27th. Spent most of the day at our lodgings; a
Shawnese chief, who, we were informed, had come
from the council at the Miami Rapids, desiring to see




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  47
us, we had some conversation with him through an interpreter, but could not obtain his sentiments respecting the issue of the treaty: he appeared to be a quiet,
cautious man, and thought the treaty would not be over
before frost. We are almost ready, at times, to apprehend that our patience will be exhausted, yet cannot doubt but our unforeseen detention in this remote
and libertine place, will have its use.  I am thankful
that our little band is preserved in good health, and
favored with unity of prospect and concern; and hope
our conversation has in good measure been such as becometh our profession. It has, however, been peculiarly
trying to me to-day, to look forward to so long a separation from my precious home and dear friends, which,
with the sentiments we daily hear expressed, of the
danger of losing our lives at the treaty, if the Indians
should not be gratified in their demands, causes us to
be serious and thoughtful, and to search for that foundation where we may stand unshaken in every trial
that yet awaits us.  Some evenings past, two Indians
being intoxicated, quarrelled outside the garrison, and
one killed the other; of which I do not hear that any
notice has been taken; but probably the survivor will
ere long be killed by some friend or relative of the deceased, according to Indian custom.  No Indian is
suffered to stay inside the gates of the garrison, after
the drum beats; nor more than thirty to be within at
once in the day-time; and these all disarmed.
" 28th. Visited Captain Labourne, who granted us
the use of his library, and we spent most of the fore



48               THE LIFE OF
noon in reading. Captain Drake giving us his company, related many curious observations he had made
during four years' employment on these lakes, having
arrived a few days past from Michillimachinack, about
one hundred and thirty leagues distant, at the further
end of lake Huron.  He informed us that many hundred men are employed by the North-West company,
who are constantly travelling to a very great distance,
trading with the Northern Indians for the richest
peltry, which is mostly brought from high Northern
latitudes. They are generally French Canadians, and
continue a number of years without coming into the
settlements of the whites; living principally on fish
and game without salt-they are remi'ly; -1,- Lealthy.
All accounts agree that the most distant Indians yet
discovered are peaceable and harmless. Many of
those here are, on the contrary, fierce, artful, and
much prejudiced against the inhabitants of the United
States. This we experienced, before they knew anything of us, by their angry looks and drawing away
their hands when we offered ours — calling us Shomochoman or long knives, by which they distinguish
all who are citizens of the United States. Yet when
we have an opportunity of informing who we are, and
our motives in coming here, they become kind, and do
not use those epithets.  Much, I conceive, may be
done with these poor people, by persuasion, kindness,
and honest dealing; but little by compulsion.
"29th. Visited by a Wyandot chief, who said he
remembered some long and broad belts that were given




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   49
to Friends in former treaties, which were intended to
bind us together by the hands and arms, so that no
small accident in future should be able to make a
separation; and notwithstanding all that had happened, the Wyandots felt some of the old affection to
remain.  We assured him, we had the same love and
friendship for them that our forefathers had, and that
our principles had always restrained us from war; but
believing our government was disposed to make peace
with them on principles of justice, we were made willing to leave our families and take this long journey, to
endeavor to promote it, and to be present at the conclusion of so good a work. He replied, he knew long
ago that our Society did not fight, that he was glad to
see us here on so good a work; and that as we had
come a long journey, and were all preserved in health,
as he saw us, it was evident the Great Spirit was
pleased with our journey, and he hoped some good
would be done, and that the Great Spirit would bring
us home in health and safety.
" 30th. A blind chief, of the Wyandot nation, visited
us with some of his relations. The meeting for worship in the sail-loft was large and solid, considering
the company; held another at five o'clock in the afternoon, which was large, as before, and to good satisfaction; the citizens, officers and soldiers, all quiet,
though a very warm day.
" Seventh month, 3d.  Very warm.  The Ottaway
having arrived from Fort Erie, we fully expected the
commissioners, or at least some letters from home, but
5




50                THE  LIFE  OF
were disappointed of both; a fresh occasion for the
exercise of patience and resignation was thus afforded.
Eighteen Oneida Indians came in the Ottaway, with
sixty of other nations, intending for the Grand Council
at the Rapids, where the vessel touched, and all but
these were landed with Colonel Butler; but these Indians being esteemed in the American interest, and
the chief unpopular with the war chiefs of other tribes,
the colonel was of opinion their lives would be in danger,
and therefore he sent them here to go forward with us
to Sandusky. This day the thermometer was at ninetysix.
"Fifth-day, 4th of the month, were informed the
thermometer was at one hundred degrees in the shade,
and one hundred and twenty in the sun.  5th of the
month.  We desire to be preserved from murmuring
at our confinement in this place, but many considerations conspire to prompt the wish to be released. Our
ears are constantly assailed with multiplied instances
of Indian perfidy and cruelty in their wars; several
fiesh cases related this morning by one, who, with her
husband and some others now in this place, were prisoners.  About three hundred and ninety-five of them
had fled into forts, for protection, near the close of the
war with Great Britain, consisting of men, women, and
children, inhabitants of Kentucky. They capitulated
to a body of British troops and Indians, on the condition that their lives were to be spared; but after a
march of a day or two, a number being aged and infirm, they were tomahawked; after which each nation




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   51
of Indians claiming a proportion of the prisoners;
husband and wife, parents and children, were separated,
and thus involved in the deepest distress. The family
of our informant, with many others, were brought to
this place. After some time, receiving intelligence
that one of their children was with the Shawnese, about
two days' journey hence, and that a day was appointed
to burn him, the father went off immediately, and with
the interest of some traders. and at the expense of one
hundred pounds, obtained his child. They were now
in a thriving way, but had not yet fully discharged the
debt.  Numerous well-authenticated instances equally
distressing, we daily hear, showing the horrors of Indian war -burning prisoners in a slow fire of one or
two davs' duration, with shocking tortures of different
kinds, too much even to relate without the most painful feelings to every mind not callous to the sensibilities of humanity.  0 ye professors of the benign
and heavenly doctrines of the Gospel, that breathes
nothing but peace and good-will to men, how will ye
appear in the awful day of retribution, when our
Divine Master shall come to judge the world in righteousness, if any of you have been promoters of the
great devastation, wretchedness, and misery, which
mark the footsteps of war? In justice to the humane
and generous officers of this garrison, we may say,
that their efforts have been numerous, and mostly successful, in alleviating the miseries of the poor captives,
many of whom they have purchased at a great price:
some have cost near one hundred pounds; and they




52                THE LIFE  OF
have also relieved and clothed many who have escaped,
besides furnishing them with provisions to return home.
This, however, they are instructed by government to
do; yet their acts of private benevolence are very extensive, this post being a door of communication to all
the Indian country, objects are continually offering.
"Intelligence from  the council, at the Rapids, informs us, that two chiefs, from every nation there assembled, had embarked for Niagara to inquire of the
commissioners the extent of their powers; and if they
should find that they may lead to a reconciliation, they
are requested to abide till all the Indians are collected
at Sandusky, being determined, that unless the commissioners agree to give up all the lands west of the
Ohio, they will not make peace; and if any terms
short of this should be offered, it is the opinion here,
that the Indians will sacrifice all the Americans on
the spot. One of the two Shawnese that arrived here,
says he was daily an ear-witness to their counsels, and
assures us we may depend on his words as truth.  He
says they want neither presents nor purchase-money,
but their hunting-grounds; without which they cannot
subsist; and for their recovery they will risk their
lives.  He further added, what he had at times heard
from old men concerning the first coming of the white
people.  The wise men among the Indians, at that
time, foresaw what has now happened, and warned
their brothers not to countenance each other in receiving gifts from the white people; saying, that the Great
Spirit h;l, made the land over the great lake for white




WILLIAM SAVERY.                  53
people, and this island for the yellow people. They
then refused to drink rum, and told the whites, the Indians did not want the bitter water; that it was only
drink for white people, and that the Great Spirit had
given the brooks and springs to the Indians for their
drink; and foretold the consequence of Indians receiving that, and knives and hatchets, which would be the
ruin of them. He remarked, that now several of those
original tribes were extinct, and yet the Indians had
not adverted to the advice, but had continued parting
with their lands for these things, until they were almost
driven to where the sun set.  Happy would it have
been if these poor Indians had continued to refuse the
bitter water to this day.  This day the thermometer
was one hundred and two in the shade.
"6th. Not quite so hot as yesterday: spent the
morning in reading and conversing with some visitors.
A vessel arriving, confirms the account of deputies
having gone down to the commissioners; if their
motives are such as we have heard, probably we may
be at the end of our journey.
" First-day, the 7th; meeting in the morning, in the
sail-loft. A large number of the officers and soldiers
attended, and it was a solid meeting. In the afternoon
went six miles to the river Rouge, and had a meeting
in a mill, among the new settlers on the river; it was
as large as we expected, being composed of Germans,
French, and English, and was a satisfactory time: the
people attend with gladness, being willing to go far in
these back countries where opportunities seldom offer.
5*




54               THE LIFE  OF
Here are no places for worship established but Roman
Catholic.  One woman told us, she would be glad to
attend our meetings diligently, even though she might
have thirty miles to come, and did not understand
much English. 0 happy Philadelphia, what privileges
thy inhabitants enjoy! Mercies unthankfully received
or unimproved, will increase condemnation.
" Second-day, 8th.  Received a letter from Captain
Hendricks, an Indian, at the Rapids, complaining of
short allowance of provisions. We sent them a barrel
of flour, some pork, five dollars in money, tobacco, &c.,
and wrote an answer. He appears to have some hopes
of peace being accomplished; but if we attend to the
various opinions and sentiments we hear, we are likely
to be kept in continual fluctuation. Persons who appear very friendly, and men of information, advise us
by no means to attend the treaty, that our lives are in
the utmost danger. It is grateful to find the people
at large solicitous for our welfare; but our principal
business in this time of suffering and exercise, is to
labor to experience that' quiet habitation,' where we
may be preserved from being tossed off the foundation
by the many voices we hear.  I endeavor after the
resignation of all, even my life, to the Divine disposal;
yet hope we shall be conducted by prudence in our
movements, not rushing hastily or presumptuously into
danger. Saw a burial procession, in the pageantry and
superstition of the Roman Catholic Church; the deceased was said to be one hundred and fifteen years
old.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   55
"Third-day, 9th, had an interview with the famous
war chief Blue Jacket, a Shawnese; he was reserved,
saying he had given his sentiments at the council.
" 10th. Had a fuller opportunity with Blue Jacket,
who appears to be a man of understanding, but still
reserved.  Reports state, that the Chippeways and
Sioux of the Woods, who are near Lake Superior, have
had a battle, wherein many of the latter were killed,
at which some people rejoice. Visited by several Indians, some of whom understand a little English, and
appeared pleased with our views in coming here. The
Shawnese, Wyandots, and Delawares, all appear to
have more or less knowledge of Friends, and acknowledge that they have confidence in the Society, because
we are peaceable and just.  We have seen some of
almost every nation, which are collected at the council,
and have been more or less conversant with them every
day since we arrived. A vessel arriving this afternoon,
we were in great expectation of receiving letters from
home, and some directions from the commissioners, but
are proved with repeated disappointments, and must be
longer exercised in the school of patience, yet dare not
murmur.  WTe were informed that the commissioners
were coming on, and would encamp at the mouth of
the river Detroit, until the treaty commenced; but we
apprehend the deputed Indians would arrive in time to
prevent their coming.
" 11th. Dined at James Abbott's, who being much acquainted with Indian affairs for thirty years, expressed
his opinion that no treaty would take place at present;




56                THE LIFE  OF
or if it did, no peace would be obtained; with which
our two interpreters joined; all agreeing that the Indians must first be chastised and humbled.  Friends
urged their pacific sentiments towards the natives, and
that kind, lenient measures, accompanied with justice,
would prove more effectual than the sword; but without much effect. Men who are in the spirit of war, we
have found in many instances in this place, cannot possibly see as we see. A long and truly afflicting recital
of Indian cruelty and perfidy was brought into view,
of which we have been obliged to hear enough before
to fill a large volume.  I could, several times, have
been glad to have stopped my ears from hearing of
blood, as I am confirmed in opinion that it has a tendency gradually to eradicate the tenderest feelings of
humanity.
" 12th. Embarked with all the family of our landlord, for his place, down the river; walked several
miles below, and rested at a French-house; felt the
want of the language, as I have often done before in
this journey.  A vessel arriving from  Fort Erie, we
were informed that the commissioners, after waiting
five days for a fair wind, being met by the deputation
of Indians, had returned back to the governor's. With
this disappointment, and that of having no letter for
us, our patience was almost exhausted.
" 13th. A custom is still retained here, that whenever there is a sale of lands, it is to be public, and at
the church door; and if a plantation is sold, even twice
in a year, one-ninth of the purchase-money goes, by




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   57
an old French law, to the church; this has enriched
some parishes in Lower Canada to an almost incredible
degree.  By this great imposition they are enabled to
support the superstitious ceremonies of that church,
with great pomp and pageantry; but the people entertain a hope, that it will not continue long. Of all the
land in Upper Canada, which is granted, and now
granting, two-sevenths are reserved in every township,
one for the king, and the other for the priests.  The
French interest in the legislature has hitherto overbalanced the English. The arrival of letters from our
friends and relations, at home, was truly refreshing in
our tried situation, and tended to animate us to patience
and perseverance.
"First-day, 14th; meeting at ten o'clock; was large
and satisfactory.
"15th.  Our friend, Captain Elliott, arrived from
the Rapids, and brings no additional information to
encourage the hope of a treaty taking place; he says
there are deputies from the Cherokee nation, who are
at war.
"16th. On further conference with Captain Elliott,
as to the best mode of promoting the concern of our
Friends at home, with which we remain unitedly exercised, it terminated in this, that there was neither propriety nor safety in going to their council at the
Rapids, and that if the result of the meeting of the
commissioners and Indians at Niagara should prove
unfavorable, and prevent the treaty, the Indians, on
such intelligence, would immediately  disperse.  It




58                THE  LIFE  OF
was, therefore, deemed most advisable to write to
Colonel M'Kee [a British officer], enclose him the address of Friends, and request him to deliver it to the
Indians, if no treaty was likely to be held.
"17th. Wrote letters, one to Colonel M'Kee, at the
Rapids, and one to the Indians assembled there in
council; which, with the address of Friends, were
enclosed, as before stated, and forwarded by Captain
Elliott. Horrid instances of Indian barbarity related,
and many of them  too well authenticated to occasion
a doubt of their foundation.
" 18th. A false rumor of a vessel being arrived in
the river, -our hope of release from this dark and
wicked place is thus frequently baffled.  Further information makes us almost despair of any treaty at
this time, or if it should take place, that the desirable
object of peace will be obtained; hence we feel our
situation increasingly trying, yet hope we shall be preserved in patience to the end.
"19th. Being informed by a merchant, that the Indians had latterly mixed the sugar, of which they
bring considerable quantities to this place, with sand
— when told of it, they replied, You learned us by
mixing water with your rum.  Thus Christians, so
called, are their instructors in many vices. An old
Indian who paid a visit to the white people a few years
past, and who, on account of his residence far in the
North West, had seldom  ever seen any before, being
inquired of respecting the country in that remote
region, which had been but little explored, replied,'that




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   59
he was old, but his sons had travelled very far, and
told him some extraordinary things;' upon which he
w:is asked,' whether his sons had not told him lies?'' Lies!' said he, in amazement!'No, that is impossible,
for they have never yet seen a European.' Friends
retiring into the colonel's garden, spent the time in
serious consideration of the present distressed circumstances of the poor Indians. and the various matters
that have contributed to occasion it; which opened to
us the great obligation laid upon rulers, in order to
promote the general welfare of mankind, that they do
justly, and love mercy; without which there can be
no solid basis for a hope of enjoying peace, harmony,
and concord: a blessing to nations, and individuals,
infinitely more valuable than the most heroic conquests
of war, the accumulation of riches, or the extension
of territory.
" 20th. Visited by Indians of different nations, daily
- we thus become acquainted with their customs and
dispositions, which we hope will some time turn to
profit.  Saw another Roman Catholic funeral, giving
us a greater opportunity than heretofore, of being acquainted with their superstitious ceremonies and empty
parade: we could not behold it without secret pity.-'he Chippeway Indians being at continual war with
the Pawnee nation, of whom they take many prisoners,
men. women, and children, they bring them into this
settlement, and sell them at from ten, to one hundred
pounds, each; and it is computed that at present there
are here about three hundred of these poor creatures




60                THE LIFE  OF
in slavery. This trade commenced about twenty-five
years ago, before which time, we are informed, the
Chippeways put all their prisoners to death, being determined to extirpate the nation.
" First-day, 21st, had a large meeting in the sailloft, which was thought to be a solid, favored time;
that in the afternoon not quite so large.  As this was
likely to be a parting meeting with the people here,
many of whom  had constantly attended and shown
themselves very affectionate to us, the congregation
was unusually serious, and we were favored to take
leave of them, under a solemn sense of Divine mercy
and goodness being with us; which I believe will not
soon be forgotten by them or us. Many took leave of
us with expressions of gratitude that Divine Providence had permitted our being among them, and prayers for our return home in peace. Divers of the soldiers
were tender.
"22d. A  vessel arriving last evening, brought us
intelligence that the commissioners, several interpreters, &c., had landed at the mouth of the river, eighteen miles from hence, where they wait the invitation
from the Indians to go to Sandusky, and they request
us to come to them when this vessel is ready to take
us. This reanimated us with hope that a treaty would
yet take place, and our long detention here would soon
terminate.  Every countenance expressed the relief it
gave us.  The interview between the commissioners
and the Indian chiefs concluded more favorably than
we expected.  Such is our interest in the affections




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  61
and good wishes of many of the people of this place,
that I believe it would make them unhappy to hear of
any injury being done to us.
" 23d. The vessel not being likely to sail for some
days, the commandant and Captain Robinson called
on us, and consistent with his usual generosity and
attention, desired to know our wishes respecting our
departure, that he might order things accordingly; if
we wished to go before the vessel sailed, his barge well
manned should be at our command; for which, and
for all his former favors, we thanked him, but concluded to stay for the vessel.
"25th. After taking an affectionate leave of many
kind friends, who appeared much interested in our preservation and welfare, being accompanied by their good
wishes, we went on board with Colonel England, Adjutant O'Brien, and Lieutenant Hendricks, and several
women, who had been captives with the Indians, and
were desirous of returning home with us. We sailed
pleasantly for two hours, when the wind falling, the
colonel, officers, and three of us Friends, got into a
large covered barge, and were rowed down to the commissioners, at the mouth of the river. They and we
were glad to see each other, after our long separation.
"26th. Having pitched our tents on a fine green,
making a wing to a long row before erected, we slept
comfortably.  The commissioners were well accommodated in Captain Elliott's house, which is large and
convenient.  Fourteen tents, pitched on a beautiful
green bank before the door, are occupied by Friends,
6




62               THE LIFE OF
the interpreters, two British officers, General Chapin,
&c. A number of Indians encamped along side of us.
The day was spent agreeably, and the colonel and
officers from Detroit returned.
"27th. About one o'clock in the morning came on
a tremendous thunder storm, which continued two
hours, raining most of the time very hard, with continual flashes of lightning, and heavy peals of thunder.
The ground of our encampment being very flat, we
were soon deluged with water over our mattrasses, and
retreating promiscuously into the house, we got no
more sleep. It being necessary for some of us to return to Detroit, Joseph Moore and myself went off in
a batteau about ten o'clock, being rowed by Indians.
The day was hot, with the wind and current against
us, which made the voyage tedious and unpleasant.
Arrived at Detroit about sunset, where many of the
inhabitants were glad to see us.
"28th. First-day morning I was unwell, probably
the effect of our being so wet the night before last.
Several of our acquaintances came to see us, and others
sent to inquire whether there was to be a meeting at
ten o'clock; but being poorly, and feeling weak without our friends, we declined it. Afternoon, not being
satisfied at spending the day idly, we determined that
it would be best to hold a meeting at five o'clock. Accordingly, upon our intention being known, many people assembled, and through renewed mercy, it proved
a, very tendering season, both to them and us —we
thought more so than at any other time in Detroit.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 63
The colonel, with his usual kindness, invited me to
dine with him; but I desired to be excused from dining
out on First-day.
"29th. Captain Freeman, Lieutenant Broadhead,
and myself, breakfasted at Freeman's, at five o'clock
in the morning; and the colonel's barge, manned by
eight soldiers, took us down to our encampment, about
twelve o'clock, where they dined, and spent the day
with us. Joseph Moore stayed behind to finish some
business at Detroit, and to come on to-morrow.
"30th. A deputation of twenty-five or thirty Indians, accompanied by Captain Elliott, Thomas M'Kee,
Simon Girty, and one Smith, an interpreter, having
arrived last evening from the Rapids, and encamped
on an island opposite to us, delivered their message
this morning to the commissioners.  The purport of it
was, that they had not fully delivered the message
from the grand council to the commissioners at Niagara,
and were now sent to be more explicit, and to put the
question, Whether the United States were willing to
make the Ohio the boundary line?  This they now
brought in writing, and required an explicit answer;
and that if the United States agreed to this, it was
expected they would immediately remove all the inhabitants off the land on the west side of the river.
Our commissioners informed them, that they would
take their message into consideration, and give them
an answer when they were ready.  After this they
separated, and conversed with us. Among them were




64               THE LIFE  OF
representatives of ten nations, and several of them
great men among the Delawares and Shawnese.
" The Shawnese, Delawares, and Wyandots, as usual,
said they knew Friends, and were acquainted with our
motives in coming.  I presented five of the principal
men with neat tobacco-boxes filled with tobacco, which
they said, when they looked upon, they should think
of Friends. They departed in the afternoon, and slept
upon the island. Their demand occasioned us to feel
discouraged as to being able to effect a peace, and we
retired to bed with heavy hearts.  A number of Indians who were encamped very near us, joined by some
white people, were dancing, singing, and yelling most
of the night, accompanied with some Indian music,
which, though not what they style the war-dance, was
very disagreeable to us, and we got but little rest.
This kind of disturbance we have before been, and no
doubt shall continue to be, afflicted with. Our situation,
at present, is very painful on several accounts; our
family consists of about forty, including the servants,
several of them very loose in their principles; and we
are sorry to find that open debauchery is too generally
practised on the frontiers; and so common has it become, that white men of the first rank do not appear
ashamed of it. Three young women, Indian captives,
designing to go home with us, went in the vessel to
Fort Erie, to wait our coming.
" 31st. The Indians came over to us after breakfast, and staid smoking their pipes and conversing with
us until five o'clock in the evening, when the council



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   65
fire was again kindled, and the commissioners requested
their patient attention to their answer, which, as the
subject was of the highest importance, they could not
comprise in a few words.  It occupied several sheets
of paper, to explain the reasons why they thought it
impossible to make the Ohio the boundary line; but
were still desirous of meeting them in full council,
where, they could not doubt, from the amplitude of
their powers, and the disposition of the United States
to do them strict justice, and settle large annual payments upon the Indians for such lands as should be
agreed to be confirmed to us at the general council,
that the business would yet end in peace, to the satisfaction of both parties. The speech was then delivered
to them in writing, and they withdrew to the island,
with their interpreters and agents, saying they would
give us an answer to-morrow.  Three British officers
from  Detroit, who visited and dined with us to-day,
were present.
"Eighth month, 1st.  At nine o'clock in the morning the Indians returned; and after the fire was kindled, and they and we had smoked our pipes on the
benches under the trees, as before, they delivered an
answer; and remarked principally on that part of the
speech which mentioned the impossibility of removing
the white inhabitants off the lands which had cost so
much to improve them, and said, it was equally hard
for them to give up their land; that they should now
return and inform their warriors what we had said, and
that we might also return and tell our chief Washing-, *




66                THE  LIFE  OF
ton. This last sentence was not approved by Captain
Elliott; and some of the Indians, after the council
had risen, taking the speaker aside, informed him that
what he had said, was not intended to have been offered
- upon which they returned, and told us they would
now go to the great council, and lay our speech before
them, and would send us an account of their result,
and requested us to continue here till we heard from
them.
" The business now appeared to most of us to be
near a conclusion; and not knowing whether we might
ever see them together, we sent our address, and a
letter from ourselves, to the care and attention of
Colonel M'Kee and Captain Elliott to deliver, and
have interpreted to them. Friends consulted together
on the propriety of some of our number going with
these chiefs to the council. The concern and fervent
engagement of our minds that the poor Indians might
be wisely directed in the present juncture, produced a
resignation in my mind to be one, though it appeared
to me there would be some risk of our lives; but upon
laying it before the commissioners, Captain Bunbury
and Thomas M'Kee, they were not easy we should
attempt it, as the Indians had positively forbid any
American citizen to come on the ground, while the
grand-council held; we therefore declined it.
" Eighth month, 2d.  The morning passed in reading and conversation upon the trying situation we were
in, and the necessity of asking for fresh supplies of
wisdom and patience to enable us to answer, as much




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   67
as in us lay, the objects of our journey.  In the evening had conversation with the most libertine part of
the company, who glory in their debaucheries; but it
was like casting pearls before swine, they turn again
and rend you.
" 3d. The vessel called Detroit, bound to Fort Erie,
appearing in sight, I wrote a hasty letter home.-Appointed a meeting to be held at Simon Girty's, tomorrow, at ten o'clock.
"4th. First-day morning.  Very rainy, and much
wet in my tent; rose about three o'clock, bundled up
my mattress, and tied it in a painted cloth, and sat
upon it till sunrise. The rain continuing, three of us
went to Simon Girty's, but finding none met, except
the family, returned.  Captain Hamilton, an amiable
man, and an officer in the fifth regiment, dined with us.
The Chippeway, a vessel bound from Fort Erie to Detroit, brought one hundred and eighty Indians, and
landed them at the Miami river. The afternoon being
pleasant, had a meeting at Simon Girty's, about one
and a half miles from our camp, at which a number
of Indians were present, and behaved soberly. General Lincoln, General Chapin, Captain Hamilton, Lieutenant Gwans, and several seamen, also attended; I
believe it was to satisfaction. The few scattered white
people in this Indian country, many of whom have
been prisoners of war, have no opportunity of public
worship; yet some of them are glad of our meetings;
among whom was the wife of Simon Girty, who also
had been a prisoner among the Indians. Several of




68                THE  LIFE  OF
the Indians who were encamped-near us, having got
too much drink, were very abusive and unruly, and
some serious consequences were apprehended; but they
were restrained.
" 5th. Spent the morning in serious conference with
Friends, and with some Wyandot Indians; they think
it unsafe for us to pay them a visit in the present state
of things. This night was very uncomfortable, owing
to swarms of mosquitoes; and notwithstanding every
effort to avoid them, I did not sleep one hour, and
many of our company walked the green most of the
night.
" 6th. Were afflicted with disagreeable conversation
after dinner, which we are subject to have imposed
upon us daily by the libertine part of our company.
One of Captain Elliott's Pawnee slaves, who has been
unwell since our first arrival, died while we were at
dinner, and was buried the same evening; many of
our company attended, and a number of Indians, &c.
Joseph Moore spoke at the grave, which appeared
satisfactory.
"8th. Twelve Indians called on us, being on their
way home from the council, which they left with impressions that a peace would be made; but they said
there still remained an opposition, principally from the
Sh:awnese, Delawares, and Pottawattomies; and also
a few of several other nations.  They said the council
had held too long for them, being tired, and their
clothes worn out, but they had left the principal chiefs
of their nations, Chippeway, and Munceys, at the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  69
Rapids.  In the evening, two Indian canoes having
come down from Detroit, each having a keg of rum,
some of our new visitors (Indians) got drunk, and came
into our camp, just as we were going to bed, making a
great noise, and going from tent to tent. Much persuasion being used, I at length prevailed on the worst
one to let me lead him away some distance: he frequently called me brother, and seemed pleased with
my attention; but after I returned, it appeared to me
to have been a very dangerous undertaking, as he had
a long knife at his side, which he had before drawn
out and brandished in our camp; but Providence preserved me.  They still kept at the distance of about a
quarter of a mile from us, yelling and whooping;
several of our company offered to be watchmen, which
we thought prudent; and an uneasy night it was, as
they passed frequently backward and forward by our
camp; but no mischief was done to any. Early in the
morning I was awakened by one of them, who had
gotten into the middle of our encampment almost
naked, very frantic and noisy, with his knife drawn,
which he vapored in the air, and beat on his breast.
Some of the servants and others would have seized
him, but this would have been imprudent. After
troubling us about half an hour, an old Indian, who
was sober, came and led him away.
" 9th. Most of the day, at intervals, we looked with
anxiety towards a point of land in the lake, expecting
a deputation from the Indians to invite us from this
place, of which we are all weary, to the council; but




70                THE  LIFE  OF
no boats appearing, we must be longer trained in the
school of patience.
" 10th. Complaints were re-echoed from side to side
of the camp against the dilatory proceedings of the
Indians, and their squandering away the whole summer
without coming to treaty: indeed it has been the most
trying situation I ever experienced. -We were fully
supplied to-day with poultry, butter, eggs, sheep, and
pork, from Gross Isle, but at a very high rate; yet it
is a mercy we can have such a plentiful supply at any
rate.
" 11th. First-day.  The Ottaway from  Fort Erie
passed us; a number of passengers were on board,
some of whom landed; among them was Jasper Parrish,
an interpreter, who brought letters for us from Philadelphia, which was agreeable. The commissioners also
received papers and other.intelligence. Took an early
dinner, and being accommodated with a boat and four
hands, all the Friends but W. H. attended a meeting
at Gross Isle at three o'clock, where I believe several
received us gladly, and all heard patiently. Although
the weather was hot, and we had nearly four miles to
walk from the place where the boat landed us, yet I
was glad I attended.  These poor frontier people have
very seldom any opportunity of assembling for religious
worship; and though many of them in their dress and
manners, as well as their information, are very little
above the Indians; yet they esteem it a favor to have
the benefit of a free ministry, travelling far on foot to
attend meetings. Some are rude and restless at times,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  71
but others appear like thirsty ground, which I trust
the great Lord of the harvest will in his own time
water.  Returned to our camp, and passed a painful
night with the tooth-ache and swelled face, from which,
with the addition of swarms of mosquitoes, I slept very
little.
" 12th. At break of day was seized with a chill. I
arose, and, as well as I could, put on my clothes.
Joseph Moore rising at the same time, we went to the
house and knocked them up, being advised to take
something by way of medicine. I continued very sick,
with shivering and chill. After some time a fever succeeded, which continued very hot for about six hours,
with pain in my head and limbs.  Towards evening,
with the doctor's advice I took an emetic, which
operated violently; and being much fatigued, and falling asleep for a few minutes, I awoke in such a profuse
perspiration, that by day-break my clothes and the
blankets were wet, and I left extremely weak. This
was a very trying scene to me, so far from my dearest
connections and beloved relations; not knowing but it
might be the Lord's will now to put a period to my
stay on earth. I labored earnestly to be enabled to
say,'Thy will be done,' and did not perceive much
cloud in the way, but saw it to be an awful thing to
die.- It is a very sickly time among the inhabitants
here, and many of the Indians have been carried off
with a few days' illness; some of whom I knew. -I
had my mattress removed into the shade of the tents
of Friends, and laid there most of the day, taking




72               THE  LIFE OF
little nourishment. My friends the commissioners and
their companions were kind and attentive: at the same
time several of our retinue were unwell; Jasper Parrish was thought to be dangerously ill.
"13th. Very languid and weak, with pain in my
head and face.  Captain Wilbank, who came with the
Cherokee Indians to council, and eight other white
people from Detroit and parts adjacent, dined with
the commissioners.  A  gloomy depressing day with
me, my mind frequently turned towards home, yet
dare not wish to be there, believing we are in our right
allotment, whatever may be the issue.  Towards evening I was somewhat better, and a hope revived of being
favored to see my dear wife and friends again. The
Lord grant I may be preserved without a stain on my
profession.
" 14th. The servants and others sat up most of the
night and were noisy, with music and dancing, which,
with the abundance of mosquitoes, caused me to sleep
very little until day-light; after which I got some quiet
rest, and rose much refreshed and thankful, and was
enabled to go and sit with Jasper Parrish, who remains
in a high fever, is low in his spirits, and doubtful of
recovery.  I walked a little about and felt myself
mending, yet my face continued much swelled. About
noon, three Indians came from the Wyandot town with
intelligence, that an Indian who had left the council
had arrived there yesterday morning, and says that a
deputation was agreed to be sent, inviting us to the
treaty; but that the wind being unfair, they could not




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   73
be expected suddenly.  He also says, that disputes
have run high among themselves, whether we should
be sent for or not, as the commissioners had declared
they could not make the Ohio the boundary line; but
at length it was agreed to hear what the commissioners
had to offer. All this appeared not to be so fully
authenticated as we could wish.  We are, however,
often looking towards the point, twenty miles distance,
with a spy-glass, desirous of discovering a boat, but
are baffled by the canoes of the neighboring Indians,
who are daily fishing along the opposite shore. Our
commissioners, becoming almost impatient at the delay,
despatched two swift Indian runners to the Rapids,
about forty miles by land, for information. I felt much
recovered, and slept tolerably.
"15th.  My stock of patience was somewhat renewed, and we sat down with the company to breakfast, where we were obliged to explain many things
respecting our principles, which were but little understood; this has indeed been our almost daily employment to one or another, and frequently to many at
once. I hope nothing has ever suffered by our defence,
though we often feel ourselves weak, especially as there
are among us several men of consideration and understanding, as well as others, who make light of almost
all religion. The weather being fine in the afternoon,
our company spent much of the time in walking up or
down the river. As our camp was thus rendered quiet,
I passed the time in reading.' 16th.  Colonel Pickering being desirous of giving
7




74               THE LIFE  OF
me more information than I had yet received, of the
treaties held by the United States with the Indians,
and the nature of their uneasiness, I cheerfully sat
with him in his room till breakfast, and was pleased
with the knowledge obtained; being also sensible of
the confidence he reposed in me, by showing me the
commissioners' books and papers. About four o'clock
in the afternoon a canoe was discovered coming from
a point a few miles distant, manned by two Indians,
who proved to be deputies from  the council; they
brought a definite. message in writing, importing that
the council had considered the answer of the commissioners to the former deputies, and objected to several
parts of it, viz.:
"' They did not acknowledge the right of pre-emption
to their lands as vested in the United States; but that
they (the Indians) had a right to sell them  to whom
they pleased.
" That all the lands west of the Ohio were theirs;
and that as we had told them of a large sum of money
which we would give them to confirm the sale of those
lands to us, they advised the commissioners to give it
to the poor people who occupied them, and remove
them away; and that unless this was acceded to, a
meeting was unnecessary.'
"As these terms were inadmissible, the commissioners answered by a line or two, and immediately began
to strike some of the tents, and to take part of the
baggage aboard.  About nine o'clock at night our two
runners arrived, bringing no intelligence, as they said




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  75
the Six Nations were not admitted into the private
councils, and they knew not but that the message of
the two Wyandots had been to ask us to council. As
the Six Nations are in the interest of the United States,
the other nations did not condescend to transmit any
answer. Passed a painful night, under the prospect
that the desirable end of our embassy would not be
answered, and that great devastation and bloodshed
would be the consequence. The writing was signed by
the Creeks, Cherokees, and all the nations present,
except the Six Nations.
"17th. Struck the remainder of the tents, and got
all our baggage, sheep, fowls, ducks, &c., on board the
Dunmore, by eleven o'clock.  We were about sixty
souls on board, including the commissioners' retinue,
sailors, marines, prisoners returning home, &c. The
wind not being fair, we waited some time, when it became rather more favorable - we sailed easily away,
and reached the Bass islands, forty miles, by seven in
the morning.
" 18th. First-day, judging it proper to hold a meeting, we sat down in the cabin, being joined by General
Lincoln, and several others; the remainder were above,
round the cabin door.  It was a solid time, several
testimonies were borne, and the meeting concluded in
supplication and thanksgiving to the Father of mercies, who had preserved and sustained us in the present
arduous journey.
"19th. The servants and seamen having quarrelled,
one of the marines was ordered to walk the deck with




76               THE LIFE  OF
his sword, and to be relieved by the others, alternately,
during the voyage.
" 22d. The wind being high and fair, we sailed
rapidly, and arrived at Fort Erie about twelve o'clock
at night.
" 23d. Wind so high all day, that it appeared imprudent to attempt landing; but in the afternoon,
Captain Bunbury left us for Niagara, to engage a
vessel going to Kingston, for our accommodation, when
we should arrive.
" 24th. In the afternoon, Jacob Lindley being furnished with a spare horse by the commissioners, and
John Parrish, John Elliott, and Joseph Moore, having
their horses sent to them, they took leave of us, intending to spend a day or two with a few Friends in
the neighborhood, and wait the recovery of Parrish,
the interpreter, who lay sick at a house a few miles
off, as he was to be their guide through the wilderness.
I felt heavy at parting with them; but seeing no
alternative, wrote by Jacob Lindley, informing my
wife of my intention to return by Montreal.  Colonel
Pickering, Governor Randolph, and their servants,
with all the interpreters, also left us, with intention to
proceed on different routes, and to spread information
of the issue of the treaty, as it was apprehended that
the Indians were already dispersed and doing mischief.
Five women, who had been prisoners, also went off with
General Chapin.  Our company having now become
small. we felt lonesome at parting with those who had
been the companions of our trials. Five o'clock in the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   77
afternoon, a number of Canada Indians, accompanied
by J. Launier, a Frenchman and interpreter, came on
board to see us, conversed pleasantly with us, and invited our company on shore to a dance; many from on
board accordingly went; but I had no inclination to
behold what I had already seen too much of.
" 25th. Captain Pratt sent us two batteaux, one of
them large, for our baggage, the other for the passengers. Taking breakfast once more on board the Dunmore, we left her about nine o'clock, the sailors and
marines parting from us with many good wishes. The
boats being well manned with soldiers, we got on, and
put in at Winternut's tavern, where Jasper Parrish,
the interpreter, was confined, and still very weak.
Here we again met with our friend, John Elliott, and
soon after arrived at Chippeway.  Captain Hamilton
being the commandant of the fort, he met us at the
shore, and took us to his apartment, where wewere
entertained with great frankness and generosity. About
four o'clock in the afternoon, the general, doctor, secretary, Lieutenant Gwanz, and myself, proceeded in a
wagon for Queenstown, stopping a few minutes on our
way at the falls of Niagara; and got to our inn about
seven o'clock in the evening.  The farmers who live
near the falls, would be subject to the loss of their
geese and ducks, by their being carried down with the
rapidity of the current, and dashed over this mighty
cataract, were it not for an expedient which they have
discovered as a preventive.  They pluck the feathers
entirely off their breasts, about the size of a dollar,
7*




78                THE  LIFE  OF
and keep it constantly bare.  The water so affects
them in this part, that they stay in it but a few minutes;
otherwise they would continue in their favorite element,
arid be destroyed, as many hundreds have already
been.  We were informed, that some years past, a
sergeant and four men attempting to cross the river
too near the falls, were all carried down and perished;
those on shore not being able to render them any relief.
"28th. Got to Navy Hal, where we lodged.
" 30th. Sailed about three o'clock in the morning,
in a small sloop, and having a fine wind, made about
one hundred and thirty miles; and as there were several
islands ahead, the captain concluded to stand off and
on all night.
"31st.  Arrived at Kingston, a garrison formerly
built by the French; now occupied by the British. A
batteau being ready to receive us, we embarked for
Lachine, and got on about twenty-five miles before
dark.  No houses appearing, the general orders were
to lap ourselves in our blankets, and sleep in the boat;
which we did as well as we could, having nine passengers and four Frenchmen on board, one or other of
whom steered the boat all night.
"First-day, the 1st of Ninth month, sailed down
the river St. Lawrence, and passed a fort on the
American side, and also two Indian towns, one of
them  on an island.  In the evening, after passing
through the greatest number of islands I ever saw in
a river, which are called the Thousand Islands, and
also through a long rapid, we arrived at lake St. Fran



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   79
cis. The wind being fresh, it was doubtful whether
we could cross it or not in the night; but our Canadians concluding to venture on, we all laid down as in
the preceding night.  The lake is about fifteen miles
long and six broad. I slept none; the clouds appeared
wild and threatening for a night voyage. About ten
o'clock, the helmsman seeing a gust rising, roused all
up; and in a few minutes a terrible hurricane came
on, with tremendous lightning and thunder, and very
dark; but by the flashes of the lightning, we judged
we were about a mile or a mile and a half from shore.
The rain poured down in torrents, and it appeared
almost a hopeless attempt to reach the shore; but
some of our company, possessing considerable fortitude
and skill, were active in directing and encouraging the
men to persevere in rowing-notwithstanding all which,
such was the impetuosity of the waves and violence of
the winds, added to a deluge of rain and perpetual
thunder and lightning, that one of our best hands
threw down his oar, and cried out in French,'We
shall all perish, —we shall all perish!' But Providence,
whose tender mercies were over us, had more gracious
designs concerning us, and at length brought us safe
to shore, which happily proved to be sandy, or we
might still have been dashed to pieces.  Having a
piece of painted cloth on board, as many of us as
could got under it, as it continued to rain very hard.
About twelve o'clock it cleared away, and, being very
cold, we concluded to go on shore, and walk about to
warm ourselves, being thoroughly wet, and shivering




80                THE LIFE  OF
with the cold.  It was thought impossible to kindle a
fire, as everything was so wet; but one of our Friends
striking to light our pipes, we were enabled to kindle
one, which was a great relief to us, and, sitting round
it till daylight, were enabled to prepare something for
breakfast, and set sail again.  I believe all of us were
thankful for our deliverance. The man who was most
intimidated had a consecrated wafer about his neck to
preserve him from drowning, but his faith failed him
in the hour of trial.
" Ninth month, 2d, with a fair breeze we soon
reached the far end of the lake, and got to a large
new  tavern, with a view of warming ourselves and
procuring some refreshment; but there being no other
fire than a little in an out-shed, we departed and sailed
down the rapids, nine miles in thirty-five minutes; and
a little f!,+' or on came to another rapid, also said to
be seve\al miles long, which we passed in about four
minutes, and arrived at Lachine about three o'clock in
the afternoon. Feeling myself very unwell, I went to
bed early, and had a restless night.
"3d.  Having provided carts for our baggage, and
each pair of us a calash (a kind of open carriage), and
a French driver, we set off for Montreal, which, though
unwell, and a great part of the road extremely bad,
we reached about ten o'clock.  This town is populous,
and carries on a great trade.  The chapels are open
all day, and seldom without persons in them  paying
their devotions.  Some we saw on their knees; and as
we did not interrupt them, they continued thus engaged,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   81
and retired as they got through their performances.
Here are several nunneries richly endowed; the sisters
employ themselves in acts of benevolence, visiting the
sick, relieving the poor, and at times in needle-work
and in making images: several of them were passing
to and fro in the streets, clothed in long black robes
and hoods. The law which gives the church one-ninth
of the purchase-money of all lands sold by public sale
at the church door, has enriched this church to a degree
that is almost incredible. The market, which is said
to be one of the cheapest in America, is attended by
a number of little cars about twice the size of a wheelbarrow, in which they bring vegetables, fruit, &c., and
are drawn by two large dogs, which appear to be well
kept and in comfortable condition.
"4th.  The commanding officer at Montreal having
sent orders to the farmers to find us two carts for our
baggage, and four calashes for ourselves to convey us
to St. Johns, they attended about six o'clock in the
morning, being obliged to submit to such arbitrary
commands, however much engaged in their husbandry,
which was the case at this time, it being their harvest
of oats and flax.  Such are the effects of military
government. -Breakfasting at Chambly, and riding
through a beautiful country about twenty-seven miles,
we arrived at St. Johns. I continued unwell, having a
high fever on me, which was also the case with Captain
Scott, and several others of our company:  Fifteen
of us embarked after dinner-time in a small boat, but
there being scarcely any wind, and no current, we had to




82               THE LIFE  OF
put in at a very undesirable place, the character of
which was bad, and, we had reason to believe, in part
at least, justly so. I retired to obtain some rest, but
a company of rude people, who had got to the house
before us, made such a continual noise, that I was kept
awake until towards morning, when I got a little sleep.
" 6th. Passed several garrisons, and proceeding with
a fair wind, stopped at an American custom-house on
the New York side: here we were obliged to leave the
master of our boat, who was so ill he could go on no
further.  We had now none to steer or manage the
boat, but a boy of about sixteen, who knew the lake;
but the wind being fine and we anxious to proceed,
William Hartshorne took command of the vessel, and
we sailed pleasantly till evening. We aimed to harbor
at Gillis's creek, where we might go on shore and sleep;
but it being after dark before we arrived there, and
none of us being acquainted with the entrance, we ran
upon shoals and rocks, and the sea and winds being
high, our little bark thumped as though the bottom
would have been beaten out. In great danger we continued on the shoals near an hour; at length, with much
difficulty, we got off, and anchoring in sufficient depth
of water. were obliged to lay here the remainder of the
night, <ln:i a painful one it was to me; it being rainy
and a high wind, and no light to find our blankets.  I
laid (dwn on some casks and trunks, but slept none,
and my disorder returned upon me with double force
in the morning.
" 7th. Sailed about eight miles to a pretty good




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   83
house to breakfast; but I ate none and could scarcely
walk from the vessel, in order to get upon a bed until
the company were ready to depart.  Went on all day
without stopping again, and arrived at a small house
with poor accommodations.  I wanted nothing but a
bed, and although there was but one, and our company
consisted of the passengers of three vessels, yet they
kindly gave that up to me, and I got a little sleep the
fore part of the night.
"First-day, the 8th, arrived at Skeensborough or
Whitehall, about ten in the forenoon, where I soon went
to bed, as did likewise Captain Scott and others. In
the evening I walked out a little, but had a very poor
night, with high fever and much parched with thirst.
My indisposition was now so serious, as to induce the
fear that I must be left behind; yet I had a great desire to reach home, if practicable.
"9th. Friends encouraged me to proceed, though in
great suffering, and we got to Fort Ann, after riding
about eight miles over an exceedingly rough road. Here
I took a little nourishment and laid down to rest; from
ihence we went to Fort Edward, and in the evening
arrived at Saratoga: though the roads were somewhat
better this afternoon, yet it was a very trying day to
me.
" 10th. After a tolerable night's rest, we put on and
breakfasted at Still-water, having passed through a
beautiful country, though at one time the seat of war,
where General Burgoyne was captured. General Lincoln having been on the spot at the time, informed us




84               THE LIFE  OF
of many particulars connected with that memorable
event. We rode through a very pleasant country, and
reached Albany in the evening.
"11th. Remained here all day, had a very poor
night, and my fever coming on about three o'clock in
the morning, I seemed almost ready to die with thirst.
"12th. Went on board a sloop for New York. -I
was still very unwell, and my spirits increasingly depressed by receiving a confirmation of a report which
we had heard at Saratoga, that my beloved city, (Philadelphia,) was in an alarming condition, from the prevalence of a very contagious and mortal fever-that the
stages and all other means of communication between
New York and it were stopped-that the vast numbers
which died daily occasioned the common rites of burial
to be intermitted, and a variety of other affecting accounts. After sailing about three miles, the vessel
being heavily loaded, got aground, and though great
exertions were made in the night, at high water, to set
us afloat, they were without effect.  Our passengers
kindly gave me a berth, but my fit of illness coming on
as usual about one o'clock in the morning, I passed a,
distressing time.
"13th. The Captain ordered a considerable part of
our deck-load, which consisted of boards, to be rafted
and to meet us a few miles below; this lightened the
vessel, and she was with much labor got off; but the
wind having left us, we made little way. In the morning, before day-light, I was attacked with the most
violent chill I had ever experienced, followed by fever.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  85
"14th, 15th and 16th, the wind being unfavorable,
we made slow progress."
He gradually recovered from the chills and fever,
and was able, in a short time, to return to his family,
who were in the vicinity of Philadelphia. The yellow
fever then prevailing in the city, his sympathetic mind
was deeply affected with the great affliction and sufferings under which the inhabitants were laboring, in
consequence of the awful pestilence then permitted to
overspread that place.
Although Friends had not the satisfaction of seeing
a general treaty of amity concluded, owing as was apprehended, to the interference of some evilly disposed
and interested persons, yet the opportunities afforded
for amicable intercourse with the Indians, for religious
service among the frontier inhabitants, and for mingling with the families of Friends then newly settled in
the parts they visited, together with the peaceful evidence that they were in the way of their duty, sustained them under the trials and privations they met
with, and compensated for the sacrifices which they
made in leaving home.
In rendering to the Meeting for Sufferings an account of the engagement, they remarked: that notwithstanding the desirable object of peace was not obtained, they had not a doubt of the rectitude of submitting to go on the arduous and exercising journey,
believing that their company had tended to renew the
ancient friendship with the Indian natives; many of
8




86               THE  LIFE  OF
whom, particularly the Wyandots, Shawnese, and
Delawares, appeared to appreciate their motives in
going, and some of those nations travelled sixty or
seventy miles, in order to have the company of Friends
-that they had been favored to travel together in
much unity and harmony, and to return in peace.
The Society continued to feel a deep interest in the
welfare of the natives, and to cherish toward them the
obligations of justice and Christian benevolence. They
commiserated their situation as an untutored race,
liable from their ignorance to be easily imposed upon,
and subject to the dominion of ferocious passions when
excited. In their intercourse with them, therefore,
they endeavored not only to satisfy the claims of justice to the fullest extent, but by kind and liberal treatment, to convince them of the sincerity of their friendship, and that they were actuated by the desire to promote their comfort and happiness. This course of procedure had procured for the Society a place in their
confidence and affections, and an influence over them,
which was often beneficially exerted in their councils,
when deliberating on the most important subjects.
When treaties were about to be negotiated, the Indians
generally solicited the attendance of some Friends to
advise and assist them; and after consulting the President of the United States, and obtaining his consent,
which was always cheerfully accorded, the Society
mostly deputed a few of its members to be present on
such occasions, in the hope that they might be instru



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   87
mental in calming the minds of the natives, and inducing both parties to accede to such reasonable propositions as might facilitate the settlement of the subjects in dispute, stay the effusion of blood, and restore
those amicable relations, which it was so desirable
should subsist between the United States and the aboriginal proprietors of our country.




88                    THE LIFE OF
CHAPTER II.
Joins another Deputation to an Indian Treaty-Address from Friends
to the Indians -Journey from Philadelphia to the western part
of N. York - Hard fare in the Wilderness-Canandaigua-Interview with Oneidas-Jemima Wilkinson and her followers-Oneida
Council-Col. Pickering-Council of the Six Nations -Speeches
of Indian Chiefs -Red Jacket- Cornplanter- Interference of
British Agent -Number and Possessions of the Six Nations -
Speech of Col. Pickering —Remarkable Spring-Speech of Red
Jacket to the Friends - Red Jacket's reply to Col. Pickering —
Another Speech by the Commissioner-Reply by Red Jacket -
Interruptions to closing the Treaty -Efforts of Friends to compensate the Indians formerly owning the land about Hopewell,
Va. - Speech of Cornplanter - Reply of Commissioner - Treaty
signed-Address of the Indians to the Friends-Start for HomeDifficulties of the Journey-Arrival in Philadelphia -Reflections
respecting the Indians- Visit to Virginia Yearly Meeting - Remarkable Service in Richmond-Return Home.
IN the Eighth month, 1794, the Meeting for Sufferings was informed through the officers of government,
that a treaty was shortly to be held at Canandaigua,
in the State of New York, between commissioners appointed on behalf of the United States, and the chiefs
of the Six Nations; and that they were particularly
solicitous Friends should attend it - the government
also encouraging their doing so.
After seriously deliberating on this important movement, four Friends, viz: David Bacon, John  Parrish,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  89
William  Savery, and James Emlen, under an apprehension that it was their religious duty, offered themselves for the service, and being approved by the meetin, were furnished with a number of articles, as presents for the Indians, and with the following address,
viz:
The people called Quakers, in Pennsylvania, New
Jersey,.c,, by their representatives assembled at
Philadelphia, the 9th of Ninth month, 1794:
" To our brothers, the Indians of the Six Nations,
who have appointed to meet at Canandaigua, in order
for the promotion of lasting peace;
" BROTHERS,
"We are always glad when we have an opportunity
of hearing from you, our old friends, and using our
endeavors in promoting the good work of peace.
"Brothers,-We understand the President of the
United States has proposed holding a treaty with you,
by his commissioners.  Our religious profession has
always led us to promote so good a work; and having
been informed that the President of the United States,
as also your nations, are willing and desirous we should
be at the treaty, we have therefore authorized our beloved friends, David Bacon, John Parrish, William
Savery, and James Emlen, to attend the said treaty
for us; on whose behalf we make known to you, that
they are our friends, whom we greatly love, being true
men, whose love is so great to their Indian brethren,
the old inhabitants of this land of America, that they
8*




90               THE  LIFE  OF
are willing to come to see you, with desires to do you
good.
" Brothers,- We meddle not with the affairs of government; but we desire to do all we can to preserve
and promote peace and good-will among all men.
"Brothers, — Our grandfathers and friend Onas,
were careful in their day to preserve peace and love
with their brothers, the Indians: —We, their children
and successors, endeavor to do the same, and are happy
when we can prevail on the people to be kind, and do
good and not evil to one another.
" Brothers, -We pity the Indians, as well as the
white people, when they are brought into suffering and
distress, and would do them all the good in our power.
- We hope the Great ind Good Spirit will put it into
the hearts of the great men of the United States and
your great men, to adjust and compromise all their differences.
"Brothers,- We hope you will receive kindly our
friends and brothers, David Bacon, John Parrish, William Savery and James Emlen.  We have put under
their care a small token of love for you, as the descendants of the first inhabitants of this land of North
America, whom our forefathers found here after they
had crossed the great water.  Desiring that the chain
of our friendship may be kept bright, we bid you farewell.
"Signed by forty-four Friends."
The benevolent and sympathetic mind of our beloved
friend, was so deeply interested for this injured people,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   91
that though he had endured so much in the late painful
and hazardous journey to Detroit, yet he could not
withhold his aid, when another attempt was to be made
for adjusting the many grievances of his red brethren,
and, if possible, settling the terms of a lasting peace.
Ie has left the following narrative of the undertaking,
viz:
"'Left Philadelphia in company with my friends,
David Bacon, John Parrish, and James Emlen, the 15th
of ninth month, 1794; being accompanied by several
Friends to Germantown, where we took an affectionate
leave of them. Nothing from without affords so great
consolation and strength in undertaking such arduous
journies, as a sense that we are favored with the precious unity and affectionate concern of our near connections and brethren.  This, to me, has been a comfortable reflection, and softens the trials I have felt at
leaving my home at this time, especially as the Yearly
Meeting is near at hand.
" Having got on the Blue mountains the 18th, we
proceeded a short distance when it began to rain, and
increased till our clothes were wet through; but after
riding several miles, we stopt at a house, got some refreshment, dried our clothes and rode to Cattawissa.
Neither the land nor the appearance of the country
round this place appears very attractive.
" 19th. Riding through a better country on the west
side of the Susquehanna, we stopped at a place where
they at times entertain travellers, and expected to dine;
but they having neither feed for our horses, bread nor




92                THE  LIFE  OF
meat, we rode two miles further and dined upon bread,
the people having neither meat nor milk.
" 20th. Got to the house of a Friend at Loyalsock.
Before I alighted from my horse I felt unwell, and immediately went to lie down. A fever coming on, I was
very sick until evening, and began to doubt the propriety of going on, yet was glad that my indisposition
was not the cause of detaining my friends, for it rained
too hard t? travel, until near night.
" 21st. Being much recruited I went on, and after
crossing the Lycoming eight times, proceeded over an
exceedingly stony and miry path through the woods;
we thought the road very long and tiresome, both to
ourselves and the horses. At dark we heard the barking of a dog, which rejoiced us; but it proved to be at
a place called the Block-house, a poor shelter indeed.
We were now convinced of our neglect in not providing
ourselves with necessary stores when we had the opportunity; such as sugar, tea, meat, bread, &c., for this
family had nothing for us but a little flour, which the
woman in a very dirty manner kneaded up in the fat
of an elk, shot some days before.  Our lodging and
fare were truly uncomfortable. I could but admire how
very few, even of what are called the necessaries of life,
supported this family; the children, however, have a
far more healthy appearance than is common in luxurious and populous cities; and having near thirty miles
to send for salt, sugar, flour and other necessaries, a
girl about fourteen, and a boy about thirteen years of
age. generally performed the journey alone, sometimes




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   93
lying all night in the woods. We had to lie on the
floor, with the house open on all sides; yet were content, though we slept but little.
"22nd. Our horses being tied up all night without
either hay or pasture, we fed them with some oats and
rode about ten miles over an exceedingly bad path,
the most difficult we had yet seen.  Stopping a short
time on the banks of the Tioga at the house of a new
settler, we procured some feed for our horses, and a
small piece of meat for ourselves.  The country so
abounds with wild game, bears, deer, elk, foxes and
wolves, that it is difficult to keep hogs or sheep.-There
being no taverns, all the farm-houses take in travellers
and charge very high for poor fare.
" 24th. We got to an Indian cabin on the bank of
the river which runs by the town of Bath, and twelve
miles further reached a sort of public house, having
rode the whole of this day through the woods.
" On the 25th, we arrived at Canandaigua, in the
afternoon, where Colonel Pickering and General Chapiln were holding a conference with the Oneida Indians.  Having welcomed us, they directed us to the
lodgings prepared for us.
"26th. Attended  a second conference with the
Oneidas, which chiefly consisted in a relation of what
had befallen them since the last treaty. They informed
us, that as we were now met again, they hoped we
should discuss all the necessary objects of the treaty
with candor and freedom, and for that purpose they
now unstopped our ears that we might hear, and opened




94                THE  LIFE  OF
our throats that we might speak freely.  To this
Colonel Pickering expressed his wish to conduct the
business with the unreserved candor they desired, and
that he also opened their ears and unstopped their
throats.
"27th. Seeing some persons in the garb of Friends,
they informed us they lived about five miles beyond
this, and being glad to see us, invited us to their houses.
"28th. First-day, having appointed a meeting, to
begin at eleven o'clock, it was largely attended by the
people, and a considerable number of Indians, so that
the house could not contain  the whole.  Appointed
another at four o'clock in the afternoon, both of which
were to satisfaction, and we believe to the people generally. There is no public worship maintained within
many miles of this place.
" 30th. Abraham Lapham came to our lodgings, and
conducted us to his house, where we were kindly received, and spent a pleasant day.  This country has
two great disadvantages attending it, the scarcity of
springs and rivulets, and the unhealthiness of the climate in its present uncultivated state, yet it is settling
very fast, the land being very fertile; but as the Indians are all round, and the settlements of the whites
very thin, there still is some danger to be apprehended.
The first settlers have passed through great difficulties,
having near one hundred miles to go to mill, and struggling under many privations to procure a living for
their large families; some have staid for many weeks




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   95
under the shelter of bark and bushes before they could
erect a hut.
"Tenth month, 2d, fifth-day. Six of the Indians,
each of them brought in a deer, and one of them made
us a present of a piece, signifying that he gave it to
us for Jesus Christ's sake, who had made us brethren.
":First-day, 5th of the month.  The weather not
being very favorable, the meeting was not so large as
last First-day, nor so satisfactory. The Indians were
remarkably sober, making but little noise; the Oneidas
pay some regard to the First-day of the week.
" 7th of the month.  Went to Judge Potter's, and
being kindly received stayed all night. The Judge is
a respectable man, but having some years back been
induced to entertain a favorable opinion of Jemima
Wilkinson and her doctrines, he and several others came
with her into this country, and took up forty-one thousand acres of excellent land near the west side of Seneca lake, at four pence per acre. But the good understanding of the Judge not suffering him to remain a
dupe to the delusions of an assuming, presumptuous
woman, he has for some time past thrown off the
shackles, and is now no more accounted one of her fraternity. He said he believed her whole scheme was for
self-interest and aggrandizement; he himself having
suffered by her in a pecuniary point of view, but had
now asserted his right to a part of the land occupied
by these people, and forbade their making use of it.
After breakfast we went to see Jemima, and found her
about three miles from Potter's, in a sequestered, ro



96                THE  LIFE  OF
mantic place, suited to her genius. The family appeared
to consist of ten or twelve persons, one of whom being
acquainted with us, welcomed us in; another was a
man far gone in a consumption, who had left his wife
at some miles distance and brought so much of his little
property with him, as to reduce her to great difficulty
in getting a subsistence.  His design appears to be to
spend his last breath under Jemima's benediction, assuring us he was very easy about his soul. 0, wretched
infatuation! that can break the most solemn ties of
God and nature, and yet flatter its votaries that they
are the favorites of heaven.
"Here are several hovels adjacent, which are the
residences of women who have forsaken husband and
children; and also of men who have left their families,
to become what they now literally are, hewers of wood
and drawers of water to an artful and designing woman.
One young woman who had been with them several
years, told me the women frequently washed Jemima's
feet and wiped them with the hair of their heads. Asking for the rest of the family, Rachel Malin stepped
into Jemima's room and invited her out. She was attired in a loose gown or rather a surplice of calico, and
some parts of her dress were quite masculine; she accosted us with a look of importance, and called me by
name. The conversation becoming of a religious nature,
she said much in a kind of prophetic manner. So great
was her volubility, that we were obliged to interrupt
her in order to express our disapprobation of the exalted
character she gave to her own mission, and that it sa



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   97
vored strongly of pride and ambition to distinguish herself from the rest of mankind by the appellation of the
Universal Friend.  Some other remarks were made to
check her rhapsodies, but her assurance, and artful
manner of leading off from a subject which she did not
relish, rendered our efforts abortive. We were, however, not disappointed, for it cannot be expected that
any power but that which is Divine, can bring her to a
state of reason or of Christianity. This people have a
meeting-house, and some of the scattered neighbors
meet with them on First-days, but it appears they are
declining fast; and both reason and religion inform us,
that their fall is at no great distance, and perhaps the
last days of this deluded woman may be spent in contempt, unless her heart becomes humbled and contrite,
and the mercy of the Lord be eminently manifest to
pity and spare her. Some credible persons resident in
the neighborhood informed us, that Jemima had asserted,
and it was believed by her credulous disciples, that the
prophet Elijah had taken possession of the body of one
James Parker and spoke through his organs; and thai
the prophet Daniel, in like manner, inhabited the body
of Sarah Richards, another of her followers; but the
prophet Elijah, (James Parker,) and she having afterward disagreed and separated, and Sarah Richards
having died, they are now deprived of their counsel.
"9th. The Senecas are very slow in coming to
attend the treaty, and the lesson of last year is to be
learned over again; this is patience, which will always
be needed by those who attend Indian treaties.
9




98               THE  LIFE  OF
" 11th. Colonel Pickering having called on David
Bacon and myself, we attended him to the Oneida
camp, where an interesting council was held, in which
Captain John, an Indian sachem, and Peter the chief
warrior, were the speakers.  Colonel Pickering. made
a very suitable speech, informing them that he had
heard of divisions among them, and if they would
inform him of the cause of them he should be happy
in using his endeavors to settle them.  Captain John
then informed us in a long speech of many things which
had occasioned uneasiness in their nation, principally
in relation to the manner wherein they had several
times suffered in the sale of their lands; and lately
by leasing to Peter Smith one-third of the land they
had reserved, being a tract of four miles wide and
twenty-four miles long, which they had leased to him
for twenty-one years, at two hundred dollars per
annum.  This had occasioned great dissatisfaction between the sachems and the warriors, the warriors protesting against the lease; that the two parties, whilst
the land was surveying, faced each other in arms, and
had not the surveyors desisted, it might have proved
destructive to the nation, and they were yet divided
into parties. He began by observing, that we were all
in the presence of the Great Spirit, and he knew that
he could not conceal anything from  Him, and as he
was now surrounded by his brethren, he should speak
uprightly and withhold nothing. He spoke nearly an
hour, and delivered to Peter, the chief warrior, five
strings of wampum, which Colonel Pickering gave into




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   99
his hand as he closed his speech. He then desired, if
the warriors had heard anything that was not true,
they would point it out. Peter, after reminding Colonel
Pickering of the advice which he gave them at Newtown in the last treaty, said he found no fault with
what the sachems had said, but desired that if they
had gone out of the path they were recommended to
walk in when at Newtown, which he suspected they
had, the colonel would put them right again.
" Colonel Pickering told them he believed they had,
but as it was a matter of great importance, he desired
to consider it until the day after to-morrow, that he
might prepare an answer. The conference held three
hours, after which Colonel Pickering acknowledged
that both private persons and the governor of New
York had given great occasion for their complaints.
Smith's lease contained sixty-one thousand four hundred and forty acres.  In the evening John Parrish
and James Emlen returned from the encampment of
the Senecas at Gennessee river, about twenty-six miles
distant, bringing an account that there were about five
hundred of them at that place.
" 12th. Understanding a person expected to occupy
our former place of meeting, we concluded to prepare
the house where we lodge for holding a meeting.
Friends who are settled in the neighborhood, and
several others, with a number of the Indians coming
in, we had a solid favored opportunity.  Some who
had expected us at the school-house as usual, came
after that meeting was over, and said that they had




100               THE LIFE OF
been disappointed in not finding us there, but thought
that for the future they should come to our lodgings
on a First-day morning to know where the meeting
was to be held.  In the afternoon we went at four
o'clock to the Oneida camp, having previously informed
the chiefs of our intention of a meeting there, the
interpreter being with us.  We found some collected
in the woods where many trees were felled, which
served as seats, and one of the chiefs went round the
camp, vociferating a certain sound used as a signal for
them to assemble, which they did in large numbers.
The curiosity of the white people being raised, and
some coming from other motives, we had a large and
good meeting, which held till near sunset; both whites
and Indians were quiet and behaved decently; as many
of the Indians had received some notion of the Christian religion from missionaries, and were desirous to
begin the service with singing of hymns or psalms, and
we not thinking it would be best to object to their
wishes, they appeared very devout, and I thought that
the melody and softness of their voices in the Indian
language, and the sweetness and harmony that attended,
exceeded by far anything of the kind I had ever heard
among the white people.  Being in the midst of the
woods, the satisfaction of hearing these poor untutored
people sing, with every appearance of devotion, their
Maker's praise, and the serious attention they paid to
what was delivered to them, conspired to make it a
solemn meeting, long to be remembered by me.  We
left them in much love and sympathy, rejoicing in the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  101
midst of the wilderness that the Lord is indeed everywhere.
"13th. Ruminating on the state of the Oneida Indians, who are said to be more civilized and better
instructed in religion than any others, it is natural to
inquire what influence it has had on their manners and
morals, which, from anything I can discover, has yet
been very small. It is true, they generally cultivate a
small portion of land, and for that reason are less exposed to absolute want than other Indians: they have
also heard of Jesus Christ through their missionary,
and have been taught to sing psalms and hymns in their
own soft and engaging language; but it appears to me
that the great body of the nation have received the
Gospel in word only, and not in power. It has therefore had but little influence on their conduct; and a,
few excepted, they appear to remain enslaved to all
the vices common to the other Indians; yet I think the
way is gradually preparing when some more enlightened
and spiritual men than have yet been their teachers,
men who will unite example with precept, may be sent
among them with a good effect.
"Colonel Pickering having called on us again, we
went with him to the camp, where the chiefs and warriors being assembled, he delivered a long written
speech, containing suitable advice for reconciling the
differences in the nation, and also as a rule for their
conduct in future respecting their lands, which appeared well calculated to prevent the frauds and impositions of designing men. They heard all patiently,
9*




102              THE  LIFE OF
and then desired us to withdraw a few minutes while
they consulted among themselves. Being again called
in, Captain John said they were in hopes that Colonel
Pickering would have informed them whether the sachems or warriors had been wrong, for it would not
have hurt the sachems if they had been so told plainly.
The advice to them had been very long, and he could
not retain all parts of it, but he recollected they were
told that Peter Smith, agreeably to our laws, was not
only subject to have his bargain made void, but also
liable to pay a fine of a thousand dollars and suffer a
year's imprisonment; the two latter they hoped would
not be inflicted, as it was not their wish.  He also noticed what was said concerning our government and
laws, saying, the Indians had also their mode of law,
which had been handed down by their forefathers; and
one of their customs was, for the sachems only to sit
in council on civil affairs; but of late, their warriors
appeared jealous of them, and had intruded into matters contrary to the ancient customs of Indians; hence
we might see, that when they were about to answer the
commissioner, Peter the chief warrior had gone off and
took the warriors with him, which indicated his being
displeased; and he thought he would show it either
during the present council-fire, or afterwards. Indeed,
he apprehended that Peter was aspiring to be something more than the nation was willing he should be,
and aimed at being the chief sachem.  He then told
us in very drolling style, the manner of the white people persuading them out of their lands, even some who




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 103
had not half the understanding naturally, that was
possessed by some of their chiefs, but they were skilled
in dissimulation and acquainted with the propensities
of the Indians. They agreed to take the advice given
them and wished it again repeated.
" Colonel Pickering told them, he would use his influence to have their lands, which Peter Smith had
taken upon lease, restored to them, and that after
they were restored, if that could be obtained, he wished
them still to offer them upon lease, and to take the assistance of some judicious men that might be appointed
by government; they might then lease them in three
hundred separate farms, with certain stipulations that
the land and timber should not be ruined, &c. The
consequence of this would be, that in twenty-one years,
there would be so many improved farms in their possession, which would result in a great accumulation of'
wealth to the Oneida nation.  He concluded by promising to return by the Oneida castle, as he went
home, where he would repeat his advice to them, that
they might not forget it; and told them  they had
reason to rest peaceably and quietly, though it should
not even be in the power of government to reclaim the
lands which Smith had got upon lease; for they should
consider that a great estate was still in their possession, if the best use was made of it: whereupon the
council broke up.
"14th of Tenth month.  The party of Senecas,
headed by the Farmer's Brother, Little Billy, &c.,
having arrived, last evening, within four miles, were




104               THE  LIFE  OF
expected this forenoon; but having to paint and ornament themselves before their public entry, they did
not arrive till three o'clock this afternoon.  The
Oneidas, Cayugas, and Onondagoes, were drawn up,
dressed and painted, with their arms prepared for a
salute before General Chapin's door. The men able
to bear arms marched in, assuming a good deal of importance, and drew up in a line facing the Oneidas,
&c.; Colonel Pickering, General Chapin, and many
white people being present. The Indians fired three
rounds, which the other Indians answered by a like
number, making a long and loud echo through the
woods. Their commanders then ordered them to form
a circle around the commissioner and General Chapin;
then sitting down on the ground, they delivered a
speech through the Farmer's Brother, and returned
the strings of wampum which were sent them, when
they were requested to come to the treaty.  Colonel
Pickering answered them in the usual complimentary
manner, and ordered several kettles of rum  to be
brought; after drinking which, they dispersed, and
went to prepare their camp. Each chief delivered in
a bundle of sticks, answerable to the number of persons, men, women, and children, under his command,
which amounted to four hundred and seventy-two.
They made a truly terrific and warlike appearance.
" 16th. About three o'clock this afternoon, Cornplanter and his party of the Senecas arrived, amounting to about four hundred.  They drew up in three
sides of a square, the Oneidas, Onondagoes, &c., facing




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  105
them; each fired three rounds, and performed some
manoeuvres; all in full Indian dress, and painted in an
extraordinary manner.  Then encircling the commissioners and us, they exchanged a short speech of congratulation, and as it rained, the rum was soon brought,
and the company dispersed.  There are now about
sixteen hundred Indians assembled.  Last night one
Indian stabbed another, who, although not yet dead,
is unlikely to continue long.
" 17th. Sixteen hundred Indians are around us,
many of them very noisy night and day, dancing, yelling, and constantly intruding upon us to beg for rum,
&c., but we uniformly resist their importunities for
strong drink.  The attendance at Indian treaties is a
painful task, wherein resignation is highly necessary.
May it be granted. They kill plenty of venison, and
sell it for three half-pence, or less, per pound. Whilst
at our present place of abode, I sat in company with
an Indian Queen, who had a small child in one of their 
kind of cradles, hung with about one hundred small
brass bells, intended to soothe the child to rest.
"18th. This morning Cornplanter, Farmer's Brother, Red Jacket, Little Beard, and a number more of
the Seneca chiefs, came to our lodgings to hold a conference, the interpreter being with them. Cornplanter
congratulated us upon our safe arrival among them,
and acknowledged the kindness of General Washington
in informing Friends of the request of the Indians,
that they should attend the treaty.  He then opened
the business, which more particularly occasioned their




106                 THE  LIFE  OF
present visit. This was to answer a request made to
them  a year or two past by Friends at Philadelphia,
that they might make inquiry after the Indians, or
their descendants, who formerly lived about Hopewell,
in Virginia.*   He said that they had conferred together on the subject several times, and believed they
had come to the knowledge of the original owners of
that land, two of whom, ancient men, were now present, who said their people were once settled about
Conestogo, and that they remembered well the state of
matters respecting the land in question: they had no
doubt those two ancient men could clear up the matter
to our satisfaction, at a future opportunity, and would
retire for the present.
" In the afternoon, Obeal, son of Cornplanter, came
with a message from the Indians, inviting us to council. We found a large body of them collected, Colonel
Pickering, General Chapin, and  three  interpreters.being in the centre, and the surrounding assemblage
presenting a very striking aspect; the chiefs appeared
solid and thoughtful. Captain John, and another of
* Some members of the Society of Friends had purchased and
settled upon lands about Hopewell, and there was reason to believe
that the Indian title had not been extinguished by a fair and honorable purchase of the natives, by those occupants who had sold to
Friends. The Society, consonant with its known principles, was
desirous, that notwithstanding the Indians had left or been driven
to remote parts, yet that if the original proprietors could be found,
however feeble and insignificant they might now be, they should be
fully compensated, in order that its members might hold those possessions on such a firm and justly acquired fee, as true Christian
principles would dictate.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  107
the Oneidas, spoke, addressing themselves to their brothers, the Senecas, Tuscaroras, and Delawares, who
lived westward, holding in their hands, as they spoke,
one after the other, several strings of wampum and
belts; which they handed to the Seneca chiefs, one by
one, at certain periods of their address, till they delivered all they had. As it was only an address to
their brethren, the Indians of other nations, agreeably
to their ancient custom, when they meet at a council
fire, it was not publicly interpreted; but we understood
it was in the way of condolence, on account of the loss
of many chiefs of the Six Nations by death, since they
last met at a council fire. They expressed their desire
to wipe the tears from their brethren's eyes, to brighten
their countenances, and to unstop their throats, that
they might speak clearly in the present council fire.
The Fish Carrier, Clear Sky, and Red Jacket, returned
a brotherly salutation, handing the eastern Indians
belts and strings of wampum, to unite each to the
other, and thus to open the council as with the heart
of one man.  They then informed Colonel Pickering,
that the Six Nations were now embodied in council.
He made them  a complimentary and congratulatory
address, informing them that he should hold a council
of condolence to-morrow at four o'clock in the afternoon, to wipe away the tears from  the eyes of the
Delawares, who had lost a young brother, murdered by
a white man at Venango, last summer; he would then
take the hatchet out of the head of the deceased, and
bury it in the earth, preparatory to the treaty. Several




108              THE LIFE  OF
kettles of rum and glasses were brought, and the conference closed.
"19th, First-day. Held a meeting for worship; a
considerable number attended, who lived generally
from two to ten miles distant. Many of them came on
foot, there being but few horses in this country, and
fewer wheel-carriages of any kind. One family came
a considerable distance upon a sled drawn by four
stout oxen. The people were solid, and through Divine
favor it proved a good meeting, many were very tender
and parted with us lovingly.  It does our hearts good
to see the gratitude some of the poor frontier people
manifest, and the pains they take to be at a religious
meeting. O Philadelphians, how abundant ought your
gratitude to be for the enjoyment of your multiplied
blessings.
" Tenth month, 20th. Attended a very large Indian
council, at which the commissioner condoled with the
Delawares for the loss of one of their people, and by
his speech and gestures performed the ceremony of burying him after the Indian custom, and covering the grave
with leaves, so that when they passed by they should not
see it any more. He took the hatchet out of his head,
and in words tore up a large pine tree and buried the
hatchet in the hole, then covered it thick with stones and
planted the pine tree on the top of it again, so that it
should never more be taken up.  He wiped the blood
from  their beds and the tears from their eyes, and
opened the path of peace, which the Indians were requested to keep open at one end and the United States




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 109
at the other, as long as the sun shone.  Many other
things of the like nature he said to them, after the figurative style of the natives, that all might be cleared
out of the way before the business of the treaty commenced.  In the course of his speaking on different
subjects, he gave them as many strings of wampum as
were thought to be worth near one hundred dollars.
" The Farmer's Brother then spoke with great energy
to his Indian brethren, and they not being ready to
answer Colonel Pickering's speech, the council fire was
covered and the rum brought in as usual.
" Third-day, 21st. Jemima Wilkinson being come to
this place last evening, sent a message by two of her
flock to James Emlen and myself, desiring our company;
but as it snowed very fast and was a stormy time, we
did not immediately obey the summons. After an early
dinner, David Bacon being with us, we went and found
her at Thomas Morris's, by invitation of Colonel Pickering to dine with him; D. Waggoner, and Enoch and
Rachel Malin were also there. The Colonel paid great
attention to Jemima, and seemed to be glad of having
an opportunity to gratify his curiosity, as he had never
seen her before.  She was placed at the head of the
table, and the conversation being on a variety of subjects, she bore a considerable part therein. A message
was received informing that the Indians were collected.
We went to council, whither Jemima and her disciples
followed us, and were placed in the centre. Fish Carrier spoke in answer to the commissioner's address yesterday, till he had passed through his hands one by
10




110               THE  LIFE  OF
one, all the strings that were given them, and made a
full reply: then with assurances of the determination
of the Six Nations to keep hold of the chain of friendship with the fifteen fires, he delivered fifteen strings
of chequered wampum as a seal to it. Colonel Pickering introduced himself as sole commissioner on the part
of the United States, whom the Six Nations had requested might be appointed on the present occasion;
gave them  assurances of his. desire to promote the
happiness and peace of their nations, and told them
that they might depend upon one thing at least, which
was, that he never would deceive them. He also introduced us, their old friends the Quakers, as having come
forward at their (the Indians') request, and with the
approbation of the President. We then read the address
from Friends, Jasper Parrish interpreting, which they
received with frequent expressions of entaw or approbation; and afterwards Clear Sky said, they were glad
to see us among them, and thanked us for our speech.
It is however expected that they will give us a more
full answer before the treaty is over.  Immediately
after we had read our speech, Jemima and all her company kneeled down and she uttered something in the
form of prayer, after which she desired to speak, and
liberty not being refused, she used many texts of Scripture, without much similarity or connection.  The Indians having prepared belts as records of the death of
several of their noted chiefs, intended to preserve the
memory of their usefulness to the nation; a short
speech was made on each of them to their brethren,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                111
and they were then delivered to the care of an ancient
chief, whereupon the council fire was covered.
"23d. Captain John, an Indian chief, visited us,
and had much to say about the many deceptions which
had been practised upon them by the white people;
observing, that however good and honest white men
might be in other matters, they were all deceivers
when they wanted to buy Indian lands; and that the
advantages of learning which they possessed, made
them capable of doing much good and much evil.
"Colonel Pickering requesting our attendance at a
council, we went about eleven o'clock. Nearly forty
chiefs being assembled, Captain John, in a humorous
manner, informed the commissioner of a council they
were called to attend; but when the chiefs had collected,
they were invited up stairs to take a dram before they
began. Perceiving that Berry was to be the commissioner, they concluded it was no good council fire, so
he came off and drew the rest of the Indians with
him; it appearing that it was a design to get the chiefs
to convey to him some Indian lands, after he should
have filled them with liquor. The colonel highly approved of the Indians' conduct, and said he would have
Berry removed off those lands. An account was brought
to the council of the death of an ancient Oneida, upon
which Captain John made a speech to their brothers
of. the other nations.  They agreed that as the Great
Spirit had brought them together to promote the work
of peace, it could not be unacceptable to Him if they
went on with the council, though it was contrary to




112               THE LIFE OF
their common custom.  Being about to proceed to
business, a request was made from three Indian women,
to be admitted to the council, and deliver their sentiments, which being granted, they were introduced by
Red Jacket.  He addressed himself to the sachems
and warriors, desiring their indulgence of the women,
and also to the commissioner, enforcing their request
by observing, that the other day one of our women had
liberty to speak in council.  He was then desired to
act as orator for the women, and deliver to the council
what they had to say. The substance of this was, that
they felt a deep interest in the affairs of their nation,
and having heard the opinions of their sachems, they
fully concurred in them, that the white people had
been the cause of all the Indians' distresses; that they
had pressed and squeezed them together, until it gave
them great pain at their hearts, and that the whites
ought to give them back the lands they had taken from
them.  That one of the white women had yesterday
told the Indians to repent; and they now called on the
white people to repent, for they had as much need as
the Indians, and that they should wrong the Indians
no more.
" The colonel thanked them for the speech, and replied, that it was far from him to think meanly of
women: he should always be willing to hear them
when they had anything of importance to say, but as
they had mentioned as a precedent, the woman who
spoke the other day, he must assure them, that it was
not with his approbation; she had forced herself into




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 113
council contrary to his advice; but as she was a woman,
he was tender of her.
" The commissioner gave us some information of the
speech of the Indians yesterday, when we were not
present. They said, when the white people first came
on this island, they saw that they were men, and must
have something to subsist upon, they therefore pitied
them, and gave them some land, and when they complained that the land became too small for them, they
gave them  more, from  time to time, for they pitied
them.  At length a great council fire was kindled at
Albany, where a silver chain was made, which was
kept bright for many years, till the United States and
the great king over the water differed; then their brothers in Canada talked with them, and they let the
chain fall out of their hands, yet it was not their fault,
it was the white people's. They then repeated how
things went at the end of the war, the substance of
the treaty at Fort Stanwix, and several grievances
which they had suffered. The commissioner spoke, perhaps two hours, respecting the ancient boundaries of
the Six Nations' land, and inquired what was the extent of it. They told him, all the land from a point
on Lake Erie to Muskingum was theirs, and that the
council at the Miami, last summer, acknowledged it.
This takes in a great part of what the Western Indians
are fighting for. The commissioner told them, he did
not approve of the conduct of the commissioners at
Fort Stanwix-that they had just then become conquerors, and the Indians must make some allowances,
10*




114               THE  LIFE  OF
if they spoke harshly and proudly to them.  This
council held five hours, and much was said on both
sides.
"This morning, the 25th, snow was seven or eight
inches deep, and having been out in it yesterday, I
was unwell.  Abundance of deer are killed by the Indians, perhaps not less than one hundred to-day, within
a few miles of this place, some in sight; one man killed
three in a short time. A man named Johnson, having
arrived two days ago from Fort Erie, with a message
from Captain Brandt, a Mohawk chief, to the Six Nations, assembled some chiefs yesterday and delivered
it to them. Being in the character of a British interpreter, he appeared at the council with the Indians
to-day, and seemed very intimate with them.  Cornplanter rose to vindicate his coming, being privy to the
great uneasiness it had given Colonel Pickering: he
expressed his surprise, that ever since the conclusion
of the peace with the British nation, such an antipathy
had existed, that the United States and the British
could not bear to sit side by side in treaties held with
the Indians.  He said, Johnson had the care of the
Senecas at Buffalo-creek, and had brought a message
to the Six Nations assembled at this council fire, from
Brandt, whom he left with Governor Simcoe at Fort
Erie; they having just returned together from Detroit:
that when he went some time ago to see the Western
Indians, he sat in council with the Delawares, Shawnese,
Wyandots and Miamies, and the Western Indians expressed great joy at seeing the Six Nations represented




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  115
by him among them; they told him he recollected that
the business of the treaty last year did not go on, but
the fault was not theirs, it was that of other people,
and the Indians were led astray, for which they were
sorry.  The misfortunes that had fallen upon them
were very heavy, and our brothers the British, who
were sitting by, gave us no relief. We allow you who
are listening to us, to be the greatest, we will therefore
hear what you say.  We desire a council fire may be
kindled next spring at Sandusky, for all nations of
Indians. Captain Brandt sends his compliments to the
chiefs at Canandaigua, and says, you remember what
we agreed on last year, and the line we then marked
out: If this line is complied with, peace will take
place; and he desires us to mention this at Canandaigua; after the council at Canada is over, it Is my
earnest desire you will immediately come to BL ffalocreek, and bring General Chapin with you — wil wait
here till you return.
" Colonel Pickering rose and said, he was iarrl that
anything should happen to interrupt this council ire:
but it is now interrupted by the coming of Joh, son,
whom he considered as a British spy, and that his l eing
here was an insult to him, to their fiiends the QuaL:ers,
and to the fifteen fires. That the intrusion of this man
into our councils, betrayed great impudence, and was
a fiesh proof of British insolence.  It was perhaps as
well that there was no council yesterday, for he could
not say how far the first emotions of his mind at seeing
this fellow here, might have carried him; he hoped he




116              THE LIFE  OF
was now a little cool, and would endeavor to moderate
his expressions as much as he was capable of. He
begged their patience, for he must be obliged to say a
great deal to inform them of many of the reasons of
his indignation at this step of the British government,
and why it was totally improper to go on with the business while a British spy was present.  He then went
into a very lengthy detail of the ill-treatment of that
government to the United States, for several years
past, and concluded with saying, that either this man
must immediately be sent back to those who sent him,
or he, Pickering, would cover up the council fire; for
his instructions from General Washington were, to suffer no British agents at the present treaty.
" The Indians appeared in amazement at the warmth
with which the commissioner delivered himself, and
said, when he sat down, the council fire grows warm,
the sparks of it fly about very thick. As to Johnson,
he appeared like one that was condemned to die, and
now rose and left us.  The Indians requesting we
would withdraw, counselled among themselves about
half an hour, and sent for us again. Cornplanter rose
and said, the reason why the council fire has not been
uncovered to-day is, because of a British man being
present. It was caused by us, we requested him to
come here, it is true, but the fault is in the white
people.  I am very much surprised and deceived by
what you told us at Fort Stanwix, when you laid before
us a paper which contained the terms of peace agreed
on between you and the English nation; and told us




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  117
it was agreed on in the presence of the Great Spirit,
and under his influence.  We now discover what the
commissioners then told us was a lie, when they said
they had made the chain of friendship bright; but I
now find there has been an antipathy to each other
ever since. Now our sachems and warriors say, What
shall we do? we will shove Johnson off: Yet this is
not agreeable to my mind, for if I had kindled the
council fire, I would suffer a very bad man to sit in it
that he might be made better: but if the peace you
made had been a good peace, all animosities would
have been done away, and you could then have sat
side by side in council.  I have one request to make.
which is, that you would furnish him with provisions to
carry him home.  The council having sat about five
hours, adjourned till to-morrow.  We dined by candle
light, with the commissioner and about fifteen chiefs,
among whom  were Cornplanter, Red Jacket, Little
Beard, Big Sky, Farmer's Brother, Fish Carrier, Little
Billy, &c. Many repartees of the Indians, which Jones
interpreted, manifested a high turn for wit and humor.
Red Jacket has the most conspicuous talent that way;
he is a man of a pleasing countenance, and one of the
greatest orators amongst the Six Nations.
" 26th. First-day, several of our friends from parts
adjacent came in, expecting a meeting for worship, but
the commissioner having called the council together,
no meeting was held.  The council being assembled,
the first business was the presentation of a letter which
the Indians having got prepared since yesterday; they




11.8              THE LIFE  OF
thought proper for the commissioner to see it, as they
intended to send it by Johnson to Captain Brandt. The
contents of it were not altogether agreeable to the
commissioner. They expressed their sorrow that Johnson could not be permitted to stay, the reasons for
which, he would doubtless inform  them when he got
home.  It assured Brandt, they were determined to
insist on the line agreed to last year, and expressed
the sense they now had, that they were a poor, despised, though independent people, and were brought
into suffering by the two white nations striving who
should be greatest. The Indians appeared pretty high
to-day, and little was done but clearing up some misunderstanding respecting the cause why the treaty was
not held at Buffalo-creek, agreeably to the Indians' request-the disposition of the Senecas appeared rather
more uncompromising than heretofore.
"27th. Expecting a council, we went to the commissioner who was in private conference with some
chiefs; but he informed us he is now preparing the
way for a full and general council to-morrow, when he
will cut the business short by decidedly opening the
proposals of accommodation: this is agreeable news to
us, who have been already much wearied with continual
delays.  Colonel Butler of Niagara, had despatched a
runner, a Tuscarora, who brought intelligence of a late
engagement between the Western Indians connected
with some British soldiers, and General Wayne, fought
near the forks of the Glaize, in which many on both
sides were killed; and being weary, the combatants




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 119
withdrew from the field of battle. The Indians appear
cautious of letting out the particulars, probably from
the fear that they may operate to their disadvantage
at this critical juncture of the treaty; and the accounts
being very various, nothing can be clearly ascertained.
Sagareesa, chief of the Tuscoraras, and several others
of his nation, spent most of the afternoon with us; a
half-Indian who lives with them, interpreted, and the
conference was to satisfaction.  We endeavored to
obtain a correct account of the numbers remaining in
the Six Nations, and find as follows, viz: the Senecas
number about nineteen hundred; the Tuscaroras, three
hundred; the Oneidas, six hundred; the Cayugas, four
hundred; the Onondagoes, five hundred; the Mohawks,
eight hundred.  A considerable part of the Cayugas
and Onondagoes, have moved off their reservation and
reside mostly with the Senecas and Tuscaroras, but
some of them have gone over the lake to the Mohawks,
within the British territories. By the best computation we can make, the number of acres that each nation
still holds, is as follows, viz: The Senecas, about four
millions of acres; the Oneidas, two hundred and fiftysix thousand; the Cayugas, sixty-four thousand; the
Onondagoes, seventy thousand.  The Tuscaroras have
no land of their own, but are settled near the Senecas
on their lands. The Stockbridge and Brotherton Indians, two small remnants, have some land which was
granted to them by the Oneidas and confirmed by
government, viz: Stockbridge, twenty-three thousand
and forty acres; Brotherton, thirty-eight thousand and




120               THE LIFE OF
forty acres. The Brothertons are an assemblage of
about one hundred and fifty Indians, of various tribes
from New England, settled near Brotherton on the
Mohawk river.  The Mohawks are at the Grand river
and the bay of Quini, on the North sides of Lake
Erie and Lake Ontario, in the British government.
" This evening Friends being quietly together, our
minds were seriously turned to consider the present
state of these Six Nations; and a lively prospect presented, that a mode could be adopted by which Friends
and other humane people might be made useful to them
in a greater degree than has ever yet been effected; at
least for the cause of humanity and justice, and for the
sake of this poor, declining people, we are induced to
hope so. The prospect and feelings of our minds were
such as will not be forgotten, if we are favored to return home.  The happy effects of steady perseverance
in the cause of the Africans, is an encouraging reflection, and may serve as an animating example in this.
Our business here, though trying and tedious, is sometimes accompanied with an ample reward.
" 28th. Red Jacket visited us with his wife and five
children, whom he had brought to see us; they were
exceedingly well clad in their manner, and the best
behaved and prettiest Indian children I have ever met
with: Jones came to interpret. Red Jacket informed
us of the views which the Indians had in inviting us to
the treaty; which Jones confirmed, being present at
the council at Buffalo-creek; viz. Believing that the
Quakers were an honest people and friends to them,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  121
they wished them to be present that they might see the
Indians were not deceived or imposed upon.
Yesterday many of the chiefs and warriors were
very uneasy at Cornplanter's frequent private interviews with the commissioner, and Little Billy spoke
roughly to him, told him he should consider who he
was, that he was only a war chief, and it did not become him to be so forward as he appeared to be; it
was the business of the sachems, more than his, to
conduct the treaty. He told them he had exerted himself for several years, and taken a great deal of pains
for the good of the nation, but if they had no further
occasion for him, he would return home; and he really
intended it; but Colonel Pickering and General Chapin
interested themselves to detain him.  The dissatisfaction of the Senecas rose so high, that it was doubtful whether a council would be obtained to-day, but
about three o'clock they met; Cornplanter not attending.  The commissioner spoke, and told them  of the
several conferences that had been held with a number
of the chiefs since last public council, and what the
substance of their business was.  He also told them
he was sorry that they were made uneasy at the conduct of their war chief, but they ought not to blame
him, for he, the commissioner, had invited Cornplanter
to his quarters, and therefore if there was any impropriety, to blame him, for it was his fault. This pacifying them, he then said the business of the treaty had
been retarded so long, that he was now determined to
open to them, fully and candidly, the terms upon which
11




122              THE LIFE  OF
the chain of friendship would be brightened, and the
extent of what he intended to do towards it.  He produced his commission, with full power to propose and
adjust the accommodation of all differences between
them and the United States; which he handed me to
read.
"After many observations upon former treaties, and
the grant made by their old father, the king, to William
Penn, he opened the terms, which were as follows: but
in the first place, perhaps, as this is an important
matter, it will be most proper to take notice, that he
acquainted the Indians now collected, both chiefs and
warriors, being more than at any council we have yet
had, that the chiefs had laid before him only two rusty
places in the chain, one of which he had already brightened, the other was thought by their chief warrior to
be very deep, though the sachems thought it not of so
great moment; that in order to clean this rusty spot,
their chief warrior had proposed a new line between
them  and the United States, to begin where the Alleghany crosses the north line of Pennsylvania, thence
to French creek below the forks of           creek;
thence to the forks of Muskingum; thence down the
Muskingum to the Ohio. This, he apprehended, would
remove every cloud of difficulty. He observed to them,
that the sachems had acknowledged it was now four
years since he had been brightening the chain of friendship between them and the United States, and that it
had been even as in the days of Sir William Johnson,
that the. rusty part now alluded to had never before




WILLIAM SAVERY.                  123
been complained of to him, except by their elder
brother, the Mohawk.  Colonel Pickering thought it
was rather within the claim of the Western Indians;
and as they had, from time to time, acquiesced in the
treaty of Fort Stanwix, they might reasonably suppose
that their conduct in relation to the affair at Presque
Isle must have given surprise to the President, who,
feeling a fatherly care for their nations, had required
of the persons to desist, who were about to form  a
settlement at that place; and had appointed him to
inquire into, and endeavor to adjust, the difference
subsisting between them: since which he had examined
all former treaties, and reminded them, that at the
treaty of Fort Stanwix, they had ceded all the lands
within the bounds of Pennsylvania - that many of
them were acquainted with the charter granted by the
king of Great Britain to William Penn; that at the
last treaty held before the war, at Fort Stanwix, about
twenty-six years ago, they had received ten thousand
dollars from Pennsylvania, and had agreed that they
would sell no lands within the said boundaries, but to
the proprietors of that (then) province.  That treaty
at Fort Stanwix had been confirmed at Muskingum in
1786, which was also acknowledged by the chiefs at
Tioga; at which last place complaint was made that
Phelps had cheated them, yet not a word of the former
treaties. He then had reference to the triangle on
Lake Erie, which Pennsylvania has purchased of Congress, and showed them on the map that it was ceded
by them to the'United States at the treaty of Fort




124              THE  LIFE OF
Stanwix; and for which the State of Pennsylvania paid
them two thousand dollars at the treaty of Muskingum,
in confirmation of the title. Butler and Gibson, the
commissioners at the last mentioned treaty, expected
the east line of the triangle would have extended to
Buffalo-creek; but that not being the case, he offered
to cede back to them all the land between the triangle
and a line running due south, from near the mouth of
the said creek to the Pennsylvania line, which comnprehends three or four times the quantity of land included in the triangle; and that the new line might
run thus: to begin at Johnson's landing-place, about
four miles distant from  Niagara; thence along the
inlet, including a strip of land four miles wide, till it
comes within four miles of Buffalo-creek; thence to
said creek at one mile distant from the mouth of it;
thence along Lake Erie to the aforesaid triangle;
bounded on the west by the said triangle, and on the
south by the Pennsylvania line.  The commissioner
observed that the four mile path on the side of the
inlet, between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, was ceded
to our predecessors, the British, in.the days of Sir
William Johnson; yet, that the Indians shall have the
right of hunting on these lands, as well as on all those
ceded at the treaty of Fort Stanwix; and on all other
lands ceded by them since the peace; and their settlements thereon shall remain undisturbed: and also, that
in addition to the annuity of fifteen hundred dollars
which had heretofore been paid to them, the President
had empowered him to add the sum of three thousand




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 125
dollars more, amounting in all to four thousand five
hundred dollars, to be paid to them annually, and to
their posterity for ever; for the providing of clothing,
encouragement of artificers, school-masters, &c., to
settle among them. IHe had also goods at this place
to the amount of ten thousand dollars to distribute
among them, if the treaty should issue to mutual satisfaction. In consequence of the liberal offers now made,
he hoped the Indians would cheerfully comply, and
join him in digging a deep pit to bury all former differences, and take hold of the chain of friendship so
fast, that nothing should ever be able to force it out
of their hands. The Indians, after considering a few
minuLes what had been said, concluded to take it into
further consideration, and return an answer.
"29th. Sagareesa, or the Sword-Carrier, visited us;
he appears to be a thoughtful man, and mentioned a
desire he had, that some of our young men might come
among them  as teachers; we supposed he meant as
schoolmasters aad art:sans. Perhaps this intimation
may be so made use of in a future day, that great
good may accrue r( t3 e poor Indians, if some religious
young men of our So,( ety, could, from a sense of duty,
be induced to spend zome time among them, either as
schoolmasters or mechanics. At eleven o'clock, Colonel
Pickering called and gave us an invitation to dinner;
Captain Hendricks, an Indian, and several strangers,
dined with us; after which, Robert Nealy came in, who
had been taken prisoner about forty years ago, being
then about nine years old, and had continued with the
11*




126               THE LIFE  OF
Indians ever since, without any desire of returning or
making much inquiry after his parents. Being entirely
reconciled to the Indian life, he had taken several
wives among them, none of whom were dead; but
whenever they grew dissatisfied with each other, they
parted and took others more agreeable, which, he said,
was the general custom; and when the Indians lost a
near connection, they were inconsolable till some of
their friends made up a belt of wampum, and gave it
to the family of the deceased, in remembrance of their
deceased relation; after which, they betrayed no sorrow-a scalp from an enemy answered the same purpose, if taken with that design. Many of the Indian
chiefs being drunk, no council was held to-day.
" Fifth-day, 30th. A fine warm day, the Indians
almost all turned out of their cabins; some of the
young warriors having good horses, were running races
all day with the white people; others engaged in different sports, dancing, &c., which is almost a daily
exercise.  They performed one which they call the
brag-dance; when, whoever deposits a bottle of rum,
has the liberty to make a brag of the feats he has performed in war, the number of scalps he has taken, &c.
A sensible man being present, after he had deposited
his bottle, and the others had boasted of many marvellous exploits, made his brag, which was, that he
had been a man of peace all his days, in the profession of a physician; that he had been very industrious, and restored many who had been ready to die.
He said, all that the others had bragged of, was




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  127
nothing to this, for any child might kill a man, but it
required the judgment and wisdom of a great man to
save another's life. They all acknowledged the doctor's was the best of all.  The sachems and chiefs
were engaged in council, by themselves, and sat till
near night, and inform that they will meet us in council to-morrow. The interpreter says, parties rise high
against Cornplanter, that he is in a difficult situation
with his nation, and they are not able to conceive
what he has done with eight hundred dollars received
in Philadelphia, from the Pennsylvania government,
and what induced the government to give him fifteen
hundred acres of land for a farm; these things have
created jealousies unfavorable to him.
"There is a remarkable spring near this place,
called the brimstone spring, which is so strong, as to
have deposited in its course a large quantity of sulphur.  Also, the salt springs of Onondago, which are
said to be inexhaustible, and all this country is supplied
with salt made from the waters.
" 31st. Red Jacket, Clear Sky, Sagareesa, and a
chief of the Cayugas, waited on us at our lodgings,
being a deputation from the Indian council that has
been deliberating several days upon the proposals of
the commissioner, bringing with them the interpreter.
Several Indians and some white people being in the
room with us, they were desired to depart, as the business they came about would not admit of their presence.  Apprehending that we should be interrupted
in the house, we retired to a distance, and sat down




s28               THE  LIFE  OF
upon some logs, when Red Jacket spoke nearly as follows:
"Brothers, -You see here four of us of the Six
Nations, who are assembled at this place, in the will
of the Great Spirit, to transact the business of the
treaty. You have been waiting here a long time, and
often visited by our chiefs, and as yet no marks of respect have been shown you.
" Brothers,-We are deputed by the council of chiefs
assembled, to come and see you. We understand that
you told Sagareesa, that you should not have come,
but at our request, and that you stood ready to afford
us any assistance in your power.
" Brothers, - We hope you will make your minds
easy.  We who are now here are but children; the
ancients being deceased.  We know that your fathers
and ours transacted business together, and that you
look up to the Great Spirit for his direction and assistance, and take no part in war.  We expect you
were all born on this island, and consider you as brethren.  Your ancestors came over the great water,
and ours were born here; this ought to be no impediment to our considering each other as brethren.
"Brothers,-You all know the proposals that have
been made by Cunnitsutty (Colonel Pickering, the commissioner), as well as the offers made by us to him.
We are all now in the presence of the Great Spirit,
and we place more confidence in you, than in any other
people.  As you expressed your desire for peace, we
now desire your help and assistance-we hope you will




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 129
not deceive us; for if you should do so, we shall no
more place any confidence in mankind.
" Brothers,-We wish, if you know the will of Congress, or the extent of the commissioner's powers, that
you will candidly inform us.
" Brothers, —We desire that what we are now about
communicating, may be kept secret.  We are willing
to give up the four-mile path, from Johnson's landingplace to Cayuga-creek, agreeably to our compact with
Sir William Johnson, long ago. The other part proposed by Colonel Pickering to be relinquished by us;
that is, from  Cayuga to Buffalo-creek, we wish to reserve on account of the fisheries; that our women and
children may have the use of it for that purpose. We
desire to know if you can inform us, why the triangle
on Lake Erie cannot be given up.
" Brothers,-Cornplanter and Captain Brandt, who
were only war chiefs, were the persons who attended
the treaty at Fort Stanwix, and they were to have sent
forward the proposals for our more general consideration.  At that time Old Smoke was alive, who was a
man of great understanding; but they were threatened
into a compliance, in consequence of which Captain
Brandt went off to Canada, desiring Cornplanter to do
the best he could."
"They delivered us seven strings of wampum, and
we desired them to call on us about three o'clock for
an answer.  We felt it to be a weighty and delicate
matter to answer their request in our situation.  They
returned about the time fixed, but finding us not en



130               THE  LIFE  OF
tirely prepared to give them an answer, told us not to
hurry ourselves, and they would come to-morrow morning; for they are never in haste.
"Eleventh month, 1st. Our house was full of Indians
and others all the morning.  About ten o'clock, the
interpreter and the four chiefs came for our answer; we
had endeavored to digest their request as well as we
were capable of, desirous of dealing honestly with the
poor Indians and of keeping a conscience void of offence.  My friends laid it upon me to deliver the
answer, which I did, holding the seven strings of wampum in my hand; and the reply being interpreted to
them, I returned the strings at the end of our speech
according to the Indian custom. Red Jacket went over
the three points to which we had spoken, to know
whether he had perfectly understood us, that he might
deliver our sentiments to  the great council.  He
thanked us for our advice, and said, though we might
account it of small value, they did not consider it so,
but thought it would afford them considerable strength.
"After dinner, John Parrish and myself rode to
view the Farmer's Brother's encampment, which contained about five hundred Indians. They are located
by the side of a brook, in the woods; having built
about seventy or eighty huts, by far the most commodious and ingeniously made of any that I have seen;
the principal materials are bark and boughs of trees,
so nicely put together as to keep the family dry and
warm.  The women as well as the men, appeared to
be mostly employed. In this camp, there are a large




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  131
number of pretty children, who, in all the activity and
buoyancy of health, were diverting themselves according to their fancy. The vast number of deer they have
killed, since coming here, which they cut up and hang
round their huts, inside and out, to dry, together with
the rations of beef which they draw daily, give the appearance of plenty to supply the few wants to which
they are subjected.  The ease and cheerfulness of
every countenance, and the delightfulness of the afternoon, which these inhabitants of the woods seemed to
enjoy with a relish far superior to those who are pent
up in crowded and populous cities, all combined to
make this the most pleasant visit I have paid to Indialns; and induced me to believe, that before they
became acquainted with white people and were infected
with their vices, they must have been as happy a people as any in the world. In returning to our quarters
we passed by the Indian council, where Red Jacket
was displaying his oratory to his brother chiefs, on the
subject of Colonel Pickering's proposals.
"Eleventh month, 2d. Held a meeting for worship
in the school-house; a number of Friends residing in
this part of the country, came in; and a considerable
body of Indians were in and about the house; several
of whom, as well as the white people of other societies,
behaved well, and it was thought to be a good meeting.
We went immediately after meeting to the council
which had just assembled, and was very numerously
attended both by Indians and whites.  The business
was introduced by Clear Sky, an Onondaga chief, in




132              THE LIFE  OF
the following manner: He expressed a hope that there
would be no hard thoughts entertained, on account of
their having been several days deliberating on an answer; the subject was of importance, and he wished
his brethren to be preserved in unanimity. Then Red
Jacket being principal speaker, said,
"Brothers,-We request that all the nations present
will attend to what we are about to deliver.  We are
now convened on one of the days of the Great Spirit;
Then addressing Colonel Pickering:" Brother,-You now represent the President of the
United States, and when you spoke to us, we considered
it as the voice of the fifteen fires. You desired that we
would take the matter under our deliberate consideration and consult each other well, that where the chain
was rusty, it might be brightened.  We took General
Washington by the hand, and desired this council-fire,
that all the lines in dispute might be settled.
"Brothers,- We told you before of the two rusty
places on the chain, which were also pointed out by
the sachems.  Instead of complying with our request,
respecting the places where we told you the chain was
rusty, you offered to relinquish the land on Lake Erie,
eastward of the triangular piece sold by Congress to
Pennsylvania, and to retain the four-mile path between Cayuga and Buffalo-creek, by which you expect
to brighten the chain.
"Brothers, - We thought you had a sharp file to
take off the rust, but we believe it must have been dull,
or else you let it slip out of your hands. With respect




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 133
to the four-mile path, we are in want of it on account
of the fisheries; although we are but children, we are
sharp-sighted, and we see that you want that strip of
land for a road, that when you have vessels on the
lakes, you may have harbors, &c.  But we wish, that
in respect to that land, the treaty at Fort Stanwix
may be broken. You white people have increased very
fast on this island, which was given to us Indians by
the Great Spirit; we are now become a small people,
and you are cutting off our lands, piece after piece -
you are a very hard-hearted people, seeking your own
advantages.
" Brothers, - We are tender-hearted, and desirous
of peace-you told us what you would give us for our
land, to brighten your end of the chain. If you will
relinquish the piece of land we have mentioned, our
friendship will be strong. You say you are not proud;
neither are we. Congress expects we are now settling
the business with regularity; we wish that both parties
may have something to say in settling a peace.  At
the time we requested a conference, we also requested
that our friends, the Quakers, should come forward, as
they are promoters of peace, and we wanted them to
be witnesses to what took place; we wish to do nothing
in private. We have told you of the rusty part, which
the file passed over without brightening it, and we wish
you to take up the file again, and rub it very hard;
you told us, if it would not do without, you would apply oil.
"Brothers,-We the sachems, warriors and others,
12




134               THE  LIFE  OF
all depend on you; whatever is done, we regard as
final and permanent; we wish you to take it under
consideration, and give us an answer.
"Colonel Pickering replied, If I understand you
right, your minds are easy excepting with respect to
the strip of land between the two lakes. He then recapitulated what Red Jacket had expressed, which is
the usual custom of the Indians in their answers; reminding them why they decreased, and the white people increased, and gave them advice in what manner
they might increase also; observing, that he did it as
their friend, for he wished to see them rise and become
a great people. Here Red Jacket called out earnestly,
in his language,'keep straight.' The commissioner
proceeded.
"Brothers,-You say you are anxious for peace;
so are the people of the United States, anxious for
peace with all the Indians on the whole island. We
do not speak it with our lips only, it is the language
of our hearts.  You say, if we relinquish the four
mile path from  Cayuga to Buffalo-creek, a lasting
peace will take place.  The other day I gave you
strong reasons why we could not give it up.  I told
you, if I could not rub out the rusty spots, I would
cover them  over, and I told you how I would cover
this; alluding to the money offered as an equivalent.
You seem to be sensible that the United States stand
in need of a passage from lake to lake, by land. I
therefore conclude, you would have no objection, if
the land remains yours, to our cutting a road, and if




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 135
we do so, it will be very inconvenient, unless we can
have taverns to accommodate travellers, as the distance is great.  You know they have a road and accommodations on the opposite side of the river, and
as there can be no communication between the lakes,
unless we have that privilege, the United States will
have the same necessity for a road on this side.
"Brothers, -If you should travel it yourselves,
you would like to have a house to get a walking-staff;
you justly observe, the United States will want a harbor for their vessels on the lakes, but they can have
no benefit from a harbor, unless they have the privilege
of building houses and stores.  If this is all the difficulty between us, I trust we shall not be long in coming to a conclusion.
" Brothers, -When I came from Philadelphia, it
was not expected I would relinquish a hand's breadth
of land; but finding your villages on that part which
I have offered to cede back, I freely give it up. I am
growing impatient to conclude the business, and would
be glad to know, whether you will give me an answer,
or take some time longer to consider of it." As the
Indians did not appear ready to give a final answer,
he told them, he observed it to be a tender point with
them, and proposed their taking it into consideration
until to-morrow, and that he wished to confer with
some of the chiefs at his lodgings, previous to their
coming to council, which he thought would expedite
the business.
"It is a custom with the Indians, after the decease




136              THE LIFE  OF
of one of their brethren, to return to the donor any
present which he had received in his life-time as a
mark of respect. In conformity with this usage, Red
Jacket now returned to the commissioner a silver
gorget, belonging to one of their chiefs, who died last
year, which had been presented to him by the United
States. Farmer's Brother made a speech of condolence
on the occasion, and presented some strings of black
wampum to the family of the deceased.  Clear Sky,
then in a short speech, covered up the council fire.
" 3d of the month.  Big Beard, Sonochle, Canundach, Canatounty, and a John Whitestripe, all Oneidas, called at our lodgings. Big Beard mentioned,
that some Friends whom they had seen at New York,
requested them to make inquiry who were the original
owners of the land about Hopewell, and that if it could
be ascertained, it was probable a present would be
made them by the Friends who reside in that neighborhood.  He said, they had accordingly made the inquiry, and although, it was beyond a doubt, that the
original proprietors were incorporated with the Six
Nations, yet they were so mixed and intermarried
among the different tribes, that it would be difficult to
point them out; they therefore apprehended, it would
be most equitable, to distribute it among the Six
Nations at large.  No council was held to-day; a
number of the chiefs being much intoxicated.  We
were teased by them  for liquor, and were, at last,
obliged to flee from their persecutions.
"4th. Sagareesa and Captain William Printup, a




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 13T
chief and warrior of the Tuscaroras, with an interpreter, visited us, to converse about the Hopewell
lands, appearing to have no doubt that the Tuscaroras
were the original proprietors. Colonel Pickering came
to our lodgings, to read the proposed articles which
were to conclude the treaty, the signing of which, as
witnesses, if we were called upon to do it, had, for
several days, been a subject of serious consideration
with us. We told him, on hearing what was proposed,
that we apprehended for reasons given, we could not
be free to sign the treaty; which did not appear to be
agreeable to him; but we have not now to begin to
learn to suffer at Indian treaties. At two o'clock, an
Indian messenger from the council, came to inform us
they were assembled and waiting for us, the Indians
not being disposed to proceed in our absence: a great
number were assembled, and Red Jacket addressed the
commissioner:
"Brothers,-We, the sachems of the Six Nations,
will now tell you our minds. The business of the treaty
is, to brighten the chain of friendship between us and
the fifteen fires. We told you the other day, it was
but a very small piece which was the occasion of the
remaining rust in the chain of friendship.
"Brothers, -Now we are conversing together, in
order to make the chain bright.  When we told you
what would give us satisfaction, you proposed reserving the piece of land, between Cayuga and Buffalocreek, for building houses, &c., but we apprehend, you
would not only build houses, but towns. You told us,
12*




138               THE  LIFE  OF
these houses would be for the accommodation of travellers in winter, as they cannot go by water in that
season, and that travellers would want a staff to help
them  along the road.  We have taken these matters
into serious consideration.
" Brothers,-We conclude that we do not understand
this as the white people do; if we consent to your proposals, we know it will injure us. If these houses
should be built, they will tend to scatter us and make
us fall in the streets, meaning, by drinking to excess,
instead of benefiting us: you want land to raise provisions, hay, &c.; but as soon as the white people
settle there, they would think the land theirs, for this
is the way of the white people. You mentioned, that
when you got possession of the garrisons, you would
want landing-places, stores, fields to plant on, &c.; but
we wish to be the sole owners of this land ourselves;
and when you settle with the British, the Great Spirit
has made a road for you, you can pass and repass by
water; what you want to reserve is entirely in your
own favor.
"Brothers,-You told us, when you left Philadelphia, it was not expected by the President you would
release a foot of land. We thank him for having left
you at liberty to give up what you please.-You have
wvaited with patience at this council fire, kindled by
General Washington; it is but a very small thing that
keeps the chain from being brightened; if you will
consent to give up this small piece and have no houses
on it, the chain will be made bright. As to harbors,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  139
the waters are between you and the British; you must
talk to them, you are of the same color.  I see there
are many of your people now here, watching with their
mouths open to take up this land: if you are a friend
to us, then disappoint them, our patience is spent; comply with our request; dismiss us, and we will go home.
The commissioner then replied:
" Brothers,- I wish your attention to a few words.
-I thought you knew the necessity the United States
had for a road from Fort Schlosser to Buffalo-creek.
You appear sensible of it now, by referring to the road
by water, made by the Great Spirit; you may see we
can have no benefit of that without a passage by land.
You have forgotten what I said the other day, respecting the treaty of Sir William Johnson, by which he
obtained a right to pass and repass through your
country.  I then observed, that what was granted to
the King was transferred to the United States by our
treaty of peace with the British; now since so small a
piece is between us, to convince you that I am not
difficult, if you grant us but liberty to pass and repass,
I will give up the rest.  You know there is a path
already from  Buffalo-creek to Niagara; I only ask
liberty to make a better path, to clear the stumps and
logs out of the way.  I am sure, that about so small a
matter you can make no difficulty; I will sit down and
wait your answer. After a short space, Colonel Pickering observed, he had forgot to inform them that the
road should be opened under the direction of the superintendent of the Six Nations, Canadesago; who would




140               THE LIFE  OF
take care to have it done so as to be as little injurious
as possible to the Indians.
" The sachems having consulted together about half
an hour, Red Jacket replied:
"General Washington, now listen; we are going to
brighten the chain of friendship between the Six
Nations and the Americans.  We thank you for complying with our request, in giving up the particular
spot in dispute.  You mentioned that you wanted a
road through our country; remember your old agreement, that you were to pass along the lake by water;
we have made up our minds respecting your request to
open a road.' Colonel Pickering writing what was said,
Red Jacket would not proceed till he looked him in the
face.
"Brothers,- It costs the white people a great deal
to make roads, we wish not to put you to that great
expense; we don't want you to spend your money for
that purpose. We have a right understanding of your
request, and have agreed to grant you a road from
Fort Schlosser to Buffalo-creek, but not from Buffalocreek down this way at all.  We have given you an
answer; if, on considering it, you have any reply to
make, we will hear you.
"Commissioner. - I confess, brothers, I expected
you would have agreed to my proposal; but as this
is not the case, I will give it up, only reserving the
road from Fort Schlosser to Buffalo.  There has been
a mutual condescension, which is the best way of
settling business. There are yet several matters to be




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 141
attended to before signing the articles of the treaty;
which I can best communicate to some of your chiefs,
as it would not be so convenient to discuss them among
large numbers.  One matter is, how the goods and
annuity had best be appropriated; and as there are
some bad people both amongst you and us, it would be
well to fix some modes of settling disputes, when they
arise between individuals of your nations and ours.
As soon as we have digested a plan, we will introduce
it into the public council. I therefore invite two sachems
and two warriors of the Senecas, and a sachem and a
warrior of each of the other nations, to take an early
breakfast with me to-morrow morning.  I now cover
the council fire.
"5th of Eleventh month.  No council to-dayColonel Pickering and some chiefs busy in preparing
the articles of treaty.
" 6th. An interpreter, with four other Indians, came
to have further conversation about the Hopewell land.
It does not appear probable, that the Conestogoes
were the original owners. We requested them to convene some sensible chiefs of each nation, and we would
meet them  at General Chapin's, with a map of the
United States, and endeavor to settle the matter, if
possible. General Chapin is of opinion, that the Tuscaroras are the original owners of the Virginia land.
No council in public, Colonel Pickering being engaged
all day, in conference on the articles of treaty; new
objections and dissatisfaction were started by several
principal chiefs, who are unwilling to relinquish Presque




142               THE LIFE  O0
Isle.  They were surprised to find that Cornplanter,
Little Billy, and others, had received two thousand
dollars worth of goods from Pennsylvania at Muskingum, and two thousand dollars at Philadelphia. Their
minds being much disturbed, they broke up the conference; this was a sad disappointment to us, who expected that all would be amicably settled, and we
should set off to-morrow.  General Chapin says, he
hopes all will come right again, but the Indians must
have time to cool.  It is to no purpose to say you are
tired of waiting, they will only tell you very calmly,
Brother, you have your way of doing business, and
we have ours; we desire you would sit easy on your
seats. Patience then becomes our only remedy.
"7th. No business to-day; many of the chiefs being drunk.  Colonel Pickering spent the afternoon
with us.  The idea he entertains respecting the lands
ceded at Fort Stanwix, is, that as the Indians did the
United States a great deal of injury by taking part
with the British in the late war, it was strictly just
that they should make compensation by giving up the
lands which they relinquished at that time. He instanced the case of an individual who had committed
a trespass on another; the law determines that the
trespasser shall suffer either in person or property, and
this law is just.  Such is the reasoning of conquerors.
"8th. The Indians were sober to-day.  General
Chapin and the commissioner have determined to give
them  no more liquor, until the treaty is over.  The
chiefs and warriors were engaged till three o'clock with




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  143
the commissioner, and agreed on all the articles of
treaty to be engrossed on parchment, and signed tomorrow.  At four o'clock, we met Cornplanter, Red
Jacket, Scanadoe, Nicholas, a Tuscarora, Twenty
Canoes, two ancient Conestogoes, Captain Printup,
Sagareesa, Myers Paterson, a half white man who
lives with the Tuscaroras, and several other chiefs at
General Chapin's, to determine about the Hopewell
land; examined maps and conversed with them on the
subject, which resulted in the opinion, that the Conestogoes should quit claim to it; it appearing to those
present, that the original right was in the Tuscaroras;
one of whom, an ancient man, put his finger on the
place in the map, saying, he had papers at home that
would, as he thought, confirm their claim to it. We
desired him to send them to General Chapin to examine, and if he thought they contained anything
worth notice, he might forward them to us in Philadelphia.
"First-day, the 9th.  Several Friends in this part
of the country came to the meeting; one of-them thirteen miles. A number of other white people attended,
and a large number of Indians. It was a solid meeting; several, both of whites and Indians, were tender,
and wept; and after it was over, one man in a particular manner, confessed to the truth, and prayed
that the Lord might bless it to all who were present.
On my part, it was an affectionate farewell to the
people hereaway. We returned to our lodgings, and
before we had finished our dinner, a messenger came




144               THE LIFE OF
to inform us that the council was gathered, and waiting, which we immediately attended. Two large parchments, with the articles of the treaty engrossed, being
ready for signing, we were in hopes the business would
now close; but to our surprise and disappointment, we
soon discovered some dissatisfaction among the Indians, by their putting their heads down together and
whispering. After waiting impatiently for about an
hour, not knowing what it meant, Cornplanter rose
and spoke, as follows:
" Brothers, -I request your attention, whilst I inform you of my own mind as an individual.  I consider the conduct of the United States, since the war,
to have been very bad.  I conceive they do not do
justice.  I will mention what took place at New York
at one particular time. After the treaty of Fort Stanwix, I went to New York under an apprehension, that
the commissioners had not done right; and I laid
before Congress our grievances on account of the loss
of our lands at that treaty; but the thirteen fires approved of what the commissioners had done, and in
confirmation of it, they held up the paper, with a
piece of silver hanging to it; (the treaty with the
British.) Now, Colonel Pickering, you have told us
at this treaty, that what was given up by the British,
was only the land around the forts.  I am very much
dissatisfied that this was not communicated to us before.  There has already been too much blood spilt;
if this had been known at the close of the war, it
would have prevented any blood being shed. I have,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  145
therefore, told our warriors not to sign this treaty.
The fifteen fires have deceived us; we are under the
sachems, and will listen to what they do.  Though we
will not sign it, yet we shall abide by what they do,
as long as they do right. The United States and the
Six Nations are now making a firm peace, and we wish
the fifteen fires may never deceive them, as they have
done us warriors; if they once deceive the sachems,
it will be bad.  He then took his seat, and after a
short pause, said, I will put a patch upon what I have
spoken; I hope you will have no uneasiness at hearing
the voice of the warriors; you know it is very hard to
be once deceived, so you must not make your minds
uneasy.  Eel, the herald, then made a warm speech
to the Indians, exhorting them to abide by the decision
of the sachems, which was received with loud shouts
of applause.  Entaw! Entaw! Entaw!
"Colonel Pickering then addressed them as follows:
"Brothers of the Six Nations and your associates,I confess I am greatly surprised at the speech of your
head warrior, after all the pains I have taken to make
the articles of the treaty easy. I endeavored to please
both sachems and warriors, they were both present
when the articles were agreed on, and there was not a
word of objection.
"Brothers,- The design of this treaty is, to bury
all differences; you know I candidly and explicitly disapproved of the conduct of the commissioners at Fort
Stanwix, but as this treaty was to establish a firm
friendship between the Six Nations and the United
13




146               THE  LIFE  OF
States, I did not wish to bring former transactions into
view, which was also the desire of your chief warrior;
now he brings up the old matters to make a division in
your councils.
"Brothers, -I wish for calmness and deliberation,
as the subject is of importance to us, and of the utmost
importance to you.  He expresses his dissatisfaction
that our treaty with the British was not explained before; but this was done last year to the Western Indians, when many of the Six Nations were present; I
think many of the chiefs must remember it.  I will
explain it again to prevent mistakes.  A certain line
was drawn between the British and us; what the
British had obtained of the Indians on our side of that
line before the peace, was transferred by that treaty
to the United States: it was agreed that the British
should not interfere with the land on this side of that
line, nor were we to interfere with the land on their
side of the line.
"Brothers, - I am very sorry that these objections
are made now when we are just about to sign the treaty.
The chief warrior has called it the treaty of the sachems, and said, that they only were to sign it; but the
warriors, as well as the sachems, were present when it
was agreed on, and made no objection to it. He says,
they will abide by what the sachems do, as long as
they do right. Does he mean they will abide by them
no longer than the warriors think them right? If this
be the case, we may as well let things remain as they
are. He says also, the United States and the sachems




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  147
are now making a firm peace, but I cannot consider it
so, unless the sachems and warriors unite; for unless
this is the case, it will cause divisions among yourselves; consider whether this will not be attended with
dangerous consequences.  He speaks of the United
States deceiving the sachems; as I represent the
United States, I have told you I will not deceive you;
I can add nothing on that head to what I have told
you already.
"Brothers,-I cannot consent to close the business
in this manner, after so much care and pains have
been taken to make all things easy; but wish you to
consider of it until to-morrow, and give me an answer.
If the warriors expect to live in peace with the United
States, as well as the sachems; if they desire to
brighten the chain of friendship; if they wish to act
for the advantage of themselves and their children, I
am sure they will sign this treaty."  Cornplanter then
addressed the warriors in a short speech, desiring they
might be firm and steady to what they had agreed on.
" 10th. The warriors of the Six Nations met in
council in the forenoon, to consult respecting signing
the articles, and came to a judgment.  In the afternoon they met again, expecting the commissioner and
the sachems; but several of the principal sachems
being intoxicated, did not come, so nothing was done.
A number of the chiefs and warriors of the Tuscaroras
came to pay us a visit respecting the Hopewell land.
Captain Printup spoke for them as follows, viz:
"Brothers, - We believe it was from motives of




148              THE LIFE OF
benevolence and good-will to us, that you were induced
to make inquiry after the original owners of some land
in Virginia.
"Brothers,-You have now found them, and as you
are a people that look up to the Great Spirit for direction, we hope you will now make us some compensation:
we are in hopes the business may be accomplished at
this time.
"Brothers, -As the Friends on the land have long
received the benefit of its produce, and live at so great
a distance, it would be much more convenient to receive what they please to give, at one time, than to
have a small sum paid yearly. We have been given to
understand, that whenever the former owners of the
land could be discovered, Friends stood ready to make
them  some compensation; as we apprehend this has
been sufficiently ascertained, we are thankful to the
Great Spirit, that there is now a probability of receiving something for the inheritance of our ancestors.
" By the above speech, we found they had still some
mistaken ideas, which we endeavored to remove, by
again stating to them the true reason of the inquiry,
and informing them we should represent to our brethren
at home, what now appeared to us to be the state of
the case, ns soon as we conveniently could.  This
satisfied them, and they requested to sign their names
to General Chapin's testimony, which most of them
did in their usual manner.*
* Some time after, a number of these Indians came to Philadelphia, for the purpose of examining more fully into the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                    149
" 11th. Had much conversation with several of the
Indian chiefs.  In the afternoon, at two o'clock, we
were sent for to council, where a great number were
assembled. The Eel, an Onondaga chief, spoke to the
Indians in a pathetic manner; which we understood
to be an exhortation to unanimity among the chiefs
and warriors in closing the business.  Colonel Pickering then held up the two parchments containing the
articles of the treaty, and asked if we should proceed,
which they assenting to, he told them he would give
one of the parchments to one of their friends to examine, while he read the other. I accordingly examined
one, and informed them they were word for word alike.
They then agreed to sign, and pointed out the two
head warriors, who, though they were young men, were
by some custom in their nation, the persons who were
to stand foremost in ratifying contracts; they signed,
and then the chiefs and warriors, some of the most
eminent in each nation, being in all upwards of fifty.
validity of their claims to be the original proprietors of these
lands. Friends were very desirous of making a full compensation to the natives for any lands on which they had settled;
and accordingly great pains were taken to adjust this business.
But, after a close investigation of all the circumstances, and an
examination of ancient maps and documents, by both Friends
and Indians jointly, it did not appear that the Tuscaroras had
ever been the possessors of the soil in question. Yet as they
had entertained strong expectations of receiving a donation,
rather than disappoint them, Friends raised a considerable sum
of money, and gave it as a present to them, with which they
were highly gratified.
13*




150               THE  LIFE  OF
"After the articles were signed, we desired Farmer's
Brother and Cornplanter, to collect as many chiefs of
the different nations as they thought proper, to go
down to our lodgings; the interpreter was also requested to come with them: accordingly, about forty
came.  We smoked and conversed with them freely,
on several subjects relating to their welfare, gave them
further information of our principles, and expressed
our good wishes for their prosperity.  We then had
our presents brought and spread upon two tables.
They did not choose to divide them themselves, but
left it to the interpreter; which being done, they were
much pleased and satisfied with the division, and the
articles were very agreeable to them. They soon after
retired, informing us of their desire to see us to-morrow morning, as they had something further to communicate.
" 12th. About thirty or forty of the sachems and
chief warriors met at our lodgings, and delivered the
following speech, by Farmer's  Brother, the chief
sachem.
"Brothers, the Quakers from Philadelphia! I wish
you would attend to what we who are now present are
about to say. We speak as one.
"Brothers, — Yesterday, after receiving your invitation to come and partake of your presents, we
agreed to meet here this morning to speak a few words,
which we will now do.
"Brothers,-We are very glad you have lengthened
out your patience to see the end of the business which




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  151
is now brought to a close. We thank the Great Spirit
that he has preserved you in health, from the time you
left your seats [homes], until you arrived here, and
has continued to preserve you to this time. We put
you under the protection of the same Good Spirit on
your return, and shall be very happy to hear that you
get safe home; and hope you may find your friends
and families well on your return: it would be very acceptable to be informed of this, by letter to the chiefs
now present.
" Brothers,-We give hearty thanks to the descendants of Onas, that you so willingly rose from  your
seats to attend this council fire according to our request; here are the articles of treaty for you to look
over, in order to impress them on your minds, that you
may tell them to your brothers who are sitting on their
seats at home.
" Brothers, -You have attended this treaty a long
time; the articles which we have now signed, we hope
you fully understand.  Now, as we have shown them
to you, we would wish to know your opinion, whether
we have made a good peace or not; as we cannot read,
we are liable to be deceived; you have no doubt considered them; we want to know your minds, whether
there is any flaw or catch in them, which may hereafter
occasion uneasiness.
"Brothers,- If you think that peace is now established on a good foundation, we wish you would come
forward and sign the articles: as you are a people who
are desirous of promoting peace, and these writings




152               THE  LIFE  OF
are for that purpose, we hope you will have no objection,
but all come forward and put your names to them, and
this would be a great satisfaction to us."
Immediately after this speech, the treaty being concluded, and the council having broken up, our friends
took their leave and set out for home. The following
memorandum  is the first which occurs respecting the
journey, viz:
" 13th. Rose at three o'clock in the morning, after
a very poor night's rest in a cold open hut, where it
snowed in upon us as we laid. The weather was very
cold and the roads exceedingly bad; we had an uncomfortable ride of four hours, during which John Parrish
had his face bruised by a fall; and such was the difficulty in part of the road, that it appeared as though
we travelled at the risk of our lives.  We at length
arrived at a public house at the head of Canandaigua
lake, thirteen miles, where we got breakfast and refitted.
We then rode on seven miles, and put up for the night,
there being no stage ahead for twenty-two miles.
"14th. Rose early and pursued our journey through
bushes, swamps, and deep mud-holes; the road so bad
that, with hard pushing, we could make but three miles
an hour.  In about three and a half hours, we found
the remains of a fire where some travellers had fed
yesterday, which was a pleasant sight; and having
some oats with us, we fed our horses and breakfasted
upon hoe-cake, dried meat, and cheese.  We felt like
poor, forlorn pilgrims, and mounted our horses again,
the path being as bad as it could be; and the snow




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 153
falling on us continually in passing among the bushes,
it made the travelling truly hard. As it continued
snowing very fast, and there being but one house to
stop at between Bath and the Painted Post, we accepted
the kind invitation of Captain Williamson to lodge
with him at the former place. He is a very polite man,
had been many years in the British service, and entertained us elegantly; a great contrast to our last night's
fare.
"15th. By daylight we left Bath, it still continuing
to snow very fast. A most trying time it was to us,
but in about two hours we reached a house where they
were able to give us some breakfast, which was refreshing. We arrived at the Painted Post about one o'clock,
got some corn for our horses, and eat our bread and
cheese; after which we rode eleven miles, crossing the
Tioga several times, and arrived at the widow Lindley's,
who kindly invited us to stay at her house, where we
were entertained very hospitably.
" 16th. After breakfast went for our horses, but the
family were so friendly they would not receive any pay
for their keeping. We crossed the Tioga twice more,
and found the road so exceedingly fatiguing and the
day unpleasant, that we rode only about two and a
half miles an hour, and arrived at an ordinary about
three o'clock in the afternoon.  There being no house
for about twenty-four miles ahead, we were under the
necessity of lodging in a poor hovel, where there were
already a man, his wife, and seven children. We laid
our blankets on a bark floor, and endeavored to get




154               THE  LIFE  OF
some rest, but the cold pinched us to such a degree,
that we had but little repose.  We were all affected
with an addition to our colds; this is hard travelling
and living, and it is a mercy that we are preserved as
well as we are.
"17th. Rose between two and three o'clock, intending to make forty-two miles, as there is but one miserable house in the intermediate distance, which we
desired not to lodge at, but disappointments and vexations are to be ours, and no doubt they are good for
us.  The depth of the snow, which was continually
balling under our horses' feet, and the excessive badness of the path, it being little else but a continued
succession of mud-holes, roots, and stones, rendered
our hopes of getting through quite abortive; and from
necessity we had to stop at the Block-house.  Our
horses had to stand out all night without hay, which
gave us the most concern; as for ourselves, we procured a tolerable supper, and taking our lodging upon
the floor, got some sleep.  There being no chimney to
the house, occasioned them to have but little roof, that
the smoke might have sufficient vent to pass off, which
gave us a pleasing view of the brilliancy of the stars,
it being the first clear night since we left Canandaigua.
"18th. Rising very early, we rode over the Alleghany mountain, which was covered with snow about
ten inches deep.  There were abundance of tracks of
deer, bear, wild cats, white rabbits, &c.  Near the
top, a great bear raised up from the side of a log and
frightened our horses.  We fed our horses, and after




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 155
eating some biscuit and dried beef at the foot of the
mountain, proceeded on our journey, getting to the
widow Harris's to lodge that night."
A few days after this, they were permitted to reach
home in safety and good health. In closing the report
of their proceedings, they remark in substance- that
during a sojourn of seven weeks with the Indians, they
had frequent opportunities of observing with sorrow
the melancholy and demoralizing effects resulting from
the supply of ardent spirits furnished them by the
whites — that the difficulties and hardships to which
those poor people, once a free and independent nation,
are now subjected, appeared to them loudly to claim
the sympathies of Friends and others, who have grown
opulent in a land which was their former inheritance,
and that they believed a mode might be devised of
promoting their comfort, and rendering them  more
essential benefits than any which had yet been adopted.
They likewise remark that the engagement was one
involving trials of a peculiar and painful nature, yet
they had reason to hope that the objects they had in
view were in good degree answered, and that they were
thankful in being permitted to return with the reward
of peace.
As the articles of the treaty confirmed the right of
the United States to large tracts of land which had
been obtained by conquest, without making the Indians
what Friends deemed an adequate and just compensation for it, they could not consent to the requests so
frequently made to sign the treaty.




156               THE  LIFE  OF
Soon after reaching home, this diligent laborer in
the cause of his Lord and Master, believed himself
called to attend the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Virginia, and some of the meetings composing it. His
esteemed friend, Thomas Stewardson, kindly consented
to bear him company, and they set out to perform the
service in the Fifth month, 1795.  From some brief
memoranda which he made, the following account of
the journey is taken:
" Left Philadelphia on Fifth-day morning, and rode
hard in the heat to reach Elkton, forty-eight miles;
arrived about eight o'clock, much fatigued.
"8th. Got off by sunrise: the day was very hot,
but with diligent travelling we arrived at Baltimore,
fifty-four miles. Leaving this city in the morning, we
got to dear Evan Thomas's to lodge, being mutually
glad to see each other. On First-day, the 10th, accompanied by several Friends, we set off for Georgetown.
In our way, rode through the Federal city, then only
in its incipient state, but fast advancing, both as to
buildings and population. At Georgetown we put up
at an inn; sent for doctor Thornton, and others, to
procure a meeting at three o'clock in the afternoon.
He used great exertions, and the inhabitants being
generally notified, the meeting was held in a large new
school-house.  It was much too small to contain the
people, which at first made them somewhat uneasy, but
more stillness and composure taking place, the meeting
was held to satisfaction.  Crossing the Potomac, we
rode to Alexandria, and lodged.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 157
"Second-day, the 11th.  It rained and thundered
very much in the morning. I however visited several
Friends, and the weather becoming more favorable, we
went to Occoquan to dine, and reached Dumfries to
lodge. The house being full of Virginians attending
the court; they were not a little noisy.
"12th. Got to Fredericksburg to dinner, and thence
to Bowling Green, and lodged, being fifty miles, and
the day very hot.
" 1th. Travelled very diligently, and made fiftytwo miles to-day.  Having imprudently drunk cold
water when very warm, I became considerably unwell.
"14th. Expecting the Quarterly Meeting to be at
White Oak Swamp, we rode there after breakfast, but
were disappointed, as no Friends had assembled. We
then went on, and soon met several Friends going to
Wain Oak, the Quarterly Meeting being held there,
whose company we joined.  The Quarterly Meeting
was a good one.
"16th. Meeting for Sufferings was held, after which
we went to the meeting of ministers and elders at three
o'clock in the afternoon.
"First-day, the 17th.  The morning meeting very
large, almost as many out of doors as within, and a
favored time; that in the afternoon was also large,
and a mixed congregation, as in the morning, and it
was hoped was a profitable season.
" 18th. Meeting for worship was large, attended by
many not Friends; it proved a hard, laborious time,
and a number of appearances in the ministry; after
14




158              THE LIFE OF
which, the business began, and was well conducted.
Lodged at James Ladd's, with upwards of forty
Friends.
"19th. The meeting, to-day, was a solid refreshing
time: Richard Jordan's service was very acceptable,
and I hope useful.
" 20th. Feeling a freedom to propose that the women
and men should sit together, before they proceeded to
business; the shutters were opened, and there was
some service to satisfaction; then went to business, in
which, I thought Friends were favored.  About four
o'clock, the Yearly Meeting closed, and we returned
to James Ladd's.
"21st. A meeting being appointed at Black-creek,
a number of Friends accompanying me, with our valued
Friend, Richard Jordan, of North Carolina, we reached
the widow Ellison's, where we waited until meeting
time.  The company was large, considering the time
for giving notice: many gay people attended, and it
was thought to be a favored meeting. Richard Jordan
was large in testimony, and in supplication.
"23d. Rode to Richmond. E. Maule and his brother have built a mill on the side of the canal, and for
the privilege of the water pay four hundred dollars a
year. This canal is an astonishing work, about twenty
feet wide, dug through a solid rock; in many places
twenty-five feet deep on the upper side of the hill. It
runs about forty-five feet above the level of James
river.
"First-day, 24th.  Arose with much fear and con



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  159
cern upon my mind, lest truth should suffer by our
having a meeting among a gay and libertine people,
many of them much hurt by Paine's'Age of Reason,'
which has been abundantly spread in Virginia. How
ever, at entering the capitol, where Friends had almost
universally been exceedingly tried in their labors, I
was favored with great composure. My friend Richard
Jordan opened the service, which was, to all appearance, satisfactory and well received by the people.
Immediately after he sat down, the way was clearly
opened for me to stand up with the words,'Verily
there is a reward for the righteous; Verily He is a
God that judgeth in the earth;' to illustrate and enforce which, the Lord was pleased to grant me both
matter and utterance to my own astonishment and
thankfulness. It proved such a time as I think I never
experienced more than once or twice in all my labor
in the cause of truth.  A very numerous, crowded
audience were exceedingly still and attentive for about
one hour and a half; when, though I did believe I felt
sufficient matter and concern to have supported me
some hours, as well as the closest attention in the
audience, yet I thought it expedient to close; with
great thankfulness to our gracious Helper, who had
been so marvellously with us. Friends who were present from most of the meetings within thirty miles,
said, the truths of revelation rose triumphant over
Deism and error, and were never more cordially received in that place. The Methodist minister having
appointed to preach at Manchester at four o'clock, the




160              THE LIFE  OF
time set by Friends for our meeting, we did not go to
the meeting-house until five, when his meeting being
over, we took possession of the house, and had a very
large audience, many from Richmond.  The general
tenor of my labor was much the same as in the morning. This was also a solid and comfortable meeting.
Returned to Richmond, and went to bed, rejoicing that
truth had triumphed to-day."
The account breaks off here, and the notes of his
further service in this journey, if he kept any, have
been lost. From his companion we learn that on the
25th, they went to Goochland and held a meeting;
thence to Cedar-creek, and taking one or two meetings
in their way, reached home on the 4th of the Sixth
month.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                         161
CHAPTER III.
Concern to visit Europe-Journal of the Voyage - Leave-taking -
Banks of Newfoundland-Hard weather-Meetings on Shipboard
-French Privateer-Arrival at Liverpool -Appointed Meetings
-London -Sails for Bremen with G. Dillwyn and D. Sands, &c.
-Notice of Voyage- Reach Bremen - Wine Cellar - Religious
Citizens - Continues Journey-Ilamburg and Altona - Religious
Service - Travelling through Germany-Zell- Habits of the
People-Pious Pastor-Hanover-Visits to several religious characters-Hammelin-Pyrmont-Grave of I. Pemberton-Professors with Friends - Separatists - Religious Engagements- Remarkable reuniting Meeting with both Parties-Affecting Parting
-Leaves Pyrmont with D. Sands, &c. -Visits the Dutchess of
Brunswick-Helmstead-Character of the Country-MaIgdeburg
-Religious Service - Detects an Impostor - Brandenburg - Religious Meeting- Potsdam - Notice of the City- Berlin - Discouragements-Size, &c., of the City-Interviews with religious
Persons-Meetings held-Visit to Freyenwalde-Return to Berlin
-Disliked by the Clergy-Various Engagements-Kindness of
many - Leave-taking - Start for Magdeburg.
THE mind of W. Savery being expanded by Gospel
love, and an ardent desire for the salvation of his fellow-creatures, he was made willing, freely, to give up
his beloved home and connections, and his temporal
concerns, when he believed  himself called to go forth
as an ambassador for Christ, to publish the glad tidings
of redemption to a fallen race, through a crucified and
risen Saviour.   For a considerable time he had been
14*




162               THE  LIFE  OF
under a concern to pay a religious visit to Friends and
others, in some parts of Europe, and opening it to the
respective meetings of which he was a member, his
prospect of duty was united with, and the requisite
certificates of the approbation of Friends were granted
him.
His notes of this engagement, are introduced, as
follows:
"Journal on board the Sussex, on a voyage from New
Castle to Liverpool, from  the 18th of Fifth month,
1796, in company with several ministers, viz: Samuel
Emlen, Deborah _Darby, Rebecca Young, Sarah Talhot, and Phebe Speakman.
"'Fourth-day, 18th.  All the Friends intending to
embark in the Sussex, met at New Castle, a public
meeting being appointed to be held in the court-house.
It was large; more persons attending than could be
accommodated within the walls.  Our own members
were desired to give place to the towns-people; they
generally did so, and our dear Samuel Emlen continued
at the inn with them, and was engaged in distributing
spiritual bread as occasion offered.  The court, then
sitting at New Castle, adjourned to give us an opportunity in the house. Judge Basset, with several magistrates, lawyers, &c., were present.  We believed that
the great Bishop of souls granted us his presence, and
directed the laborers to invite the congregation to an
attentive waiting upon Him, the Leader and Teacher
of his people, as the only sure means of obtaining




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  163
heavenly knowledge; and they were feelingly put in
remembrance, that if they died in their sins, whither
Christ was gone, they could not come. A clear and
decided testimony was also borne against holding our
fellow-men in slavery; and the meeting closed in solemn
supplication, prayer and praises to the universal Parent
and gracious Preserver of men.  We returned to the
inn, and after dinner, the large room and balcony
being furnished with seats, Friends who accompanied
the voyagers hither, sat down, in number about one
hundred and forty; and some of the towns-people hearing of it, also came in. The great Lord of the family
was evidently with us, and favored with a precious
solemnity; under which, our endeared friends, Deborah
Darby and Rebecca Young, through the tendering influence of Gospel love, were again qualified to water
the plants of our heavenly Father's planting, and
affectionately to bid them farewell in the Lord.  Two
of the Friends who were going abroad in truth's service, were also exercised in the expression of heartfelt concern for the preservation of themselves in the
love and life of Truth, and also of their long-endeared
brethren and sisters whom they were about to leave.
Holy fellowship and Gospel love being refreshingly and
encouragingly felt among us, we were once more united
in lifting up our hearts in prayer and praises; committing each other to the merciful and all-wise disposal
of the everlasting Shepherd. This prepared the way
for many near and tender friends and connections to
part, in the mutual experience of that love which is




164               THE LIFE  OF
without dissimulation, and in which the world's votaries
are not privileged to rejoice: may it ever continue and
increase throughout all the churches of Christ. About
six in the evening, we went aboard the Sussex, at anchor
before New Castle.
"Fifth-day, the 19th.  The vessel having hoisted
anchor and sailed in the night, we found ourselves this
morning at Reedy island, where we waited for some
addition to our poultry.' The forenoon was rainy, with
high wind and rough water - several of the passengers
sick.  The weather clearing away in the afternoon,
we again set sail until about eleven o'clock at night,
then dropped anchor; the pilot not being willing to go
out of the capes that night.
" 20th. Setting sail about day-break with a smart
fair breeze, we came in sight of the light-house, and a
boat coming off for our pilot sooner than we expected
hurried us much with our letters.  We were out of
sight of land by four o'clock in the afternoon; all the
passengers as well as could be expected.
" 21st. A desire prevails among us to comfort and
strengthen one another, and especially that the younger
part of the company may manifest our duty to the elder,
by every necessary attention. Our friend Phebe Speakman is weak with disease, but supported under it with
instructive resignation and patience - our dear friend
Samuel Emlen, better in health than when on shore,
and with his usual animation, enlivens us in our watery
prison with frequent recitals of interesting occurrences,
and i-stances of Providential care and support, drawn




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  165
from a long course of observation and experience. We
feel as much at home on the ocean as we can possibly
expect to do, in this trying separation from the tenderest
ties of nature.-May the Lord increase in us and them,
resignation to his holy will, until it shall be his good
pleasure to restore us to each other again.
"First-day, 22nd.  Fine weather, sea smooth and
wind favorable.  At ten o'clock Friends sat down
quietly in the cabin; the promise to the two or three
was comfortably fulfilled, and we hope the bond of
Christian union strengthened, and something of a renewed confirmation afforded, that a wisdom superior to
human, directed both us that are leaving our native
country, and our beloved sisters who are returning
home, in casting our lots together in this ship.  Dined
on deck.  Retiring to the cabin at four o'clock, we
informed our kind captain that his company and that
of as many of the seamen as inclined to sit with us,
would be agreeable; upon which he came down with
the mate and six others. After a considerable time of
silence, some counsel and encouragement being dropped,
they received it with attention and behaved with respect.
We were glad of their company, and the meeting closed
to satisfaction.  Our dear friends at home have laid in
a great abundance of good things for us; a testimony
of their care and love, though we, the objects of their
benevolence, could have been contented with less, especially when we call to mind (as was the case this day
at our bountiful table,) how many of our brethren by
creation, and objects of the same redeeming love, are




166               THE  LIFE  OF
scarcely furnished with mere necessaries: the lamentable situation of the poor Africans in the slave-ships
was sympathetically brought into view.
"27th.  A  clear morning  and tolerable  breeze.
Retired to the cabin to hold our week-day meeting;
circumstances not permitting it the two preceding
Jays, and were favored, through much mercy, with a
refreshing time, for which we all had occasion to be
thankful.
" 28th.  Perceiving a sail making towards us, she
proved to be from Liverpool, bound to New York. Both
vessels backed topsails until several short letters were
written and sent by our yawl, ours enclosed to E. Pryor
of New Yo;k; and taking charge of theirs to their friends
at Liverpool, we wished good passages on both sides.
It is a pleasure to meet vessels at sea, and this opportunity of writing to our dear friends at home rejoiced
us much.
" 29th.  Wind fair; at ten o'clock held our meeting
to mutual comfort: all the Friends well hut Rebecca
Young, who was not out of her room to-day.
" 31st.  Cold and rainy: at ten o'clock perceived
we were coming on the fishing banks of Newfoundland.
We could not see more than two hundred yards, but
heard the fishing vessels sounding their conch-shells,
which we also did, agreeably to custom on these banks,
where there are probably from  two to four hundred
English and American vessels fishing for cod. As it is
generally foggy and rainy weather, they keep a frequent
blowing, to apprize each other of their approach and




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  167
to prevent running foul. These banks are extensive
-from east to west perhaps one hundred and fifty miles,
and from north to south about two hundred miles; the
soundings from thirty to sixty fathoms deep.  Our
captain estimates that we are now about two hundred
and fifty miles from the nearest land, which is the
island of Newfoundland. The number of cod annually
taken here is astonishing. They fish for them with
lines forty or sixty fathoms long, with heavy leads and
two hooks; several of these being kept out at a time.
Some tend them, and others on board split and salt
down the fish in bulk, until they are loaded, when they
return home and dry them. We threw out a line, and
soon took seven of from ten to twelve pounds weight.
"Fourth-day, 1st of Sixth month.  Very wet, cold
and uncomfortable, but the wind fair; we held our
meeting in much quietude.
"Fifth-day, 2nd.  Still wet and cold, and we were
scarcely able to keep ourselves warm with our great
coats on. A mountain of ice being directly ahead, we
were obliged to change our course; it appeared to move
southward, and was judged to be about two hundred
yards in length and forty feet above water.
" Sixth-day. Little wind and a high sea; the vessel
rolled much, and several of the passengers passed an
uneasy night -the weather so cold and uncomfortable
that we had this afternoon a fire made in the cabin.
"First-day, the 5th. Friends generally sick; we had
slept little for the last twenty-four hours, which have
been more trying to us than any heretofore; yet we are




168               THE LIFE OF
sensible we have much to be thankful for, especially
that we are mercifully kept in near unity and sympathy
with each other.
" 6th.  The wind and sea were boisterous and appeared awful, so that faith, hope and patience were
deeply tried at such seasons.  Those who venture to
cross the ocean, need be well convinced that they do
it upon a good foundation; such may humbly rest in
confidence upon Him who gathers the winds in his fist.
Our captain thinks he never before was in so hard a
gale at this season of the year: the sea continually
breaking over both the main and quarter deck, injuring
our live stock and washing away several necessary
articles. Friends almost all sick. At night the wind
and sea somewhat abated, and the wind being fair, we
have gained one hundred and ninety miles towards our
port during the last twenty-four hours.
" 7th.  A rolling sea, wind ahead, and so cold that
we had a fire in the cabin. Thanks be to that Power
Divine that unites us in the blessed harmony of the
truth.  Gained little on our way, and the wind and
seas being very high, occasioned an afflicting night to
most of the passengers.  The ship tossed very much,
and we have had very little refreshing sleep for several
nights; yet we are sensible that the benefits and afflictions permitted by Divine Providence, are more equally
distributed than we sometimes imagine.
"8th. Wind and rain.  This is the tenth day since
we have had fair weather aad a comfortable sea; may




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  169
we be favored to possess our souls in patience: have
gained very little to-day.
"10th. Held our week-day meeting, which the wind
and sickness has not permitted us to do for more than
a week past: an hour and a half was spent in soulrefreshing silence, and at the close an acknowledgment
was made of Divine favor. Our poultry and other live
stock have been much injured during the late high seas
and winds.  Such is the suffering of these creatures
in general on board ship, that several of us agreed in
sentiment, it would be better to be deprived of the
satisfaction of abounding in fresh provisions on sea
voyages, than to gratify the appetite at the expense
of so great oppression.
" First-day, 12th. Our meeting to-day was a favored
time; hope and faith revived; thanks be to Him who is
ever worthy, for this and every other mercy we enjoy.
" 13th. Cool as usual; have had very little pleasant
weather since a few days after leaving our capes; the
main deck always wet with seas breaking over it, and
frequently the quarter deck also.
" 15th.  Our meeting for worship was a quiet, comfortable time. The captain apprehending we were on
soundings, cast the lead, but found no bottom at one
hundred and twenty fathoms.  At five o'clock a large
ship hove in sight, which soon altered her course toward
us -our captain hoisted American colors and backened
sail to wait for her. Coming along under our stern,
they hailed, which we returned with information that
ours was an American vessel from Philadelphia. The
15




170               THE LIFE OF
other was a French privateer of twenty guns, and
appeared to have two hundred men; said they belonged
to Brest, and had been cruising twelve days, was called
L'Esperance.  Finding who we were, they wished us
a good voyage and went in pursuit of a brig we had
passed, and which was still in sight.  While she was
bearing down upon us, the minds of Friends were unpleasantly affected, not only because it was uncertain
what those sons of rapine might be permitted to do,
but more so, on reflecting to what a sorrowful state of
darkness men must arrive, before they can engage in
the wretched business of privateering. Sounding again,
found bottom at seventy fathoms.
"16th.  At ten o'clock discovered the coast of Ireland, not far from  Cork.  Friends were mostly upon
deck, and pleased with the hope of seeing Liverpool
to-morrow evening.
"18th.  The pilot came on board - met a number
of vessels outward bound, ten of which were going to
Guinea for slaves; the thoughts of which brought a
gloom over all our pleasant reflections on approaching
Liverpool and our kind friends there.  Surely worse
than midnight darkness awaits those who, with horrid
presumption, dare thus trample upon the most sacred
decrees of heaven. About nine in the evening a revenue
boat with two custom-house officers came on board, and
by them we were landed near the dwelling of our hospitable and worthy friends Robert and Sarah Benson,
who received us with real cordiality.
Mercy and goodness having been abundantly evident




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 171
towards us in crossing the sea, favoring with many
uniting and confirming seasons together, may we ever
acknowledge it with thankfulness to the Father of mercies.
"First-day, Sixth month 19th, 1796. At two meetings in Liverpool, my American companions were all
exercised in testimony acceptably, and dear Rebecca
Young in prayer in the forenoon. I felt no necessity
to be heard in the ministry.
"'21st. Attended the Monthly Meeting at Manchester, to which Friends of Liverpool belong; the
business was conducted'with despatch, and in a little
different manner from ours.
"23d. A number not professing with us attended
the meeting on account of a marriage. I ventured, for
the first time since my arrival, to say a few words in
testimony; and feeling most easy to mention my prospect of having an evening meeting with the inhabitants, it was accordingly appointed. Went after dinner
to Richard Routh's, and retired to my chamber.  In
the evening went to the meeting, which I entered in
much fear, even to trembling; but came out with
thankfulness of heart: a large number of the people
gave us their company; and through Divine mercy, it
proved a solid, comfortable meeting.
"First-day, 26th. At Liverpool, the morning meeting was large for this place; dear Samuel Emlen and
our two American women Friends were engaged in
Gospel labor to my satisfaction, and I hope to profit:
my mind was kept still and quiet, having felt no con



172              THE LIFE  OF
cern since landing to appear in testimony among
Friends here.  Towards the close of the meeting, I
mentioned my prospect of a meeting with the inhabitants of Liverpool in the evening, which was agreed to.
The meeting-house was nearly filled, and the people
behaved in a decent orderly manner; and it ended to
our comfort; praised be the Lord.
"Having appointed a meeting to be held the 30th,
for young unmarried Friends above ten years of age,
it proved, through renewed condescension, a time of
watering. At -the close, I proposed another meeting
with the people of other professions at six in the evening, which was larger than the first, and thought by
Friends to be a time of favor: at the conclusion many
of the people came to us, acknowledging their thankfulness for the opportunity. Samuel Emlen appointed
another meeting of the like kind, to be held on Firstday evening, which coincided with a prospect I previously had.
"Seventh month, 3d. The meeting in the evening
was very large; it was said there were two hundred in
the yard, and we had renewed occasion to say, Good is
the Lord, and worthy to be served; for He crowned us
with his presence, and made us joyful in the house of
prayer.  It was to me an affecting parting with the
people for the present, my mind now feeling easy to
leave them.
"7th. At Birmingham; and feeling my mind engaged to have a meeting with the people of this place,
I proposed it to Friends, who readily made way for it,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  173
to be at six in the evening. Notwithstanding the notice
was short, it was crowded; several ministers of different
denominations were present, and there was an open
door to receive what was delivered.
"First-day, the 10th. In London. Went to the
meetings at Devonshire-house. They were large, both
in the fore and afternoon. I was silent. A meeting
being appointed by another Friend to be held in the
evening at Westminster, I went to it.  It was large
and thought to be favored: many of the people acknowledged their thankfulness.
"11th. Attended an examination of the boys' and
girls' charity school at Clerkenwell, a well-regulated
school and boarding-house: the children were all dressed
alike.
"14th. At Tottenham week-day meeting, aid silent
as usual with me.  At the close, feeling my mind engaged to have a meeting with the inhabitants at large,
I proposed it, and Nicholas Waln, Thomas Scattergood, and other Friends uniting with it, one was accordingly appointed, to be at six in the evening. Not many
Friends came to it, being afraid of taking the room
of others; it was pretty large, and through renewed
mercy a solid time, my mind feeling peaceful.
" First-day, 17th. Was at Devonshire morning meeting; George Dillwyn and some others had good service. I was silent, but appointed a public meeting at
six in the evening, in the house where the men's Yearly
Meeting is held; which was very large, and an open
15*




174              THE LIFE OF
satisfactory time, for which myself and friends were
thankful to the Author of every good.
"'19th. At Devonshire-house meeting, but could not
be easy, though trying to nature, without appointing
another meeting for other professors, at six o'clock this
evening, which appeared to end well.
" 21st. Went with David Sands and Benjamin Johnson to the American Ambassador for a passport to the
continent, which he readily granted; from thence we
went to the Duke of Portland's office, who is the
Secretary of State, and obtained a permit from him.
"24th. At an appointed meeting in the evening at
Westminster, exceedingly crowded, yet thought to be a
favored season; thanks be to the God of all grace.
" 25th. Went with several Friends on board a vessel
intended for Bremen, and agreed to take passage in
her.
"27th. Was at Greenwich Hospital, where were
above two thousand pensioners, old men clothed in
blue from head to foot, being ancient and disabled
sailors; they looked well and were lodged comfortably,
in places built like large state-rooms in a ship.
"First-day, 31st. Was at a large and good public
meeting at Clerkenwell, and in the evening had a meeting at Horseley-down, over the market-house, in a
room supposed to hold eighteen hundred people; all
could not get in by some hundreds; and though very
crowded and warm, it was a quiet good time.  There
being but one small stairway up to the room, sufficient
only to admit one person at a time, it was more than




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 175
half an hour before it was empty; and in the throng
two or three women fainted.
"Fifth-day, the 4th of Eighth month. After a solid
parting with my friends, Joseph Savory and family of
London, George Dillwyn and myself went to Joseph
Smith's, where the Friends intending for Germany
were, viz: David Sands, William Farrer, and Benjamin
Johnson, and a number of our kind brethren and
sisters, who were desirous to take leave of us. We
had a time of comfortable retirement, under a feeling
of the strengthening influence of the love of Christ;
after which, accompanied by Joseph Savory and wife,
David Bacon, George Stacey and wife, and Joseph
Smith and wife, we rode to Blackwall, and went on
board the ship Victoria, Johann Borgis, master, for
Bremen.  Took an affectionate leave of our friends,
and immediately weighed anchor.
"5th. With a fair wind we sailed by a pleasant
country, interspersed with  handsome  villages and
farms; a large number of vessels were in sight all day,
and we passed by many of the large ships of war at
the Nore, one of which, called the Ville de Paris, of
one hundred and twenty guns, was like an enormous
castle. At dusk our pilot left us.
" 6th. A smart breeze and fair, with short seas; and
the passengers nearly all sick: our captain and seamen
behave respectfully; the accommodations are none of
the best; yet we feel contented and easy, believing all
is right.
" 7th. The latter part of this day we were in sight




176              THE  LIFE  OF
of land, being the coast of Oldenburg.  At night
slacked sail, and stood off until daylight, then entered
the river Weser, and the tide being rapid, we lay seven
hours at anchor, during which we went on shore in
Oldenburg, which is governed by Prince Etienne,
whose secretary was kind and courteous, inviting us
to some refieshment.  As he could speak French, he
commenced his conversation in that language, but
finding I could speak German, he seemed pleased, and
was communicative. We took a friendly leave of him,
and walking towards the ship, were sent for by the
secretary's mother, a.woman of good countenance, with
whom we walked in the garden, and found her to be a
pious person, towards whom we felt much love. Parting in much tenderness, we returned to the ship with
her good wishes.
" 9th. Sailed along between the countries of Hanover
and Oldenburg to Bruck, twenty-four English miles
from  Bremen, and dropped anchor; here the vessels
unload and send their cargoes to Bremen. Bruck is a
small village, and not very pleasant: we lodged on
board, and had a solid religious opportunity in the
evening with the sailors.
"10th. In the morning, having hired a lighter to
take us and our baggage to Fraisack, half-way to
Bremen, we went on board, taking with us five poor
passengers, without expense to them. The tide leaving
us, we went ashore at a village, where poverty, the
effect of arbitrary power, appeared in a striking point
of view to Americans — the people, with their horses




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 177
and cows, living under the same roof, and all very
meanly; the land poor, and the people very laborious,
especially the women.  Arrived at Negesak in the
evening, and went on shore to a large and good inn,
where, after undergoing what we must expect to meet
with in this journey, the gaze and observations of
many, who doubtless look upon us as a strange, outlandish people, we had a good supper and retired to
rest; but previously had some agreeable and religious
conversation with our placid-looking landlady, and gave
her some books.
"11th. After breakfast took passage in a lighter for
Bremen, about twelve miles up the river, against the
current, for which we paid fourteen shillings sterling.
Reached Bremen in four hours, and took quarters at a
public house at Walfish, outside the gates, where we
were received kindly, and furnished with tolerable
lodgings, &c. A man coming in, told us there were in
the town some who were called Quakers, and who met
at each other's houses for religious purposes.
"12th. George Dillwyn, William Farrer, and myself, visited Mooyer & Topkin, merchants in the town,
to whom we were recommended.  Topkin having been
some time in London, spoke English, and gave us information respecting the money, mode of travelling, &c.,
in Germany.  We then went to Cassell & Trobis, and
found that Cassell had just returned from Pyrmont:
he speaks some English, and lives in high style. An
agreeable young man, who was employed in their
counting-house, and understood the English language




178               THE LIFE OF
pretty well, walked with us round the town, showed us
the public buildings and wine-cellar, which contained
a vast quantity of wine, chiefly Rhenish, the trade in
which is carried on for the public benefit.  In this
cellar there are many large tuns, containing from forty
to one hundred hogsheads each, with the date of the
vintage on them-some upwards of one hundred years
old; this they pride themselves in, and they can only
be tapped by consent of the magistrates. We returned
to our lodgings with heaviness of heart, observing no
openness for religious service; we however gave books
to several persons. George Dillwyn,. William Farrer,
and myself, took a walk, and went into two houses,
where we were kindly received, had some conversation
and gave them  a few books, for which they thanked
us.  In the evening, hearing of a religious woman who
kept a school and was a kind of separatist, Benjamin
Johnson and William  Farrer went to see her.  She
received them gladly, and said there were about twenty
or thirty of them who met together to edify each other,
being all people seeking God. This revived our drooping minds, that have been much exercised, feeling
something towards the people, but not knowing which
way to proceed to obtain relief: hoping the Lord was
working for us, we rejoiced and retired to rest.
" 13th.  Had an opportunity of conversation with
the religious woman, who said she found by the book
our friends had given her yesterday, that they were
not quite the same in opinion with us, for we went beyond them.  After sitting awhile with her, she sent a




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 179
lad to show us the house of Albert Hoyer, one of their
number, with whom we had much religious freedom,
to our mutual satisfaction.  We parted with him and
an ancient woman, who appeared to be united with him
in sentiment, and with us in the general; she making
some remarks, which showed her to be one earnest for
the right way.  We then went to the house of an ancient man who, with his wife, a woman of a comely,
meek appearance, received us pleasantly, and spent a
little time, opening to each other our minds on religious subjects. IHe said the people called them Quakers,
and sometimes pointed at them  as they walked the
streets, but that ought not to move them, for he knew
there was nothing better to be expected from people
while they continued under the dominion of the world's
spirit, as they did not understand the things of God.
We took leave of them in tenderness.  There is no
doult these are an enlightened people, desirous of an
establishment on the right foundation; but they have
many outward discouragements to hinder them, as I
apprehend is the case throughout Germany.  They
appear to have little or no dependence on outward
forms or ceremonies, and confess freely, that none can
be the children of God, but those who are led by his
spirit; and that it is not putting away the filth of the
flesh by any outward washings, but the answer of a
good conscience towards God, through the regenerating
power of his spirit, that is the saving baptism: but
they still comply with the ceremony of water baptism
with respect to their children; and they also attend




180              THE LIFE OF
the public worship.  That which principally distinguishes their little company from others, is the circumspection of their lives and manners, and their frequent
meetings together to strengthen and build one another
up.  I returned to my lodgings comforted with the
interview.
"First-day, 14th.  Friends sat down together in
our chamber, and through Divine mercy were favored
with an uniting, strengthening season, which afresh
animated our spirits to pursue as ability may be given,
our weighty engagements in this land. The afternoon
proved distressing to us, on account of the people making it a time of merriment; drinking, singing, playing
at bowls, &c., which appears to be the general practice.
They attend their places of worship twice before two
o'clock, that the afternoon may be devoted to lightness
and foolish pastimes. I said in my heart, what will
become of the careless shepherds of this people; who
do not seem addicted to gross wickedness as in some
other places, yet are reconciled by custom to this abuse
of the First-day: and we are told the pastors do not
discourage it or tell them of its impropriety.  Our
landlady and her children kept the house as quiet as
they could, on our account.
"15th. George Dillwyn and myself visited Albert
Hoyer, two others of the same religious people being
present; we spent an hour or more with them to good
satisfaction; they did not appear puffed up, but desirous of improvement, and were open and loving. We
gave them some books, and recommended their close




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 181
attention to the further manifestation of the true Light,
which they had acknowledged for their guide and
teacher; and to bear their testimony faithfully: thus
would the Lord prosper them, and make them in his
holy hand, as eyes to the blind,, and as a city set upon
a hill: all which they took kindly, and hoped they
should treasure up our observations, and improve by
them.  Then embracing us tenderly, they expressed
their desires that the Lord might preserve us and bless
his work in our hands. We left them, comforted in a
belief we had not been sent to Bremen for nought.
"After dinner, Christian Bacher came to see us,
having just heard there were Friends come to Bremen.
He appeared to be a man of good understanding, acquainted with the Divine Light, and separated from
the public worship, with its forms and ordinances. He
said there were a number in Bremen that we have not
seen, who would be glad of our company, and who are
seeking the truth. Being acquainted with many parts
of Germany, he told us of religious people in Berlin
and other places, who, though weak in many of their
opinions, are honest-hearted. Some call them Mystics,
and other names; and they appear to have taken many
of their opinions of the inward life from Jacob Behmen,
Lady Guion, and other writers of like kind. This man
is acquainted with Friends at Pyrmont, and acknowledges himself to be one with us; but we thought he
was too talkative, and one of those who think there is
no need of uniting as a visible church, or establishing
an order of discipline, which appears to be the opinion
16




182               THE  LIFE  OF
of many of the pious people in this country; and this
makes them  shy of Friends at first, as they know us
to be a gathered people: this continually adds to the
weight of exercise which Friends must experience in
visiting Germany.  We gave him Barclay's Apology,
and several other books, to lend or give to inquiring
people, which he seemed pleased with an opportunity
of doing.  He gave us some directions for finding a
serious people in Hamburg and Altona.
" 16th. Set off in an uncomfortable extra post-wagon
for Harmburg, and dined at Ottenburg, eighteen English miles, travelling about three or three and a half
miles an hour-and there seems no inducing a German
driver to exceed that gait: the roads are very crooked,
the country level and clear, so that objects are seen at
a great distance. We proceeded to Tastoss, and were
completely jolted and fatigued in their awkward, clumsy
wagons.
"17th. Rose early: the post-horses being kept at
an inn, they were in haste to have us off before it grew
very warm.  We were all loaded again in the same
kind of wagon, which is the best that can be procured
for travellers in this country, except they purchase
one, and take post-horses from town to town. Indeed,
the best carriages we have seen here are heavy and
inconvenient.  Travelled over a very poor country, as
yesterday, one-third of which is a heath, where they
keep boys and girls to tend cattle, and the miserable
sheep we see everywhere, as we pass along. Some of
the land is sown with rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, and




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  183
some wheat.  Hundreds of the poor peasants were
employed in mowing and hauling in; the women bearing an equal share of the burden with the men.  The
grain was poor, compared with England or America.
The villages, generally, have a miserable appearance,
being composed of clay huts, without chimneys. They
use turf for fuel, and the people are very laborious,
living hard; coarse, black rye bread, milk, and some
vegetables, being their principal diet. Their horses,
cows, &c., live under the same thatched roof with the
family. There are but few good houses between Bremen and IHarburg, sixty-six miles, where we dined.
We are still in the Hanoverian dominions: the people
are shamefully fleeced, both by the government and
the priests, beyond anything I have ever heard of.
At our inn they were civil and cleanly; a good house,
and tolerable beds.
"18th. George Dillwyn and myself went in a boat
for Hamburg, about six miles across the Elbe.  There
were about forty passengers, several of whom were
from  the interior of Germany, and intending for
America.  After passing by many small islands, we
arrived in about two hours, and landed in this great
and populous city, entire strangers; but knowing the
language, we soon found the London and American
coffee-house; breakfasted there, and then waited on
Roosen, a merchant, to whem we had letters of introduction fiom London. He appeared to be a high man,
his countenance bespeaking little kindness to us: however, he sent his barber to conduct us in a search for




184              THE LIFE OF
lodgings, but finding none we liked, we took coach,
and went to Altona, having a letter to Vandersmissen & Sons, men of extensive trade, who received us
with much kindness, and appear to be religious men.
In Altona we were also unsuccessful in finding suitable
lodgings for our whole company. Returned to Hamburg, and took three rooms at one dollar and a half
per day.  Coming again into this busy city, our minds
were brought under exercise, and abundant discouragement presented; seeing few or none who appeared
religious.
"Having heard of a person in Altona called a
Quaker, I went with two of our company, and after a
great deal of walking in the heat, found him: he was
an old man, named Heltman, who had separated many
years past from the common forms, and met with some
others at times in Altona and Hamburg of like religious opinions, and was a preacher among them.
With him and his wife we had an hour's religious conversation.  After I had opened our principles a little
to him, and told him my motive for leaving my own
country, he embraced me, acknowledging he was one
with me in faith,  He recommended us to two sugarrefiners in Hamburg. Having walked several miles in
the dust and heat, we returned to our lodgings fatigued,
yet satisfied with our visit. -' Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.'
"20th. George Dillwyn and I went to see the two
men we heard of yesterday.  Upon entering into conversation, one of them showed some surprise at our




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  185
coming so far from home on a religious account, and
thought there was enough for every child of God to
do at home, and that the Lord could make way for the;
instruction of the people in all places. Finding him
a well-inclined man, we endeavored to convince him
of the possibility of a Divine call to travel with the
Gospel message now, as well as in the apostles' days,
which he did not dispute; but said that some had
travelled under an apprehension they were called, who
had hurt themselves and did no good to others.  A'
length he appeared satisfied with our motives, and believed we were right in making such a sacrifice. We
spent two hours in conversation on religious subjects,
in which he appeared to be an enlightened man, but
too full of his own opinions, as having no need, or not
feeling any, of anything but what he already knew.
We gave them  some books, and they were kind and
loving at parting, and expressed a hope that we would
not take it amiss that they seemed backward at first
about our call.
"First-day, 21st. Four men came to see us: one
of them  gave me a book he had written, as an exposition of some of the predictions of the prophets and of
our Saviour, &c.  This man appeared too full of himself and of talk; he had suffered imprisonment at
Nuremburg, on account of his not attending the public
worship and conforming to the ordinances.  On being
brought before the magistrates and priests, he was
enabled to give such reasons for his faith and practice
as silenced them, and procured his discharge.  The
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186               THE LIFE  OF
rest of these men were more solid and humble, so that
we marvelled to find the clearness of sight they were
favored with, and the readiness with which they brought
forth Scripture to confirm their and our sentiments:
on the whole, the interview was satisfactory. Stillness
and more of the child's state is much wanting, but the
sincerity of heart which they appear to possess will,
no doubt, draw down the Divine blessing. After giving
them some books, we walked to Altona, and dined with
Henry and Jacob Vandersmissen. They are IMenonists,
but having been nine months in England, and boarded
with Friends, they retain a love for the Society. They
sat in silence, both before and after eating, in a reverent
posture.  We had some instructive religious conversation with them, and left them  in much love.  J. F.
Reichart came to take us to his house, where we had
appointed to meet some of the separatists.  Twelve
persons, besides ourselves, met; we advised them to
get into silence, which, after some time, they did. A
comfortable feeling attending, I ventured to preach
Christ as the light of the world and the life of men,
the bread from heaven, &c., and was more favored with
expression in the German than I could have expected.
David Sands then requested me to interpret for him,
which I undertook in fear, but hope nothing suffered.
George Dillwyn also desiring my assistance, I gave it
as well as I could, though I feel myself not competent
to such a work, and less qualified to interpret for
others, than to speak my own feelings. Our cominunications were received aid acknowledged as the truth,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 187
and Christ Jesus as the only foundation. If these
people could see more clearly the necessity of silence,
and love to abide in it, they would be made a shining
light; some of them, we had no doubt, were drawing
nearer and nearer to the'quiet habitation.' They
embraced and parted with us in great tenderness. The
space between Hamburg and Altona having some shady
walks, swarmed with people, who, according to the
inconsistent custom  of the country, were diverting
themselves in a variety of ways, with music, singing,
dancing, gaming, and drinking; we passed through
them without molestation.
" Second-day, 22nd. Two of the men who were at
meeting yesterday, came to see us, and in a tender
frame of mind said, they felt that God was with us,
and had sent us thither; were convinced of the necessity of inward silent waiting upon God, who alone can
open and none can shut, and who shuts and none can
open; and hoped our coming would not be in vain to
them: they were very loving, and at parting expressed
much desire for our preservation, and their own improvement in the true and living way.  One of them,
J. Abenau, appears to be the most solid and enlightened man that we have found among them; though
both these men and some others, we thought were not
far from the kingdom.
"The city of Hamburg is said to contain one hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants; ten thousand of
these are French emigrants.  Owing to its being a
neutral city and free port, there is abundance of ship



188               THE LIFE  OF
ping in the harbor from almost all nations. It is governed by its own magistrates, but pays some tribute to
the Emperor.  The people enjoy the free exercise of
religious opinions, yet few appear much concerned
about it in any form; their places of worship, though
chiefly Lutheran and Calvinist, are furnished with crucifixes, likenesses of saints, &c.; we found, however,
some pious people among them, to whom we felt much
love. The people in a general way, dress as their ancestors did several ages past, the Dutch not being given
to change. The streets are narrow, have few foot-ways,
and being every where paved with pebbles, it makes
walking tiresome.  Altona contains about forty thousand inhabitants, and is, of the two, the pleasanter
city.
"Fourth-day, 24th.  Our friends the Vandersmissens having sent their coach, some of us paid them a
visit, and drank coffee, though it was but about eleven
o'clock. The Germans think that coffee can never come
out of season.  David Sands and myself had another
opportunity with our friend Heltman; he and his wife
are loving, solid people, but low in the world, yet we
hoped were near the kingdom; he embraced and parted
with us in tears, recommending us to continue faithful
unto God to the end; and said his days were drawing
near to a close, but he lived in the hope, that through
the Lord's mercy he should leave the world in peace.
Our landlady imposed upon us by an unjust charge,
which for peace sake we were obliged to pay, though
it was contrary to our agreement. This is a land of




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  189
impositions on strangers. We hired a boat to take us
and our wagon to Harburg, six English miles, for six
dollars; dined in that place, at the house where we
had lodged before; the people looked pleased to see
us and hoped to have our company again before we
left Germany.  We took four post-horses, and leaving
Harburg travelled through a poor, barren country, the
roads sandy and houses mean, and arrived at Walley,
a village of about six houses.
" Eighth month, 26th.  We were obliged to stop on
the road for our postilion to take his bread, herring,
and milk, which they do in the middle of every station,
for which, and the feed of the horses, passengers must
freely pay, or be used worse than they are. The horses
eat the same bread as the drivers.  We arrived at
the gates of Zell about nine o'clock at night, where an
officer stopped us and took our names.
" 27th.  Having agreed for four small rooms and
beds, George Dillwyn and I went into the city, like
solitary pilgrims in the midst of a strange people.  It
is not easy to conceive the state of mind and mortification that poor travellers have to pass through daily,
but more especially on entering large cities and towns,
where, at first view, all appear to be minding their own
things, and where the manners, religion, and pursuits
of the people are so entirely different from ours, and
not a single inhabitant known to us; yet by patient
waiting, the Lord hath hitherto manifested to our comfort, that five or ten upright-hearted souls are yet to
be found in every place; this hope comforted our trib



190               THE  LIFE  OF
ulated spirits in passing through the streets of Zell, as
spectacles to the people.  Having a letter to a merchant whose name was Helmleck, we went to his house,
and were received with much civility and respect. He
said, he knew a person of our religion in town, whose
name was Dietrich, to whose house he took us; he
proved to be a Moravian, but a kind, courteous man,
and appeared to be desirous of having some books, that
he might become better acquainted with our principles.
On conversing with a man at our lodgings, he expressed
some surprise that I, who was born in America, should
be as white as a German: such is the ignorance of
many.  The son of a Calvinist minister, hearing our
conversation, informed his father of us, who sent me
an invitation to come to his house, and feeling no hesitation, I did so.  I found him to be a man of about
thirty-five; we conversed without restraint, on religious
subjects, about an hour, he being of a candid, liberal
mind, freely confessed that our simple manners, peaceable principles, and refusing to take oaths, were consistent with the Gospel and his own private sentiments,
and frequently gave me his hand as a testimony of
unity.  He called his eldest son, a pretty lad, about
twelve years old, whom I saw at our inn, and told him
to take notice what I said, that I was one of the people
called Quakers, from America, that I did not think it
right to pull off my hat in honor to any man, but did
it only in reverence to the Divine Being; that I and
my brethren never went to war, nor took an oath, our
yea being yea, and our nay, nay.  The lad was sober




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 191
and attentive, and remarked that he had read in the
Scriptures a command concerning the last. We parted
lovingly, both the pastor and his wife pressing me to
come to-morrow.
"First-day, 28th.  Several of our little band were
unwell, owing, as we supposed, to the manner of living
in this country.  Sour wine, sour beer, bread, meat
and vegetables, form the principal articles of diet; the
meat cooked till it is ready to fall to pieces.  Coffee,
which the Germans make to perfection and drink it
several times in a day, seems to be almost the only
good thing at their tables. Meat is mostly poor, and
the veal killed when it is about a week old.  The pastor and Captain Kirchner came to see us, with whom
we had some conversation, we hoped profitably.  In
the afternoon, William Farrer and I drank coffee with
them and Professor Rock, a French Calvinist minister,
who preaches in his own language to a congregation,
descendants of the Huguenots, who fled here from
France, in the time of the persecutions: he did not
appear to be much concerned about religion.  This
town, unlike those we had before been in on this day
of the week, was everywhere exceedingly still and
orderly; few people being in the streets or on the public walks, which was very agreeable to us, and what
we did not expect. Spending some time with the pastor at his house, in serious conversation, I endeavored,
as well as I was qualified, to open to him the nature
of our doctrines and practices; he agreed, that no man
could be a Christian, but by the operation of the spirit




192              THE LIFE  OF
of Christ; yet his idea appeared to be, that this spirit
was so mixed and blended with the natural faculties of
the soul, as not to be distinguishable from them, but
that it wrought our conversion and purification in an
imperceptible manner.  I mentioned to him several
passages of Scripture in opposition to this opinion;
and at length he confessed he had never read of, or
heard the subject so treated before, nor so much to his
satisfaction. He said the sprinkling of infants could
avail them nothing, and that what he did in that respect, was in conformity to the opinions of others, and
not his own; for if he could believe any water baptism
essential, he should embrace the opinions of those who
administered it at mature age; and with respect to the
supper, he said, he did not conceive it was intended to
be of perpetual obligation in the church, for that would
have been perpetuating the Passover, which our Lord
was then eating, but that this and other Jewish rites
he came to fulfil and put an end to. He believed no
more was meant by our Lord's injunction, than that
his disciples, as often as they sat down to meat, should
remember him, their Lord and Master, who was now
sat down to table with them for the last time before he
was offered up.  Clear it was, he said, that it had no
effect on the souls of those who observed it, who remained from year to year in their general conduct forgetful of God. Many people, however, who took it from
pious motives, he did not doubt might feel themselves
refreshed. He kindly expressed the satisfaction he had
felt, and near unity with me, adding with much ten



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  193
derness, that it was one thing to acknowledge sound
doctrines, and another to practise them.  I returned
to my companions peaceful, and in the hope that Truth
had not suffered in the interview.
" 29th. Walked through the principal streets of
Zell, which is a fortified city, surrounded by mounds
of earth, a wide ditch, gates,. &c., and guarded by
soldiers.  The promenades around it are very fine,
lined with trees, and gravelled. At this time they are
suspicious of strangers, and in addition to taking our
names at entering the gates, every inn-keeper is obliged
to return the names of his lodgers every morning to
the burgomaster. The people are quiet and respectful
to us; there is little appearance of trade, and the
market is poor.  The suburbs and city may contain
twenty thousand inhabitants. As we walked along, a
man looking pleasantly on us, we turned about and
spoke to him, with which he seemed glad, and took us
into his house.  He soon opened his mind, and we
found he was a great admirer of Jacob Behmen, and
had a strong testimony against the priests, but very
fearful of them  and the people, and therefore kept
himself very hidden; which is the case of hundreds
in this country. He thought we were one in sentiment
on religion; but on coming to see us in the evening,
we presently found he was full of visions: though he
confessed freely to the truth of our doctrines, and was
tender and loving, yet he spoke of having found God
in minerals, and that he was to be found in everything;
had been made acquainted either by vision or dream
17




194               THE  LIFE  OF
with the nature of the Divine Being, of angels and of
men, &c.  He said he had been long separated from
the common form of worship, and had but two or three
acquaintances in Zell to whom he could speak his sentiments freely, and these he would bring to see us in the
morning.  We gave him some books, and such advice
as we were favored with, which he took kindly, and
left us in tears. Spent another hour with the pastor,
Johann Frederick Krietsch, to much satisfaction.
" 30th.  Took leave of my friend Krietsch and his
family, with much affection on both sides. We gave
him several books. His wife said, he had never seen a
stranger that he discovered so much affection for since
she knew him, which he confirmed, and much desired
we might return through Zell; but be that as it might,
he observed, he should ever remember with thankfulness
a kind Providence sending us there.  He was a tender
man, and I hope the Divine blessing will rest upon him.
We also took leave of the family at the inn with their
good wishes. An agreeable young woman, of a religious
mind, who waited on us during our stay, took our attention at parting, and pressed our return if it were
possible, saying she would be glad to go with us to
America.  The Moravian minister paid us a visit as
we were about to go off; having been out of town for
some days and just returned, he expressed his sorrow
at the shortness of the interview.  We rode through a
poor country to Hanover, and put up without the city
gates, where we had tolerable accommodations: the
landlord was a baptized Jew.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  195
"31st.  George Dillwyn and I walked through the
town and delivered our letters of recommendation.
The city has the appearance of considerable trade,
chiefly carried on by land, the river being only navigable for flat boats in freshes. It is fortified, has many
soldiers and about thirty thousand inhabitants; the
religion generally Lutheran, but there is one Calvinist
meeting-house, and some Moravians who meet privately.
About their places of worship and burying-grounds are
many relics of popery, some monuments and imagery
six hundred years old, or perhaps more. Afternoon,
William Farrer and I walked about a mile and a half
to see the steward to the commissary of the port-office.
He and his wife received us kindly, and appeared much
like Friends in principle and practice.  He had been
separated for some years from the common forms of
religion, and was a man of solid countenance and
demeanor.  We spent about an hour with them  to
satisfaction. He gave us the names of several more
separatists, persons of religious character.
"Ninth month 1st.  Our friend Shaffer visited us:
the cross seems much in the way of the few serious
minds in Hanover, and they acknowledge they feel
themselves too weak to stand forth faithfully. A person
to whom we had letters came to see us, and some of us
being unwell, occasioned as we thought by our manner
of living, he told us that dysentery was very common
here in the autumn, and many are removed suddenly,
and advised some remedy to correct the acidity of the
drinks and food which are commonly used in this




196               THE LIFE  OF
country.  He appears to be a kind man and disposed
to be of use to us.  The Lord makes way for us in
every place. Johann Buchner visited us: he was many
years a musician in the army, and had been in many
battles; but growing uneasy with his profession, dropped
it, and is now gardener to the king's physician.  He
has been in England, and there got acquainted with
Friends and with the Methodists, and speaks En:!ish
a little. He gave us an account of many exercises he
had passed through, and of his present state and opinions, which I did not discover to be much different from
ours. He is no doubt a religious man, and is separated
from the outward forms used here, and more bold in
maintaining his testimony than his companions.
" 2nd. David Sands and George Dillwyn not being
able to converse in the language, much of the labor
falls upon me, and people frequently calling upon us,
I am kept pretty busy; for by the time we are two or
three days in a place, we begin to find out the religious
characters, and they us. We went to see a shoemaker,
a tender, seeking man, and his wife; both of whom
were made very near to my spirit.  They had left
other professors and kept much retired at home.  He
said the people were vain, and it hurt him to mix with
them, and that he was desirous of following the inward
Preacher, who would not deceive, as many of the wise
and learned preachers in the world did. Then we went
to an old man, who was spoken of as being a Quaker;
he received us kindly, but we soon found he was not
got beyond the use of water baptism, and was one of




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   197
the principal men of the few Moravians who meet here
in a covert manner, and yet continue publicly to meet
the Lutherans. By letters received from the brethren in
America, he had understood that Friends had supplied
the Indian brethren under the care of D. Seisberger
with corn, in a time of scarcity. I told him I was one
of the Friends concerned in that business, which made
him more open, and he seemed pleased with our company. In the evening we had a comfortable sitting by
ourselves; and have found it very strengthening frequently to retire in this manner and seek for counsel
in this trying field of labor, where we feel the need of
putting on the whole armor, so that nothing may suffer
by or through us.
" 3(.  George Dillwyn, David Sands and myself,
paid another visit to the aforesaid shoemaker, at his
request, and he appeared glad of the visit. My companions going to our inn, I called to see Henry Wertsig,
a woman's habit-maker; and after spending some time
with him, he accompanied me to our lodgings. On our
way we met a German nobleman, who, after passing a
few steps, turned back to speak to us; and said he had
been in poor health for some time, had tried physicians,
the mineral waters and travelling, but all to little purpose; a dejection spread over his countenance, and he
seemed in a serious frame of mind. My-friend informed
him I was from America, on a visit to the children of
God in Germany. He expressed a wish for my preservation and success. I told him there was one Physician
near at hand to whom he might yet successfully apply,
17*




198               THE  LIFE  OF
who, if it were not consistent with his wisdom to restore
him to health, could bless the affliction to him, and
prepare him  for a better inheritance; to which he
assented, and parted with us in a very friendly manner.
I can but admire at the clear and decisive manner in
which many of these seeking people speak of their
convincement of the fundamental doctrines of Friends,
and the sense they have of their own weakness in not
more boldly and openly maintaining them; but that
time must come, I solidly believe, to many in this land.
" First-day, 4th. Though very rainy, yet eight of
the friendly people, and two Moravians, came and sat
down with us in silence at our inn.  Some religious
communication taking place, they received it in much
stillness; and when it appeared about time to break
up, we desired, if there had been anything said which
they did not unite with or understand, they might take
the freedom  to mention it; to which the old man
(Moravian) replied, it was entirely consistent with
Scripture, and what he had found in his own mind for
forty-five years. They parted with us in much tenderness and with reluctance, desiring our preservation,
and hoped we would visit them again.
"A great fair of horses, cattle, hogs, merchandize,
&c., is to commence after dinner; and this occasioned
our getting away as soon as we could, the people beginning to collect largely about our inn. The landlord
expressed his sorrow that we could not stay in his house
with satisfaction, as dancing, music, and all kinds of
rioting would soon begin, and continue for two days;




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  199
he also said that he thought it a blessing to have such
people in his house.
" 5th. Moved on to Hammeln; the country we passed
through was more fertile than heretofore, the road
paved, the mountains round us covered with beech and
other timber, the valleys clothed with verdure, and very
pleasant. Having taken some cold from riding through
the rain, I was more unwell when we arrived at Hammein, than all the journey before. This is a fortified
town, and may contain about fifteen thousand inhabitants; it is now full of soldiers, and said to be the
strong hold of the Hanoverian dominions; its handsome gardens and valleys of grass land, with a water
course through it, give it a pretty appearance.
" 6th. Feeling poorly, and but little prospect of religious service in Hammeln, we set out for Pyrmont,
travelling through a handsome, hilly, and well cultivated country, thickly settled with villages-the people
were gathering in their harvest. Arrived at Pyrmont,
and alighted at our friend Frederick Seebohm's, and
were provided with accommodations. Lewis Seebohm,
and several of the friendly people, coming to see us,
we had a comfortable religious opportunity with them,
in which Lewis interpreted.
"7th. This being their week-day meeting, about
twenty men and women attended, and it was a solid
baptizing time. The people stayed with us some time
after the meeting was over, and seemed much pleased
to see us.  We concluded to have our dinner ready
cooked from an inn, and a young woman, named Lena




200               THE  LIFE  OF
Spannagle, who had been with George Dillwyn and
Sarah Grubb, and also with John Pemberton, until he
died, having heard of our coming, walked twelve miles
to offer us her services, which we freely accepted.
"8th. Walked out to Lewis Seebohm's, about one
and a half miles. The valley which he occupies, was
given him, about four years past, by the prince of
Waldeck, to erect a manufactory of edge tools, which
he has accomplished, and improved the place very much,
for the time.  He has a pretty good library, and is a
man of good talents, acquainted with the English and
French languages.
"10th. Visited the family of Lewis Heydorn, consisting of his wife and six children. Being obliged to
act as interpreter, I did it in much fear, lest I should
make some mistake; sensible that we have daily need
of Divine help, that we may keep a conscience void of
offence: we hoped the opportunity was profitable.
"Went to see a person, named Galla, whose family
consists of himself, wife, and two journeymen. The
language of'peace be to this house,' went forth freely;
the spring of everlasting love and life being mercifully
opened, we rejoiced together in the feeling of near
unity and affection for each other. One of the young
men was especially made near to us, as one who, if he
kept faithful, would be made an instrument of good to
others.  At the burying ground we saw the grave of
dear John Pemberton.  When I think of this brother
being brought, in so singular a manner, to lay down
his life among this handful of professors, who are like




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  201
the first fruits in Germany, that saying mostly occurs,' the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.'
He is remembered here with much sweetness.
"First-day morning, 11th.  About forty* Friends
attended the meeting, which was a solid, profitable
season. A woman who happened to be at the meeting
at Hanover, last First-day, walked with her brotherin-law six miles to the meeting, over a high mountain.
She is the wife of Huber, at Hanover, dined with us,
was very tender, and said the Friends at Hanover sent
their love to us, and hoped we would visit them again
-she thought the Lord had brought us there for their
sakes.  Afternoon —some notice being given of the
meeting, about sixty attended, some of whom were of
those who had separated from the little society here;
the Lord was pleased to be with us in a remarkable
manner, and most present were broken into tears. It
held three hours, and ended in solemn prayer and
praises to God; several persons continued with us,
until nearly ten o'clock, conversing on religious affairs.
" 12th. In the afternoon, visited the family of Herman Shutamire, who had separated.  We asked him
some questions concerning his separation, which he
answered in a good frame of mind; and after recommending him to dwell near the Fountain of love, that
would reconcile and unite all the children of our
heavenly Father together, we parted in much tenderness.
* These people, though professing our principles, are not accounted strictly in membership with our religious Society.




202               THE LIFE OF
"13th. Visited several families, which service was
attended with much openness and satisfaction.  The
valley where the Factory is, they call Friedenstall or
Peace-dale; it is a quiet, sequestered fertile spot, and
I believe that great harmony prevails among the inhabitants, who are four families, chiefly connected with
Friends.
"16th. Herman Shutamire visited us, and brought
three papers, one from himself, one from Henry Munthang, and one from Anthony Shonning; being a vindication of their conduct in separating from Friends.
On reading and considering the contents, we agreed
to request the principal Friends who remained united
as a body, to meet us to-morrow.
" 17th. The Friends having drawn up the causes of
their disunity with those who had separated, we found
it was likely to prove a very exercising affair to us,
and were much discouraged, feeling but little hope of
a reunion.
" 18th. First-day: held a meeting at nine o'clock,
which ended solidly.  In the afternoon meeting about
fifty were present, two of whom were Jews, and it was
thought to be a favored time. The young women who
are in families, and work either in or out doors, as
occasion requires, and very hard at times, are paid
about seven dollars a year: and a young man, a Friend
of good capacity, says, if he makes his pair of shoes
per day, he earns about two shillings and sixpence our
money, a week, and is found board and washing; yet
he keeps himself decent, and is dressed like a Friend




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   203
of our country. Provisions and clothing are about
two-thirds of the price in America  but they make but
little clothing and mean diet do.  Several of them
express their desire to go to America, but we dare not
encourage or unsettle them. Our concern for the right
ordering of things among this little society, keeps our
minds closely exercised, as well as for the restoration
of those who are scattered-the eyes of the people are
much upon them  and us, some for evil, and some for
good.  Having had my mind especially turned to this
place, I feel at home for the present, and desirous of
bearing my part of the burden while we stay.
" 19th. Anthony Shonning, a sensible old man, who
was separated, brought a paper he had drawn up, containing a large sheet closely written, which he said he
could not be easy to omit. We made such remarks as
occurred to us, and afterwards David Sands and myself visited him and Henry Munthang at their home;
they were loving, and evidenced a strong desire to be
reconciled upon a right ground. We proposed a meeting at six o'clock, with all that had gone off, and
Friends together, and desired them to seek for a preparation of love and charity, that they might meet
each other in a state that the Lord would condescend
to bless. Most of the men Friends, and three women,
met in the meeting-room. Henry Munthang, Herman
Shutamire, Henry Land, his son, and Margaret Wint,
being the heads of the families of those who had gone
out from Friends, came also. After a season of silence,
David Sands was drawn to prayer; then we, the visit



204               THE LIFE  OF
ants, expressed our minds to them fully; setting forth
the opportunity it gave the enemies of Truth to triumph, seeing them at variance, and the importance of
their mutually laying down their prejudices against
each other, and seeking after a spirit that would bring
about a reconciliation without many words. The three
principal separatists then expressed themselves in great
brokenness and humility, and in a spirit of forgiveness
of those who they thought had dealt hardly with them,
and caused the separation.  I marvelled at the clearness with which they expressed themselves. The Lord
graciously condescending to favor, in a remarkable
manner, with his blessed presence - all hearts were
humbled, the high untoward will of man was brought
down, and the spirit that loves contention, and delights
to have the superiority, was cast out, and through
mercy, the meek, teachable state of little children appeared to predominate in most present.  Our minds
being deeply baptized with an undoubted feeling of the
Lord's goodness, we were opened with clearness to set
before them the nature of our holy profession, the love
of Christ, the good Shepherd to us all, and the necessity of dwelling in that charity, which, instead of magnifying each other's weakness, and entertaining groundless jealousies and surmises of each other, would cast
a mantle of love over them, remembering that we also
were weak, and liable to be tempted.  A truly contriting and heart-tendering time it was, and most of
the company were melted into tears, under an extraordinary sense of the Lord's compassion to us.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  205
"It was then proposed, as it appeared that in a time
of weakness many things had been said and done on
both sides, that did not savor of that Divine love and
charity in which all the children of our heavenly Father
ought to dwell, that all present should now, under the
humbling visitation of God's power, without bringing
up the occasion of offence, or going into many words,
forgive one another, and cast all that they had counted
offences, as into the depths of the sea, never more to
be brought up again. Both sides freely, and in great
tenderness, confessing their readiness so to do, and to
begin again under the direction of the heavenly Masterbuilder, in an united labor for the edification and building
one another up in the most holy faith.  They rose,
embraced and saluted each other with manifest tokens
of unfeigned love and thankfulness to the great Searcher
and softener of hearts, who, in an unexpected time and
manner had revealed his power to the uniting of brethren
who had been seven months in a state of separation,
after having for some years walked in harmony and
suffered together for his name's sake.- The meeting
then concluded in heart-felt praise and supplications to
the Fountain of love and mercy, who had in so remarkable a manner blessed the labor and exercise of the
evening, and crowned us with gladness, when we parted
at almost eleven o'clock. For my own part, I thought
myself amply paid for all my exercise, the long journey
and voyage, and the trying separation from my dearest
natural ties, by being made a witness to the love of
God poured forth, I thought, as in the beginning among
18




206               THE LIFE  OF
Friends. We went to rest, sweetly refreshed in spirit,
and I did not marvel that my mind had been so remarkably turned to this place before I left home.
" 20th. Made several visits to the different classes;
many told us in brokenness of spirit, that they had
never before witnessed so much of the love of God shed
abroad, as was manifested last evening.  It appears
that these people, in a time of weakness, had been
scattered through the influence of one Brown, with
whom John Pemberton had labored because of his
erroneous opinions.
"21st.  A large meeting, most of the Friends and
professors, with the families of those who had not been
at meeting for more than six months, attended; it was
a solemn tendering time, and we were favored to relieve
our minds in loving counsel, caution and encouragement,
to hold fast the profession of their faith in a good conscience and love unfeigned. It was like completing the
bonds of union; we rejoiced together and gave thanks
to the Author of every mercy.  In a conference with
all those who were accounted members, we were made
acquainted with the business of their Monthly Meeting,
in which they had hitherto kept no minutes, but had
visited and received some as members, and in a book
for the purpose, had recorded their births and burials,
and raised a small stock for the uses of society. We
recommended several matters to their attention and
care, and the necessity of promoting the school education of their children, for which purpose our dear friend
John Pemberton had left them thirty pounds sterling,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  207
and another Friend had given them five pounds. Our
advice was received kindly, as they had long felt the
necessity of a regular established discipline. The meeting concluded in much harmony. Thus we are favored,
through Divine help, to get along step by step to our
conmfort.
"Fifth-day, 22d.  Visited a family consisting of a
man, his wife and four children; they appeared to be
the lowest in the world of any we have visited.  A
number of persons who were near the house at their
work, both men and women, hearing our voices, drew
near, and it proved a time of distinguished mercy and
encouragement, both to the family and those that came
ili, who were not Friends. The man is a day-laborer,
about the Factory, and has to maintain his family with
about one shilling a day, Pennsylvania currency.
"23d.  Visited Henry Munthang and family; consisting of his wife, Anthony Shonning, an old Friend
removed from Rinteln, and six children; we hoped it
was a uniting time, both to visitors and visited. In the
afternoon called upon Klapp, the governor of the town,
who received us kindly.
"24th.  Friends sat down quietly together, and
apprehending we were nearly clear of Pyrmont, I expressed my prospect of going to Berlin.
"25th.  The morning meeting was the largest we
have had, though there were but three or four who did
not profess with us; yet, with the addition of the families
lately re-united, they made a respectable appearance:
three Friends from near Minden, and two from Boetter




208               THE LIFE OF
were present. It proved, through mercy, a, solid favored
meeting. Afternoon had a meeting at Leibsen, a village
one mile and a quarter from Pyrmont, in the same valley as the Factory; most of the Friends and a pretty
large company of others attended; we were considerably
exercised, and it was thought to be a season of profit.
" 26th.  Sat down together to seek for best counsel.
I mentioned my prospect of Berlin, which still continued
with me. David Sands expressed his unity with it, and
thought we should go together. George Dillwyn thought
he was not yet clear of Pyrmont. The governor having
sent an invitation, I went with some of our company,
and had much conversation with him; he spoke well
of Friends, and I hope he is a friend to them. The
people who saw us with him with our hats on, appeared
astonished, for the great men in Germany are approached
with much servility.  In the evening being quietly
together, Lewis Seebohm thought it his duty to offer
himself as a companion to David Sands and myself to
Berlin, which was a trial to George Dillwyn. Christopher Reckefus, and the Friends who had been here
some days from Minden, came to see us, as we expected
soon to leave.  He has passed through many trials for
his testimony, and lately had a child taken up out of
its grave, in his garden, by the priest, after it had been
buried nearly six months.  The priest had it interred
in their burying-ground, and then seized upon Christopher's property for his dues.
"A number of our friends having come to see us,
the house was so full that all could not sit down; a




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  209
solemn covering prevailing, Friends were made near
to each other in the love of Christ. It is a special day
of renewed visitation to many, both youth and others:
indeed we are bound to them and kept here in a singular
manner.  After the opportunity, some young women
had a conference with a few of us, as to the means of
giving them  employment in spinning, weaving, &c.,
that would afford them a more decent living and less
exposure in the fields.  Women in this country are
obliged to labor very hard, both in and out of doors,
for about one shilling a day, Pennsylvania currency,
and about three shillings if they find themselves. The
men get about two shillings and six-pence per week,
and their diet and lodging, both which in a general way
are very poor, and do not probably cost more than half
a dollar.
" 27th.  Sat with the company of Friends in the
capacity of a Monthly Meeting, which held four hours,
was a solid time, and I hope our being with them was
of some use.
" 28th.  Attended their week-day meeting, which
was large, and through renewed mercy a tendering
parting season.
" 29th.  Almost all the Friends came to take leave
of us.  We sat down with them about an hour, and it
proved a favored contriting season; having been nearly
united to them, it was one of the most affectionate
partings I ever experienced; many of the dear young
people held us by the hand, and would scarcely let us
go, and testified their affection by many tears. We
18 *




210               THE LIFE  OF
reached Mela about dusk and had entertainment at a
good inn; this is the territory of the bishop of tildesheim, mostly Roman Catholics.
" 30th. Got to Hildesheim to breakfast; gave to the
landlady and her son (Protestants) some books.  Hildesheim is a considerable city, surrounded by ramparts,
is the residence and capital of the bishop's dominions,
in which the Lutherans are tolerated and have one
place of worship: the city may contain fifteen thousand
inhabitants. Rode to Brunswick, forty-two miles, and
lodged at an inn where we had good accommodations.
The country we passed through is thickly set with villages, the land excellent and the roads good, with many
crosses and crucifixes on the sides of them.
"Tenth month 1st.  The Duke has built a noble
orphan-house here; the city may contain thirty thousand
inhabitants, and abundance of trade is carried on during
the fairs. The Duke not being at home, we had a desire
to see the Duchess.  The palace is large, in the form
of a square, with one side open. After waiting some
time, we were ushered into a large room;- she seemed
pleased to see us, conversed freely on various subjects,
told us our people were as much attached to her brother,
the king of England, as any of his subjects; and if all
were like us, there would be no troubles or wars in the
world. We told her our business in Germany, and she
asked if we found people of our profession there? We
mentioned our friends at Pyrmont, and that we found
religious and awakened people in almost every place.
As we were going to Berlin, we asked if it were proba



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  211
ble we could have an interview with the king (of
Prussia,) whether he was a man easy of access?  She
said yes; but he was opposed to them on political principles. We told her our religious concern for the people
was, that they might come unto Christ, and find rest in
him. Presented her with Penn's No Cross, No Crown,
in French, which she received kindly, and wanted to
know the meaning of the title, as she supposed no person
could pass through life without their crosses. We told
her the saying of Christ,'If any man will be my disciple,' &c., and that the cross here spoken of was not
anything outward, or the common disappointments of
life, neither such as were made of wood, stone or costly
metals, but an inward and daily cross to our corrupt
inclinations; a being crucified to sin and worldly vanities. She said she now understood the title of the book,
and would read it with pleasure. Before we parted, I
mentioned the words of our Saviour to a beloved female.'Mary hath chosen the good part,' &c., that crowns
and dignities were perishing and transitory things; but
if those who wore them were concerned to rule well and
fill up their duty as good stewards, they would receive
a crown of unfading glory in the world to come.  She
thanked me, wished us a good journey, and we parted
with satisfaction of mind. Afterwards we visited some
religious people, and gave them  some books: they
appeared to be measurably enlightened men. Passing
through  a fine country, a city called Kings-Lutter,
several villages, &c. we arrived at Helmstead.
"lirst-day, Tenth month 2d.  Walked round the




212               THE LIFE OF
town, —the people gazed much at us; and when we
asked what place of worship they were flocking to in
such numbers, they told us the Lutheran; but supposing
us to be Catholics, said our Church was outside the
gates.  Some asked if we were Brabanters: when we
told them we were not, nor Frenchmen, nor Catholics,
nor Lutherans, but of a different religion, and came
from America, they looked surprised, and said it was
very far off. Waited on professor Beireis, who is
esteemed a very learned man. We gave him Barclay's
Apology in Latin, which he received respectfully, said
he read every thing, and was visited by kings and
princes, whom he should now have an opportunity of
informing of our principles.  He remarked, that he
was glad to have the company of religious people, and
willing to do us any service in his power; but said
there were no separatists in Helmstead. Finding this
to be the case, we took an early dinner, left some books
at the inn, and went off for Magdeburg, thirty-six miles,
Passed through a very fine country and many villages:
three-fourths of the ground was covered with wheat
and rye stubble, the roads good, and horses excellent.
It is the greatest grain country which any of us have
ever seen, and the people raise great numbers of sheep
and geese. Arrived after dark at the gates of Magdeburg, where we were examined, and all our trunks and
packages searched.  A  little further on, an officer
stopped us, took our names and places of residence,
and sent a soldier to conduct us to the inn; here again
the landlord took our names and places of abode, in a




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  213
book kept for the purpose, where the names of all
strangers that have lodged here for several years are
to be seen. The landlord and waiters were obliging,
and the accommodations good.
" Tenth month, 3d. Walked round the town, which
is handsome, cleaner, and better built than most we
have passed through in Germany, and is well lighted
with lamps.  We excited the curiosity of the people,
who looked at us as far as they could see us, yet there
was nothing like scoffing or ridicule. We were informed
of a number of religious people, who met in companies
once a week, in different parts of the city, to sing, tell
their religious experiences, &c.; and one of the companies being to meet this evening, we inquired whether
we could be admitted to sit with them, which they
agreed to, and appointed to meet at six o'clock.  We
found about twenty-five men, but no women. Wo kept
our hats on, giving them our reasons, with which they
appeared satisfied —they had a short hymn at this
time on account of our being present, after which the
tutor made a prayer.  David Sands then spoke, and
was enlarged on many subjects; during which, many
coming in, the room was crowded, and in the entry
there were many women; in the whole there were
about sixty or seventy persons. My mind being drawn
to prayer, they all kneeled, and it appeared to be a
solemn time; they seemed to be filled with love toward
us, and expressed their thankfulness. We mentioned
our desire to have a more general collection of the
seeking people in Madgeburg, both men and women,




214               THE LIFE  OF
as we felt much love in our hearts to them. They said
their situation required such a matter to be well considered, and to be moved in with much caution and
wisdom, on account of the jealousy of the priests and
government.  Poor creatures, they are like so many
Nicodemuses, and therefore much sympathy is due to
them, when all things are considered.  On parting
with them, they embraced us with many prayers for
our preservation, and thanks to the Author of all good,
who had sent us among them.  They do not appear to
have any idea of our Society, and perhaps have never
heard of the name of Quaker; indeed, we seem now
to be beyond where our religious Society is known,
and on this account I feel some hesitation in handing
them books which hold up a name given us only in
derision by our enemies, and not our acknowledged
title. The river Elbe affords a communication between
this city and Hamburg by flat-bottom boats: in the
river are a number of curious grist-mills, that float
upon large boats, and are worked by the stream.
"An honest hearted simple friend, who was with us
yesterday, and who had a very high conceit of a man
that had made these people believe he possessed extraordinary powers, came to see us, reflected on what we
said in the meeting, and appears now to be much
changed.  Some of us accompanied him home, where
this wonderful manf was, and also another person who
had visited us yesterday. The magician put on an air
of consequence, and with great rapidity went over a
number of incoherent expressions, without any sense,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 215
which his two disciples seemed to catch with great
eagerness, and thought he was very deep, because they
could not understand him.  After slipping in a few
expressions, which was hard to do, Lewis Seebohm told
him we were in much doubt about his schemes, and
that if he was possessed of the power he pretended to,
he would not have occasion to live at the expense of
other people, for several months, as he had done.
Finally, we told the people that the things he had promised them, would never be brought to pass, they were
only deceiving themselves with a golden dream. This
touched him to the quick, and he flew out of the door
of the room  instantly.  Lewis called to him, but he
did not return; so the false prophet was manifested
before several witnesses, and they convinced of the
delusion; their hopes of receiving a quantity of gold,
which he had said the angels were to bring him, and
in which they were to be sharers, were at an end.
They thought it was worth while for us to come to
Magdeburg, if it were only to break up this delusion,
for he had many disciples upon whom he lived, and
had so done for a long time, I notice the occurrence,
as an instance how far the credulity of people is carried, especially in Germany. Those two persons were
simple, well-meaning, religious men, and one of them
had separated from all outward forms of worship, for
several years.
" We visited a few families to satisfaction; the people look upon us with very friendly countenances in
this city, and speak kindly; and there is something




216               THE LIFE  OF
more courteous and engaging in their manners, than
any other town we have been in.  Our two friendly
visitors were with us this evening, and gave us a full
opportunity of explaining our principles and doctrines;
they heard us with great attention, and appeared to be
sensible men, saying that the longer they were with
us, the more they loved us: we gave them some books,
and parted in much affection.
"5th. At the best inns in Germany, the charges
are very high, but they are remarkably decent and
quiet.  We rode through a beautiful country, about
three miles, when it became more sandy and barren;
and arrived at Brandenburg about nine o'clock at night.
The king of Prussia suffers no smoking in the streets
of the cities or villages, under a penalty of fifty dollars, or being sent for some months to work at the
fortifications; this is trying to the Germans.  Here is
a fine river, about one hundred yards wide, which-runs
into the Elbe, and goes up to Berlin, with a number of
good mills upon it.  There are many people in this
place, who, though not in strict communion with the
Moravians, seem much inclined to them. That society
have a town and large congregation in Saxony, perhaps fifteen miles off.
"6th. Lewis Seebohm found a man of a religious
character, who said there were upwards of forty men
and women, who met at times in his house to edify one
another. Lewis asked if we could have an opportunity
with them before we left Brandenburg; he thought it
would be acceptable, but would let us know soon. A




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  217
pious young man came to our inn, and invited us to the
house where they met at four o'clock, which, though
some of our company had gone out, I consented to.
At four o'clock we all went, and found several religious
people, who received us in a very loving manner, said
they were a people seeking God, and were very willing
to collect at six o'clock in the evening, to give us an
opportunity of opening our minds to them. They were
rejoiced to find that we were come to Germany on so
important an occasion; said the love of God was great
and unsearchable, that He should thus send us among
them at the risk of our lives, and enable us to leave
all for his sake; and they shed tears of gladness. At
six we went, and found forty or more gathered in an
upper chamber-the man of the house gave out a short
hymn, which they sung; he then told them where we
came from, and our concern to visit this land, and desired they might all retire in their minds, and be attentive to what the Lord might give us to say among them.
After a time of solemn silence, I) v il Sands and myself were severally opened in testimony, and the meeting ended in prayer. They were very solid, and most
of them  much tendered, seemed scarcely able to part
with us, and expressed with many tears, their thankfulness to the Father of mercies for sending us; we all
thought it a favored, contriting season.  Surely the
Lord is preparing a people in this land, who shall not
be afraid to own him and his testimonies, in his own
time.  We left them a number of books.
"7th. Just as we were setting off for Potsdam, a
19




218               THE  LIFE  OF
good-looking woman came up, and said in an affectionate manner, we must not go until we had seen her
father, who, being out of town last evening, had not
seen us, but was not easy to let us go without requesting our company.  We went to see the old man, who
is about seventy years of age: he had been the first
promoter of the meetings of these pious people, and
appeared like an Israelite indeed.  Some religious
communication being offered to him and the family,
they were much broken, and were made near to us in
the covenant of love and life.  O! the simplicity of
these dear people! they parted from us with regret,
and said those who were with us last evening at meeting would not forget us as long as they lived.  The
people every where in Prussia are astonished when we
tell them we are from  America, and entertain us with
the strange ideas they have formed respecting the
country.  They suppose our homes are quite on the
other side of the world-that when in our own country
our feet were toward theirs, and asked if the sun rose
and set as it does here: they lift up their hands and
are astonished that we should come so far from home,
and we can scarcely convince them that we have no
lucrative motives.
"On arriving at Potsdam, we underwent a strict
scrutiny, had our names taken, and a soldier sent to
see us to the inn, where another officer took our names
and examined all our trunks. They not only take our
names as we pass through every town, but also the
place we last came from, our several Dlaces of residence,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  219
our business in this country and the character we travel
in, whether officers, merchants, &c., to all which we
have learned to answer generally, that we are on a
visit and travel as'particulars,' a word they have
taught us, which mostly satisfies them.  This town is
pretty large: the river Havel, which leads into the
Elbe, affords them a water communication with Hamburg, two hundred and thirty miles. The streets are
wide, the houses large, the palace and many other
buildings being very spacious, have an appearance of
much grandeur, and it is by far the most magnificent
city we have seen.
"8th. The new palace and the buildings attached
to it, far exceed anything to be seen in England, as
well as the ideas I had formed by reading of human
pomp and grandeur. As a description would be foreign
to our principal concern, it will be wisdom in us to
turn our minds from such things, and stay them upon
God, who alone can strengthen us to finish the important
work He has required us to be engaged in, to his own
praise and the peace of our minds.  The more those
who love the humble path of Jesus, see of the greatness and glory of this world, and how empty and vain
it is, the more they will be constrained to draw nigh
unto him, who is their dignity and their riches, and
will finally be their everlasting glory. Thus I hope it
was with us, in turning away from these sumptuous
palaces. The road to Berlin is through a poor sandy
soil, much of which is covered with scrubby pines. It
is paved all the way, and lined on each side with Lom



220               THE LIFE OF
bardy poplars; we passed through two or three villages,
and entered Berlin at the Brandenburg gate, which is
lately built, and must strike every stranger with its
magnificence: there we were again examined by a
polite young officer, who sent a soldier with us to the
Inspector's office, where, after a good deal of persuasion, they consented to examine our trunks and bags
this evening, which at first they did not seem disposed
to, intending to lock them up until to-morrow. This
took up so much time, that we did not get to the inn
until it was quite dark.
"First-day morning, 9th. Lewis Seebohm went out
to seek for some religious characters, and while absent,
two Jews came into our rooms, one after the other,
wanting to trade with us, either to buy, sell, or
exchange money.  I mention this, because in all the
large towns, strangers will find such people exceedingly
troublesome, for custom seems to have given them, and
also women with fruit and trinkets, and other persons
of that class, liberty to come into the inns, open your
room doors, &c., and impose themselves upon you when
they please; and so importunate are they, that it is
difficult to get rid of them. Generally, the people are
respectful and complaisant, especially those who have
had a tolerable education.  In our retirement, our
minds having been much exercised during the morning
with a feeling of discouragement, the spirit of prayer
was granted, and through renewed mercy we were
strengthened to put our confidence in that gracious Arm
that had hitherto preserved us in this trying field of




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 221
labor, and enabled us to discharge our duty, so as to
leave every place so far peacefully. Two of our company going out to seek for religious persons, brought
back some of the books we had left at Magdeburg, in
the hands of........, the tutor in the college there,
who appeared very kind when we parted, and gave us
a letter, speaking favorably of us to a person here,
named Herman.  But it appeared by a counter letter,
which was read to Lewis Seebohm, that though he acknowledged we were religious men, and had preached
the Gospel to them to their comfort and satisfaction,
yet upon reading our books, he says he finds we hold
erroneous opinions, reject baptism and the supper, and
do not hold the Scriptures to be the Word of God; so
that he could not unite with us, and had therefore sent
the books with this information to Herman, requesting
him to return them to us.  This brought us under additional exercise and suffering from an unexpected
quarter.  Herman being a leading man among those
who meet for the edification of each other in this place,
who are pretty numerous, we did not doubt but he
would spread sentiments among them to our prejudice,
and we feared our way would be quite shut up in Berlin; for the subjects of the letter had taken a deep
hold on his mind. Lewis had much conversation with
him, which appeared to soften him in some degree;
but not to convince him.
" The tutor at Magdeburg was a man of learning
and of some influence, but evidently puffed up with his
own importance, and could not submit to be deprived
19*




222               THE LIFE  OF
of it by adopting the simplicity of the doctrines of
Truth; but if he had been a man of candor, he would
have replied to us when we were present, as we had
much conversation, particularly on the points he lays
most stress upon in his second letter to Herman, viz.
the Holy Scriptures, our views of which we fully explained to him at that time, apparently to his satisfaction; so that after it he wrote of his own accord our
letter of recommendation, embraced us and parted
from us with every token of brotherly love. We left
at Magdeburg a number of books besides those sent
back, which we hope will still be of use to a number
of valuable seeking persons there, who were made near
to us. Our present situation at Berlin is as trying as
any I was ever in.  In addition tQ the exercise we are
under, in feeling the darkness and gross depravity of
many of the inhabitants, it appears as though we should
obtain but little intercourse with those who are religiously inclined. We sat together in a low, discouraged
state, almost ready to wish ourselves away, but concluded that here we must stay, endeavor to clear ourselves, and contend for the faith as ability might be
given, through suffering. While thus engaged, a religious man whom Lewis had seen in the morning, came
to invite us to their meeting at seven o'clock. He said
he had acquainted several, and he believed we should
be kindly received; but we felt most easy to decline it
at present.  We continued thoughtful where it would
end, as we were among strangers with whose laws we
were unacquainted, and things might spread among




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 223
them to our disadvantage; yet a secret confidence was
afforded, that we were under the protection and. care
of Him, whose cause we were drawn here to espouse;
and that if we abode in patience, He would make way
for us; yet it was a deeply trying, and almost a sleepless night.
" 10th. Conversed with several religious characters,
who promised us a visit in the evening.  Berlin is a
very large and populous city, said to contain one hundred  and fifty thousand inhabitants, including the
soldiery. There are between three and four thousand
Jews; thirty-three places of worship, of which the
greater part are Lutherans; but the Calvinists, Moravians, Roman Catholics, and Jews, have also their
houses for public worship.  There are several large
palaces for the king, queen, and royal family, which,
as well as the public buildings, and many private
houses, bridges, &c., are crowded with statuary. The
streets are wide, and the houses generally the largest
of any place we have been in; and taking it altogether,
the city is superior in grandeur, perhaps, to most places
in Europe.  Many of the inhabitants are rich, and a
considerable number of coaches are kept.
" 11th. In the evening six religious men visited us,
one of whom was a man of rank; they appeared glad
to see us, and asked us many questions concerning our
faith and religious opinions, which we answered to
their satisfaction, and we hoped the three hours we
were together were profitably spent. Near the close
of the interview, quietness prevailing, some religious




224              THE LIFE  OF
service ensued; and after prayer, during which they
all kneeled, we parted.  This gave us encouragement,
and a hope that it would be introductory to further
service; they said the letter from the tutor at Magdeburg had not prejudiced them-they owned us as brothers in Christ, and thought he did not do right. In
the evening two religious young men came to see us,
who appeared very loving and tender. They were rejoiced to see brethren who had taken so long a journey
for the Gospel sake, and said there were great numbers
of awakened minds in Berlin; but they were scattered
over the town, and met in separate companies; that a
man named Drewits held meetings at his house, to
which many, especially young people, resorted; and
that they were now going thither, and would conduct
us if we thought proper. Apprehending some persons
might call to see us, it was concluded that Lewis Seebohm and David Sands should go, and the rest of us
continue in our chambers. About nine o'clock they
returned, having  attended the meeting; the man
preached and prayed, which was the common practice,
but there was no singing. David Sands had an opportunity of speaking before they broke up, to his satisfaction, though they were shy of them at first entering
the room, seeing them keep their hats on; yet they
parted lovingly: there were about thirty men and
women. We make our way by inches in this place,
the people being very wary, afraid of being interrupted
by the authorities, and meeting with suffering, as some
have heretofore; so that our trials are great; yet we




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  225
do not doubt that our being here is in our heavenly
Master's appointment, and desire to abide in patience
all his appointed time.
" Fourth-day, 12th.  Several of the friendly people
visited us; and we proposed a meeting in the evening,
which was agreeable to them.  We took a walk round
the city, the magnificence of which is surprising; many
of the houses are from one hundred to one hundred and
fifty feet front, and ornamented in a beautiful manner;
it being the residence of many of the great officers of
the kingdom, both civil and military; and one thing
is remarkable, we have not seen a beggar, and but few
miserable looking people in the streets, though many
are low in the world; but the employment they receive
from  the army and grandees of the court, with the
many charitable institutions, supply all their real wants.
In the evening at six, between thirty and forty persons
collected in our rooms, which are convenient and retired;
among them  were two parsons, one a Lutheran, the
other a Calvinist.  I had conversation with one before
the people were all gathered, and found him possessed
of some lovely and valuable traits. The company being
gathered into silence, a solemnity covered us which was
precious, and we were favored with the spirit of prayer;
after which David Sands and myself were engaged in
testimony: the people were solid, and through Divine
mercy it proved a satisfactory season to us and them,
as far as appeared. They all took leave of us in a very
affectionate manner, and some stayed late in religious
conversation.  A pious young woman, in particular,




226              THE  LIFE  OF
took our attention, who continued for some time after
the meeting was over, lifting up her eyes and pouring
forth pious ejaculations and praises to the Father of
mercies, who had thus favored us together.  Here we
had fresh occasion to acknowledge the continued goodness of God, who thus unexpectedly made way for us:'Surely there is no rock like unto God.'
"13th. We felt our minds drawn to visit Freyenwalde, a town about thirty-five miles north-east of
Berlin, where the Koenig's Rath Albinus had retired,
after laying down his lucrative office for conscience
sake.  We arrived there in the evening, and finding a
number of awakened people lived in the place, our
friend Albinus proposed to collect as many as he could
in about an hour, in the house where he boarded. We
went there at the time appointed, and about twelve
persons came in, with whom we had a solid meeting,
in which the Lord favored with matter and utterance,
we believed suited to the states of this tender people,
and we parted in much love and brokenness of spirit.
Albinus accompanied us to the inn, after ten o'clock,
where he stayed and supped; his countenance and spirit
bespoke him to be a brother beloved in Christ.  He is
a single man, about forty years of age, of good education and polished manners.  He proposed taking a
seat in our wagon to accompany us to Berlin, which
was very agreeable to us.
"14th. The woman of the house where the meeting
was held last night, having requested us to visit her
husband, who was sick in his chamber, and could not




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 227
have the benefit of the meeting, we breakfasted early,
and had a precious opportunity with him, his amiable
tender spirited wife and our friend Albinus in the
chamber, and parted from them and divers others who
were at meeting last evening, in near affection and
with their prayers. On the way to Berlin, at the place
where we dined and changed horses, I accidentally fell
in with the president of the Chamber of Justice at
Berlin, who conversed with much freedom respecting
America, and was particularly desirous of information
on the subject of our abolishing corporal punishments,
with which he seemed pleased; but had doubts whether
it would answer thle desirable end in view. Travelling
in a convenient wagon with our friend Albinus, gave
an opportunity of much free religious conversation,
for which his mind was prepared, and he made several
very pertinent remarks and inquiries; he is, by the
teaching of Divine Grace on his own mind, nearly
united with us in principle, and.earnestly endeavoring
to conform in practice; though he sees plainly, as we
do also, that the cross will be great if he is altogether
faithful to the light he has received.  If he is favored
to stand fast on the foundation, of which we do not at
present see any room  to doubt, he may be made an
instrument of much good in this country; though it
undoubtedly will be through suffering.
"We arrived at Berlin about seven o'clock, where
we were subjected to an examination of our trunks;
this is a trying circumstance, and occasions great de-.
tention to weary travellers, but must be submitted Ic




228              THE  LIFE  OF
at every fortified town, though it may be twice in a
day. Albinus took up his lodgings with us at the inn
where we staid before  the landlord and servants received us gladly.  Some conversation taking place respecting the mode of cutting the hair and powdering
it, common here even among the religious people, it
appeared that he had felt himself restrained from the
general custom; we sympathize with him, and have
strong desires he may be favored to go forward, step
by step.
" 15th. Lewis Seebohm and Albinus visited several
religious people, and a minister named Jenike, who was
at our meeting on the twelfth.  He holds an assembly
every seventh-day evening in a large room at his house,
to which many young people come.  Lewis queried,
whether we could not attend and hold the meeting in
our way. He behaved kindly, but informed our friend,
that he found by the letter Herman had received from
Magdeburg, that we did not own water baptism  nor
the supper; and that our preaching tended t, draw
the people from a dependence on their teachers; that
it had already been under consideration among the
ruling clergy, to apply to the magistrates to send us
out of the city; though for his own part he should have
nothing against our coming to the meeting, but it would
give great offence to his superiors; said he had been
well satisfied and edified the evening he was at our
meeting, and wished us well.
" Concluding to hold a meeting in our chambers tomorrow evening, we wrote a note to Jenike, requesting




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  229
he would give the people notice who assembled at his
house this evening; which he did according to his
promise; but told them at the same time, that we were
no doubt good men in our way; yet we held some
doctrines tending to lay waste their ordinances, and to
draw people from their pastors, and that the superior
clergy had already taken into consideration to apply
to the magistrates to send us out of the city.  Our
friend....., being present, vindicated us, and came
from thence with the information. At the request of
some, we met them at six this evening, and had some
discourse respecting baptism  and the supper.  They
were men of talents, and furnished with arguments in
support of their opinions, equal to most who attempt
it; —a small degree of warmth appeared at one time
in the course of disputation, for they were very zealous,
religious men, and were very loath to give up their strong
holds; but that soon subsided, and much brotherly love
prevailed; and though they did not acknowledge themselves fully convinced of our doctrines, we had reason
to believe the opportunity had been blessed to them;
several others coming in, the evening was closed in
prayer, and we parted in a friendly manner, having
fresh occasion to say the Lord hath not forsaken us.
" First-day, 16th. Held a meeting in our chamber,
with a few of the most serious of our friends here,
among whom was secretary Hoyer, one of those who
were with us last night; it proved, through the renewing
of our heavenly Father's love, a time of refreshment
and comfort. Dined by invitation with Johann Chris20




230               THE  LIFE  OF
topher Henefusz; and several other religious people
being present, there was some service in the ministry.
The family were made very near to us in the love of
Christ.  A young woman of good countenance and
innocent manners, daughter of one who dined with us,
came in; she had not seen us before, but on hearing
her father speak of us, she sent a book with a collection
of religious scraps in it, to our lodgings, requesting us
to put our names in it, and each to add a text of Scripture, such as might occur to us for her instruction;
which we did; this appears to be a practice among the
religious people here. In the evening, the people began
to gather an hour before the appointed time, many
crowded into the meeting whom we had never seen
before, so that our four rooms, which communicated
with each other, were soon filled; some who took an
account of the number, thought there was not much
short of two hundred, divers of whom were people of
rank in the world. Our minds were much humbled in
the prospect of the necessity of Holy direction, that
Truth might not suffer among this discerning people.
Our heavenly Father, who is graciously pleased to be
with those who trust in him, was in a very remarkable
manner, mouth and wisdom, tongue and utterance to
us; an uncommon solemnity prevailed over the assembly, such as I have seldom seen in my own country
amongst a mixed multitude of strangers, and great
brokenness was among them.  Although the meeting
continued three hours, and many had to stand in a
crowded situation the whole time, yet nothing like rest



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  231
lessness appeared; we rejoiced in the hope, that Truth
was in dominion over all; for which favor, the glory
and the praise was rendered unto God, to whom only
it is due. The Lord causes all things to work together
for good to them  that fear him.  We had reason to
believe that this meeting was increased even by the
opposition we had met with from Herman and others.
" 17th.  Many of the tender people who were at
meeting yesterday, visited us, and acknowledged their
unity and satisfaction. A young man also came with
some money, which his mother desired we would accept,
towards bearing our expenses: we thanked them for
their kind intention, but could not receive it, and it
gave us an opportunity of explaining ourselves to the
satisfaction of several respecting the free gift of Gospel
ministry. Another poor woman sent us a pot of honey
and some cakes, and many appeared ready to do us
any service in their power, which manifestations of their
love for us, were grateful and encouraging. A Roman
Catholic hearing there were some priests arrived from
a foreign country, came to see us, and inquired if we
received the confessions of the people: we told him it
was best to confess his sins to God, who would forgive
him upon repentance; and he went away satisfied. At
the request of the people, we gave away almost all the
books in our possession, and those sent back from Magdeburg answered a good purpose.  Several parents
brought their children, desiring we would give them
some counsel; and in many ways they expressed their
attachment to us. Truly the Lord has a tender-hearted




232               THE LIFE  OF
people in this place, whom he is gathering to the spirit.
uality of his kingdom.  We visited an ancient woman
who had been many years helpless from palsy; the
people of the house had been at our meeting, and
several neighbors coming in, we had a truly refreshing,
tendering opportunity, which we trust will not soon be
forgotten by some of them. At our return found several
visitors had taken possession of our room, to whom we
had some religious communication.  In the evening
there were several with us, some of them men of considerable rank in the world, of enlarged understanding,
and measurably enlightened to see the spirituality of
Christ's day; they rejoiced to see us on our present
errand, and say the Lord's hand is in it.
18th. We are here kept day after day, through
the Grace that is mercifully granted us, without murmuring.  The Lord has many sheep, whom in his own
time he will gather, and establish upon that foundation,
which the fear of man will not be able to overthrow.
We were united in appointing another meeting at six
in the evening; and though the time was short, and
the seeking people much scattered, yet upwards of one
hundred attended with great readiness, many of whom
we had not seen before: and what is remarkable and
different from any other places is, that the zeal of
these people occasions them to be mostly collected before the hour appointed.  The time of silence was
solemn, and David  Sands appeared largely in the
ministry, being much favored; after which, having
travelled with him in near unity, I felt excused from




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 233
any addition, and the meeting ended in prayer and
praises to our heavenly Helper. The people took leave
of us in great brokenness of spirit, with many tears
and prayers for our preservation; so that we are made
thankful that Truth is making its way in many minds,
although there are not a few adversaries, who, we fear,
are watching over us for evil.  Experience teaches
that where Truth is gaining in the hearts of people,
Satan raises up enemies to it.
"19th.  In the morning we had some hopes we
might have left Berlin in the afternoon; hut many of
the people coming in, we were engaged with them until
dinner-time in religious conversation.  A Major Marconnay, who had been a man of note, and held an office
under the king, had been several times to visit us, and
attended the meeting last night; and now came with a
desire to open to us the religious exercises of his mind.
He related how he had sought the Truth among a variety
of professors, and had not been satisfied, though divers
of them had held up high pretensions; at length he
had left all, laid down his office and lived a retired
life; but he had found that among us, which he never
was acquainted with before; saying, he believed we
were sent there in the will of God, for his and others'
help.  He had a few questions to ask us, which he did
in a very tender frame, and was much broken with the
answers that were given him; and after some religious
communication and prayer, we parted; his mind being
relieved, and we hope convinced of the way of Truth
as professed by us, and with desires to walk in it.
20*




234               THE  LIFE  OF
" Time will not admit of particularizing our almost
continual engagements in this great city, where we find
a large number of seeking souls, and every day brings
new ones to see us; who, while they are honestly striving
to find the new and living way, are very various in their
opinions, but all appear glad of an interview with us,
and open their minds with great freedom.  Some have
separated themselves from all outward ceremonies and
modes of worship, and walk alone.  Our being with
them brings them into acquaintance with each other,
and we do not yet find ourselves easy to go away.
Towards evening we proposed another meeting to be at
six o'clock; the notice was short, but about one hundred
and twenty came. Our minds were engaged to enlarge
upon most of our fundamental doctrines, which they
received with great stillness and attention; some staying a little after the meeting, professed their full unity
with the doctrines, and I believe received the word with
gladness, as it corresponded with what they had secretly
felt for years. They took a solemn leave of us in tears,
recommending us to the heavenly Shepherd, and requested our prayers when we were separated from each
other.  One young woman of noble countenance was
much broken, and seemed to part with great reluctance.
Dear David Sands and myself, on comparing our sense
and feelings at different times, were united in belief,
that we never were among people to whom the love of
God more richly flowed, than to many in this place,
nor any that were made more near to us in the love
and life of Christ. Our whole company (the travellers)




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  235
were frequently much broken among them, and led to
marvel at the goodness of our heavenly Father, who
had thus unexpectedly been with us in this distant
and strange place; and more especially so, as we were
sensible that the priests and worldly-wise professors
were much alarmed, and there was every reason to
suppose they would interrupt and probably persecute'
us. Yet we were strengthened to hold our meetings
and distribute our books openly; and though clouds
seemed to gather about us at times, the Lord was
graciously pleased to dispel them all, and great freedom
we had in our labors among them, to our encouragement
and holy confidence in Him that puts forth and goes
before.  Though many in this great city are very dissolute, and have proceeded to great lengths in pride
and vanity, the Lord hath many sheep and lambs,
whom if they keep steadfast, he will doubtless bring
home to his fold of rest in his own way and time, and
to him we commend them at present. Our friend Lewis
Seebohm being so devoted to the cause we are engaged
in, and clear in our testimonies, is able to unite with
us in our services, and to deliver what we offer to the
people, with so much energy and quickness, that nothing
seems to be lost by his interpretation; and though we
cannot but feel for him in long meetings, his frame not
being strong, yet it is cause of thankfulness that he is
enabled to go through it with great cheerfulness.
"20th. Several came to take leave of us, and a
tender parting it was. Our kind landlord and all his
family, children, servants, &c., embraced us, and with




236              THE LIFE OF
many tears manifested the place we had in their minds:
they have been very kind and attentive to us all the
time of our stay, have forwarded our meetings with
cheerfulness, preparing seats, showing up the people,
&c., so that we believe there was a Divine hand in
sending us to this house.
"Left Berlin at ten o'clock, after visiting the mayor,
and leaving with him a note and a copy of Barclay's
Apology for the king, whom we had a desire to visit;
but he being only a short time in the city, we could
not obtain an interview, and were easy to go on for
Brandenburg.  We were obliged, in consequence of
the road being very sandy, to put up nine miles short
of this place, at a poor inn, where we found several
Jews, who looked like pitiable objects, dressed little
better than the American Indians, and little, if any,
more polished in their manners.  We were informed
that great numbers of the poor Polanders were driven
through this place like cattle, having very little clothing,
and some clad with skins of beasts; their living only
the coarsest rye bread and water; and in this condition they were taking them  to the army.  0 the
miseries of war!




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                        237
CHAPTER IV.
Magdeburg - Halberstadt -Journey continued -Reach PyrmontReligious Meetings- Again leave Pyrmont- Rinteln -Reconciliation between separated Friends-Minden-Uncourteous treatment at Ufeln-Trials at Bilefield-Lemgo-Bad roads-Return
to Hanover-Various religious services-Leave for AmsterdamDisasters on the road-Revisit Minden- Religious Meetings —
Counsellor Borges and Consistorial Rath-Osnaburg-Impositions
upon travellers - Bentheim - Deventer - Amsterdam - Friends
in Amsterdam - Hague -Rotterdam -Religious reflectionsMeetings with the inhabitants-Voyage to Sluys-Proceed to
Dunkirk- Markets, &c. -Journey to Paris-Thomas PaineIrreligion in the city-Journey to Congenies-Origin and character
of Friends at Congenies - Religious services - Minutes made in
former years - Affecting parting - Journey renewed - GillesCharacter of the people and country -Professors with Friends -
Leaves Congenies.
"SEVENTH-DAY, 22d. Reached  Magdeburg  before
night; the inn-keeper and servants received us again
with gladness.  The reason of our return to this city
was to show ourselves to the school-master, who had
endeavored to do us much harm in Berlin, by his letter
to Herman; and generally to defend our principles, if
he had spread anything to our prejudice. We therefore desired he might be informed that we were returned, and ready to answer for ourselves to him or
any who were willing to meet us with the Bible in their




238               THE LIFE  OF
hands; we also desired our being here again might be
spread among our religious brethren. Two religious
men came to see us, whom we had not seen when here
before; one of them  was full of the necessity of the
supper, but yet in a loving frame of mind; and though
he endeavored to defend his doctrine, he found himself
more deficient than he had contemplated;- the other
appeared to be a solid man and in good measure united
with Friends in principle.
"First-day, 23d. One of the men who was with us
yesterday, came with one of his friends, and attended
our little meeting; and something being said to them
by way of ministry, they received it kindly.  In the
afternoon, one of those men who had been deceived
by the magician, came to see us, and was glad in being
released from the impositions of that person. It appears
that the poor Magdeburgers have often been deceived
by persons professing to have the philosopher's stone.
A meeting of a company of serious persons, different
from those we had been with when here before, was to
be at four o'clock this afternoon; and though they
invited us, we felt some objection to going among them
in the time of their singing; they therefore concluded
that we should come near five, when their service might
be over.  We accordingly went, and found about fifty
men and women; one of them  asked if we would be
easy until he read two letters from some religious people
who lived near the Rhine, at the seat of war; they
were very affecting accounts of the sufferings of the
people by the French, particularly at their taking




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  239
possession of a city where one of the persons lived.
Being gathered into silence, the meeting opened by
prayer; after which considerable was said in the
ministry. The people were generally quiet, and several
much tendered, though it was evident, by the conduct
of some of their principal men when we went in, that
their minds had been somewhat prejudiced, and that
they were not pleased with our keeping on our hats;
yet through renewed mercy Truth prevailed, and we
parted in a tender affectionate manner, with their
prayers and good wishes for us.
"24th.  Left Magadeburg, and not finding a convenient house for our accomodation in the town where
we stopped, were compelled to proceed to Halberstadt,
where we put up at a poor inn.  Our landlord's son, a
sensible agreeable young man, soon became acquainted
with us, being bred up for a minister. He said he was
sorry that he was destined for that station, and would
rather do anything for a living than to take orders,
because he did not think he was called to it.
"25th.  Two religious men came to see us, who
belonged to a little company that held conferences on
religious subjects with a view to each other's edification.
We proposed seeing them together this evening, which
they gladly assented to; one of them, whose name was
Kein, took me to his house and was very kind.
" Halberstadt is a very ancient town, and the houses
are built in a singular manner.  It appears to have
but little trade, and few of the inhabitants are rich; it
contains about two thousand houses, has seven Roman




240               THE  LIFE  OF
Catholic cloisters for nuns and friars, and the places
of worship are very ancient; one is said to be eight
hundred years old. We went to Kein's house, and found
but about ten persons gathered; the service in general
was close and searching, and not so much openness felt
as at some other places; yet some were tender; on the
whole we were relieved by the opportunity, and believe
it will be blessed to some of them.  We afterwards
heard there was a deist present, who appeared touched
with the doctrines, said he had never heard such before,
and hoped he should improve by them. Kein, and the
young man educated for a priest, coming to our inn,
some suitable remarks were made to them, to which
they assented. The young man thought it an unhappiness that he had not been brought up to some other
means of getting a living; said there was a great falling
away from the primitive church; that the priests were
very mercenary, and that he could not bear the thought
of their exacting money from the poorest class of the
people, when they took the sacrament, so called, which
was the practice of most of them.  We gave him Barclay's Apology in Latin, and are in hopes that our
observations will not be lost upon him.
" 26th. The young priest and a lad came to take
leave of us, and at parting embraced us affectionately;
the family also all manifested their love for us on
parting.  We passed through a fine country, thickly
set with villages and large towns, among which was
Wolfenbuttle.  The people tell some extraordinary
stories respecting what occurred to Luther, while he




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  241
was writing some of his works there. We arrived before dark at Brunswick, being forty miles. Doctor
Neimire and Simon Lobenstine came and spent an
hour with us, and mentioning to them our thought of
having a meeting before we left the town, they cheerfully undertook to open the way for it.
" 27th. Finding that although the doctor had offered
his house for the meeting, yet from some cause had
again declined it; but another person, a serious man,
opening his house cheerfully, we went there and found
a small room full of men and women, being such as
met at times privately for the improvement of each
other. Our gracious Helper being near, it was an open
satisfactory meeting; they did not seem restless in the
time of silence, but were solid and attentive to what
was offered. Several were very tender, and after being
with them  nearly three hours, they seemed loath to
part, and embraced us affectionately.
"28th. Our kind friend who had given up his house
for our meeting, came by sunrise with his wife to bid
us farewell, remarking they had wept together last
night after we left them, in considering how we had
left all for Christ's sake, and were travelling at our
own expense, and they knew not how to administer to
us, though they felt willing according to their little
ability.  This morning, however, they thought they
could not be easy without bringing us some sausage of
the woman's own making, to the value of about half a
dollar, as a token of their good-will; it was made in
such manner as to be eaten without warming, and was
21




242               THE LIFE  OF
very agreeable to take in our wagon. There was something so simple-hearted and full of love in these dear
people, that their little present was enhanced to us an
hundred fold, and we parted with them in near unity,
and in the love of Christ, wishing one another's welfare here and for ever.  The family at the inn parted
with us again in much affection, and passing through
many villages and a fine country, we dined at HIildesheim; then through a rich country with many crosses
on the road-side, arrived at Oelsen, a considerable
town, but dirty and irregular.  Here we were taken
to a large inn, where there were nearly thirty guests
before us, mostly of a low class of people, who had
their music, card-playing, &c., the landlord an unpolished man, and the fare very mean. David Sands
being very poorly, we procured a pretty good bed for
him; the rest of us were but meanly accommodated.
"29th. Got off early, and rode to Mila, where, as
there was a good inn, and David being unwell, we
breakfasted.  Finding we were not likely to get to
Pyrmont to-night, if we kept the common post-road,
and our postilion not being allowed to go out of it, we
were so anxious to be with our friends, that we discharged him, though we had paid the whole sum for
the station he was to take us to. We then agreed with
our landlord for a certain sum to take us over the
mountains before night to Pyrmont. Passed on a rough
road, over very high mountains; the atmosphere being
perfectly serene, and descending from them we crossed
the Weser in sight of Hameln in a boat, a beautiful




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 243
stream about one hundred yards wide. Here we found
a mean-looking town, and poor, dirty people-got very
coarse fare, and hastened on and arrived at Pyrmont,
to the joy of ourselves and our friends, before dark.
Here we found George Dillwyn, who had continued all
the time of our absence, having met with divers matters among the little flock which engaged his care and
labor.
" First-day, 30th.  At two meetings, which were
satisfactory. Before we arrived here, a letter had
been brought from  Major Maiconnay of Berlin, expressing in a grateful and thankful manner, the goodness of the great Shepherd in sending us to Berlin;
that he hoped he should never forsake the Truth as it
had now been discovered to him.  He had undertaken
to open our way for an interview with the king several
days before we left Berlin, being acquainted with the
Prime Minister.  We waited as long as we thought
necessary, and then left the city, he having received no
answer from the Minister. The next day after, he was
informed by him that the way was open, and the king
ready to see us. Finding we were gone, the great men
expressed regret, and despatched a courier after us to
Potsdam; but we had left that city also.  Thus by
their needless delay, their curiosity and our concern
for an audience with the king, had been frustrated.
On the way back, we frequently looked at it as the
only thing we had left which caused us regret; however, as there are many serious people in many places
in Prussia, we cannot doubt but other instruments will,




244               THE  LIFE  OF
in the Lord's time, be sent among them, who may have
the same concern laid upon them, and which he may
open a more effectual door to discharge.  We cannot
charge ourselves with wilful omission, and therefore
hope it will not be laid as matter of accusation against
us.  The journey into that country, and the Divine
mercy so evidently extended to them and us, must remain as cause of reverent admiration and thankfulness
as long as we live. In the tour to and from Berlin,
we travelled about six hundred miles, and were out
thirty-one days.
" 31st. We have received several letters from Philadelphia, which were very acceptable, though there was
also some cause for exercise; yet I must endeavor
after resignation in all things, which has been my
prayer this day.  This world and the fashion of it
passeth away. 0 may we secure an inheritance through
our Lord Jesus Christ in an ever-abiding mansion in
the world to come.  David Sands and I walked to
Conrad Galla's, spent some time with the kind family,
and Charlotte Laaer, who had come to this place, and
was glad to see us.  She was in a loving frame of
mind, and we hope the breach between her and her
friends will be healed; she appears to be an innocent,
sincere young woman, but through the influence of
Brown has imbibed some opinions not congenial with
the harmony and unity of this little body of professors.
"Eleventh month, 1st.  Spent much of the day
alone, my mind discouraged and much exercised from




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  245
a fear lest we had hastened from Prussia too soon.
In the evening my friends perceiving my depression,
endeavored to cheer me up, but I retired to my chamber and obtained but little relief for body or mind.
"Fourth-day, 2d.  The meeting was large, nearly
all the Friends residing here were present, and some
from  Hanover, two of whom were a father and son,
who had a strong desire to spend some time with us,
and came forty miles on foot: the son is a youth of a
sweet innocent countenance, and was much broken in
the meeting on First-day and to-day; thus the Lord
is at work to bring sons from far, and daughters from
the ends of the earth.  The meeting was a solid good
season; both my beloved brethren  were  engaged
therein, but my mind was not in a state to enjoy it as
at other times. I took an opportunity when my dear
friends George Dillwyn and David Sands were alone
with me, to mention what I thought was the principal
cause of my depression; not waiting at Berlin for an
opportunity with the king lay heavy upon my mind,
and I thought I could do no less than stand resigned
to go back again, if it was the Lord's requiring. They
were led into sympathy with me, and in a little time
George Dillwyn said, what I had mentioned had taken
so much hold upon his mind, that he apprehended it
was his duty to stand resigned to the further openings
of Truth with respect to going to Berlin, if it should
be called for at our hands-and the concern now resting on the minds of my friends, I felt more at liberty.
21 *




246               THE  LIFE  OF
" First-day, 6th. The meetings in the fore and afternoon were thought to be seasons of profit.
" 7th. The Monthly Meeting held near six hours:
we were all engaged in labor for the preservation of
this little flock in love and unity, and leading them
into such order and discipline as was suited to their
circumstances.  Several new members who had made
application, were received into membership; and on
the whole, it was thought to be a solid, well-conducted
meeting.
"Fourth-day, 9th.  We had a teti(ler instructive
parting from this dear little flock, who are made very
near to us.
" Fifth-day we rose early, a number of the Friends
coming to see us; after a season of contrition we again
took leave of them  in many tears, leaving George
Dillwyn still at Pyrmont, with a hope to meet at Hanover, if the Lord will. Christopher Reckefus waiting
upon us with his four horses to take us for a few days,
we put on and arrived at Rinteln; the roads being
very rough, our wagon was almost broken down, and
we had but poor accommodation at the inn.  Rinteln
is in the Landgrave of Hesse's dominions, where several
have been imprisoned for their religious principles, and
others banished. There appears much of the spirit of
intolerance and great darkness among them; yet there
are a few awakened people, for whom we feel sympathy.
It contains, perhaps, five thousand inhabitants; is a
poor dirty place, and garrisoned by many soldiers.
Had a small meeting at a house, the owner of which,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  247
when near his end, directed it should always be kept
open for religious meetings —there were but about
eight people met, yet through mercy it was made a
time of refreshment and comfort; most of them were
acquainted with our principles, but being afraid of the
priests, had declined meeting together since the decease of the former owner of the house. We encouraged them to a revival, and left them in much sweetness.
" General Worms hearing we were from America,
offered us a visit; he spoke some English, and said he
had seen David Sands when on Long Island-inquired
affectionately after several Friends there -appeared
glad to see us, and wished us a safe return to our
families. All the officers and soldiers who have been
in America treat us with respect.
" 12th. After paying an exorbitant bill for very
poor accommodations, we passed through a fine country
to Minden, where the inns being much crowded on
account of fair time, it was difficult to get lodging;
however, we at length met with a tolerable inn, but
were obliged to eat at the Table d'Hote, which is not
pleasant, though the people behaved respectfully.
"First-day, 13th. Had a meeting this afternoon
about a mile out of town, where about sixteen beside
ourselves attended; it was rather a laborious time, but
ended well.  Some years past, there were upwards of
sixty who used to meet on First-day, being mostly
separated from the public forms; but Emanuel Brown
and others have been the means of scattering them, so




248               THE LIFE  OF
that at present there appears to be but five or six
families, who meet once a week at this house, and hold
their meetings mostly in silence, acknowledge all our
doctrines, and we hope are honestly seeking a right
foundation.
" 14th. Yesterday we thought of leaving this place;
but feeling a stop in our minds, we now became more
acquainted with the state of the little company professing with us, and were enabled to account for the
feelings we had in the meeting. Three of the principal members being at variance among themselves,
we requested to see them all in our room, when with
tenderness and caution we labored with them to search
out the cause; and they being brought into a tender
frame of mind, opened things to us and to each other
with great freedom; the humbling power of Divine
Grace attending, they freely forgave each other, and
desired that every thing which had caused uneasiness
might now be buried; and we had the satisfaction of
seeing them embrace one another with much cordiality
and brotherly affection. After their reconciliation, we
had a comfortable religious opportunity with them.
" 15th. We went to Frederick Smith's; breakfasted,
and took leave of the family and others who had come
in, with much brotherly love.  Our dear Albinus was
much broken at parting, having travelled about four
weeks, and upwards of three hundred miles with us,
was very near to us in the love of Truth, and it was a
trial on both sides; he said he hoped he was now,
through mercy, favored to know the Truth, and had




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  249
faith to believe it would set him free. We proceeded
on to Henford, and in our way stopped to feed our
horses at an inn, where a number of the family were
sitting down to a meal of potatoes, some salt, and rye
bread, which looked as coarse as if it had been made
of bran; yet they all had the appearance of health.
Thus vast numbers of the people of this country live;
their houses are very dirty, and pigs, goats, cows,
geese, &c., mingle together with the family. A young
lad being ill with the cholera morbus, David Sands
administered to him, and the family appearing very
thankful, would have made him some pecuniary compensation. Our friend Christopher Reckefus still continued with us as our postilion; and the country being
every where crowded with Prussian soldiers, feed for
horses was very dear, so that we paid a Spanish dollar
for a bushel of oats.
" Fourth-day, 16th. We were much discouraged,
and doubted the propriety of staying to appoint a
meeting; but as we waited in patience, it appeared
best that some inquiry should be made after religious
people; and meeting with some encouragement, we
agreed to stay, and appoint a meeting for this evening,
at the house of...... Bude, a town officer, where
our dear friend John Pemberton had had a meeting;
a few religious seeking people came to see us. This
town, like many others in this country, is dirty, the
streets narrow, and paved with pebble stones; the
houses with the gable-ends towards the street, have
generally a mean appearance, the people poor, and




250               THE  LIFE  OF
few of respectable mien, except the officers of the
army.  It was crowded with soldiers, billeted on the
inhabitants, which is the case with all the adjacent
towns and villages, there being thirty thousand soldiers
quartered in the neighborhood.  This place seems to
be in a dead state as to religion.  The meeting was
small; ability was given us to hold up our principles,
and the spirituality of true religion, and it ended to
satisfaction.
"17th. We set off for Kiepshagen, the place of
abode of our friend Christopher Reckefus; the roads
so bad that we travelled only four and a half miles in
two hours.  A meeting being appointed to be held at
his house this afternoon, about fifteen persons met us.
Christopher and his brother have thirty acres of land,
for which they pay about forty dollars a year to a
nobleman; they value their property in the whole at
six hundred dollars; but the various demands upon
them  of a public nature, for some of wlich they suffer
distraint, keeps them poor and bare; yet they appear
contented.
" 18th. After a religious opportunity with these
families, we parted in much sympathy, the two brothers
accompanying us to Ufeln: we passed through the
finest piece of woodland we have seen in Germany,
the timber almost as tall as in America, which it is not
common to see here. Christopher took us to the house
of a person whom John Pemberton mentions in his
Journal.  This man's wife being a religious woman,
and inclined to Friends, had provided a dinner for us;




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  251
but her husband not being united with her in religious
concern, and having always treated Friends with indifference, and there being eight of us, we thought it
best not to stay, though the woman pressed us very
kindly.  With considerable exertion we found a poor
inn, the people of the house not well disposed to receive
us, and there was no retirement or satisfaction to be
obtained. Officers and other light persons were crowding into the room, and the residents of the inn cross
and disobliging, evidencing clearly that we were not
welcome guests, which we endeavored to bear with
patience; but at length they told us what was to pay,
that we must discharge it and leave them. This excited
in us some admiration and disgust.  We went and
dined at the house of the person before mentioned, who
treated us with kindness. A young officer in the army
offering his room for a meeting, we sat down together;
he, the woman of the house, and about five others,
with eight of our company, made up the number. Upon
the whole, it appeared to be a satisfactory season, and
we hope will have a tendency of uniting the man of
the house more fully to his tender, religious wife, and
opening the way for Friends to be more kindly received
in this town than they have hitherto been; the minds
of both priests and people being very dark and prejudiced.  We were nowhere so much stared at, so illtreated, nor so depressed in our minds. After meeting, the affectionate woman got us a dish of coffee, we
took a kind leave of the family, and through Divine
favor left them  rejoicing.  Arrived at Hereford, and




252              THE LIFE OF
on the 19th got to Bilefield. Though the appearance
of the inn bespoke but poor accommodations, yet the
widow and her children who kept it, seemed disposed
to do as well as they knew how. This town contains
about eight thousand inhabitants, who are chiefly employed in the linen manufacture; and it is filled with
soldiers.
" First-day, 20th. Several religious people stepped
in to see us, with whom we had a satisfactory time;
one of them was a soldier, had been with the King of
Prussia, against the French, and was in several battles,
but had never fired his gun. One was a general engagement of the two armies; the night before it took place,
he being upon guard on the out-pickets, and perceiving
a general attack likely to come on in the morning, felt
great repugnance to shedding the blood of his fellowcreatures, and kneeled down and besought the Lord to
preserve him through the coming day, which was mercifully granted: his company were divided into five parts,
which were to follow each other as they were called
out, and those who remained alive after expending
their ammunition, to return and be succeeded by another. He was first placed in the second division, but
afterward was providentially transferred to the last;
many of his comrades were killed, and the last division
being called, was prevented from getting into action
by night coming on; thus his prayers were answered.
There being several religious men in the regiment he
belonged to, and others in the same brigade, during
the campaign they frequently met together to edify




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 253
one another in the spiritual life: so it appears that the
Most High may be sought even in the midst of wars
and armies.  He was a tender-spirited man, and desirous of finding the right way, though under many
discouragements and burdens, in consequence of his
employment as a soldier: we advised him to patience,
and encouraged him to look to the Lord for help.  In
the evening we were invited to a meeting outside of
the walls, where Sarah Grubb and a company had had
one to their satisfaction: about thirty serious people
attended; the Lord favored us together, and Truth
rose higher than I remember it to have done since we
left Berlin; so we parted and returned to our inn refreshed.
21st.  Things appeared rather discouraging -no
way opening for a meeting in the town. David Sands,
Lewis Seebohm and myself dined with C. Wellman,
who, with his wife and children, used us very kindly,
were very free in conversation, deeply acquainted with
the mystic authors, high in reasoning, and seemed much
fixed in their strong-holds.  There are several families
among those that are called rich, much in the same
circumstance; they do not attend at any public worship,
and plead that there is no necessity for meeting together,
but that each one may seek the Lord in private; yet
they would fain attend a meeting if it was in a private
way, being afraid of the cross. Some opportunities and
close labor being had with them, we hope the observations made may hereafter be blessed.
" 22nd. William Farrer and myself visited Charlotte
22




254               THE LIFE OF
Laaer at her father's house, she having come here from
Pyrmont; her mother appeared very friendly and
pleased to see us, but her father was not so kind, though
he used us more respectfully than we expected.  This
poor young woman has much to try her faith and
patience; we felt great sympathy with her; she is of
a loving, tender disposition, and honestly laboring to
be what she ought to be in the sight of her heavenly
Father; this leads her in a tribulated path —her family
being people of distinction in the world. Lewis Seebohm
and myself took coffee with a merchant who had married
Charlotte's sister; she met us there; they were kind
and appeared to be religious people. In the evening
had a meeting in our inn, where about thirty or forty
people came, many of them of the first rank; it held
about three hours. David Sands and myself were led
to preach the Gospel, during which much solemnity
prevailed; it proved refreshing to us, and we believe
to several of them.
"Fourth-day, 23d.  Had much conversation with
C. Wellman and his family, who appear to be drawing
nearer to the spirit of Truth in themselves.  In the
afternoon had an opportunity of more free conversation
with Charlotte Laaer's father and mother, in which he
seemed tender; and we parted friendly. It has been
a day of much exercise, in which my mind has been
more tried about the way of moving from hence, than
I have ever experienced before; and the same also with
my companions: indeed this has been a very trying
place to us during the whole time of our being here.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 255
The state of things among those called Separatists,
who are ashamed of the cross, has exercised us much;
yet there is a little remnant who are desirous of standing faithful, whom we hope we have been made a means
of strengthening. To the flesh it looks pleasant to turn
towards Amsterdam, the days being very short and the
roads exceedingly bad; but our minds are not fully
settled to proceed that way.
"24th. After a time of waiting on the Lord under
much concern to be rightly directed, it appeared most
safe to proceed to Lemgo. We parted with several of
our acquaintances and with the people of the inn, in
an affectionate manner; our landlady and all her household have been very attentive and obliging, which has
been a relief to us during our stay in this exercising
place. Dear Charlotte Laaer, who has had our sympathy
in her trials, was much affected at parting. The roads
were bad, and we did not arrive at Lemgo until afternoon; the landlady received us kindly, but the house
was crowded with Prussian officers. Lewis and myself
visited an ancient man named Buckholz, who passes
here for a Quaker, has been brought under suffering
several times for his testimony, and is very near to us
in principle; with him and a few others, we had some
religious service tending to their encouragement. I
was glad of the visit. There are many precious souls
scattered up and down in this country, struggling with
discouragements.  Lemgo is the Prince la Leppes'
dominions, believed to contain five thousand inhabitants.
" 25th. Undetermined which way to turn; these two




256               THE LIFE OF
weeks past have been very trying, hardly able to see a
day before us; thus there is need to pray for patience.
Being nearer to Amsterdam  now than we have been
before, it seemed as though we might be permitted to
turn that way, but after solid consideration, all seemed
closed for the present with respect to Holland, and our
minds were most easy to proceed in faith towards
Hanover, directly back. It was a trial to be thus kept
in Germany. Passed through several villages, and the
roads so bad that our wagon stuck fast, though all our
company were out of it, and the horses were not able
to move it; our good driver, Christopher Reckefus,
was obliged to go back about three quarters of a mile
to get a chain to draw it out, which detained us an hour
and a half in the cold.
"26th. The roads continuing very bad, I hired a
horse and a man to bring him back from Hameln: here
we found three of the young Friends from Pyrmont,
who had come on foot twelve miles to meet with us;
showing the love these tender young people have for
the company of Friends. We took an affectionate leave
of them and our attentive friend Christopher Reckefus,
who had continued with us eighteen days, and endeared
himself to us.  We took post-horses and went on to
Spring, the road being a turnpike, it was a great relief
to us, but there are few such in Germany, as the princes
are not willing to spend their money on roads, and the
people are too poor to improve them.
"27th.  Arriving at Hanover, we found our dear
friend George Dillwyn with his interpreter; they had




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  257
held a meeting in the morning and appointed another
in the afternoon, which we all attended, and it appeared
a satisfactory time; several of the religious people
having evidently gained ground and come nearer to
Friends.  There are several here who have scruples
respecting some parts of the business on which they
are dependent for a livelihood, similar to that which
was among Friends in the beginning, and from which
testimony many under our name are now departed:
and when we think of the occupations of many who
haev had an education among us, and some who are in
high stations in the church, it has a painful influence
upon our minds, while we are endeavoring to cherish
that which is of the right birth in those who have not
had the same advantages; but Truth is the same in all
places, and Wisdom is everywhere justified of her children.  David Sands and myself have had our minds
turned to think of a meeting in a more general way
than has yet been in this place, but no opening has
hitherto presented; -there wants more firmness and
boldness for the Truth among those who appear to have
a love for it and its friends.
"30th. Had a meeting at George Dillwyn's lodgings: about thirty attended, among whom were two
candidates for the priest's office; it was a humbling
time, and one of these young men was much broken,
and all his former fabric destroyed; he seemed like a
man in amazement, that he should have found the truth
in so simple a way and so unlooked for, and we endeavored to strengthen his exercised mind.
22*




258               THE  LIFE  OF
" Twelfth month, 1st. A number of people coming
in, we had another meeting in the evening.
"First-day, 4th. A meeting being proposed at the
house where George Dillwyn lodges, outside of the
gates, a number of people collected; the landlord, who
had heretofore cheerfully given us his commodious
room, now refused, being afraid of the magistrates, and
he turned away many of the people who were collecting; some of the most zealous, however, persevered,
and about thirty being assembled, the Lord favored us
with his presence and it proved a solid, contriting season.  The magistrate sent a civil officer to tell the
landlord he would be fined twenty dollars; and his
wife being in great passion at this, I endeavored to
pacify her by offering to go with the officer to the
magistrate, and to take all the consequences upon ourselves; but after some conversation with him, I found
he had no orders to take us there; and showing him
the tenor of our passes, he went away, and afterwards
came back to the inn and said he had informed the
magistrate what. sort of people we were, upon which he
did not incline to send for us.  In the afternoon we
held a meeting at the house of J. Buchner, who had
freely offered it; about sixty were collected, and many
went away for want of room; two civil officers came in
while we were speaking, but offered no interruption.
It was thought to be a meeting of the most information
to them  of any that had been held; they expressed
their thankfulness, and we parted with tenderness.
"5th. The knowledge of our being in town being




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  259
much spread, many of various characters and ranks
came to our lodgings throughout the day, and a number sent their children for books, so that all we had
were presently disposed of, and if we had had a large
number more, they would not have been sufficient for
the applications.  The school-masters in this place
make it a practice to tell their scholars any interesting
matter that occurs, and as several of them had been
to see us, the children got information that we were
from America, a great way off, and come to preach
the true religion to the people of Germany, without
taking any pay for it. This news the children communicated to their parents, and it thus spread fast, and
accounted for the city being so generally acquainted
with it.  In a conference with some of the principal
men who make profession with us, we found a necessity
to guard them against appearances by way of ministry
that were not duly authorized, some instances without
proper weight having been manifested among them.
Several said, they desired rather to continue always in
silent waiting than to admit any ministry not from the
right fountain, as it would only scatter.  In half an
hour after we returned to our inn, we found ourselves
surrounded by one hundred people, with whom we sat
down in silence.  Emmanuel Brown being come to
Hanover was also present; David and myself were
engaged in religious communication, and the people
were very quiet and serious, and the meeting appeared
to be owned to our humbling admiration; hence we
have cause to say continually, Good is the Lord, and




260               THE LIFE OF
worthy to be served in all things. Frederick Seebohm
and two other Friends from Pyrmont being present, we
had a short opportunity with Emmanuel Brown, who
appears like a Friend. After a day of much labor, we
retired to rest in the enjoyment of sweet peace.  The
Lord has not raised such a remarkable inquiry in this
place, but with gracious design to bless it, if those who
have now been called remain faithful to him.
" 6th. Had another full opportunity with Emmanuel
Brown, George Dillwyn being present; he freely acknowledged the doctrines of Friends, with respect to
Christ's baptism being spiritual, the non-necessity for
those who had come fully to enjoy the spiritual communion with Christ, to partake of the ceremony of
bread and wine; and also the benefit and duty of
meeting together for Divine worship. He favored the
doctrine of celibacy, believing it right for him to continue single, but did not think it was obligatory upon
all.  This man had been the means of sowing discord
and leading off many innocent persons in this land with
his vain imaginations, and his professions of love and
attachment are not to be relied upon. Many came and
took an affectionate leave of us, and we were renewedly
convinced that the Lord has a precious seed in Hanover;
to him we must leave them at present, feeling now clear
in our minds, and humbly thankful to our great and
gracious Lord, who has been with us and granted
strength to go through the various and almost continual
labors and exercises in this place to our own comfort,
the encouragement of the little honest-hearted flock,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  261
and we hope not to the dishonor of the blessed cause
we are engaged to promote. Here we parted with dear
George Dillwyn and his wife in near unity, he proposing
to stay a few days longer, and then to proceed towards
Berlin: as we now are likely to travel in contrary
directions, there is little prospect of meeting again on
the continent, Berlin and Amsterdam being near five
hundred miles apart.  Our landlord and servants were
very respectful and affected at parting; a number of
gay women having come to get a sight of us, they
waved their hands and wished us a happy journey, as
did also the people in the streets. There appears great
encouragement for Friends to visit this place who may
be rightly called to such a service. We rode on about
ten miles, and our postilion having taken up a man
and woman without our consent, when we came to the
house where the horses were to stop, they called for
drink and victuals which the landlord charged to us.
As it was an imposition we were not disposed to submit
to, being of violent passions, he stormed and swore we
should pay it, that it was the practice to charge all to
the herrschaft and let the poor go free; so for peacesake we were obliged to submit; he was in such a rage,
I heard him tell the postilion he would do right to
overset us on the road, which he fully executed about
one and a half miles from the stopping-place.  It was
extremely cold, windy and snowing, and near night,
when we were overset; my companions were bruised
and much injured, I escaped with little damage, but it
was with great difficulty we could get the wagon up,




262               THE LIFE  OF
and were kept in the snow and wet a considerable time.
It being now dark, William Farrer and myself walked
to the village, not being easy to trust ourselves to this
bad man again, who we believe was in league with the
inn-keeper; the conduct and appearance of whom, and
of the people in his house and other circumstances,
convinced us that Satan reigned there. The inn where
we now arrived was a decent house: the wounds of my
friends were dressed as well as we could, and the people
being of more kind and accommodating manners than is
common in the villages in Germany, we felt tolerably
comfortable, and retired to bed in thankfulness to a
gracious and ever-watchful Providence, who so preserved
us that no limbs were broken nor lasting damage sustained; thus we have daily fresh occasion to sing of
his mercies.
" 7th. Our wagon being much damaged, it was near
mid-day before we could get it repaired so as to be fit
to proceed: rode on to a village eighteen miles, when
it was near dark. The place was very dirty, and the
houses crowded with soldiers; and though we offered
high pay, yet no beds could be obtained fit to lie on,
and the rooms were so filthy as to be quite unsuitable
to spread straw upon; we were therefore obliged to go
on to Minden, twelve miles in the night, and where we
were in great danger of being overset again.  We
however got to our former quarters, and were received
by the landlord and family gladly.
"9th. Had a meeting in the evening, which proved




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 263
to be a tendering season: several returned with us to
our lodgings, and appeared comforted.
"First-day, 11th.  Attended the meeting of those
professing with us, held at Frederick Smith's; about
fifteen persons were present, and though it was mostly
silent, yet it ended to our satisfaction. In the evening we had a meeting in a chamber at the orphanhouse, where two hundred at least attended, and behaved well. Among them were people of note, and
officers of the army; it was a solemn season, and we
parted in much tenderness, returning thanks to our
gracious heavenly Helper, who thus in an unlooked
for manner made way for us.  It is not likely that
such meetings were ever before held in Germany, and
we humbly hope that the cause of Truth has been promoted by them.  There was much expression of unity
with us, and thankfulness for the opportunity. 0!
what occasion we have to say,' Good is the Lord, and
worthy to be served.'
"12th. Not feeling ourselves at liberty to go forward, we were visited by several who were at meeting
last evening, and informed us that many who had not
been there expressed a desire they might have such an
opportunity; after weighing it, we concluded to put
off the appointment of another meeting until to-morrow.  The little company of Friends in this place
seemed much relieved by the public meeting, and said
they felt as though a great burden was taken off their
shoulders. We dined at counsellor Borges's; his house
and heart seemed to be opened in an unexpected man



264              THE LIFE  OF
ner, and we had much religious conversation with him
and his two daughters, we hope to profit.  This is the
same man whom Sarah Grubb mentions, and who being
involved in a multitude of business pertaining to his
office, and much looked up to by the people, had not
ventured to avow openly, what no doubt he had been
convinced of, and so appeared to have fallen back, and
not inclined to see us at our first visit to Minden. He
attended the meeting at the orphan-house, but stood
in the entry. It was said by his son-in-law, Lewis
Seebohm, that he never received Friends with so much
openness before, and manifested great attachment to us.
" 13th. We were informed that the Consistorial
Rath, who is a director of things relating to the church
within his precincts, as well as a priest of the first
dignity, had forbid any more meetings being held in
the orphan-house, and had said things which reflected
upon us and our Society.  We felt most easy to appoint another meeting for this evening, at such place
as our Friends thought best; and with respect to the
priest's reflections, we thought we should not be clear
in leaving Minden without paying him a visit, lest it
might tend to the discouragement of the little flock
here.  David Sands and myself went and found him
at home; and on inquiring the cause of our being forbid the orphan-house, he affected to be friendly, and
said we might freely have held meetings there as to
his own particular sentiment, but that the edict of the
king of Prussia admitted of no public religious assemblies in his Westphalian dominions, but Lutherans,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  265
Calvinists, Roman Catholics, Moravians, Jews, and
Menonists; and therefore as the king's servant, he was
obliged to forbid our public meeting; but that we
might meet more privately at our inn or any private
house, without interruption, for the edification of the
people; to which he was not at all opposed, but said
we might do so in the Lord's name.  We told him we
could not resort to secret places as some did, to hide
their testimony, or for fear of suffering; and that we
held our meetings open for all in the city of Berlin.
We also asked him, if he did not believe liberty of
conscience was the common right of all men?  To
which he answered in the affirmative; but thought it
was not abridged in this place. We conceived it was;
but not finding it necessary to go into much controversy with him, turned to the other subject. This confirms me in the expediency of encouraging those upon
whom it may be laid, to visit the king of Prussia; perhaps it may fall upon dear George Dillwyn. For my
own part, I feel my mind relieved from it at present.
With respect to the other subject (reflections upon the
Society), he appeared startled that it had come to our
knowledge; but was not able to tell his author, and
said it was a matter of little consequence, that we
ought rather to rejoice when evil was falsely spoken
against us —it was what every true Christian might
expect; but for his own part, he did not believe there
was the least foundation for it.  We replied, that the
character of ourselves and the Society was dearer to
us than our lives, and that we were bound to defend
23




266               THE LIFE  OF
it; which he acknowledged was right, and that if it
was possible to find his author, he would inform us before we left the city. After making some general observations, and placing the reflections cast upon us to
the account of the old root of bitterness in the priests,
we parted in a friendly manner, himself, his wife and
daughters shaking hands with us, and wishing us a
good journey. One of our Friends here not being free
to bury his wife in the manner of any of the religious
societies, buried her in his garden, for which the priests
took from  him  six dollars as their fee.  Thus these
poor people are under suffering many ways for the
testimony of a good conscience.
"Made another visit to counsellor Borges and had
some religious service, which was an humbling time.
The old man embraced us affectionately, and said he
had not words to express the thankfulness he felt for
our visits —followed us to the gate and took a final
farewell, recommending us to Divine protection and
care, with the tears flowing down his cheeks. We hope
our intercourse will remain with sweetness, and be
beneficial to our few sincere-hearted brethren who hold
a meeting in this place; this counsellor being a man
of extensive influence. Had a meeting this evening
consisting of about sixty persons, besides a number in
the entry. A man of genteel appearance came in, who
was a Calvinist minister, stayed the meeting through,
although our principles respecting true Gospel ministry
and the freedom of it, were largely treated upon.  It
was a confirming time to most present, and a solemn




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  267
parting with our dear Friends, who came one after
another in the most affectionate manner to take leave
of us. Some of these partings in Germany must remain
with me as long as my memory.
"14th. A cold damp day; the ground covered with
snow and the roads deep and dangerous; our wagon
being too high and top-heavy, we rode in fear; but
arrived in safety at a town where we stopped a short
time and proceeded to Bomte, having travelled six
Dutch, or thirty-six English miles.
"15th.  Got to Osnaburg and dined at the Table
d'Hote with about twenty persons, who treated us
respectfully; one of them expressed his surprise that
we adopted in our writings, and otherwise, a name that
was given us in derision; there being something inviting
and consistent with the character of our Society, in the
appellation of Friends; but foreigners must be at a
loss for a reason why we continue the name of Quakers.
Such remarks have been frequently made in our travels;
and if the Society had not continued it, it is very
probable the name of Quaker would scarcely have been
known at this day.
" 16th. Osnaburg is subject to the king of England,
and contains about ten thousand inhabitants.  There
is a convent in this town, composed of young women
of noble families. It appears that the German nobility
who have many daughters, persuade some of them to
go into nunneries, to save the portions that are expected
at the time of marriage.  At the Table d'Hote, it is
very unpleasant to be obliged to hear the music which




268               THE TIFE OF
is almost continually playing, so that we can scarcely
hear one another in conversation.  We expressed to
the priests and the landlord our objections to it; and
some of the company finding us uneasy, took up the
subject, and an elderly man told the landlord, he thought
it a great imposition upon many to please a very few;
and although he had lodged there for some months, if
it was continued he should be under the necessity of
shifting his quarters. In the evening we had a meeting
at a private house, where about ten sober people convened, who behaved in a becoming manner, and we
hope the service will prove profitable.  Although they
are separated from the public worship, they are more
like Moravians than Friends -they remember Sarah
Grubb with respect.' 17th. Proceeded to Rheine: the roads being very
difficult and filled with snow and ice, we thought it a
mercy that we got on without being overset, as our
wagon is so top-heavy.  Rheine is a small Roman
Catholic town subject to the bishop of Munster; the
people in these parts appear to be very poor, and the
whole seems to be a country of darkness.
"First-day, 18th.  The people were crowding by
day-light to matins, with their beads and crosses: my
feelings are heavy and unpleasant.  O! sweet liberty
of conscience, thou restorest men to their proper dignity, if thy blessings be used to the glory of God.
Passing on, we halted at a village, where the language,
manners and cleanliness, evidently indicated we were
drawing near the borders of Holland.  Got to Bent



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  269
heim, a considerable town on a rocky hill, with a strong
castle.  This town being-Protestant, and we finding a
decent, clean house kept by the post-master, took up
our abode for the remainder of the day.  The rooms,
beds, furniture and people, are much more cleanly than
we have met with for some time.  Had a satisfactory
opportunity with the people of the house and some
others, in the evening, which left my mind easy and
pleasant.  The Lord is good; and though trials inwardly and outwardly attend us, yet he favors with
times of refreshing from his presence, which is an ample
reward for all our toil and suffering.
" 19th. Left Bentheim, and the roads being difficult,
did not arrive at Delden till two hours after dark. Our
expenses at inns are extravagant; and all over this
country, travellers are fleeced in almost every way,
especially foreigners; and without submitting to multiplied impositions, there is no getting along with any
degree of comfort. It is far more expensive travelling
than in England; their movements are slow and tedious,
generally about three miles an hour, and make great
demands upon our patience. The country is in general
handsome and fertile; many houses in the villages are
of good brick and look well, though but one story high.
Their fires are made in grates, fixed in the chimneys,
the fuel being turf and some wood, which might do
very well if there was enough of it. With considerable
danger we arrived at Deventer, a pretty large town;
with clean streets, many elegant houses and open
squares. A very spacious and ancient piece of archi23*




270               THE  LIFE  OF
tecture claimed our notice; it had been used as a
worship-house for the Reformed, for centuries past, but
is now totally in ruins inside, the French army having
made a stable of it; such are the effects of war!
"Fourth-day, 21st. We travelled through a highly
cultivated country, extensive meadows, fine planted
woods, houses, gardens, and all around conveying an
idea of great regularity and order. The city of Deventer and its environs, the river Yssel, with a handsome bridge upon boats, and the cleanliness of the
people, formed as agreeable a prospect as any we have
seen on the continent-the city may contain ten thousand people. Travellers become more numerous as we
approach Amsterdam.: we were taken for Hanoverians,
could understand but little they say, though they can
readily comprehend us in German.  The Holland language appears to be a mixture of bad German, French,
and English.  The roads being good, we made thirty
miles to-day, travelling, for the first time since we have
been on the continent, at about six miles an hour.
"Sixth-day, 23d. Passing through a fine country,
we arrived at Amsterdam; the houses in the main
streets of this great commercial city are generally
large; and although they are built with the gable-ends
to the street, and from three to five stories high, yet
they have an appearance of grandeur. The river Rhine
empties into the Zuyder sea, which a few centuries past
was a valley filled with towns and villages; but the
ocean breaking the banks, overflowed the country and
drowned most of the inhabitants.  The public build



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 271
ings are magnificent, and the whole city crowded with
shops. This is indeed a beautiful and populous city;
neatness is conspicuous through its borders, but the
number of beggars is considerable.
"First-day, 25th. We were at meeting in a room of
J. Vanderwarf's house; a number of strangers came
in, and through Divine favor it proved a good meeting.
"26th. Held another meeting, and though the people, as is their practice, were restless in time of silence,
yet it was thought to be a serious opportunity.  The
weather was very cold, and no fire in the meeting-room,
except in foot-stoves for the women.  In Holland, it
is not customary for women to draw near or sit by a
fire, that being a privilege for men only; hence the
women are furnished with wooden boxes, with a bason
of coals or turf in them to put under their feet.  It is
so cold here that the hair of the men is frozen with
their breath, as they pass along the streets; and fuel
being dear, chiefly turf, with a few coals from Germany
and England, or a little fine wood to kindle it, they
keep very small fires, and having few stoves, the rooms
are so cold that we had to keep on our thick overcoats
most of the day. Meat costs from about nine to twelve
cents per pound, which is for the best kinds.  In
almost every thing they are the reverse of Germany;
the furniture, &c., being kept very clean and nice;
they drink a great deal of tea and coffee, but do not
use much sugar.
"27th. We were examined by the Committee de
Surveillance, who treated us with much civility, and




272               THE  LIFE  OF
recommended us to the French consul for a pass to go
towards France.  The Stadt-house where they sit is a
very large and noble building, highly ornamented with
marble sculpture.  All religious professors now have
liberty of conscience, and to meet openly for worship;
but private meetings are forbidden.  Their funerals
are attended by men only; no bell rings, nor do they
wear mourning after the interment. Our passes being
certified by the American consul, he advised us to go
by the Hague to see the American and French ambassadors there.
"First-day, 1st of First month, 1797. Had two
meetings; about fifty persons attended each, and we
hope they were to some profit.
" 2d. Our passes being endorsed by the French
consul, we exchanged our old wagon for a coach, which
will be safer and warmer, and we hope to travel with
two, instead of four, horses.  Notwithstanding  the
beauty and opulence of Amsterdam in general, travellers are beset every few paces with beggars.  In the
Jews' quarter especially, the misery, nakedness, and
dirtiness, exceed anything of the kind I have ever seen
before. In Berlin I was never asked for charity. The
neatness of everything in Amsterdam, its shops, streets,
canals, bridges, &c., is very pleasing to strangers; yet
the Jews' quarter is an exception.  The vessels that
trade up the Rhine are drawn by horses; are very
capacious, being about one hundred feet long, and have
several handsome rooms upon deck, where the families
of the captains reside.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 273
"First-day, 8th. Were at two meetings, the largest
we have had; there were six American captains present, and these meetings were thought to be the most
solid and satisfactory of any since we came to this
place: many of the people were affected and parted with
us affectionately; thanks to our great and gracious
Helper, who hath not forsaken us in any place.  If
any good remains on the minds of the people in any of
the cities and towns we have visited, let the name of
the Lord be magnified, and we humbled in the dust.' 9th. Sat with the few Friends in what they call
their Monthly Meeting.  Their principal business for
several years, appears to have been only to meet and
make a minute that they (lid so; and once a year, to
transmit an account to Friends in London, of the condition of the estate of Friends here; as the house where
John Vanderwarf lives, and in which the meeting is
held, belongs in part to Friends of England and part
to Friends of Holland; there is also some other estate
under their care.  The books for one hundred and
thirty years back, the minutes of the Monthly Meeting,
records of births, burials and marriages, &c., are still
preserved in very neat order.  By these it appears,
that from about 1676 to 1720, there was a considerable
number of Friends here, sixty or seventy signing their
marriage certificates.  Since the last date, there appears to have been a gradual decline, until it has come
to what it now is; two ancient Friends being all that
keep up the Monthly Meeting, who appeared concerned
what might become of the property when they should




274               THE LIFE OF
be taken away.  After reading and minuting our certificates, the meeting concluded.  In the evening we
had a religious opportunity with young J. Vanderwarf
and his wife, which we believe was right, and hop( it
may have its use.
"10th.  Set out for the Hague; passed through
Haarlaem, a large town, and over a fine country, many
beautiful villages, elegant country-seats, &c., to Leyden, a large city, containing about sixty thousand
inhabitants; the neatness, decency, and size of the
houses, makes it rank among the first cities of this rich
and populous country: thence travelling through a
country very pleasant and highly cultivated, we arrived
at the gates of the Hague, and took lodgings at a good
inn.
" 11th. Visited the American ambassador, who received us very courteously, endorsed our passes, and
gave us such intelligence respecting our journey to
France, as was in his power.  We went also to the
French ambassador, who treated us respectfully, but
said he had no authority to give a pass to an Englishman; but thought William Farrer would meet with no
interruption while he remained in our company, engaged in the good work of promoting religion among
the people; and remarked, that he was satisfied we
were what we appeared to be, without deception. This
beautiful city may contain forty thousand inhabitants,
and is said to be the handsomest town in Europe: the
principal street, which is magnificently built, and about
three hundred feet wide, has a promenade in the cen



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   275
tre, of about one hundred feet wide, shaded and ornamented by five rows of stately and beautiful trees; the
woods round the town, are also laid out in fine walks
with seats at proper distances. All the principal streets
Lave trees on each side, and canals in the middle; the
trimming of those trees in the winter, serves for fuel
for the poor. The inhabitants appear civil, very neat
in their houses and decent in their persons.
"12th.  Got to Rotterdam, and met with several
Englishmen and some Americans: we were received
by those to whom we had letters, with great openness
and friendship.
" Sixth-day, 13th.  Found an  open reception  at
Cornelius Lloyd's, who is of English descent, and was
the last person who contributed to support a Friend's
meeting at this place.  Although there is something
pleasant in meeting with so many who can converse in
our own language, yet thie general state of my mitnd
for some days past has been far from joyous; having
travelled under daily exercise, though concealed by a
cheerful countenance, partaking in secret of copious
draughts of the bitter waters of Marah, from  a consciousness of my natural disqualification for the work
of Gospel ministry.  Travelling so far, through many
outward difficulties, for the promotion of the Redeemer's
kingdom, brings me into deep reflection on the degree
of redemption which I myself have experienced; which
alas! I often have cause to acknowledge before the
Searcher of hearts, is far short of what I am persuaded
the power of redeeming love is able to effect; yet some




276                THE LIFE  OF
consolation is afforded by the conviction, that I most
sincerely desire a higher degree of attainment, even
the state of a perfect man in Christ Jesus-  that I
may be thoroughly washed in the laver of regeneration,
until I am prepared, through adorable mercy, to be
presented faultless before the throne of his glory with
exceeding joy.  In passing through these European
countries, a secret sadness has frequently covered my
soul, on viewing the pompous palaces, the crowded
cities, the vanity of the great, the avidity of the merchants, the oppression and wretchedness of the poor,
and the depravity of many in all the different classes;
that I am ready to cry out,! when shall the Son of
righteousness arise with healing in his wings, to recover
mankind from  the many maladies which encompass
them! A few there are, scattered over this continent,
wlhom he hath gathered, and is gathering under the
shadow of his wing; who have appeared to me, though
many of them are hidden in solitary places, to be like
the salt of the earth, which prevents the whole mass
from  sinking under its corruption.  With these my
soul has rejoiced, and will rejoice; they have been like
stakes of confirmation to me, and with all the infirmities I feel, I am satisfied that my lot has been cast here
for their sakes.  On taking a retrospect this morning
of the five preceding months of wearisome travel, labor
and exercise, I feel the reward of sweet peace; and the
tribute of thanksgiving to the Beloved of my soul, who
hath not forsaken me in the hour of trial, but mercifully
preserved me, though faint, yet pursuing the mark, for




WILLIAM  SAVORY.                  277
the prize of the glory of God in Christ Jesus, my
Saviour, whose service is perfect freedom.
"14th. Visited the ancient place of meeting for
Friends, and it being now used as a carpenter's-shop,
we requested it might be cleared out and made ready
for meeting to-morrow.  Rotterdam is about one-third
the size and population of Amsterdam, lies nearer the
sea, and hns fine canals running through it in different
directions, in which the largest merchant-ships may
lie conveniently.  The number of English and Scotch
people, the appearance of sociability among the inhabitants, and other advantages which it possesses,
would make it a more desirable place of residence than
Amsterdam; though it does not equal it in grandeur.
Many of the houses here, as well as all over Holland,
are built with the front from one to three feet from  a
perpendicular line, the upper part of the walls having
the gable-ends to the streets, project over the footways, which they say, is to prevent the water that
falls, from running down the walls and windows. The
new houses project very little, and some not at all.
When a fire happens, as the streets are narrow, these
projections occasion a communication of the flame to
those opposite. There are people paid to put out fires,
and the citizens trouble themselves but little about it.
Pumps are fixed in the canals, and by means of leather
pipes, convey the water to the engines, so that they
use but few buckets.  In the principal towns, the
houses are almost universally occupied by shops below,
and the family sit up stairs.
24




278               THE LIFE OF
"First-day, 15th. About sixty persons attended the
meeting, mostly respectable people, and it was a solid
good time. Dined with Cornelius Lloyd, a merchant
of considerable wealth: his wife was so terrified at
the noise of the cannon, and the fear of the French
army entering the city, when Dumourier was on the
opposite side of the Maase, that it deprived her of
memory, so that she cannot retain anything a minute
at a time.  His mother, an ancient woman, was educated a Friend: on visiting her, she appeared glad to
see us; her faculties are good, and she remembered
William Brown being here on a religious visit; her son
has now the care of the meeting-house, which he rents
out, and has some stock in his hands to pay for cleaning it, finding candles, &c., when wanted; but the
funds of Friends here, have sunk by the failure of one
of the descendants, who held them to a large amount.
In the afternoon, about one hundred and fifty attended
the meeting, which, through renewed mercy, proved a
satisfactory season; many were tendered, and it was
a time of refreshment to ourselves.  Thanks be to the
Author of every blessing.
"16th. At the meeting in the evening, it was thought
that half the people who desired to be present, could
not get in, and the place being so crowded and warm,
they were, for a time, rather restless; however, through
Divine mercy, Truth rose into dominion; they became
solid, and parted in tenderness.
"17th. In the evening had a meeting at the Episcopal worship-house, built by Queen Anne, for the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  279
benefit of the English residing here; it is not large,
but a decent, plain building.  Many of the English
and Scotch people having gone away from Rotterdam
in the heat of the war, among whom was the priest, it
has been shut up for some time; the remaining part
of the congregation, seeing that Friends' house was
too small, offered it freely, but the construction of the
room is such, as to produce a great echo, so that we
are informed many who sat in the centre, heard but
partially; however, they behaved remarkably well, and
on the whole it was thought a profitable meeting; the
Lord is good to us poor unworthy creatures, from day
to day.
"18th. The inhabitants are civil and respectful;
the water here is better than in Amsterdam, where
they drink little but rain-water, here the canals ebb
and flow with fresh water, which, at this season, is pretty
good.  The canals render it dangerous walking in the
evening, when the weather is foggy.  A few years
since, in very thick weather, there were said to be three
hundred people drowned by falling into them; since
which, they have increased the number of lamps, and
ropes are extended from tree to tree, when there is
danger of the like disaster.
"First-day, 22d.  The meetings both in the fore
and afternoon, were, through the mercy of our heavenly
Father, solemn seasons; there are doubtless a number
of seriously visited souls in Rotterdam, and the prospect of Friends visiting this city on a religious account
is much more promising than in Amsterdam.  Though




280               THE  LIFE  OF
Friends are almost extinct as to supporting meetings,
yet I cannot but feel a prayer in my heart, that the
Lord might be pleased to send his servants into this
part of the vineyard.
" 23d.  Expected to move towards France, but our
minds not being clear of the people in this place, we
concluded to tarry some time longer.
"First-day, 29th.  Have been unwell for several
days. A pass was procured for our going into France,
except for William Farrer, who could not obtain one
on account of his being a British subject.  We had
three meetings to-day, and through the renewing of
Divine favor, they were satisfactory; we took leave of
the people in much tenderness and affection, believing
we might soon be at liberty to go.
"30th.  We hear many discouraging reports of the
difficulty of travelling in France, and are much exercised about the right way to proceed; believing ourreligious concern in this place is now fulfilled.  We
have none to lean upon but the Lord alone, who, blessed
be his name, has been hitherto excellent in counsel and
wonderful in working for us, more so than I feel myself
worthy of. We visited several of our friends here, who
advised us to go to Sluys in Flanders, by water, and
our minds settled to turn that way.
31st.  Went on board the packet: the commander
was an honest-looking man, and I made out to understand his half Low Dutch and half French.
"1st of Second month.  Wind ahead, stormy and
some rain; sailed about twenty miles, our cabin having




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  281
no fire, and the weather being very damp and cold and
the beds small, we did not feel very comfortable.
" Fifth-day, 2nd.  The wind was very high; lay to
all day; very cold and no prospect of getting on, added
to which, we understood we should be arrested on our
landing if we did not wear the national cockade, which
we could not comply with; everything looked more
gloomy than at any time since leaving my native shore;
a little hope and some confidence however remained,
and an humble trust in the Almighty Arm that hath
hitherto preserved, which settled us in calmness.
" 4th. Got on pretty well, though the wind continued
nearly ahead.  Passed by several handsome villages
on the islands, which are in the province of Zealand.
The wind being very small and a thick fog, the anchor
was dropped.
" 5th. Much detention on account of the fog, but it
breaking away, we sailed by the beautiful. island on
which are the cities of Middleburg and Flushing;
reached Sluys in Flanders, about dusk; here we underwent an examination by the officers and also a search,
but all ended without long interruption. The dampness
of the vessel, and scarcely anything comfortable, kept
David Sands unwell most of the voyage, which was
about one hundred miles; I was also taken poorly,
having got a heavy cold.  The merchants to whom we
were recommended visited us. Many exercises crowded
in, so that it was a trying time.
"6th. David Sands and myself both very unwell;
the prospect of proceeding to Dunkirk is, from  a
24*




282               THE  LIFE  OF
variety of circumstances, very discouraging; it was
indeed a gloomy day, faith and hope very low.  The
two merchants to whom we had letters coming to see
us, did not encourage us to proceed to France, supposing
it to be impracticable without a national cockade, which
was also the sentiment of others.
" 7th. Weighing seriously what was best to be done
in our trying situation, and the various reports of difficulties that would interrupt our journey, our minds
being calm and composed, we concluded to pursue our
journey to Dunkirk, in humble confidence on the
Divine Arm, that is alone the defence and preservation
of them that love the Lord in sincerity. We left Sluys
in the afternoon, and arrived at Bruges before dark,
having passed through a poor country.  This city is
thoughit to contain sixty thousand people, but has a
dark uncomfortable appearance, the houses like prisons
with iron bars across the windows.
"8th. Hired a post-chaise to take us to Dunkirk,
thirty-seven miles, and passed through a flat fertile
country; met with the American consul on this station,
an agreeable young man, who told us that with our
passes we might go over all France; this relieved us
much from the anxiety we felt, both for our testimony
and our safety, and our hearts were lifted up with
praises to our heavenly Benefactor, who can at his
pleasure dispel the clouds and darkness that at times
surround.  Riding on the side of the sea, we arrived
at Dunkirk in the afternoon.  I put up at Judith Gardiner's, a Friend from Nantucket, whose husband died




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  283
at sea since their settling here, and she keeps a boarding-house.
" 9th. Unwell, the consequence of travelling so long.
in this damp foggy climate, where we have not seen
the sun for fourteen days, and but very little for six
weeks.  Our landlady, who is a motherly woman, attended me kindly.
" 10th. This town is supposed to contain forty thousand inhabitants, has a gloomy appearance, the houses
being closely stowed; the people here, as well as in
Flanders, are mostly Roman Catholics.  The harbor,
which is about a mile from the sea. is narrow, walled
at the sides, and almost bare at low water - two men
who supped at the house being Deists, I had to contend against them till near eleven o'clock, yet we parted
friendly.
"11th.  The poultry market is pretty good, and
fifty per cent. cheaper than in Philadelphia.  Though
this place is in France, the people speak Flemish and
French alternately; their markets, as well as at almost
every place where we have been in Europe, are in the
open air, without any shelter; the buyers and sellers
are for the most part women; the articles are brought
to market on the smallest species of asses that I have
seen; their loads being so very large that the poor
animal is scarcely seen.
"First-day, 12th.  Had a good meeting at B. Hussey's, where about thirty attended, among whom were
some American captains, and several citizens of Dunkirk.  In the evening attended a large meeting, con



284               THE LIFE  OF
sisting of Americans, French, and a number of Scotch
and English.  The company were remarkably quiet,
-the doctrine delivered was much opposed to Deism, with
which it was believed some present were tinctured; the
labor was with tenderness in Christian love, and we
hoped it had an effect on some. Prayer and thanksgiving were offered to the Author of all our mercies;
the people parted in much kindness, and we felt an
evidence that we are in our places, though it was
through many exercises we got here.
" 13th.  The few Friends who remain here are respected by the inhabitants, the magistrates, &c., through
whose kindness they have been exempted from bearing
arms, and at the times of general illuminations they
have been signally protected, which must be esteemed
a favor from Him who rules and disposes the hearts of
men to be kind to such as keep his testimonies.
" 14th.  Owing to great industry and exertion in
cultivating the land, which is naturally poor and sandy,
vegetables are abundant and very cheap; potatoes and
turnips may be bought for about twenty cents a bushel;
apples are good, and in greater plenty than in America
at this season of the year.  The people are civil and
respectful, especially to Americans.  In the evening
the meeting was as large as the room could hold, and
the people very orderly, none appeared restless or went
out until it concluded.  It was a favored time, much
tenderness being evident in those assembled.  It is
indeed cause of admiration to me, that in passing from
one nation to another, we find a tender-hearted people




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  285
everywhere: the Lord has a precious people in this
city.
"15th.  It appears as though we might soon be at
liberty to leave Dunkirk for the present. The people
go to their chapels at any time of the day and perform
their devotions, thus at all hours they are going in and
coming out; I could not help feeling a love for them,
though I cannot own their superstition, believing they
will be accepted according to the sincerity of their
hearts, when many who think themselves wise philosophers, will have nothing to yield them consolation.
Got our passes endorsed by the American consul, who
went with us to the municipality, and at his request
they gave us new passes, inserting in them that we
were Friends, called Quakers.
"17th.  Leaving Dunkirk, we passed through the
city of Burgh, and before dark arrived at Lille, where,
with difficulty we procured a passage for Paris, one
hundred and fifty miles distant. Lille is a large city,
and may contain seventy thousand inhabitants.
"18th. Proceeded in a cabriolet, which is a very
heavy carriage, takes a great deal of goods, and has
eight horses, two postilions, and a director; we had
four passengers besides ourselves.
"19th. Passed through a number of towns and villages, and saw many of the people going to their masshouses, over the doors of which is painted,' The French
nation acknowledge the Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.' Arrived at Paris.
"20th. The country is populous, but we see much




286               THE  LIFE  OF
less travelling than about London.  The city of Paris
is crowded with inhabitants, the houses are of white
stone like the plaster of paris; the streets are not kept
clean, and have no paved side-walks for foot-passengers.
"22d.  We rode to the municipality, where they
endorsed our passes; and going into another apartment
to have them sealed, one of the principal men ordered
us to take off our hats. We told him we were of the
people called Quakers, who did not use that compliment
to any; he appeared warm, and said it was no matter
what we were, no person could be admitted before them
with their hats on, and came towards us, as we supposed, to take them off, but one of his companions in
office, observing to him, that we made a religious scruple of it, he withdrew, and growing more mild, said he
always paid respect to religion, and had no more to
say if that was the case.  He sealed and signed- our
passes, and we parted friendly. A law of France, which
obliges all others to appear uncovered before the National Convention, exempts Friends by a special clause
-  there were a number of persons present waiting to
do business with the municipality, who appeared surprised at our thus bearing our testimony; perhaps some
may reflect on it to profit.
" 23d. There seems no probability of much religious
service in Paris, except in conversation and distributing
books; and our minds have been much exercised both
before and since arriving here, under a sense of the
difficulty of passing through this country at this time;
and laboring to keep to our righteous testimony among




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  287
a gay and dissipated people, many of whom make light
of all religion. Over their chapel-doors is placed the
inscription before mentioned.  These places are frequented by many pious people, and mass is performed
by a priest who has taken an oath to the nation, none
else being allowed.  I do not doubt that with all the
vices and infidelity which reigns in Paris, there are
many of Sion's true mourners there; with such I was
favored frequently to feel a secret sympathy.  May
the great and universal Shepherd of the heavenly fold,
stretch forth his arm to this nation, and gather many
thousands to the standard of truth and righteousness,
where their tossed souls may lie down in safety and
none be able to make them  afraid.  In the evening,
David Sands and myself fell in with Thomas Paine,
and spent about an hour and a half in conversation
about his opinions and writings.  He made many assertions against Moses, the prophets, Jesus Christ, &c.,
which had much more the appearance of passionate
railing than argument; to all which we replied. I felt
zealously opposed to him, and believe that nothing
was said by my companion or. myself that gave him the
least occasion to exult: we bore our testimony against
him firmly.
" Our path on this continent has been through many
trials of faith, and contentions for the faith; may they
all end to the glory of the great Head of the cblrch,
whom I honestly desire above all other things to sie'e,
with my time, talents, and substance. This city contains almost everything to gratify the eyes of the




288               THE  LIFE  OF
curious, the desires of the voluptuous, the talents of
the learned, and the dissipation of the gay and fashionable world; but has little to satisfy the soul longing
after celestial riches, and but few in appearance are
seeking after it.. The street called the Boulevards, is
about two hundred feet wide, encircles the whole of
the city, and is, perhaps, the most extraordinary street
in Europe.  It contains a great number of shops and
stalls for the sale of every species of goods, many
places of vain amusement, and handsome walks with
seats, and is almost constantly crowded with passengers.  It is a great inconvenience to persons walking
that there are no foot-ways, or very few in any part
of the city, so that at the approach of carriages they
run in crowds into the houses, shops, &c., adjacent.
There are many objects in this great city which excite
astonishment, but the mind grows weary with the iniquity which abounds, and desires rather some quiet
retreat even in the interior of America than to dwell
in such a city; it made me feel sad and disgusted at
the ever-lying vanities of a delusive, uncertain world.
A passage offering to proceed towards the south, we
concluded to embrace it and leave Paris in the morning.
"25th. Arrived at Fontainbleau, which has but few
manufactures and little trade, and may contain ten
thousand inhabitants.  This morning for two leagues
before we got here, there were neither houses nor farms,
but the road bordered by uncultivable mountains, consisting almost entirely of rocks, or else by wood-land,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  289
the towns and villages on the road, looked as poor as
the country around them.
"First-day, 26th.  The weather has been very fine
and serene, the country though not rich was beautiful;
the villagers dressed in their best clothes appeared
lively, walking about in their wooden shoes, which they
almost universally wear.  Some were attending their
places of worship, but more diverting themselves in
the fields, and appear not to be deeply impressed with
trouble for the miseries of war. The people have many
conjectures about us, sometimes supposing we are
Spaniards, Hollanders, Swiss, British or Germans,
sometimes Italians, &c.; we generally inform  them
soon after our arrival to quiet their minds, that we are
not in any of the characters they suppose us to be, but
Americans and of the people called Quakers, travelling
to see our brethren in the south of France; this with
a present of a few books sets them right, and they use
us respectfully.  We endeavor to maintain a conduct
void of offence; but are often much tried, and it frequently appears to me as though I was travelling in
the midst of darkness and could see no light; yet I
greatly desire to be preserved from murmuring, having
had hitherto to acknowledge the mercy and goodness
of God, who has extended his care and protection in
the course of the present arduous journey, in many a
trying hour.' 27th. At Nogent.  It is the time of the carnival,
an occasion of feasting and rejoicing all over France,
but the Catholic religion being at present at a low ebb,
25




290               THE LIFE  OFthis festival is not celebrated with as much pomp as it
used to be.
"28th. Passed through a handsome country, but
many of the people live very hard. The weather being
raw and cold to-day, I pitied the poor shepherdesses,
who sit on the sides of the rocks and mountains, tending, perhaps, a few sheep, hogs, asses, and goats, on
very barren pasture.  They spin all day long, and
follow their flocks; and sometimes ride about the country on very small asses, two women on one, one of the
women looking one way, and the other another way;
but the habits and manners of this people baffle my
powers of description. The country appears to abound
in wine, and little else is drunk, it being generally a
very light claret.
" 1st of Third month.  Being a remarkably fine
morning, I set off alone before the carriage, and after
walking six miles along the side of the Loire, and
passing two villages, stopped for the voiture; the country was pleasant and hilly. Passing on, we met about
two hundred German prisoners, who had been taken
at Mantua, and were in a most deplorable situation,
almost exhausted in every respect, many of them
having neither shoes, stockings, hats, nor shirts; the
miseries of war were very affectingly painted in this
spectacle of wretchedness.
"2d. Arrived at Moulin in the afternoon; a considerable, but not a handsome city, principally occupied in making muslins, which the women spin, while
walking in the streets. Our cabriolet leaving us, we




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  291
were obliged to take what they call a chariot de post,
which is nothing more than a small cart without sides,
at each end a basket, and in the middle a straw bed
for the passengers to sit on, back to back, with their
legs in the basket; they carry four persons, have a
little horse or mule, and a postilion, and these appear
to be the only carriages that travellers can obtain in
France, except they travel in the national cabriolets
with eight horses; or have their own carriages, when
they may obtain post-horses. This was a very trying
day to my mind; darkness seemed to cover my spirit.
"3d. Left Moulin in the disagreeable chariot de
post or potache; passed through a mountainous country, mostly covered with vines, and got to Pallisee in
the evening.  There are but two inns in this place,
kept by father and son, who were the only persons
from whom we could obtain a convenience for travelling, and they did not fail to take advantage of us,
charging at least fifty per cent. higher than the best
inns and carriages in America.
"4th. Finding no other way of travelling, we resumed our potache, passed over a country more mountainous than any heretofore, until we arrived at Remt,
situate on the side of the Loire, a city that may contain twentythousand inhabitants. At the Table d'ITote,
were a number of Frenchmen, who treated us politely,
and finding they had a desire for religious information,
we gave them some books.
" 5th. The country, as yesterday, is covered with
vines and mulberry trees; arrived about dusk at a




292               THE LIFE OF
large town closely environed by mountains, the inhabitants employed in manufactories of muslin and
silk. They were differently dressed from any we had
yet seen. and remarkably friendly; indeed the frankness of this nation does not suffer us to remain strangers
more than an hour; seeing but few strangers, especially
from other nations, they are curious in their inquiries.
We passed a very disagreeable night, and as soon as
it was light, were glad to rise and proceed on our
journey.
"6th. Arrived at Lyonj in the afternoon, and put
up at an auberge, perhaps the largest we have seen
in Europe, forming a hollow square about two hundred
feet on each side: this city contains about one hundred
and forty thousand inhabitants; one-third is built on a
very steep mountain, on the side of the Rhone; many
parts, however, now lay in ruins, being battered during
a long siege. We are a spectacle to many; my mind
is heavy and disconsolate: the ways of the Lord are
a great deep, but I dare not murmur, he is good and
worthy to be adored, both in suffering and reigning.
" 7th. Finding a boat that was to go off at eleven
o'clock for Avignon, one hundred and thirty miles, we
took our passage, there being about twenty of us in
all, and sailed down the stream eight leagues. The
country, on each side, is very beautiful; arrived at a
village in the evening, where the keepers of the inns
rushed down to the shore, and almost compelled us to
enter their houses, and perhaps twenty girls and boys
were waiting to take our baggage, and earn a few sous.
-— ~ -- --— ~ I~~ "~b~wzn




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 293
A genteel man, a merchant, who had a coach on board,
took us under his protection, and we got to tolerable
lodgings.
"8th. Proceeded early down the river and met a
number of boats going up to Lyons, loaded with wine,
&c. Three or four of these being fastened together,
are drawn by horses, as many as twenty being necessary to draw them up against the stream, which, in
some places, is rapid-the mountains are planted with
vines to the tops, but in some places interspersed with
olive, almond, and mulberry trees. The Alps, about
eight miles distant, are covered with snow. It being
uncommonly low water in the Rhone, our boat got
aground twice, but having four stout horses in a smaller
boat which they tow after them, for the purpose of
relieving them when aground, after an hour's labor we
got afloat again, and arrived at Valence in the evening, which, like most of the cities in the south of
France, is very ancient, and may contain eighteen
thousand inhabitants.
"9th. Embarked early, but having a strong head
wind could not proceed far.  We went on shore and
walked to a city about a mile distant, said to be built
and fortified by Julius Caesar, and called Montlemar;
it has high strong walls, and bears all the marks of
great antiquity, has little riches or trade. No auberges
or taverns, within the walls, being permitted to lodge
travellers, we went to several outside, but could find no
lodgings; it being on the main road from the south to
Lyons, they were filled with guests; at last we got to
25*




294               THE  LIFE  OF
a poor inn where they took five of us: my state of body
and mind rendered me more unfit to endure hardships
than at other times. Most of these ancient cities have
more or less of Roman monuments yet remaining.
"10th. The wind continuing very high and right
ahead, and the waters so low that our captain thought
with such a wind it would be impossible to proceed; we
accepted the kind invitation of our friend, the merchant
of Circasson, who had a coach that would take four
and offered us places in it as far as Nismes; so taking
post-horses at Montlemar, we arrived at Point Esprit
before dark. This city is a very ancient, dark-looking
place, may contain eight thousand inhabitants, and was
built by the Romans; the streets are so narrow generally, that no wheel-carriages can pass; their fagots
and other things are carried upon asses. These ancient
cities generally have a melancholy appearance, so as
to damp the spirits of the most animated stranger;
the bridge at St. Esprit, which crosses the Rhone, is a
very ancient and handsome structure, more than a mile
long.
"l1th. Went on about seven miles: there is great
danger in travelling on account of robbers and assassins
who infest the roads, so that none care to travel after
night.  The mail was robbed on a mountain which we
crossed to-day, and some travellers have been robbed
and murdered lately in this vicinity, which makes it a
very trying time to travel in France. We went to the
municipality, who endorsed our passes and behaved
friendly; and some persons being desirous of informa



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  295
tion, we gave them  several books.  Our kind friend,
the merchant, inclining to stay here a few days, we
were obliged to take a potache for Nismes; the people
of the auberge taking us for priests, behaved respectfully.
" First-day, 12th. I was very unwell, and the weather
being misty and cold, and the chariot de post open,
with only a little straw to sit on, and there being two
women passengers besides us three, we were uncomfortably situated, and travelled very slowly, having only a
little horse and a mule to carry us and our baggage.
The country is highly cultivated, covered with vines,
almond, olive and mulberry trees. We passed several
crucifixes and images on the road, but most of all
within six miles of Nismes.  As we travelled only
about three miles an hour, we did not get to Nismes
until candle-light, not quite thirty miles.
"13th. Nismes contains about forty thousand inhabitants, chiefly employed in silk manufacture; it was
the first place in France where we were questioned
about the national cockade, but our reasons satisfied
them.  We hired a voiture to take us to Congenies,
about three and a half leagues. The country between
Nismes and Congenies, though somewhat mountainous,
is fine; the people seemed pleased at seeing us, and
immediately judged we were Friends, having seen those
who were here eight or nine years ago.  We went to
Louis Majolier's to lodge, and several of the Friends
being there, they received us with strong marks of
affection and joy.




296               THE  LIFE  OF
" 14th. Our friends flocked to see us, and saluted
us with tears of joy; much mutual consolation was felt,
and they furnished us with the best provisions the
village afforded.  In the evening about thirty-five of
them  being with us, we desired them  to retire into
silence, for which they appeared prepared: mercy and
goodness were evident in covering us with a precious
solemnity, a few  sentences being offered in much
brokenness, they received it like the thirsty ground;
after which, our friends Pierre Robinel and Magdalene
Benezet, both bore testimony to the continued goodness
of the great Shepherd, towards the few scattered sheep
in this remote corner of France.  Our valued friend,
Louis Majolier, also added his grateful acknowledgments and confession of unworthiness of Divine mercy,
in much tenderness and with many tears.
"15th. The weather is very fine, the almond and
peach trees are in blossom, and the olive, figs, &c., out
in leaf.  I never was in a country where there was
more unaffected simplicity than here.  Shepherds and
shepherdesses, are scattered about tending their flocks,
and knitting or spinning at the same time; having very
few cows or goats, they milk the ewes, which affords
them a sufficiency, and they think the milk richer than
cow's milk. In the evening we had some conversation
with them on their present state as to religion, and from
the information of...... Robinel, an ancient man,
it appears that for sixty years at least, there has been
a number of religious people in this neighborhood, who
had separated from the common ways of worship, and




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  297
were by some called Inspirants.  Their attention was
first turned to Friends by information in the public
papers, of a young man who came to Paris and advertised that the owners of a vessel and cargo, which was
taken by the British in the war with America and
France, were requested to come forward and claim
their several proportions of the said vessel and cargo;
and that his father, who was part owner of the ship
which took the French vessel, was a Quaker, and did
not desire to hold their property, as it was inconsistent
with his conscientious scruples. They then made inquiry
respecting the principles of Friends, and found them
much the same as their own. After this, being visited
by Sarah Grubb and company, and confirmed in their
sentiments, they continued to profess the principles of
our religious Society, and have passed through many
trials lately, some having been imprisoned; they were
truly glad to see us, believing we had come in an
acceptable time.
" 16th. We visited twelve of their families. When
speaking to Louis Majolier in imperfect French, he
repeated it in better, or rather in what they call the
Padua language, which is bad French and Italian mixed,
and hard to be understood. Dined with Jean Benezet,
the husband of Magdalene; being affectionately desirous
to serve us, they provided a great variety of food: the
wine is of their own manufacture, such as is commonly
drunk here, being similar to the American cider, and
not stronger.  In the evening we had the company of
many of these Friends, and hope it was a time of en



298               THE LIFE  OF
couragement to them. I could not but repeatedly contrast the circumstances of these persons, with that of
my dear friends at home and in England.  0! the
sweet simplicity and innocence of this poor, industrious,
but apparently happy people.
" 17th. Taking a walk, on our return we were met
by a number of our friends, who took us into a house
where they had spread a table with bread, butter, and
a variety of fruits, showing their assiduity to make us
comfortable; the innocence of their manners and their
desire of improvement by our visit among them, was so
forcibly impressed upon me, that I was constrained to
turn aside and pour forth tears of gratitude and joy.
"18th. Visited the remaining families, and find there
are seventeen in all; the men, women and children,
are mostly employed in vineyards, or cultivating olives
and-making oil of them, or raising sill-worms; though
there are some weavers of silk, and some of wool and
linen for the use of the villagers. They appear to have
but little in the world, and yet are contented, as much
so as any people I have seen on the continent; their
dispositions and manners evidently different from the
other nations we have visited.  The village contains
about one hundred and fifty houses and six hundred
and fifty inhabitants, all of whom have been civil and
respectful to us.  There does not appear to be any
person of high character or riches among them, but a
remarkable equality reigns throughout the whole.
19th. Attended meeting in the usual place, where
several not Friends were present; the whole number




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 299
supposed to be about eighty, and it proved to be a solid
good time.  Having yesterday felt our minds turned
to write our views and feelings respecting the state of
tle Friends here, and to add some admonition, encouragement, &c., Louis translated it and read it at
the close of the meeting, during which most of the
assembly were much contrited.  We then separated
under a th.inkful sense of the goodness and mercy of
the gracious Shepherd of the sheep. Their usual practice being to hold but one meeting on First-day, we
appointed another to be at three o'clock in the afternoon: before the time, the room  was filled, many
coming from Fontanes and other villages not far off;
the opportunity was satisfactory, and ended in prayer
and thanks to Him whose is the power and the glory.
In the evening, about eight or ten men and five women,
the most noted among them, came to have a free conference with us respecting establishing some order and
discipline, and a Monthly Meeting, which has been
dropped several years, though there had been some
little care of the poor, and also over the moral conduct
of the members; but as the time was short, we separated
without attempting anything.
"20th. Walked to Calvisson, a village three miles
distant, containing three times the number of inhabitants of Congenies.  None appear to profess with
Friends, except the father of Louis Majolier and his
sister-in-law, who do not attend the meetings at present.
In this part of France, villagers and peasants seem to
be the only inhabitants, few or none of rank or wealth.




300               THE LIFE OF
On a mountain by the ways we saw the Mediterranean
sea, and had a most extensive prospect of vineyards
and olive-yards: the air as fine and pure as France
affords, or perhaps any other country.
"21st. In the evening, about forty men and women
Friends assembled to revive their Monthly Meeting;
many of them lament the want of proper discipline,
and are very desirous of adopting as much of our order
as may be suited to their circumstances. Louis Majolier
being chosen clerk, it was agreed to procure books for
entering fair minutes and for recording births, marriages
and burials: they then nominated two men and two
women overseers; some remarks were made and we
gave them such information as appeared proper; they
then recorded our visit on their minutes, and agreed to
hold their Monthly Meeting at a stated time in future.
" 22d. I looked over the old minutes of the Monthly
Meeting, where they had recorded some certificates and
letters, &c. It appeared that two men and two women
had laid a concern before them to visit the families of
Friends at Gilles's, which they performed; that there
were several marriages solemnized nearly in the same
order as Friends; that they had issued advice to be
honest and punctual in their dealings, and to walk in
all respects consistent with their profession; that they
had dealt tenderly with some who walked disorderly,
and at length disowned one who would not be reclaimed;
they also took care of the poor, and recorded the certificates of our friends, George and Sarah Dillwyn,
Robert and Sarah Grubb, Mary Dudley, A. Bellamy




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  301
and John Elliott, who visited them in the year 1788.
Upon the whole, there was more consistency than I
expected to find- and as they now appear reanimated
to commence again, I feel a hope they will be supported;
many of them are in a state of weakness, and they
know it, and are willing to receive counsel. On inquiry,
I find there are a number of families scattered in
different villages, who hold the same religious opinions,
and at times attend their meetings.' 23d. Benjamin Johnson was very poorly, and but
little medical aid could be obtained. We deferred going
to Gilles's, and our minds are closely exercised, yet
thanks be unto Him who in mercy has hitherto carried
us through all; I endeavor to cast my care upon Him
in this sequestered corner of the world.  In all the
village of Congenies I believe there is not one shop for
the vending any kind of goods, yet the simple wants
of the inhabitants seem to be supplied, and they are
continually bringing us various kinds of fruits, preserves,
nuts, &c.; no people need be more kind or sympathetic
than they appear to be. Their fuel is principally the
trimmings of the grape-vines, olive, mulberry, fig and
almond trees, and at times the wood of such trees as
die or are blown up by the roots; it is sold by weight.
I have not seen a forest of timber-trees, for two hundred
miles. The olive-yards endure a long time, and do not
arrive at their most fruitful state in less than fifteen
years; I have seen several from one hundred to one
hundred and fifty years old, which are highly esteemed
- they trim them almost to the stump every year.
26




302              THE  LIFE  OF
"24th. Walked with Louis.to a part of his ground
where we planted some potatoes, which are not much
known or used here; observed many men and women
pruning their trees and vines; they work diligently
among their olives, almonds, mulberries, vines, &c.,
but do not appear to be as laborious people as the
Germans, yet they generally live better.
"25th. Our friends Louis Majolier and Pierre Robinel accompanying us, we rode out to a village about
one and a half leagues from Congenies, and were met
in the road by an ancient woman who goes under the
name of a Friend; much pleasure was pictured in her
countenance, and she conducted us to the house of one
also professing as Friends; they set before us some
bread, honey, and wine, with a little cheese, made that
morning of ewes' milk. After waiting about one hour,
eight of those called Friends came; others being gone
into the fields, we did not see them. We sat down in
religious retirement with this little company, who
appeared to be less conformed to our practice than
those at Congenies, yet were serious. Something was
given to express for their encouragement in pursuing
the way of Truth as it opened on their understandings,
and to meet together to wait upon God on First-days,
and to visit, as frequently as convenient, the meetings
of Friends at Congenies; after which we returned.
Though the roads in France are generally pretty good,
there is scarcely any such thing as travelling fast, their
poor little horses, mules, and asses, seldom going more
than three miles an hour.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   303
"First-day, 26th. The meeting in the school-room,
which is at present their only meeting-place, collected
about ten o'clock; the fore-part was somewhat interrupted by a number coming late, and the room  was
crowded, but being at length gathered into stillness,
the great Master of assemblies favored with his presence: a remarkable solemnity continued for near an
hour, very refreshing to our spirits, and we were persuaded to many of theirs also.  Feeling my mind at
liberty, I expressed a number of Scripture passages
among them  with some addition, and thought I had
never been so favored to express myself in French
before; great tenderness prevailed among both old
and young: Louis made a very suitable addition, and
the people parted, we believe, through infinite condescension, comforted —there were upwards of eighty
present; several professors came from  the adjacent
villages, and shed tears of joy at meeting with us:
there were also some who had never been at a meeting
of the kind before.-Louis's religious father and motherin-law from Fontanes dined with us. In the afternoon,
about the same number attended the meeting, and the
people who came from  other villages parted with us
and their friends here in tears. In the evening, had a
conference with the overseers, with those who speak
in their meetings, and with some other leading members; on their own motion it was agreed to hold henceforward two meetings on First-days, and one in the
middle of the week, if the next Monthly Meeting united




304               THE LIFE  OF
with it; this opportunity afforded us a free expression
of sentiment on subjects relating to their welfare.
"27th. Louis, his wife, and myself, went to visit
her parents and family at Fontanes; the country is
hilly, yet covered with vines, the soil very poor, though
there are delightful valleys among the mountains; but
I have seen neither cows nor oxen since leaving Nismes;
but sheep and goats for milk. Passed through a village where were several large and once elegant buildings, gardens, &c., belonging to a cidevant nobleman,
now totally ruined; a cross and a crucifix of enormous
size, lay in scattered fragments on the ground.  As
we advanced towards Montpelier, I felt desirous of
visiting it, but it was not practicable.  Arrived at
Fontanes, where the good old people and family of
Samuel Brunn were much pleased to see us; the kindness, simplicity, and genuine hospitality of this house,
was truly grateful; after spending about three and a
half hours with them, we took a most affectionate
leave, not expecting to see them again: most of the
family walked half a mile on the road with us, loading
me with fruits, nuts, &c., accompanied with their blessing and desire for my safe return home. We got back
to Congenies about dusk, and found Benjamin still
very unwell.
"28th. In the evening, accompanied by Louis, I
visited seven families, which appeared to be agreeable
and reviving: having found my mind concerned to
leave with them in writing, some further counsel respecting holding their meetings for worship and dis



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  305
cipline, with that solemnity becoming the occasion, I
got it translated, and concluded to have it read at
their Monthly Meeting.  I believe these tender, good
people, would find their meetings more useful, if they
were kept more in silence; they have four persons who
appear by way of ministry in their meetings, three of
them we cannot doubt have received gifts; yet one or
more of these, we hope may improve in weight and
usefulness, by an increasing disposition to wait all the
Lord's appointed time, to qualify them to administer
to the greater edification of the church.  Our friends
here have not yet banished that lively activity of
spirit and quickness of imagination, so characteristic
of their nation, and may be in danger of carrying it
into their most serious concerns; they do not appear
to have that visionary disposition and desire of penetrating hidden mysteries, so observable in the Germans; and indeed the two nations differ in almost
everything.
" 30th. Our friends collecting at ten o'clock, we sat
down with them.  The silence was truly solemn and
affecting, and the thought of parting was deeply felt
on both sides. I took leave of them in the best French
I could, Louis mending it in some places; after which,
David Sands concluded in prayer: we embraced them
all with tenderness, and parted in heart-felt sympathy
and affection, with many tears and pious wishes.  We
mounted, David on a bidet, I on a very poor little
mule: Louis Majolier, Pierre Robinel, Pierre Marignol,
and Pierre Benezet, having two asses between them,
26 *




306               THE  LIFE  OF
accompanied us.  I rode about a league, when my
mule kicked and flounced about, and showed so many
obstinate airs, that I was willing to exchange it for an
ass, but had not rode two leagues more, before the
little animal stumbled on his knees, and slipped me
over his head, without damage, however. I then remounted my mule, but soon after arriving at a village
where it had an inclination to stop, he kicked, and refused very obstinately to go on; however, at length,
with the assistance of the spectators, I got through
the village, and he afterwards behaved with more decorum during the journey, travelling at the rate of two
and a half miles an hour. Our whole business on this
continent has one tendency, viz., to learn us patience;
and we shall be poor scholars, indeed, if we return
with as low a stock as when we came from home. My
mind feeling sweetly relieved, at parting with my dear
friends at Congenies, I passed along without complaining, the weather being fine, and the country covered
with blossoms and verdure. I did not wish myself at
any other place, nor in any other company, for the
present, believing we were moving in the way of our
duty.  The country, in the vicinity of Gilles's, was
more hilly, and the whole, with a very few trees interspersed, was covered with vineyards, the cultivation
of grapes being almost the sole occupation of the people; yet in the valleys they raise some wheat and rye.
There are very few cattle in this part of the country,
though as a rarity we saw two young oxen; horses are
very scarce, but they have excellent mules for their




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  307
wagons.  We arrived safe at Gilles's in the evening,
the road being the nearest way from Congenies, was
in many places not practicable for carriages; the distance, said to be five leagues, occupied six hours, without halting. Our guides took us to the house of one
professing with us, where we were received kindly, and
several of those, called Friends, came to see us, and
supped with us. Our landlord is an old man, and perhaps the richest of those, called Quakers, in France;
we were well accommodated, both as to provisions and
lodging.
" 31st. Several of those called Friends came to see
us, and with some of them  we walked about three
quarters of a mile to the Rhone: the land between.
the town and the river, was mostly sown with wheat
and rye, which looked well. After we returned, there
being several present and a good deal of conversation,
David, Louis, and myself, retired to our chamber. It
is not beneficial to enter too freely into conversation
about things which have little or no connection with
our main business among this people, and therefore we
find it best sometimes to withdraw, for they are a
people very fond of talking.  In the evening, about
forty attended our meeting and behaved orderly, though
we sat in silence about an hour, when I thought it
right to deliver a few expressions, to which they paid
attention; yet, except in a few instances, there did not
appear to be that preparation to receive the word which
was so evident in our friends at Congenies.  Louis
afterwards urged the necessity of their adding more




308               THE  LIFE  OF
of the works and fruits of the Spirit to their faith,
without which the good profession they had made to
the world would neither yield them  peace nor be a
light sufficient to guide others into the Truth.  There
appeared some tenderness, all were quiet and seemed
retired in their minds, yet I thought it altogether a
time of suffering, and there was less of the cementing
power and love of Christ to be felt than in the meetings at Congenies.
" Fourth month, 1st. From the top of the hill above
the town, there is a prospect of a fine extensive valley
with a canal in the middle.  On the side next to the
Rhone, it appeared to be as handsome and rich a spot
as I had seen in France; but one of the Friends in
company said it was not of more than half the value,
nor did it yield half the profit of the hills of gravel
that surrounded all the other side of the town, extending several miles, and covered with vines, but so poor
that it appeared as though it would yield little or no
grain or grass, yet produced the finest wine in all
Languedoc: the valley was too rich and damp for wine,
and two acres of it would be given for one of vineyard,
and the vineyard cost as little labor per acre as the
grass or grain. The grapes raised on rich land make
the poorest and thinnest wine; but the more dry and
poor the land, if the vines will grow at all, the stronger
and more excellent the liquor; this is a fact established
by experience.
" This city contains six thousand inhabitants, a few
of whom are Protestants. Before the revolution, they




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  309
had twenty-nine Catholic priests to support, at present
they have but one large and very ancient chapel remaining, and but two priests; the women appear to be going
in and out of their chapel all day and seem devout, but
very few men pay any attention to religion.  It is a
lively industrious place, and has a considerable trade
in wine and brandy up and down the Rhone -they
sell almost everything by weight, as apples, nuts,
oranges, &c.; in the market they were weighing live
eels, and had much difficulty to keep them in the scales.
The Friend at whose house we are, has a large family.
of children, and is a great cultivator of the vine, &c.;
having about five hundred acres of land on rent, at
from two to three guineas per acre; another of the
Friends has also about the same quantity, and they
appear to be men of the first rank in this place. Those
professing with us, appear generally to be in more easy
circumstances than at Congenies.  Dined at one of
those Friend's who had a plentiful table and the finest
fruits, raisins, figs and grapes, almost as fresh as on
the vines. After dinner, sitting down with the family,
a solemnity covered us, in which David Sands and
myself had something to offer.  Mary, the daughter
of David Ventigole, also bore a lively and tendering
testimony in much humility. I thought I had not heard
the Gospel preached more in the demonstration of the
Spirit in France; she has appeared a few times in their
public meetings. Going out to take a little walk alone
before dark, one of the Friends came to me, and I
went back to his house and spent a few minutes with




310               THE LIFE  OF
him and his wife to much satisfaction, they being a
valuable couple who love the Truth.  The more we
know the people here, the more our love increases
toward them.  I was at the house of a lame man, a
tailor, who appears to be a steady, religious person,
and says he never asks one price for his goods and
takes another.
"First-day, 2d of fourth month. At the meeting
this morning in the house where we lodge, about sixty
or more attended, who behaved with remarkable decency
and solidity.  About an hour passed in silence, then
Pierre Robinel, Pierre Marignon, Louis Majolier and
myself had each a few words to offer; after which,
Mary, daughter of David Ventigole, bore her testimony,
which was edifying and sound, delivered in much humility, and had considerable effect on the audience. After
the meeting closed, Louis read the same writing that
was read at Congenies; the truths contained in it
touched divers of them sensibly: we were satisfied with
the meeting, believing the great Master of assemblies
favored with his presence. In the afternoon, the meeting
was attended by some Catholics and some Protestants,
and concluded in much brokenness, and an humbling
sense of the renewed love and mercy of our heavenly
Father. At seven o'clock in the evening, we had about
ten men and four women of the principal persons in
our room, to propose for their consideration the propriety of establishing an order and discipline; some
of them expressed their opinion of its fitness, and we
then left it under their consideration.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  811
" 3d. Dined at David Ventigole's; he told us he
owned about eighteen hundred sheep, seven hundred
and fifty of which were milked by the shepherds and
shepherdesses twice, at noon and midnight, and do not
afford quite a pint per day each; he has also fifty-six
oxen, fifty horses, seventeen mules, and ten asses, and
employs from one to two hundred persons, according
to the season, but seldom has much less than one hundred.  Our landlord has about the same amount of
stock, and employs as many people, but he has twentyseven' hundred sheep; the reason we have seen no oxen
is, that they keep them on the mountains. Those professing with us here, who employ so many people, have
no small influence in the town and neighborhood: they
are very generous and hospitable, but in general not
quite so susceptible and tender as our Friends at Congenies.  Some of the young women wear crosses of
gold; one of them said that hers cost more than a
louisdor, but she and some others had taken them from
their necks.  We had a free conference with those
under our name about some matters in their dress, &c.,
which they received in love, acknowledging their weakness.  The Society here, as well as at Congenies, has
been subsisting for sixty or more years under the name
of Inspirants, until they became acquainted with the
principles of Friends. I believe if the Lord should
put it into the hearts of other more qualified brethren
or sisters to visit them, it would have both its use and
reward, especially if they understood the language
well.  In the evening, the meeting was attended by
about forty, and I thought it the most solid of any we




312               THE  LIFE  OF
had with them.  I believed it best to speak without
the assistance of an interpreter, and by attending to
my concern and proceeding deliberately, I found myself
more relieved and satisfied than since I came into the
south; the meeting for worship concluded in prayer
by David Sands. Louis then read some of the thoughts
I had written respecting worship, and the solemnity
in which all our meetings ought to be held; then we
had a free conference respecting the nature and necessity of church discipline, and parted with serious impressions.
"5th. This forenoon, after a short time of retirement with the family where we lodged, and some others
who came in, we parted in much love; many were waiting without to take leave of us, which they did affectionately, but many more not being present, I felt tried
at leaving them.  We went on, however, accompanied
by several of our friends, some of whom went a mile
or two on foot, and appeared affected at parting. Proceeded to Nismes three leagues: several persons came
to offer us a conveyance to Paris, but we thought we
had better buy a carriage and take post-horses. In
Nismes, there are many curious Roman remains of
great antiquity —an amphitheatre, said to have been
built before the birth of our Saviour, capable of containing seventeen thousand persons; a temple of Diana,
and an extraordinary fountain and castle of the same
age. Having procured a carriage, after dinner all our
dear friends from Congenies and Gilles's, except three,
took a most affectionate leave of us, such as I trust
will not soon be forgotten by any of us.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                         313
CHAPTER V.
Leaves Congenies - Impositions - Vienne - Lyons - Incidents of
travel - Poor quarters - Robbery and its event - Accident on the
road - Difficulty of religious labor - Renewed imposition - Mean
fare-Catholic chapel and ceremonies-Arrival in Paris-American
consul - Renewed difficulties - Notice of Paris - Ruins of Prince
Cond6 estate- Dunkirk- Character of the French -Rejoicing
at the prospect of peace-Difficulty of procuring passportsArrival in England-Renewed religious engagements-Printed
sermons - Isle of Wight -Island of Jersey   Descendants of M.
Dyer - Guernsey - Prisoners at York - Liverpool - Isle of Man
-Interesting interviews and meetings - Swarthmore - Services
in the north of England- Scotland -Edinburgh -Dundee - Urie
and R. Barclay - Aberdeen - Penitent hearers - Return to Edinburgh - Glasgow - Ireland - Belfast-Boarding-school-Poverty
of the people-Romish funeral-Dublin-Distribution of alms.
"6th. Parting affectionately with our three friends
from  Congenies, we passed  through  a number of villages, and arrived at Bagniol, took some refreshment,
and proceeded to Pierrelatte, having travelled nineteen
leagues to-day.
"7th. Leaving  Pierrelatte we got to Montelemar,
and while we were in the auberge, a smith, without our
order, put a piece of iron round one of the wheels of
our carriage  under a pretence  of mending  it, and
demanded three shillings sterling for his labor; but as
we had not employed him, we endeavored to show him
27




314               THE  LIFE  OF
the unreasonableness of meddling with our carriage
without consulting us; and not without a great many
words we obliged him to take it off, as we saw it would
rather injure than help the wheel.  The postilion also
demanding an unconscionable fee, we were obliged to
dispute it; but many people gathering round, we felt
unpleasant, and to rid ourselves as well as we could,
paid our money for the sake of peace. It is not uncommon to have a host of importunate people to contend
with in France and other places where we have travelled
on the continent, which with other things, makes it very
exercising for Friends to travel; that we have need of
a double supply of meekness and wisdom to pass along
and keep a, conscience void of offence. We got to Tain
and lodged, being twenty-three leagues.
" 8th. Passed over a mountainous country. I alighted
from the carriage and walked through the city of Vienne,
on the side of the Rhone, with the Alps to the east. It
is very ancient, and has some remarkable places of
worship, much defaced at present; it is about a mile
long, and crowded with inhabitants; after crossing a
high mountain, we arrived at St. Symphorien and put
up at a poor inn. The postilion seemed desirous of
taking advantage of us as we were strangers, and with
some pecuniary sacrifice, I got him quieted.
" Fourth month, 9th. Arrived at Lyon$ about twelve
o'clock. Benjamin Johnson being much weakened with
his late sickness, had now another attack, and having
a long journey before us, it was a time of discouragement
and trial to us all, yet not without a ray of faith and




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  815
hope in that mercy and goodness, which has been our
support and preservation through the course of our
journeying both by sea and land.  His company has
been useful, and the giving up his time and substance
to accompany one so unworthy as I often feel myself,
will I trust be recompensed to him by the gracious
Dispenser of every blessing.  We travelled but four
leagues to-day, and had to pay double the usual rates
for the last two, it being established by law that the
last post entering in, and the first going out of Lyon,
Paris, and other great cities, travellers shall be subject
to that additional price; the fixed rate in common,
being thirty sous for each horse for two leagues.  In
our circumstance the law requires us to be furnished
with three horses and to pay for four, but they generally
incline to go with two and take pay for three and a
half.  Having arrived at Lyons without deciding what
auberge to put up at, our postilion took us to a good
one opposite the grand promenade.  The Rhone and1
the Seie pass by this city on opposite sides, and meet
a few miles below it.  Many of the shops were open,
although it was First-day, and many booths of goods
were exhibited for sale.  It is very thickly inhabited,
perhaps no city that we have seen, more so, except
London and Paris. We were informed there was some
worship to-day, both Protestant and Catholic, but that
the priests who had not taken the oath, performed their
devotions privately in chambers, &c.  The people are
in an unsettled state respecting religion, yet doubtless
there are many pious souls all over France, who lament




316               THE LIFE OF
the decay of religion among the people. It appears to
me that the all-wise Ruler of the universe, is preparing
a way for the Truth to be preached in this country.
We distributed some books and left Lyons about twelve
o'clock. though my mind and also David's were not a
little turned towards Geneva, but on account of several
circumstances, we were upon the whole induced to move
towards Paris.  At the end of the first stage, we were
again brought to some hesitation about going to Geneva,
yet concluded to proceed as far as Macon; our way is
strewed with circumstances unusual to Friends.
" 11th. Passed through fine roads, and a, delightful
country, nine leagues to Macon, lodged at one of those
immensely extensive inns which are found in many
places on this continent, exceeding in size any I have
seen in England or America.  The kitchen and other
offices are so far off, that it was with difficulty we could
get what we had need of, though the waiters seemed
active and ready to oblige us when they knew our
wants.  Here we were told there were thirty priests
who would not take the oath, and remained in confinement, assisted by the charity of the people; there
were also both Protestants and Roman Catholics who
held open worship.  The people, had their different
opinions about us as heretofore, not a few pleased themselves with the thoughts of our being priests in disguise. Seeing the castle where the thirty priests were
confined, about a mile distant, I took a walk in company with a young man that way, but not being permitted an entrance, and it being warm, stopped at a




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  317
little cottage, where was only one person, a woman;
we asked for some water, which she got, and said she
had something better for travellers, and brought a fine
bunch of half-dried grapes; said she had lost a son in
the war, and whether her husband was living, she did
not know.  We observed to her that her's was a solitary life in a place so hidden; she replied that she
had some neighbors who wanted her to live with them,
but she had the company of the good God, who was
better than ten husbands, and all her children. Macon
is a considerable city: the Saone passes through it.
"Fourth month, 12th. Left Macon, and proceeded
through a delightful country, which I thought might
be called the garden of France; got to Sennez, about
nine and a half leagues; the women here work in the
fields, and appear to be a hardy race of people.
" 13th. Benjamin Johnson continuing very poorly,
and the people of the auberge being agreeable, we
concluded to stay here all day.
"14th. Passed on through Chalons; the stable for
the post-horses and carriages, a large building, was
formerly a magnificent chapel, some part of its ancient
grandeur still remaining.  In the evening got to St.
Emilian, a poor village, and as it was raining hard,
and near night, we were obliged to stop and take up
our quarters at a very sorry inn. After a poor supper, having occasion for something in our saddle-bags,
they were not to be found.  A number of people, apparently of bad character, being at the inn, we made
our loss known, searched in all the places we thought
27*




818              THE LIFE  OF
it probable they were, but in vain, and we went to bed.
The rain came down on us through the thatched roof,
and the people were coming in and going out of our
room frequently, which, with the idea I had of their
ill-character, and the probable loss of our bags, kept
me in such a situation as to allow of but little sleep.
" 15th. Rose early, went into several houses and
informed of our loss; I also inquired the character
of our landlord, and found they had little to say in his
favor. I then thought of going back to a town, about
two leagues off, in order to obtain advice and assistance, and had procured a horse for the purpose, but a
person sitting in the house, told me my going back
would be quite useless, that I might rest assured the
valise was in the village. I inquired for a magistrate,
and the people of the inn denied any being there, but
a man somewhat more respectable than the rest, took
me aside, assured me there was one, and he would conduct me to him. The magistrate appeared to be a man
of integrity, and offered to assist us: I gave him a description of our property, and promised a reward to
the person who should produce the valise; he had a
drum beat round the village to alarm the people, which
succeeding, a man in half an hour.came to the auberge
with the valise, said he had found it in a stable, at
some distance, covered with hay, but his countenance
was evidently marked with guilt and confusion.  We
gave a reward of a louis, and prepared to leave a place
we were heartily tired of.  The bag, besides clothing,
contained a number of letters, papers, &c., and we did




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  819
not perceive that anything was missing. Passing along
a fine country, and through Autun, a handsome and
beautifully situated city, we got to Chissey, a small
village, where we had some repairs done to our carriage, but had proceeded only about a mile, when one
of our springs breaking, we had to return. The innkeeper had taken possession of an ancient castle of
some cidevant nobleman, which he converted into an
auberge.
"First-day, Fourth month, 16th. Passed through
Salies, a considerable city, and it being, what is called,
easter, the people were dressed in their best clothes,
and collected in large companies, amusing themselves
agreeably to the customs of France, and appeared all
activity and vivacity. Arrived at a small city called
Avalon: great numbers of people, of both sexes, were
on the promenade, which all the large towns have.
David and I walked through the place among them;
they behaved respectfully, but gazed much at us: there
can scarcely be a more exercising service than we are
engaged in, to minds like mine.  We frequently feel
as though there were some religious people in the
places we pass through, but are at a loss how to select
them, or be of much use to them, as none of us know
the language sufficiently; we, however, at times converse freely, and sometimes spread books.  I doubt
not but the day draws nigh, when the word of the
Lord will be sounded under'his own authority to many
who have hitherto sat in darkness. At present we feel
rather a spirit of heaviness and mourning than any




320               THE LIFE  OF
pointings of Truth to gather the people to the true
standard; probably the time is not now, and may we
possess our souls in patience.
" 17th. Passed through Auxerre, Bassou, &c.; this
seemed to be a high day with the inhabitants: all the
country was full of mirth, and shall I say wantonness?
Arrived at Joigny, a large town, where also the people
were scattered like flocks all over this beautiful country, round the city as well as in it, dancing, &c.  O!
France, how dissolute and thoughtless are many of thy
inhabitants, who have certainly not learned the things
which belong to their peace, though their chastisement
has been heavy.
"18th. This is a fine country of wheat, but few
people at labor, mostly engaged in diversions and
sports: at Sens, a considerable city, we had to stop to
have our carriage mended, the rough pavements of
France being very destructive to carriages.  The people in this country seem to think it is not improper to
get all they can from travellers, and therefore charge
for their work, about three times as much as would be
a just compensation for their trouble.  The blacksmith charged us twelve shillings and six-pence sterling, for two hours' work; these continual impositions
make our travelling amount to three and a half guineas
a day, though we have often no full meal but supper.
The charges for post-horses are high, and we content
ourselves almost all day with bread and cheese, some
smoked herring, apples, nuts, and some poor wine.
The chapel of the former bishop, in which a priest was




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  321
officiating to several hundreds of the people, mostly
women, was the largest and most magnificent I have
seen in France; the paintings, the multiplicity of ornaments outside, &c., bespoke it to be very ancient, and
were also a testimony to the unnecessary and inconsistent manner in which these buildings were erected,
six or nine centuries past.  The people go in procession, near kindred and acquaintance, two and two, to
the chapel, with an infant to be baptized, and return
with a drum and music before them, and sit down to
a feast. In this chapel an invitation to all good Catholics was pasted on the pillars to bring in their gifts
liberally, for the support of the priests and the altar,
that their holy religion might not fall to the ground.
" 19th. The country is thickly set with towns and
villages as we draw nearer to Paris; we passed through
Chatelet, Melun, Charenton and many other towns, and
got to our former lodgings in Paris, and were received
with pleasant countenances.  In the afternoon, went
in search of the American consul, Skipwith, but the
office was shut. A number of Americans have been in
this city nearly a year, seeking some indemnification for
their property taken by the nation, and have no prospect when they shall be at liberty to return.
" 20th Went again to the consul's office, but were
told to come again or wait an hour; we returned and
after some time went back.  It is exceedingly trying
to wait from time to time on men in public stations
before any business can be accomplished; they only
think fit to attend from about eleven o'clock to three




322               THE LIFE OF
each day. He used us courteously and appeared willing
to oblige us, but has little in his power at present, as
there is some disagreement between the French government and ours. He told us that for about two months
past, all communication between England and France
had been prohibited, so that no passes could be obtained
but for Hamburg or some other neutral port. This was
an additional affliction to us, to think of travelling six
or seven hundred miles from hence in our wearied state;
apprehending it was more than we could accomplish in
time for the Yearly Meeting in London.  Being much
cast down, I quietly reflected on the mercy and goodness of our heavenly Shepherd, who has condescended
from time to time, to'make darkness light before us,
and crooked things straight;' and then felt easy to
leave the business of procuring passes and forwarding
them to us, to the consul, and proceed to Dunkirk.
We then took post-horses for St. Den:is, to go on a
different road from that we came here upon.  Paris,
for the licentious and men of pleasure, is perhaps more
fully calculated than any city in Europe; there may be
found everything to gratify their desire, to feast their
eyes and delight their imagination; but for persons of
our character, and engaged in the weighty business we
are, it is altogether undesirable.  France is a country
in which my mind has been much exercised and sunk,
and I think every hour long till we get out of it. Our
cabriolet needing some repair, while it was doing at
the second stage, a man arrived in his own cabriolet
from Paris, and being an Englishman, spoke to us in




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   323
that language.  He was of genteel appearance; had
been in France about ten years; told us he lived at
Chantilly, and would be glad to have us at his house
to-night, which we agreed to. When we got to Chantilly,
our carriage being badly broken, we had to get it repaired
again.  Our friend, the Englishman, whose name is
Christopher Potter, sent a young man for us, and
received us with great frankness; he is a man of ability,
and having a genius for manufactures, has succeeded
admirably; says lie gives bread to about six hundred
people in his different establishments; lives on part
of the estate once belonging to the prince of Conde;
his wife and children continuing in England.' 21st. Having breakfasted at Potter's, he took us
to view the former seat of the prince, which for magnificence and extent, exceeds anything we have seen
in Europe, belonging to a subject, thoughl at present
its grandeur is defaced: the mansion-house, stables,
green-houses and other buildings, are in their extent
and style, such as I have no talent for describing; the
gariens, fish-ponds, canals, cascades and fountains, are
said to have been, when in their best condition, preferable to anything in Europe.  These ruined palaces,
once replete and surrounded with all that could please
and gratify the voluptuous inclinations of their inhabitants, are some of the most striking monuments the
world can exhibit, of the instability and vanity of all
earthly enjoyments, and bring with them, to a wise,
reflecting mind, an antidote against setting our hearts
on any terrestrial thing; and cast a melancholy shade




324              THE  LIFE  OF
over all human glory.- Lord, teach us to aspire with
increasing ardor, after that glory which is celestial and
eternal, and those mansions of immutable felicity, which
thou hast prepared in the riches of thy mercy, for all
those who love thee and keep thy commandments. The
prince and his family, who, it is said, had above one
thousand people who wore their livery, are now wandering emigrants in foreign parts.  Potter is a very
extraordinary person, as a man of this world, and no
doubt of great use in employing the poor in his neighborhood; yet one thing is lacking, worth a thousand
times more than all he can otherwise acquire; a desire
more ardent after the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, and those riches which will never perish.
We felt a desire to have a meeting among his people;
he said, he hoped the time might come, when he should
forward such a proposal with pleasure, but as they were
a body of English people, and were watched over with
rather a jealous eye, the object of the meeting might
be misconstrued by evil-minded persons, and bring them
into suffering. IHe returned with us to our inn, and we
distributed nearly all our books among his people. We
parted from them in kindness, and he pressed us to
direct any of our friends who came that way, to call
on him, and he should always be glad to see them.
"22d. Passed on to Doulen.  The sheep here are
kept pretty much under care of the shepherds' dogs,
whose sagacity and attention is admirable. There are
very few hedges in France, and no fences except a few
of stone, where there are intervals of pasture on the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 325
sides of the road; the dogs let the sheep feed along
the borders of the grain, continually watching them at
all quarters; and if one or more transgress the bounds,
they immediately bring them to order. The shepherds
have so much confidence in them, that they sit down
on the side of a bank and work at making baskets, or
some other employment, leaving the management of
the flock very much to their faithful subordinate keepers.
"24th. Having passed through several towns and
some fine country, we arrived at Dunkirk in the afternoon.
" 25th. Felt refreshed after a laborious journey.
We find, by computation, that we have rode fourteen
hundred miles in France; about fifty of which was
over the same road twice, so that we have had an
opportunity of' seeing and feeling the state of the
people in a religious sense and otherwise, and my
judgment is, that the French are an open-hearted,
unsuspicious people; we passed through them without
any material interruption, such as we frequently met
with in Germany, as searching our baggage, inquiring
our names, characters, and business, &c. They are
generally civil and polite; the country pleasant, and
in many places fertile, abounding in corn, wine, and
oil. Though not remarkable for pasturage and cattle,
yet the air is pure and serene, the waters good, the
necessaries and even luxuries of life plenty; yet
strangers travel at a great expense. Their post-horses
in general are better than I expected, and they have
a great number of asses and fine mules: many of the
28




326               THE  LIFE  OF
public-houses are good, perhaps in size and convenience
nowhere excelled; the beds good and clean, and the
provisions generally excellent, but their bills are enormous.  Travellers, if they use economy, and are in
their own carriage, cannot be accommodated for much
less, for three persons, than four guineas a day. As
to their religious character, I am at a loss to describe
it; no doubt there are many in the higher ranks of
life who are Deists; but the great mass of the people,
though at present turned out of their old channel,
remain attached and riveted to the religion of their
education, yet the superstition and extravagance of
that has received so great a shock, that it is scarcely
probable it will ever rise again to the same degree of
influence as formerly.  There are many pious persons
mourning in secret, and desirous of seeing the depraved
manners of the people reformed; and I dare not entertain a doubt but He who rules in heaven and in the
kingdoms of men, will have a people gathered both
from the superstitions and vanities, that have heretofore abounded, who will be a special and spiritual
heritage unto himself-may le cut short his work in
righteousness and hasten that day! For my own part,
weak, feeble, and unworthy as I feel of any employment in His holy hand, I see but little or nothing,
towards the promotion of this great work, that has
been answered by my being among them; yet, as I
came here under a simple apprehension of duty, not
to seek mine own things, but the things which belong
to Jesus Christ and his kingdom; after all my weak




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 327
moments, and divers things in the course of this deeply
exercising journey, which had better have been omitted,
or might have been better performed, I submit all into
the hands of my tender and merciful Father, and ask
nothing more than that he will spare me from being
followed by the arrows of condemnation, and grant
me such a portion of peace and assurance in Him, as
in the riches of his love, he may see meet, for in my
best estate, I am  unworthy of the least of all his
mercies, and a poor, helpless, unprofitable servant.
" 26th. To be obliged to stay here much longer
feels unpleasant, but no way yet offers to get to
England, the channel of communication being stopped,
and we shall have need of patience. Accounts arrived
of the preliminaries of peace having been signed, and
great rejoicings and an illumination took place, but no
insult was offered to our friends, which is very different
from England and America, to their great reproach.
Friends enjoy more freedom  in France than in either
of those countries.
" 27th. The people are still in a state of rejoicing,
full of tumult and confusion; but it appears to me that
instead of this vain show, it is matter of reverent
thankfulness and secret gladness of heart, to the merciful Author of every good work, that he appears to
be disposing the Powers who have stained the earth
with so much human blood, to stay their hands.  But
oh! how can they recompense the thousands of unhappy
widows and orphans who are mourning in secret places,
their irretrievable loss all over the nations where we




328               THE LIFE OF
have travelled.  Oh! when will men be wise -when
will they suffer the peaceable kingdom of the Redeemer
whom they profess to adore to come on earth as it is
in heaven.- How have the great of this world always
resisted the coming of that glorious day, for which
they pretend to intercede in their prayers!
"First-day, 30th. Had meetings morning and evening; at the latter, through the condescension of the
good Shepherd of the sheep, it was a time of refreshment and comfort, I believe, to both the laborers and
the auditory: for my own part, having felt for a number
of days like a dry and withered branch, I was rejoiced
to feel again the circulation of that life and virtue, by
which alone all the branches of Christ, the true vine,
are nourished and supported to bring forth fruit to his
praise.  The Truth as it is in Jesus, appeared to rise
into dominion-the erroneous and destructive opinions
of Deism, which are subtilely making their way into
many minds, who will be robbed and spoiled, whether
they be of our Society or others that indulge it, of the
most inestimable jewel, the most powerful consolation
to the soul, both in life and death, that ever a Being,
infinite in mercy and boundless in his compassion,
conferred on mankind. Oh! that He may protect and
preserve our Society from drinking in this deadly poison
to the soul- that the watchmen on the walls may be
enabled faithfully to sound an alarm to the careless,
to whom it may be offered as a gilded bait, and the
poor wounded receivers of it, be left to lament their




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  829
folly in that day when its fatal consequences will be
forever irretrievable.
"Fifth month, 1st. This day is foolishly observed in
France, and spent in a riotous manner; troops of young
women and girls were in different places, dancing under
garlands hung in the streets. Feeling no call of duty
resting upon my mind, to detain me in this place, the
time passes very heavily.
" First-day, 7th. The meeting this morning was
attended by about twenty persons, and I hope it was
profitable. In the evening about fifty attended, mostly
very respectable-looking people, who behaved well, and
the opportunity ended in solemn supplication to the
Father of mercies.  We were refreshed; our hopes of
his continued care over us, revived; and we humbly
trust it was an edifying season to most present: may
the praise of all be rendered unto the Fountain of every
blessing, to whom alone it is due.
" 9th. The markets here are supplied with plenty of
vegetables - sound, good apples, at this season of the
year, are sold three for less than a cent; eggs, twelve
sous for a quarter of a hundred; butter, about twelve
cents a pound; very good beef and veal, about eight
cents a pound.  As we cannot leave here without our
passes but by some deception, which we cannot practise,
though many others make use of this means, we have
to bear our detention with patience, desiring that after
laboring and travelling so much for the promotion of
Truth, we may do nothing on leaving the continent,
that will bring it into reproach-the eyes of the people
28*




330              THE LIFE  OF
being upon us.  Oh! that we may be preserved wise
and harmless. A proposal being made for our accepting a mode of passing under a deceptive cover, we dare
not receive it.  May we be kept wise and patient, so
that no blemish may be brought upon our holy profession; the snares that are laid for our feet are many,
and some very plausible.
"13th. Having endeavored to keep a conscience
void of offence, I feel my mind free from condemnation;
though I am weak, poor, and liable to err, and may
not in some instances have kept in the straight path
of duty, yet the Lord speaks peace to my soul."
After waiting in this place, from the 24th of Fourth
month, to this day, the mayor and municipality granted
them passports.
" First-day, 14th of Fifth month, 1797. The meeting this morning was a solid favored time; the people
took leave of us affectionately, and we embarked in the
afternoon.
"15th. Being on the English coast, a thick fog obscured the land, and it was thought we might get
ashore, and proceed to London by land, without being
asked any questions, but we were determined not to be
smuggled into England; and having travelled so far
without wounding our testimony, we hoped to continue
so to the end.  A fishing-boat coming alongside, we
agreed with them for four guineas, to take us to Dover,
about five leagues; there being a penalty upon any
captain that lands passengers from an enemy's country,
at any port except Dover, Southampton, Gravesend




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  331
and two others; but being detained by the fog, we concluded to give them three guineas to land us at Margate.  When we got to the place, some young Friends
came down and wanted us to land, but the officer of
the port coming and inquiring whence we came, we
honestly told him, from Dunkirk; he said it was not
in his power to suffer us to land, and that the fisherman
was liable to a fine of two hundred pounds for bringing
us, but as we had not landed, the penalty could not be
exacted. The officer seemed disposed to be kind, and
if we could have assumed the character of alien merchants, we might have had the privilege, but we could
not make use of such a plea.  Several Friends came,
and appeared to regret our not being suffered to come
ashore; we however thought it best to push off, and
accordingly anchored a quarter of a mile distant. Here
several Friends came to us in a boat, and thought no
one would molest us if we landed, but we chose to proceed up the Thames to Gravesend; the Friends were
very kind, and went on shore and brought us some acceptable refreshments.
"16th. Having got up to Gravesend, the officers
came on board, and after making a search, permitted
us to land. We went on board a packet-boat for London; there were several respectable people in the vessel, but also some sailors and wicked women, who soon
began to be troublesome. An old man checked them
for their discourse, at which one of the women pertly
said, she hoped we had no Quakers on board. I told
her, I had the honor to be a Quaker, and David Sands




332              THE LIFE OF
united in the same acknowledgment: after some time,
the passengers mostly collecting in a large room below
deck, these women came down also, and David Sands
began to speak to them; the people behaved soberly,
and the two women became much broken.  A young
man, a Baptist, seconded him in a feeling manner; and
I made some addition. One of the women in particular
was bathed in tears, and I cannot but hope it may produce some good effect. When we landed, I went to
seek for a coach, and was met by two of my dear
friends, making ready to meet us. In London, we met
with our dear friend, George Dillwyn, he having got
here about eight weeks past.
"17th. I attended week-day meeting, at Gracechurch street, and was permitted to pass it in silence,
in thankful remembrance of the Lord's mercies, and
secretly to praise his great and worthy name.
" First-day, 21st. Was at the Park-meeting, and in
the evening, at Westminster.
" 28th. Deborah Darby, Rebecca Young and myself,
appointed a meeting at Wandsworth in the evening,
which was large, and proved, through renewed mercy,
a favored time.
" Sixth month, 1st. The public-meeting began to
collect in the women's meeting-house, but Friends apprehending it would not hold the people, the men's
house was opened, and it was supposed twelve hundred
people assembled in it, and through Divine condescension, was a time of renewed encouragement. Deborah




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 333
Darby, Mary Dudley, Samuel Alexander and myself,
were engaged in the ministry.
"Sixth month, 6th. We appointed a meeting at
Deptford, for this evening, and as the meeting-house
was too small, it was held in a part of a maltster's
buildings and yard; it was very large, and dear Deborah Darby was singularly favored: we left the people
with much sweetness, many of them soliciting another
opportunity.
" 9th. Had an appointed public-meeting this evening,
at Tottenham, in which we were permitted again to
rejoice in the Lord, our helper. At the house of a
Friend, I found three books said to be sermons preached
by me last year; and on looking over them, observed
they were full of errors, both in language and doctrine,
with which I was greatly exercised, and visited the
man who had undertaken to publish them. I found he
was a poor shoemaker, who had got some knowledge
of short-hand, but was very illiterate, and if he had
taken them down correctly, could hardly put them into
common sense; the erroneous language and doctrines
were such as I never uttered, nor even conceived; and
there were, also, many gross absurdities.
"First-day, sixth month, 11th. At six o'clock in
the evening, under as much discouragement as ever I
remember, attended a meeting appointed for other professors: it was large and crowded; through renewed
mercy, I felt my mind much enlarged, and have never
felt more sweet peace in my labor, since leaving home.
Going out of the meeting-house, a Turk, who had been




334              THE LIFE  OF
at a meeting before, waited for me, and said he felt his
heart made better; that God was good to all nations,
and that those who served him, were the same in Turkey as in England; he took my hands in both his, and
pressed them to his breast affectionately.  I now felt
my mind relieved, and at liberty to leave London
shortly.
" 17th. Left London, and rode to Portsmouth, and
thence proceeded in an open boat, to Newport, on the
isle of Wight, and got a person to clean the meetinghouse, formerly occupied by Friends.
"'First-day, 18th.  As we gave no notice of any
meeting, the gathering in the morning was small; at
the close of it, I felt strength to appoint a public
meeting, at six o'clock this evening; which was crowded,
and I hope satisfactory; the people behaved becomingly,
and appeared glad at our being there.
" 19th. The town is full of soldiers, and the pious
inhabitants lament the great change taking place, from
the simplicity and innocent manners which formerly
distinguished the people, to more luxury, dress and
licentious conduct. I went to the meeting at six o'clock
this evening, though much oppressed with a cold and
hoarseness; the house was soon crowded, and the people being still, I was enabled to extend my voice sufficiently to be heard; and Friends thought it a profitable time, for which favor the Lord alone be thanked.
"20th. Went three miles to have a meeting at a
farm-house; the man of the house, being necessarily
from home, his wife had notified the few scattering




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  335
neighbors, and about thirty simple-hearted, honest
people came, and I thought it was a time of as much
love and favor, as I had experienced in England. The
young man, the master of the house, arrived just at
the breaking up of the meeting, and expressed his sorrow at not being at it.
"21st. A Methodist minister, at the close of their
meeting, had given notice of our meeting to be held
this evening, at the house of some pious people of the
Methodist connection: the woman of the house seemed
to be universally esteemed, she held meetings in their
cottage and frequently preached to the people. More
persons came to our meeting, than the house would
hold; and it was owned by our gracious Head and High
Priest - the language of encouragement flowed freely
to an honest, simple-hearted people, such as I have
rarely met with.  This woman preaching with such
general acceptance, seems to be an advance towards
Friends, both in her and others, who approve of her
ministry, which is uncommon among people of other
societies. I felt easy to appoint a meeting a few miles
off, for to-morrow evening. The bishop of Winchester
came here to confirm the people of their church, who
had not undergone that ceremony: it was said, he had
not been to visit this part of his flock for fourteen years.
None under the age of fourteen, were admitted, and
not then, without a certificate granted by their pastor,
certifying that the party had undergone an examination
and was approved by him, for confirmation; but it appeared that some had not even seen him on the occasion,




336              THE  LIFE  OF
and had only sent for their tickets. Our landlady's
daughter was much affected when she understood the
weakness and absurdity that appeared in this pretence
of religion; having never been examined, and knowing
little of their confession of faith, she went heavily to
the chapel.  Some of the clergy have brought themselves into contempt, not only here, but in many parts
of the kingdom, by their irregular lives; and my mind
was affected on account of the young people who were
training up in such formality, and under such miserable
shepherds.
" 22d. This afternoon, I went to the place where the
meeting was to be held in a Methodist meeting-house;
which, though it rained much, was filled; the people
conducted to our satisfaction, many were humbled into
tears, and we parted with their desires for another.
May the Lord be praised for his goodness, and we
humbled in the dust, for no good thing dwelleth with
us, except it be given of God.
"First-day, 25th. The meeting this morning was
very large, and remarkably solid and favored; great
part of the audience much humbled, and in tears; for
which I felt thankful to the Author of all our mercies,
to whom alone all praise is due. Feeling comfortably
relieved, and at liberty, I took an affectionate leave of
them.  Had a parting, sitting with the family, who
had shown us great kindness, and went to Cowes. The
minister, of the dissenting congregation offering his
meeting-house, we had a very crowded gathering at
six o'clock in the evening; he standing at the door all




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 337
the time, directing the people to seats, and keeping
order. The people were light and gay, and the labor
was hard, but towards the close great solemnity appeared, and it ended to much satisfaction, the people
acknowledging the truth of what was delivered; and
the minister also said, he should pray for me, that the
Lord might continue to strengthen me for the work.
Several who had attended our meetings accompanied
us to the water-edge, and parted in great brokenness,
especially our kind hostess. We left, through mercy,
an open door for any who may hereafter be sent to
this island, where there is a considerable number,
almost, if not altogether, convinced of the doctrines
of Friends.  I had nine meetings among them, and
they were made very near to me. We were rowed in
an open boat over to Southampton, about thirteen
miles, and it was about eleven o'clock at night when
we got on shore.
"27th. Appointed a public meeting at Ringwood,
for this evening, which was large and satisfactory.
"Seventh month, 1st. Have had satisfactory meetings at Pool, Lymington, and Wareham; went to Weymouth, and thence by the packet, to Guernsey, and
had a very trying passage.
"4th. Had an appointed meeting this evening, in
the upper part of a spacious store; a large number
attended, and through the kindness of our heavenly
Shepherd, it was solid; the people expressing their
satisfaction, and as we went to our lodgings several inquired of us when there would be another meeting.
29




338               THE LIFE OF
"6th. Took passage for the island of Jersey; the
wind was so high that we could not make a landing
where we intended, but were driven many miles, and
there being two ships of war near, they obliged our
captain to come on board.  The wind continued very
boisterous, and the shore all round was rocky. While
the captain was absent, our vessel dragged her anchor,
and our people became much alarmed, as we must have
been driven by the violence of the wind on to the
French coast, if we were not permitted to go into
harbor, which the captain of the man-of-war gave us
liberty to do, but required us to stay on board for the
orders of the prince, before we landed. These delays,
and the serious danger we were in, were very trying,
having taken no refreshment all day. After much toil
and difficulty, the wind blowing directly towards the
coast of France, we anchored within two hundred
yards of land; our letters and my passport were sent
on shore to the prince, and after considerable detention, we were permitted to land, and sent under guard
five miles to the principal town, St. Helier, where we
arrived about eight o'clock in the evening, very weary,
and almost sick, for want of proper refreshment.
Being taken before several officers and examined, we
were told that this island was so circumstanced, that it
would be very improper to preach against war at present; the last officer manifested a kind disposition
towards us, and we were dismissed.  The inn being
taken up with guests, chiefly officers, I was taken to
the house of two middle-aged women, between eleven




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  339
and twelve o'clock at night.  Looking back on the
fatigues and dangers of the day, my soul was made
afresh, thankful for the continued mercies of my
heavenly Father, and deeply sensible of my own unworthiness to be thus cared for and preserved from one
place to another, in a strange land.
" 7th. The two women Friends who thus provided
ii. with accommodation, appear to be pious persons;
a. i though separated from  the benefits of religious
society, they with their niece sit down together on First
and other days, in silence, for the performance of Divine
worship; they are esteemed by the people as Friends,
and well spoken of.  They gave me an acc(;uit of the
manner in which Claude Gay, who formerly lived here,
was treated by the people, and at length banished the
island; whereupon he went and laid his situation before
the king, who ordered his officers to receive him again
and to treat Friends in a different manner. The father
of these Friends had been deceased now for a number
of years, and they remained the only professors with
us on the island - there were a number of Methodists,
but as they could not join in their meetings, they sat
down alone. At about eleven o'clock, we sat with them,
and after a time of silence and much solemnity, I felt
some encouragement to them, and the baptizing power
of Truth uniting us, it was a season, I hope, of much
comfort to us all.  In the evening, they collected a
few religious people in the house, and we had a satisfactory meeting.  An elderly woman, who speaks at
times among the Methodists, said she thought Friends




340               THE  LIFE  OF
ought not to go from this island so quickly as they had
done, none having staid more than tawo days. and hoped
we would stav longer, and she believed the Lord would
bless our coming.  The Methodists thought we might
hold our meetings to-morrow, at a time when those of
other societies were not collected, supposing we should
have many more persons. This at first appeared plausible. but upon weighing it, I was most easy to propose
two meetings; one at ten, and the other at six o'clock.
Our friends, with the man of the house, went to seek
a proper place, and a suitable room  presenting. it w;s
hired for the purpose. Some of our Methodist acquaintances thought we had better publish our meeting through
the town. by a public crier, or get hand-bills printed
and distributed, to inform the people, neither of which
I could be easy to do, but let the notice spread as it
might, without taking much pains about it. The place
being filled with soldiery and appearances of war, made
me feel very low in my mind, with a discouraging prospect of having meetings with them.  I feel very much
at times for Friends who accompany ministers in these
exercising labors among other professors, being well
convinced it is often a mortifying business to go from
house to house, with invitations to our meetings, and
am therefore inclined to lighten their burdens whenever
I can, and at this time feel thankful for the company
of my kind and suitable companions here.
"First-day, Seventh month 9th. The meeting at ten
o'clock, was attended by about two hundred people, and
the heavenly Shepherd condescending to grant us his




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  341
presence, in which only there is life, we had a solid, open,
satisfactory meeting in the ball-room, and appointed
another to be at six in the evening. Retired to my
chamber: it seems to me improper, before these large
public-meetings, to continue in company and conversation until they come on-my place at least, appears
to be to retire and endeavor to have my mind gathered
to the Divine Fountain, where strength and qualification
to hold them to the honor of Truth, can alone be found;
and after all, I think I always have entered them with
fear and trembling, lest the blessed cause should by
any means suffer. At six in the evening, many people
collected and thronged the house; a rude drunken man
coming in, tended to unsettle the meeting; many showed
great displeasure at his conduct, and though he was a
man of property, the soldiers present attempted to turn
him out; all which with the continual thronging of the
people, and the room being exceedingly warm, made it
trying to us, and the more sober part of the company.
My friends and some of the respectable inhabitants,
spoke to the people to bring about some order. I stood
up, and for a time hoped that stillness might have come
over us, but the heat and throng were so great, that I
found it best to tell them, I did not conceive the meeting could be held so as to answer my concern, and
wished them quietly to withdraw; which but few seemed
inclined to do, and said it was very hard they should
be deprived of the meeting, by the restless behavior
of a few; - however, it still appearing best to Friends,
we passed through the crowd, and the rest followed,
29*




342               THE LIFE OF
We went to the house of our women Friends, where
about twenty or thirty serious people following us, we
were favored with a precious religious opportunity.
One thing which probably added to the unsettlement
in the large gathering was, that many of the people
did not understand what was said in English, to induce
them to more quiet.:' 10th. Went to St. Owen's bay, about eight miles
from St. Helier, and had a meeting with the people;
a large collection of whom attended, but scarcely any
understood English; much quiet prevailing, and what
I said being interpreted, it was a solid, comfortable
meeting, the people being as remarkable for their simple
rural manners, as in any place I have been at. Had
religious conversation afterwards with a number, gave
them  some books, and parted in much tenderness.
Appointed another meeting in the evening at St. Aubins.
A sergeant in one of the regiments sat with us and had
some serious conversation; he appeared to be a religious
minded man, weary of his situation as a soldier, and
said there were a number of religious men in that regiment, and in another then on the island: his situation
excited our sympathy. An elderly woman, whose two
daughters had been at the meeting at St. Helier, desiring
to see us, we went to the house; she said she was granddaughter to Mary Dyer, who was put to death at Boston,
and that there were several other of her descendants
on the island. The meeting was not large; for a time
it felt very heavy, but at length it proved through
renewed mercy, a strengthening time to a number




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 343
present. After meeting, a pious man, who sometimes
exhorts among the Methodists, came and took me in
his arms, and was very tender; he was soon to leave the
Island, being banished for twelve months for refusing
to bear arms, and would have to leave a wife and two
children behind, who kept a little shop for their maintenance, which occasioned us to feel much sympathy
for him.
"Returned to St. Helier, and on the 11th had a
meeting at the Assembly-room, which, through mercy,
was satisfactory; but my mind not being yet relieved,
I appointed another to be at six o'clock in the evening,
which was large, and several of the officers of the regiment came in, one of whom did not seem inclined to
behave well, nor to suffer others to be so; but after
some time, being more quiet, I was, through Divine
assistance, favored to relieve my mind, and take an
affectionate leave of the people.  Our elderly women
Friends, who have so kindly accommodated us, feel
their lonely situation as Friends, on this island; but
have been mercifully preserved and helped.
"13th. Returned to Guernsey, and attended a meeting there in the evening, which ended to satisfaction;
but my mind was not relieved without having a more
general public meeting.
"First-day, 16th. The meeting, this forenoon, was
to good satisfaction; and in the afternoon, went to one
appointed at a place called the Forest; where about
one hundred and fifty people attended, and through




844              THE LIFE  OF
Divine help, it was an open time; many of those present were Methodists, and were tender and respectful.
" 17th. Having obtained from the trustees and the
principal members of the Episcopal place of worship,
called Bethel, the liberty of holding a meeting in it
this evening, notice was accordingly given; but about
the time appointed, the parson sent for the key: the
Friend who had it would not give it up. He then met
the Friend on the way to the house, and insisted upon
our declining holding the meeting, which we were not
disposed to do, neither would his own people consent
to it, saying, he was only their servant whom they
paid, and they would do what they pleased with the
house.  He then went off, and we entered the house,
which was soon filled; many of the audience being the
principal people of the island. After some time, they
became still, and though it did not appear to be as
much favored as some meetings, yet I was helped to
open several important doctrines, and passages of Holy
Scripture readily and pertinently presented for their
support.  My mind became relieved, and I hope the
cause of Truth lost nothing; the people parted with
us respectfully, not at all pleased with the attempt of
the parson to prevent the meeting.  One of the principal contributors was much displeased with his conduct, and said the doctrine he had heard was true and
very liberal.
"18th. A number of the people desired to know
when we would have another meeting, but we not inclining to stir up contention between them and their




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  345
minister, did not think it proper to hold any more in
that house. In the afternoon, I went out about five
miles, and had a meeting at the house of a person who
is a member with the Methodists; at which about eighty
of his neighbors attended- an honest, simple-hearted
people; it was thought by Friends to be as favored as
any we had in Guernsey, for which I was thankful;
all praise is due to the heavenly Shepherd. In the
evening the meeting-house was full, and it proved,
through mercy, a solid, relieving time to my mind;
the people took leave of us in much affection. The
captain of the packet telling us we must be on board
by ten o'clock: on full consideration, I felt now quite
easy, and concluded to go — had some disagreeable
company on board.
"20th. A French vessel bearing down upon us, our
captain hoisted more sail, and getting on faster than
the other, though she was within three quarters of a
mile of us, we providentially escaped going to France,
and arrived at Weymouth in the afternoon.  Went to
Bristol; and on First-day, the 23d, attended their
meeting in the morning, and appointed one for other
professors in the evening.  The meeting-house is said
to contain fourteen hundred persons, but it was not
sufficient for the people that came.  I was, through
renewed mercy, favored to relieve my mind, and we
separated in a tender frame.
"26th. Got to Ackworth; attended the meeting
with the children, which, through Divine condescension, proved a solid, satisfactory season. At the close,




346               THE  LIFE OF
I believed it right to appoint a meeting at six o'clock
the next evening for the neighbors.
"27th. The meeting was large and solid; to the
Lord be the praise and glory of his own works.
"29th. At York; visited several places, and went
to the castle where seven Friends are confined for
their religious testimony against tithes. The buildings
are airy and handsome; those Friends have a large
room to themselves in the day-time, where they employ
their time in handicraft labor.  In a religious opportunity with them, the good Master favored with his
presence; they were much tendered, and we parted
affectionately.  The poor curate, who belonged to the
parish they mostly came from, about ten days past
came to York to enter a complaint to the archbishop,
against the priest who put Friends into prison, because
he would not pay him for preaching; he made three
visits to those imprisoned Friends, andl they said he
was more affected at seeing them  than any who had
visited their apartment since they were confined. The
curates, who do the drudgery for the priests for about
thirty or forty pounds a-year, in many parts of England,
are badly paid by their profligate superiors.
"First-day, 30th. At Ackworth; and notice having
been given to the neighbors not professing with us, the
meeting was large, and, through the continued mercy
of our heavenly Father, was a very contriting season,'remarkably so to the dear children. A meeting being
appointed at Leeds, for six o'clock in the evening, the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   347
house was well filled, and I hope it was a profitable
season.
"Eighth month, 2d. Got to Liverpool, and on the
3d appointed a public-meeting for to-morrow evening.
" 4th. The meeting was large and satisfactory. Had
a meeting at Warrington in the evening of the 6th,
which was crowded, and Friends thought Truth rose
over all, though to myself it felt more laborious than
any I had attenlded for some time.
7th. Friends proposed that another might be held
this evening, as many of the people were desirous of
it, but after weighing the matter, I was most easy to
return to Liverpool.
"First-day, 13th. Meeting in the morning at Chester, with the few Friends who live there, and about
sixty others; it was a time of much brokenness, and
another was appointed  for the evening, which was
large, and held to good satisfaction; the people expressing their approbation of the doctrines they heard.
This city has many marks of great antiquity, and is
built on a plan differenit from  any other I have ever
seen.- Went back to Liverpool, satisfied with my visit
to Chester.
" 15th. Was at the Monthly Meeting of Hardshaw,
and a number of the neighbors coming in, it was large;
my mind more than at any other time in England was
exercised for our own professors, and through renewed
mercy, I was favored to relieve it to my comfort.
16th. Was at a marriage; many other professors
attended the meeting, and some of considerable note;




348              THE LIFE OF
one who had written much, and was intimate with the
prime minister, Pitt, said after meeting, he did not
know how it would be taken by Friends, but he could
scarcely refrain from standing up, and enforcing by
his testimony, to those of his own profession present,
the excellent and charitable doctrines they had heard.
"First-day, 20th of Eighth month.  The meeting
appointed for this evening was large, several ministers
of different congregations attending; my gracious heavenly Helper did not forsake me, and I was favored to
relieve my mind and feel more clear of Liverpool than
ever before; many came up after meeting, expressing
desires for my preservation by sea and by land. My
daily feeling of incapacity for any good word or work
of myself, through the power of Divine grace, keeps
me from  any exaltation of spirit: may the Lord be
with me and keep me to the end from dishonoring the
Truth.
i'24th. Having waited a considerable time for a
favorable wind, for the packet to go to the Isle of Man
-while we were at the week-day meeting, a messenger
came and informed us the vessel was about sailing; I
therefore took leave of Friends in a few words, and
went on board.
"25th. Landed on the island: there being a large
shed on the shore, and several people offering their
assistance, some of our friends went with a joiner, to
fit it up for a meeting on First-day, the 27th.  We
held a meeting there in the forenoon, attended as was
supposed, by about five hundred persons, among whom




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 849
were several of the most respectable inhabitants; the
people behaved well, and the opportunity was to much
satisfaction. Appointed another for the evening, and
notwithstanding it rained much. the place was filled;
it was thought there were about six or seven hundred:
this was also a satisfactory time, and ended in prayer.
Apprehending I was not yet quite clear, appointed
another for to-morrow evening; but after coming out,
some of the town's people thought that ten o'clock in
the morning would be better; I submitted to their
judgment, and they made it known. The next day we
went to the meeting-place, but the people being confused about the time, only about one hundred came;
it proved, however, through Divine goodness, a refreshing time, both to us and the people. Another was appointed for five o'clock in the evening. While at dinner, a respectable man of the island, brought me a
letter from Alexander Shaw, lieutenant-governor, under
the duke of Athol, inviting me and my friends to Castletown, where he resided; and offering the use of his
chariot and servant while we staid on the island, they
being now in Douglas (the town): we accordingly accepted his offer.  The inhabitants showed us great
respect, and the poor fishermen regretted they could
not be at the meeting, as they fish all night, and put
out to sea early in the afternoon. Nearly one hundred
boats sailed out of this port, and they said the others
belonging to the island, which were between four and
five hundred in all, would meet them at the fishingplace, for they always fished together, under the direc30




350               THE LIFE OF
tion of an admiral or commander, and had strict rules
to prevent one having greater advantages than another.
When they were drawn out a little way from the pier
into the sea, they all took off their hats and said a
short prayer: considering their occupation, they generally appear to be sober, considerate men.  In the
evening, the meeting assembled; most of the respectable inhabitants came, and in the whole, six or seven
hundred; it was the most solid and satisfactory of any
we have had here, for which I was truly thankful to
the Father of mercies.  An officer, who sat by me,
kneeled down with me at the time of prayer, and
seemed much affected, as was also Major Wallop, brother of the earl of Portsmouth, who had sat by me in
every meeting.  The people were tender, and hoped
we would have more meetings before we left the island.
A serious soldier followed me in the street, and expressed with much tenderness, his satisfaction, and
told me it was a great grievance to him and several of
his comrades, that their captain drew them  out on
parade, on First-day mornings, and hindered them
from  attending public worship as they desired.  Next
day, left Douglas   conveyed to Castletown in the
governor's carriage; he was walking on the parade,
and invited us to dine with him at three o'clock.  We
took up our lodgings at the hotel, and in the afternoon
went to the governor's, and several of his acquaintance
being present, we dined with them in the castle. The
room we sat in, had walls nine feet thick, and was a
very ancient fabric; the governor and his wife treated




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 351
us with great friendship, and on our mentioning the
desire of having a meeting to-morrow, he proposed
twelve o'clock.
"Eighth month, 30th. Held our meeting in the ballroom, which was very much crowded.  The governor
and family, and most of the principal people of Castletown attended; it was to good satisfaction, and at the
close I signified my intention of another at six o'clock
in the evening.  The governor stood up and told the
audience that the church would be opened for the purpose, as it was evident no other place would contain
the people; he also sent his servant round the town to
give notice.  Castletown may contain three or four
hundred houses. In the evening, the assembly gathered
in the place mentioned, and was supposed to be seven
hundred.  I felt low  and poor at entering it; the
people's expectations  seemed raised, which always
depresses me.  I was, however, made truly thankful
to the Author of mercies, who condescended to cover
the assembly with his presence, and it ended in prayer
and praises to him, our heavenly Father. The governor,
and a man of high rank in the island, going with us to
our lodgings, I showed them my certificate, which they
seemed pleased with, and expressed unity with me, &c.
"31st. Took the governor's carriage and servant,
and arrived at Peel, another considerable town of about
four hundred houses; the majority of the people fishermen.  We delivered the governor's letter to the high
bailiff, who said he would exert himself to forward our




352               THE LIFE  OF
views, and offered a school-house or the guard-house,
for a meeting.
"Ninth month, 1st. At meeting in the guard-room,
the soldiers having seated it with planks. The high
bailiff, and several others who had interested themselves for us, attended. After I had been on my feet
about half an hour, the people crowded the house and
round it so, those without striving to get in, and it
raining, that I perceived it would not do to continue
the meeting. The high bailiff remonstrated with them,
and I sat down a few minutes, but the throng was too
great to hold the meeting through, in that solemnity
which had at first attended; not that the people were
inclined to be rude, but quite otherwise; yet so many
being anxious to get in and hear, kept the meeting in
an uneasy state; so after sitting a short time, we broke
up, the people regretting it. We told them if we could
have a more convenient place, we inclined to hold
another meeting at five o'clock, and left it to them to
provide for us. In about a quarter of an hour, a person came to tell us that the Methodists would be obliged
to us if we would accept their meeting-house, which we
accordingly did.  It was near the sea-side, and the
weather very stormy with hard rain, yet as many came
as filled the house, being about five hundred; and a
good meeting it was: thanks be to Him, who is ever
worthy.  After the meeting was over, the fishermen
who had been out to sea, finding the storm increasing,
were returning into harbor, but through the violence
of the tempest, several of their boats were dashed to




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  353
pieces on the rocks, but no lives lost.  This disaster,
added to their continued disappointment of catching
fish this season, made the people seem much distressed.
Having a sum of money from  a benevolent Friend for
the poor, I distributed some of it among them, for
which they were thankful; they generally appear to
be a very civil, quiet people, and religious in their way,
live poor, and are now much discouraged.
"Ninth month, 2d. Proceeded to Ramsey, eighteen
miles from Peel. This island being exposed to high
winds from the sea, trees do not thrive in it, yet in
some spots they do better.  A person who had lived
in Philadelphia came to see us, and also the curate,
who kindly offered us a large school-house for a meeting, which we accepted; - the judge, and high bailiff,
also offered their service.
" First-day, 3d of Ninth month.  At meeting this
morning, two priests and the curate attended; the
house held about three hundred, but it was thought
many more were crowded into it, and many others could
not get in; it was a satisfactory season, and another
was appointed at five o'clock this evening, in the same
place; the garden was also opened, and many stood
there: it was estimated that, inside and out, there were
more than five hundred persons; a great number for
so small a town. It felt to me as much owned, and as
great solemnity prevailed, as at any we had on the
island, and concluded with much brokenness among
the people; thanks be to Iim that is forever worthy,
and nothing to us but abasement. The people pressed
30*




354               THE  LIFE  OF
for another meeting to-morrow, and the judge thought
if I would submit to have another, as many as could
afford it, would be there, and inclined to make a very
handsome collection, and as he knew I would not receive it, he was sure it would be a gratification to me,
to see it distributed among the poor who were distressed by the failure of the fishery. I assured him I
could never admit of anything of that kind, but was
willing to subscribe myself to their necessities, out of
meeting; he heard my reasons and was satisfied.
Went on second-day to Kirkmichael, and found that a
meeting would be agreeable, but the landlord undertaking to give notice, and making it to be in the afternoon, and we having fixed to be at Peel, at a meeting
at five o'clock, we could not stay their time, at which
some of the people were sorry and blamed him: I left
the place rather heavy at the disappointment. Had a
meeting at Peel at the time mentioned; the house was
filled, and it proved a solid, relieving time: thanks to
the Author of all good.
"'Ninth month, 5th. Went to Douglas, twelve miles;
and it being a stormy evening, and the fishermen not
disposed to go out, I appointed a meeting principally
on their account. About three hurdred of them attended,
and many of the other inhabitants, and through mercy,
it was a solid, favored opportunity: I was then easy to
leave the island. We were informed the governor had
expressed his sorrow that we should be at any expense
on the island, saying it was a reproach to the Isle of
Man, to let us be at expense, while we were engaged




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  355
for the people's good.  Major Wallop came and took
a kind leave of us; and all things being ready for
leaving in the morning, I wrote a letter to the governor
in acknowledgment of his kindness, and retired to rest
under a thankful sense of the manifold mercies of my
heavenly Father, who had condescended to conduct me
peacefully through my concern for this island; which,
and all his kindness to me, ought ever to be remembered
with gratitude.' The Lord is good unto all; his mercies
are over all his works-his works shall praise him, and
all his saints shall bless him; they shall speak of the
greatness of his power, they shall talk of his kingdom,
for his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his
dominion throughout all generations.'
"Ninth month, 7th. Arrived at Whitehaven in the
afternoon, and went to the widow Jane Pearson's, who
took us in kindly; most of the ground on which the
town stands, is on rent payable to lord Lonsdale.
"First-day, 10th. The meeting was large and to
good satisfaction; the evening meeting was soon exceedingly crowded, and great numbers out of doors,
supposed in the whole to be one thousand people; the
house having small windows, was so warm and oppressive, that it was very trying and exhausted me much.
I did not think it as open a time as in the morning,
but it closed well; and I proposed another for to-morrow
evening, not feeling easy to leave the place without it.
"11th. The meeting this evening, appeared to be
solid from the first sitting down, and was, through
renewed condescension, a precious relieving time to




356               THE LIFE OF
me: on retiring to bed and looking back upon the day,
I felt as much sweet peace as I remember to have experienced for a long time past: thanks be to Him who
is ever worthy. Some time back I had a desire to get
home this autumn, but my prospect of Ireland and
Scotland not admitting of it, I was now favored with
a good degree of resignation to bear the disappointment.
" 13th. Attended the week-day meeting at Swarthmore, one mile from Ulverstone, where the members
of society chiefly reside; about forty Friends came to
it, and perhaps twelve of other societies; and it was
held inr comfortable and refreshing silence. I mentioned
my prospect of a meeting with the inhabitants at five
o'clock in the evening, and a Methodist minister who
was present, stood up and offered their meeting-house,
which he thought would suit us better, as it was in the
town: Friends acknowledged his kindness, but after he
and the others were gone, they seemed to have some
strait about it, and at length concluded that it should
be at Swarthmore; thinking the people would come
out, which I doubted, and had no scruple of accepting
the offer.  The meeting-house at Swarthmore, is now
in good repair, and may hold when the chamber and
back part is open, about five hundred persons; at the
entrance next the moor, is a covered door-way of stone,
with an inscription,, signifying the time of its building,
and G. F. at the end of it; there are also two large
arm-chairs very heavily made, altogether of wood, and
carved on the back; one was for George Fox, and the
other for his wife, to sit in: there is also an ebony




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  357
bedstead, which George Fox left for Friends who were
travelling, to lodge on.  The meeting-house stands
high, and commands a beautiful prospect of the country
and town of Ulverstone.  Swarthmore Hall is a large
pile of antique building, with an avenue into the yard,
where Margaret Fox's carriage used to enter by a gateway of rough stone arched on the top. The house, as
well as the farm, is at present the property of some
person not a Friend, and rented: the rooms are large,
particularly that where the meeting used to be held:
it is paved with stone down stairs; up stairs, the wainscoting round the room  is carved,* as well as the
wood-work over the chimnies, with some representations
of Scripture passages. Margaret Fox lies buried about
a mile from thence, where Friends buried their dead at
that time.  We walked to town by the paved way on
which the family used to walk, which is mostly shaded
with trees. There are about twelve families of Friends,
who keep up the meeting.  Going over these grounds
caused me to feel serious, but not superstitious.  At
Elijah Salthouse's, he showed me their ancient Monthly
Meeting book in the days of George Fox, which was
curious; and also an old folio bible printed in 1541, in
old English text, with rough plates; it has a chain and
small padlock to it, by which it was formerly chained
to the wall in the meeting-house; it is in pretty good
keeping for its age.  The reason alleged for its being
chained in the meeting-house is, that in that day, cavil* This ornamental work was no doubt performed in judge
Fell's time.




358              THE LIFE  OF
lers at the doctrine delivered were sometimes present,
and Friends referred to the text to satisfy them, and
also to show to the world that the calumny thrown on
Friends of rejecting the bible, was false. It was likewise made use of by poor Friends who came from a
distance to meeting, and would be there before'the
time, who employed themselves in reading it; — a far
more consistent and becoming employment than many
now are in the practice of before meetings begin, such
as conversing about news, trade, politics, &c.  The
weather being stormy, and the meeting so far from
Ulverstone, only about two hundred attended; many
of whom being religious people, it was held to satisfaction, yet I did not feel myself relieved.
"14th. The minister of the Independent congregation, sent to know if we inclined to accept of their
house this evening, which he should cheerfully make
ready for us if we thought proper. Believing I should
not feel clear without his offer was accepted, we did
so, and the meeting was large; the people conducted
well, and through the condescension of our heavenly
Father, it was a refreshing time to me, believing that
Truth was much in dominion; and I retired to rest,
easy to proceed in the morning.
"15th. Got to Kendall, to George Stewardson's;
was much oppressed with a cold:-the weather so wet;
they said there had not been a dry day for a month
past, which had much injured the harvest, the wheat
growing in the shock, and a great deal of hay being
nearly rotten.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  359
" First-day, 17th. The meeting was larger than any
I have seen, except London and Bristol; and an appointed one this evening was very large and crowded;
it was supposed there were fourteen hundred persons
within doors, and many out; the Author of all good
was mercifully pleased to be with us, and it concluded
in thanksgiving.
" 19th. Attended their week-day meeting, wherein
I was silent: appointed one to be held at six o'clock
this evening, for all who inclined to attend; which,
though it rained very hard, was large, consisting of
about one thousand people, who behaved becomingly.
My cold and hoarseness made it trying to me to speak,
yet it closed comfortably: the minister of a dissenting
congregation was much affected, and took leave of me
with expressions of unity, and prayers for my preservation and return to my friends in peace. A number
of our female ministers are travelling in Scotland, and
these northern parts of England; but no man Friend,
except Thomas Scattergood and myself; David Sands
is in Wales. What hath or doth hinder them, but the
too great attachment to the pursuits of this world? 0!
what a pity, in such an abundant field of labor as this
country affords! Lord, loosen our Society more and
more, that they may be ready to enter the field thou
art opening in Europe.
"21st. At Cockermouth, where there are about
twenty families of Friends, who keep up the meeting.
The wages of laboring people here are very low; men
twenty-one pence per day, and find themselves; most




360               THE LIFE OF
of the people, men, women, and children, wear clogs,
made of leather above, and wood and iron for the soles,
which seems to be general in the north of England,
except for such as are of considerable property.
"22d. Appointed a meeting for six o'clock this
evening; a number of Friends came in from the country, among whom was John Hall, of Broughton, a
minister; the meeting was large and satisfactory.
"First-day, 24th. Attended their forenoon meeting
at Wigton, at which were Mary Watson and Mary
Sterry; the former had good service. I did not think
myself authorized to appear by way of ministry, as
indeed I seldom do among Friends.  The members of
society in Cumberland and Westmoreland, appear to
be a plain, honest people. Arrived at Carlisle in the
evening, and a meeting being appointed at six o'clock,
it was large; several of the clergy attended; and
through the condescension of our heavenly Father, it
was a solid, satisfactory time.  Appointed another
meeting for to-morrow  evening.  There are about
thirty-two families of Friends here, and there may be
fifteen thousand inhabitants in this city. Many Friends
came in from the country to the meeting; and also
some people of note in the town, and some of the
clergy: the people were remarkably still, and the Lord
favored us with a truly consola.ting meeting; my mind
felt quite relieved, and I had an affectionate parting
with many of the people.
" 27th. Lodged at Hawick, forty-four miles from
Carlisle. The laborers on their farms live generally




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  361
in a cluster of twenty or thirty houses; are meanly
accommodated in small mud cottages, with thatched
roofs, almost like stables; the children, and most of
the women, without shoes-turf is the common firing,
and their bread of oatmeal.  Arrived at Kelso a little
past eleven o'clock, and finding that the widow Margaret
Anderson and two daughters were gone to meeting, we
went and'sat down with them; they and one man, not
an acknowledged member, composed the whole meeting; some others who are descendants of Friends join
them  on First-days.  Their lonely situation affected
me, and I could not but reflect on my dear native city
and the meetings there, where there are so many to
encourage and strengthen one another.  Oh! what
advantages (do Friends in such places enjoy, and how
thankful ought they to be! May the sight of many
poor and solitary ones be remembered by me, if the
Lord spare me to get home, and be a perpetual incitement to walk worthy of his manifold mercies. There
was something solid and precious attended us, and we
were glad we had sat with them. I proposed a meeting for the people of the place; but it being thought
the notice would be too short for this evening, it was
appointed for ten o'clock to-morrow forenoon.  The
lands being farmed out in large tracts, thepoor can
get none; and the farmers who employ them, feed
them with skim, or as they call it, blue milk and oatmeal, made into crouder or hasty-pudding. potatoes,
turnips, kale, &c., but very little meat.  The river is
well stored with salmon, but none are suffered to take
31




862               THE LIFE OF
them, but such as purchase that privilege of the Duke
of Roxborough.  Notwithstanding their plenty, they
are six-pence sterling per pound, so the poor must taste
them but seldom.
"29th. Very little notice being given, the meeting
was small; at the close of which I appointed another
at six o'clock in the evening. I felt much discouraged
at having ai meeting here; the minds of the people not
appearing open towards Friends; but about two hundred
attended. I thought Truth did not reign, and to me it
was a low, and I feared a fruitless season; yet the
people said they hoped we would stay over First-day;
it was however still and quiet throughout.
"30th. Went on —passed through a large town
called Dalkeith, and arrived at Edinburgh in the evening.
" First-day, Tenth month 1st. Friends have built a
new meeting-house in a retired place, which will contain
about five hundred persons.  There are about twelve
families of respectable Friends residing here; and we
went to the meeting, in expectation of seeing our members alone; but the people came in until there were
three hundred, who appeared becomingly, and it was
on the whole to satisfaction. Appointed another meeting
at six o'clock in the evening. at which about five hundred
attended, among whom were many high professors, who
behaved well; it was thought to be a favored meeting,
and I left it peaceful and easy, and appointed another
for Third-day evening. This city is said to contain
one hundred thousand inhabitants, though it does not




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  363
cover a great deal of ground. The houses are in general higher than in any city in Europe, from five to ten
stories; the ground being very costly, it is almost
covered with building, and scarcely any yards. In the
new city, the houses are large, plain and substantialthey generally have stone stair-cases in one quarter of
the building, which ascend to the top of the house;
and frequently the several stories are occupied by different families, and have from four to eight chambers
each: these families may be from six to eight or more
in one house, mostly unacquainted with each other.
The space between the joists and ceilings and floors,
is filled with a composition of saw-dust, &c., which
prevents the communication of sound, and the families
are more conveniently accommodated than might be
expected.  At present there are no American students
north of Virginia at the college. Our friends say, they
do not desire to see Friends' children sent here from
America, it being generally destructive of their morals
and religious principles.
Tenth month, 3d. The meeting this evening was
large and comfortable; a number of men of science
attended, and it closed in reverent thankfulness to the
Author of all our mercies. Yesterday evening our friend
Phoebe Speakman, with her companions Ann Crowley
and J. Birkbeck, came in from their journey to the
north.
" 5th. At the week-day meeting this forenoon, about
forty Friends and a few others attended.  Phoebe
Speakman had good service, to the comfort of all; her




364               THE LIFE OF
call seems altogether to our own members.  At the
close of the meeting, finding my mind not yet relieved,
I proposed a public meeting at six o'clock. Our Friends
here set a good example, by shutting up their shops
while they go to meeting. The meeting in the evening
was very large and crowded, many men of letters
attending, and I entered it in fear and trembling for
the precious cause, which is often my case.  I think I
can say, I seek not mine own honor, but above all, the
exaltation of Truth and its testimony.  The people
behaved in a solid manner from the beginning, and it
proved, through Divine condescension, a relieving meeting, and I took leave of the people with much tenderness.  After meeting, some pious persons expressed
themselves in an affectionate manner. I hope the kind
expressions of some after meetings will only have a
tendency to make me more humble and sensible that
to me belongs nothing, but all to Him, whose is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, and all the praise
of his own works for ever: our rejoicing is the testimony of our consciences, not the well-done of the
people.
" 7th. Rode to Leith, and took passage in a pinnace
across the water to Kinghorn; then taking post-chaise,
we passed through the town of Kircaldy and several
le-ser towns, and got to Dundee in the morning of the
8th.  Two respectable men, Alexander Webster and
William Smith, visited us, who appear to be convinced
of our principles and very friendly.  Some notice
having been given, and a large hall well seated, we




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   365
went to the meeting with expectation of seeing very
few, as it was the time that all the different places of
worship began, and the people are very exact in this
country in attending their places of worship, and keeping the First-day religiously in their way. However,
about four hundred came, mostly men, and after a few
minutes, behaved well. It was thought to be a comfortable meeting, and I appointed another at six o'clock
in the evening. Having at the meeting in the morning
used some expressions, inviting such as were not satisfied with the doctrine, to call on me and express their
minds, three respectable citizens of the place, but of
Deistical principles, joined our friends in the street,
professing a desire for an interview with me, which I
thought had best be deferred until after our meeting
in the evening.  The convenience of the hall being
enlarged by a different arrangement of the seats, and
opening two rooms adjoining, the whole were so closely
stowed that I had very little expectation we should be
able to hold the meeting to satisfaction, and expressed
my fears to the people.  They endeavored, however,
to be still, became very solid and attentive, and I saw
scarcely any uneasiness. The meeting closed solemnly
in prayer, after which it was some time before we
could get the people to move, so that we could get
through, and numbers followed us to the inn door.  It
was thought there were one thousand or more assembled; and it was said many hundreds went away who
could not get in. The three men aforementioned came
to the inn; we found them strong in their opinions;
31 




366              THE LIFE OF
one seemed to be what is termed a Fatalist, and thought
that Judas could not have done anything but what he
did, nor any man else from the beginning of the world.
They appeared to be men of good education, and the
points were argued with coolness, and they parted in
a very friendly disposition. We don't know that much
was gained; but we all concluded nothing was lost, as
they were driven to their shifts, and willing to drop
the argument, and said they wished there was a body
of Friends settled at Dundee. I retired to rest, thankful for the merciful preservation and help through the
day.
" 9th. The town of Dundee stands on the river Tay,
about eight miles from the sea; and as well as almost
every village and town in England and Scotland, has
many soldiers in it. Dined at our friend Alexander
Webster's, who is under convincement; his wife, who
continues with the Baptists, was pleased with our visit
to Dundee, was very kind, and I hope preparing to be
of one mind with her husband. Another meeting being
appointed for this evening, the people hired a man, as
they did yesterday, to preserve order and keep the
rude boys out of the house. Although we went before
six o'clock, the house was nearly full and became very
crowded.  I was led to speak plainly against the doctrine of Deism - the people behaved quietly and some
were much tendered; and though I did not think Truth
triumphed so much as last evening, yet it was a relieving
time to me, and the meeting broke up in solemnity.
William Smith's wife was at it, with which he was re



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  867
joiced, and she confessed feelingly to the truths she
heard.
" 10th. Parted affectionately with William Smith and
Alexander Webster, who said they were strengthened
by our visit; but a young woman, who is also under
convincement, and lives with a rigid aunt, was not
suffered to come to any of our meetings, nor to see us;
which was a grief to those two men, and to her also.
They meet together at times like Friends, and I cannot
but hope Truth will one day be more prosperous in
Dundee than it is at present, though the absurd doctrine
of unconditional election and reprobation, so rigidly
held by many, must first be renounced.  Our landlord
acknowledged he was much edified by our meetings, and
parted with us with many good wishes. Rode through
a fine grain country, pretty much in sight of the sea,
and got to Montrose, and visited a widow Milne and
daughter, the only Friends at that town, and had a
religious opportunity with them to our satisfaction.
" 11th. Went to Urie, the place of Robert Barclay's
birth and death. The present possessor is lately come
to the estate: he is a young man of eighteen, named
Robert, and was out hunting;-the likeness of Friends
seems quite extinguished; the father of this young man
retained a regard for our profession in the early part of
his life, but went off, got to be a member of parliament,
and-died about two years past.  The young man's
preceptor told us, he knew Mr. Barclay would have
been glad to see us; and asked us to stay until he
returned from hunting, and to dine there about four




368               THE LIFE OF
o'clock, which we declined, having determined to be at
Aberdeen in the evening. The library room, which is
small, is the place where Robert Barclay is said to have
written his works;    there are a great many ancient
Friends' books, all Robert Barclay's writings, and
nearly all the pieces in opposition to him, and many
other books of more modern date on different subjects.
The meeting-house, which has not been made use of for
a number of years, stands within a few yards of the
dwelling - the ministers' gallery and some other seats
remaining; but it now appears to be a place for broken
furniture and lumber.  The preceptor took us about
half a mile from the dwelling, to the top of a little
mount, the highest land in the neighborhood, which was
the burying-place of Friends; the family are buried
together, and now inclosed by a house built over them,
at the expense of David Barclay of London; they
consist of seven graves: it is probable that several of
the family died in other places. We left the former
residence of the excellent apologist and defender of
our faith, with heaviness of mind, and with reflections
upon the impossibility of the best of men conferring
grace and virtue upon their descendants. The country
from Uric to Aberdeen was very poor; the distance
about fourteen miles.
"12th. Passing through a poor country and with
hard riding we got to Old Meldrumr-some of the
Friends had gone to their meeting; but our friend John
Elmslie meeting us in the street, took us to his house;
and after a little refreshment, we also went to meeting,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  369
where there were only two men and eight women -it
was held in silence; and at the close I appointed one
for the people of the town, at six o'clock in the evening; which, though not large was thought satisfactory.
The town is small, and the people generally in low
circumstances.
" 13th. Went on to our ancient friend George Cruikshank's, who lives with his son John, who married a
daughter of John Wigham's.  This  family appear
exemplary in their house and manner of living, and
may be gifted for service in the church.  Our friend
George Cruikshank's daughter was very ill; she bears
her lingering painful disorder with great patience and
resignation, and we had a comfortable religious opportunity in her room. At six o clock went to a meeting
appointed at Inverary, a, village about two miles off;
the house held about three hundred people, was well
filled, the people quiet in the time of silence, serious,
tender and attentive. I thought them more like thirsty
ground than in any other place we had been at in Scotland, and the Lord favored us with a memorable time,
to our great comfort; the praise of all was rendered
to Him, whose due it is: the people were very thankful,
and expressed much desire for another meeting.  0!
my dear friends of Philadelphia - how gladly would
these, and many more in desolate places as to vital
religion, receive the crumbs that fall from your spiritual
tables almost untasted.
~ 14th. Our ancient Friend went with us to Kinmuck,
four miles, to the family of John Wigham, who are




370               THE LIFE OF
settled on land which they have improved, being managed by his eldest son, a hopeful young man.  The
village of Kinmuck is about half a mile distant, quite
small, but has several families of Friends and a meetinghouse.  Rode to Aberdeen about fourteen miles.  A
letter being received from Philadelphia, mentioning
that symtoms of the yellow fever had again appeared
there, it was affecting to me; but having left all in
obedience to my apprehended duty, I commit all to
Him whose power is sufficient to control and stay the
hand of disease, when and where he pleases.
" First-day, 15th. Notice having been given to other
professors, the meeting was held in Friends' meetinghouse, which was comfortably filled: there are but six
families of Friends belonging to it. After a little time
the people behaved orderly and were very attentive;
it grew more and more solid, and ended to satisfaction.
Appointed another for six o'clock to-worrow evening.
This town stands upon the river Dee; the land round
it is not rich, and the people are employed in knitting
worsted, wollen, cotton and raw silk stockings; also
spinning the yarn for them and for linens: there are
many rows of good houses, the streets well paved, and
in general more cleanly than the other towns we have
passed through in Scotland; the city is supposed to
contain twenty-five thousand inhabitants.
"16th. The meeting this evening was very crowded;
it was thought that four hundred got in, and a vast
many went away for want of room - all the avenues
for air being stopped, it became very warm and trying.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   371
Although many had to stand, they presently got quiet,
and a solemnity prevailing, the people continued attentive, and were tendered.  We believed it was a season
not soon to be forgotten; the Lord's good presence
having been thankfully witnessed, all the praise was
rendered to him, who is now and for ever worthy.
After meeting, a sensible man came to our lodgings,:nd told us he had, for several years, been a seeker
after Truth-was thankful for what he had now heard,
and wished us to stay longer in Aberdeen, having no
doubt lie could obtain a place for a meeting that would
hold one thousand or fifteen hundred people, who, he
thought, would come if we had another; but feeling
my mind clear. I did not think it laid upon me. Agreed
to breakfast with this man to-morrow, and I retired
to bed, thankful for the help anid preservation through
the day.
" 17th. Went accordingly to see John Melles and
his wife and children; who appeared to be people of
good circumstances, and were very open and friendly.
They said many people marvelled that I spoke as I did
last night, without notes, as all the preachers in Scotland use them, and supposed I had been bred to the
ministry, &c.; so little idea have many in the present
day, of the nature of our ministry. We left Aberdeen,
and after passing through much poor country, chiefly
in oats, arrived at a village called Lawrence Kirk in
the evening.
" 18th. Rainy and cold; instead of proceeding direct
for Glasgow, as I was in hopes of doing, I found my




372               THE LIFE  OF
mind turned to go by Dundee again.  We were well
accommodated at the inn, and had good wheat bread
on the table, as well as oat cakes; but the latter is the
bread of the poor.  The people in the country appear
to be poor, many of the women and children were without shoe or stocking, though it was quite cold, and the
highland mountains on our right covered with snow on
the tops. Considerable oats and barley yet to cut, and
much more to get in and stack. They have little fuel,
and the bleakness and exposure of the country to cold
winds, require a hardy race of people to endure; which
they certainly are.  My two travelling companions,
George Miller and William Farrer, made some remarks
on Americans using the word'thee' instead of' thou,'
where the latter would be most proper; they were of
the mind that it was a departure from our testimony,
and had crept in from a desire of pleasing others by a
soft accommodating form  of speech, and was inconsistent with the practice of our ancient Friends.  I
never thought it proceeded from a desire to evade our
testimony, but through custom had prevailed in many
from ignorance of grammar rules; we are, however,
recommended by an apostle, to hold fast the form of
sound words. Arrived at Dundee in the evening. Our
two convinced friends, Alexander Webster and William Smith, called upon us, and appear to have gaired
strength to avow the principles of Friends more openly
than heretofore, and to sit down together on First-days
in silence, with such who incline to sit with them. The
accounts they gave us, and the comfortable feeling of




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  373
our minds, induced us to believe we had been rightly
directed to visit this town again
"19th. The Tradesmen's Hall was again seated,
though not so conveniently as before, we being placed
in the middle, and the people not inclining to go to
the far end, they blocked up the door-way, and prevented many from getting in; had it been otherwise
arranged, we believed it would have been filled. About
five hundred attended, chiefly of the most respectable
inhabitants.  My mind was in a remarkable manner
tenderly affected towards them, and through the gracious condescension of our heavenly Father, the opportunity was to our great comfort and thankfulness.
After meeting, two religious men and a woman who
had an uncommon knowledge in the Scriptures, and
were of a tender spirit, visited us.  They expressed
their convictions in all the foregoing meetings, as well
as this, though they had never heard a Friend before,
and were united with the doctrines they had heard, and
were only come to have further information as to some
points in which they still had doubts, particularly whether water baptism and the sacrament so called, were
not enjoined for Christians to observe as a standing
ordinance of Christ.  We had much freedom in exchanging sentiments with these tender people, who had
read some parts of Barclay's Apology, lent to them by
Alexander Webster since we were first there; they
said they had never heard those matters so clearly
stated as in this opportunity, and could say they now
thought there was not anything essential in them: we
32




374               THE LIFE OF
parted in much affection. A man also came into our
room while we were thus conversing, and opened his
mind to us: he said he had been at all our meetings,
and ever since the first, was under strong convictions
for his past bad conduct, but was comforted in hope,
by the doctrines we held, of the universal grace and
free pardoning mercy of the Almighty to returning
and repenting sinners, which was very contrary to
what he had been used to hear, of absolute and unconditional election and reprobation.  He appeared like
a prodigal son returning to the arms of the Father of
mercies-was much broken, and thought that through
Divine grace he should renounce all his former evil
practices: I endeavored to encourage and strengthen
him in his good resolutions, and he left us in tears;
his state affected me much, and remained on my mind,
with strong desire for his preservation.  Retired to
rest with a comfortable evidence of being in our places
the Lord be praised.'20th. Our two friends, Alexander Webster and
William Smith, with several others, were disappointed
and affected on hearing we proposed leaving them without another meeting; the people appeared to draw
hard to detain us longer, but feeling that things were
comfortably left, and the minds of many stirred up to
further inquiry, we concluded to send them some books
from Edinburgh; and the two Friends crossing the
river with us, we had a tender parting from them, and
rode on to the county town (Cooper), where we lodged
"21st. Set off in the rain and cold, rode through




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  375
the towns of Kircaldy, Kinghorn, &c. and arrived at
the ferry opposite Leith: it blew very hard, yet thirty
of us passengers went in a sloop, and had a rough,
wet time, and poor accommodations, but arrived safely.
A young man under convincement, and Anthony Wigham, were waiting for us on the quay; we took a seat
in the coach which goes every half-hour for Edinburgh,
and soon got to George Miller's, where we were kindly
received.
" First-day, 22d. The meeting-house was nearly filled
in the morning, and the people solid and attentive. At
six o'clock in the evening it was much crowded, and
the Lord was rich in mercy to us; the people parted
in a kind and tender frame, and I was in hopes I might
now pass away from this city, so famous for its learning
and science, that it is said there are seldom fewer than
one thousand young men attending the University from
England, Ireland and foreign parts; more than forty
Americans being here at present.
" 24th. A young man who was at some of our meetings on the Isle of Man, being now here attending the
medical lectures, frequently visited us, and expressed a
fear lest while endeavoring to obtain worldly knowledge,
he should unhappily lose rather than gain in the knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he
was convinced many of his fellow students had done;
and feelingly expressed his desire to keep, through
God's grace, free from the pollution of sentiments and
manners so unhappily prevalent among the professors
and pupils in this place.




376              THE LIFE  OF
"25th. Attended their week-day meeting, and appointed one for six o'clock this evening, requesting that
the notice might be particularly communicated to such
who were considered seeking, religious people. The
evening was remarkable for storm and rain, so that
even some women Friends who attempted it, thought
they were obliged to give out and return home; yet
from two hundred and fifty to three hundred came,
nearly one half of whom were women, supposed to be
such as I most wanted to see: it was.the most confirming and solid meeting of any we attended in Edinburgh;
and after taking an affectionate leave of them, I felt
perfectly clear and easy to leave the city. On the next
day we parted with several Friends, and also with our
kind, hospitable landlady, Ann Miller and family, with
much tender feeling. Passed through a pretty country,
surrounded with high hills, and having several handsome seats of noblemen in sight of the road; arrived
at Glasgow in the evening, and put up at one of the
largest inns I have seen in Europe, having about one
hundred rooms.
" 27th. Breakfasted and dined with a worthy man
and his wife, who are convinced of our religious principles; they, with two or three other sober persons, sit
down and hold meetings for worship in the manner of
Friends. Appointed a meeting to be held at six o'clock
this evening; when about four hundred attended, and
behaved well.  I then appointed another at the same
hour to-morrow evening, and lodged at the house of a
young Friend from Manchester.  Glasgow is well laid




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 377
out and built; contains many large and handsome
public buildings, and the private houses are not inferior
to any place I have seen - the streets wide, straight,
well lighted by lamps, and has excellent foot-ways,
superior to most we have passed through in Europe.
The city and adjacent villages are extensively in the
manufacture of fine cotton stuffs, muslins, fine linen,
&c., and is said to contain sixty thousand inhabitants.
The meeting in the evening was attended by about the
same number as the one last night, did not hold so long
as common, feeling that those I most wanted to see
were not present, and I marvelled that there were no
more than we had before; but was informed that the
Presbyterians and the seceders from them, accounted
the most rigid to their faith of any in Scotland, had
no unity with the Methodists, and our having the meeting in their house, kept many away. I appointed the
meeting for to-morrow forenoon at the Tradesmen's
Hall.
" 29th. The meeting in the Hall was comfortably
filled with many people of the first rank, and was
satisfactory; appointed another at six o'clock this
evening, which was crowded, as well inside as round
the door, and on the stairs. Through Divine favor, a
solemnity soon spread over us; and though I seldom
have entered, or stood up in, these great meetings with
more fear, and even trembling, than in this, yet the
good Shepherd and everlasting Helper of those who
put their trust in him, was mercifully pleased to bear
me through, beyond anything I had experienced in
32*




378               THE  LIFE  OF
Scotland, and indeed to my own reverent humiliation.
The pernicious doctrine of Deism, and the pharisaical
righteousness of some professors of Christianity, were
principally what I had to open to the audience, who
were so still, that some afterwards said, they heard
distinctly outside the Hall; and I have seen but few
in all my travels equal to it-it closed in humble thankfulness to the Author of every mercy: after which I
took leave of the people, apprehending I might now
be at liberty to leave them; many came up very tenderly and respectfully, and hoped we would not go
away without another meeting, which I told them  I
would consider, as well as I was capable of. We endeavored to get out, but the audience seemed not inclined to move until we went foremost, through an
opening they made for us; several asking for another
meeting, and many followed us almost to our quarters.
I can scarcely express the thankfulness I feel to the
Author of all our mercies, who has been pleased to
carry me so peacefully through my visit to Scotland.
" 30th. Notwithstanding the importunity of the people, I did not feel the propriety of another public meeting at the Hall, having reason to hope, as it closed
well last night, the way will be open for future fellowtravellers; yet weighing what was best to be done,
was easy to propose a meeting in the house of John
Robertson, at six o'clock, for those who appeared most
inclined to Friends' meetings; and such being accordingly invited, about sixty came. The time of silence
was solemn, and proved a prelude to the continuance




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  379
of Divine favor throughout. Several were much humbled, particularly two gay young women, sisters, who
had been at all the meetings, and were of considerable
rank in the world; they staid with us after meeting,
and one of them acknowledged she had never received
so much benefit as in the meetings of Friends. We
told them  of the few who sat down together on First
and Fifth days at John Robertson's house, where they
hoped they should be strengthened to attend.
" 31st. Put forward on our journey through a country
the soil of which is naturally poor, but being manured
with lime, sea-weed, &c., is made to produce good crops
of oats and barley: passed through several towns, and
for a number of miles in sight of the sea; and at night,
Eleventh month 1st, arrived at Port Patrick, and with
difficulty procured lodging at a private house, the inns
being crowded.  The wind blowing hard and directly
ahead, we were obliged to stay here. There are abundance of poor-looking people almost naked, who come
here from Ireland to beg.  The town contains about
two hundred huts and houses, surrounded by high barren mountains, and not above four houses in the place
that can be called tolerably good; the women, lads and
girls go barefoot, and some of them were sliding so on
the ice. Mutton costs here four pence, and beef six
pence per pound, and much of it very poor.
"4th. The wind coming out more fair, we went on
board the packet and arrived at Donagadee, in Ireland,
in the evening.
"First-day, 5th. Sat down with the family and a




880              THE LIFE  OF
few others who commonly attend with them, and at the
close of the sitting I proposed a meeting at Newton
this evening, of which our friend T. Bradshaw gave
notice in the town. At six o'clock, though very wet
and discouraging, yet about four hundred came together
and behaved well, and through renewed mercy it proved
an open time.- Appointed another for to-morrow evening.
"6th. Went to Newton Ards, where a number of
officers and soldiers attended the meeting; but I thought
it not so open and satisfactory as the last.
" 8th. Was at Belfast; the streets of which are very
dirty, the poor people very much so, and without shoes
or stockings; the women and children go through the
mud, now in the Eleventh month. Went on to Antrim,
and were kindly received by the family of Gervas
Johnson, who is now on a religious visit to Friends in
America.  An appointed meeting at six o'clock in the
evening, was solid and satisfactory, as was another at
the same hour next evening-the house was filled, and
the Presbyterian minister attended both this and the
last; it was quiet and ended to our satisfaction.
"11th. Took a post-chaise for Lisburn, accompanied
by several Friends, and passed through a fertile country,
but the huts of the poor peasants were miserable: the
town we passed through to-day had been much injured
a few days before by some rioters, and the windows
and some doors broken; the sufferers were such as are
called United Irishmen. This part of Ireland has been
long famous for rioting.  With the help of lanterns




WILLIAM. SAVERY.                  881
we walked out to the boarding-school of Friends, for
the province of Ulster, which consisted of about fifty
scholars, boys and girls; their supper was potatoes
and milk —they looked healthy and were decently
dressed; having some little religious communication,
many of them were tendered, and I was glad we were
there.
" First-day, 12th. Attended  their meeting.  The
custom of Friends in this town, is to have a second
meeting after the rising of the first, and not to dine
until after the last; but feeling a concern to have a
meeting for the people at large in the evening, the
afternoon meeting was put off.  The public meeting
at six o'clock was large, and except some interruption
from  rude boys, was held in much quiet.  Although
the people behaved well in general, I did not think it
so open as many others.* Some appeared much affected,
and an elderly man reached out his hand, and said it
was the Gospel that had been preached, and he wished
me well.
"13th. Visited the boarding-school again; the situation is fine, and commands a beautiful prospect.
Large additions have been made to it since the decease
of John Gough, who formerly kept it: it has forty acres
* It is not strange that our dear friend found so little openness, as he had to treat upon that divinely authorized passage
of the apostle, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all
acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners," &c.; for it is well known, that through the subtlety of
the serpent, Deism and a disregard of the Holy Scriptures had
gained considerable hold in many parts of that country.




882               THE  LIFE  OF
of land on a long lease. The National Meeting subscribed four thousand pounds, and the province of
Ulster raises annually about three hundred pounds for
its support; this with some little income beside. enables
the institution to board, educate and clothe fifty-six
children, from eight to fifteen years of age. at three
pounds per annum; they bringing with them one good
suit, and also a common one: - the whole expense for
one scholar, is about thirteen pounds Irish, per annum.
Went to Hillsborough and had a meeting in the evening,
which was quiet and satisfactory; then accompanied
Louisa Conran, wife of John Conran a minister, to their
house about two miles; he was out from home on religious service. The poor people in this part of the
country, are busily engaged in sowing wheat, digging
potatoes, &c.; the women and children  everywhere
without shoes and stockings.  Potatoes, with a little
oatmeal, sometimes milk, and now and then a bit of
meat, make up their principal food. I visited a number
of the poor in their cottages, the women spin and the
men weave linen, muslin, &c., but are very poorly clad,
indeed almost naked; their houses very cold, with little
light but what comes in at the door; the walls of mud
and straw, roofs thatched, floors of earth, and small
fires of turf, for which they pay dear to the landholders;
a straw bed or two, with some stools, a table, a few
bowls, &c. make up their furniture. How would a sight
of these poor oppressed people, make many, even of
the poor in Pennsylvania, thankful for their blessings!




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  383
We distributed a little money among them, and they
returned many blessings.
" 15th. Attended the week-day meeting at Ballindery, the roads were bad; met by the way with a blind
man, who had his mother, aged eighty-six, on his back
in a sack, led by a faithful dog.  Post-chaise one
shilling per Irish mile.
" 16th. Attended the Monthly Meeting at Lisburn:
unexpectedly to myself, and contrary to my usual lot
in Friends' meetings, there was a necessity laid upon
me to appear in the ministry-the labor proved hard,
and more laborious than among other people; after
which I felt peaceful and easy. There was much consistency in their appearance as to our profession, but
more weight in answering their queries, and conducting their business, would have been proper.
"'17th. Went with our friend Louisa Conran two
miles to dine, after which proceeded to Lurgan, about
eight Irish miles, through a populous country; the
people on the way-side dwell in wretched hovels of
mud and straw, many children almost naked, and this
in the midst of a fertile country, abounding in the produce of the earth; but the poor live very poorly indeed, perhaps in every way more distressed than in
any country I have seen; and the rich lamentably oppressive.  It being market-day when we arrived, the
market-people were packing up their stockings, linen,
yarn, &c.; many of whom were intoxicated with strong
drink, which is said to be a common case on market




384              THE LIFE OF
days.  The houses are all white, being overcast with
lime, which is much the case in this country.
"First-day, 19th. Though unwell I went to meeting at Moyallen, and through Infinite condescension
it was thought to be a favored time.  Attended the
evening meeting at Lurgan, though quite poorly with
the cold I had taken-the house was supposed to contain seven hundred persons, and was filled: it appeared
as open a time as I have had in Ireland.
"21st. Was at William Pike's, with whom we went
to Dungannon, a considerable town, and visited T.
Greer's, jr., and his family. About eighteen months
past they removed to this town, having before lived at
a beautiful farm some miles off, but were obliged to
leave it, in consequence of being in much danger from
rioters. One evening, seven persons came with their
faces blacked and otherwise disguised, armed with.
pistols, &c., under pretence of searching for guns, but
abused the family, robbed them of two watches and
above one hundred guineas; which had such an effect
on his wife, that she has not yet got over it. Had a
public meeting, at which, though a wet evening, there
were about seven hundred present, and it proved a
favored season-many soldiers and officers attended,
several of whom were much affected.
"24th. Attended a public meeting at Rich-hill, the
house pretty full; I thought it a laborious time. A
drunken priest who attended was held up to the people
in such a manner, that they thought he could not have
been so described if I had not received some previous




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  885
information; but they were satisfied their conjecture
was wrong, and were glad he had been so handled. I
knew not that there was any in his station present
until after meeting.
"Appointed a meeting to be on First-day morning,
the 26th, at Newry.  The Methodists offering their
house, and we not seeing any better, accepted it: they
took much pains to accommodate the people, and though
the house contained about seven hundred, it was too
small; yet the meeting was very quiet, and through
renewed mercy a favored opportunity.  We had a
public meeting in the Presbyterian meeting-house at
six o'clock in the evening; the house was large, yet it
was much crowded, and many did not get in.  It was
said that fifteen hundred persons were present: the
meeting concluded in prayer and praises to our heavenly
Helper, who had been mercifully with us through the
day.  The minister of the congregation said at the
close, that we might have the house again whenever we
saw fit to use it, and thanked us for our service.
"27th. We left the town, but had not gone far
before we saw about one hundred and fifty persons
kneeling on the wet ground, both men and women -
found it was a Romish funeral; the priest dressed in
his white robes, and a corpse in the middle, over which
he was making prayers, and performing some ceremonies.  We stopped, and had an opportunity of seeing some of their gross superstitious ceremonies, and
the making a bowl of holy water, which he did by
muttering over it a few Latin prayers, and putting in a
33




386               THE LIFE  OF
handful of salt; he then sprinkled the coffin; the people
arose, and were likewise sprinkled, which the poor
women seemed eager to catch, and returned him  a
courtesv.
"28th. Reached Dublin, and on the 30th went with
two Friends to visit the poor, principally in those parts
called the Liberties, where the most distressing scenes
of human misery presented themselves in abundance,
such as my eyes had never seen before, neither is it in
my power fully to describe. We went through the different apartments of fifty or sixty houses, with scarcely
any glass in the windows, the ground floors of earth,
and everywhere filled with almost all kinds of filth;in some rooms two, three, to nine or ten women and
children, and some men, many of them sick and with
very few rags to cover them, sitting round two or three
little pieces of turf, and many without any fire at all,
lying about on a little dirty straw in the corners of
the room - they had no bed-clothes, and were almost
perished; complaining of having nothing to do and
nothing to eat, some for twenty-four hours or more.
The dampness and dirtiness of their houses, and the
filthiness of their persons, must remain undescribed:they greedily seized sixpences and shillings, as if their
miserable. existence depended on them, and returned
us many blessings, some in very singular language.
A large number surrounding us in the street, we went
to a baker's shop and distributed among them fifty
loaves of bread. Dined by candle-light, wet and weary,
at R. Clibborn's.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  387
"Twelfth month, 1st. Visited a charity school, of
which Friends had been considerable promoters; it
consisted of about eighty boys and girls; they appeared
ragged, and many without shoes or stockings, yet kept
in pretty good order.  The institution is supported by
subscriptions made annually.  At six o'clock attended
an appointed meeting for the people generally: although
the evening was very wet, yet the house was nearly
filled, and the people were quiet; but not feeling my
mind relieved, I appointed another at Sycamore alley,
on First-day evening. Spent much of the 2nd in visiting the poor near Summer Hill, particularly at a spot
called Mud Island, where there may be one hundred
poor houses, many of which are of mud, and many
miserable inhabitants, some without any fire, the day
cold and damp, and the floors of earth quite wet; they
appeared to have no other beds than straw, and were
miserably provided with that.  I distributed a number
of guineas among these almost naked people, and visited
about one hundred families. In returning to our friends
we purchased about one hundred loaves of bread, for
which we soon had numerous customers, giving only
one to each person.
"First-day, 3d. Attended the meeting in the forenoon at Meath street, which was large. I had a heavy
cold by going so much among the poor in the wet.
Went to the appointed evening meeting, which was
exceedingly crowded, and it was said that many hundreds went away; the meeting was quiet and ended
well.  Appointed another in the same house to be on




388                THE LIFE OF
Third-day evening: truly these engagements are not
desirable to the flesh. I long for a release in the Lord's
time; may I be enabled to keep the word of his patience.
" On the 4th, went with two young men on another
visit to the poor. and relieved many miserable human
beings.  The memory of these visits cannot soon be
effaced from my mind. May they teach me to be humble
and thankful for the blessings I enjoy.  0 my dear
country folks! could many of you who live in ease and
abundance, far removed from these affecting scenes of
wretchedness, behold them, profitable impressions might
be made for life.  To see a mother and daughter, the
youngest of them sixty years, almost naked, without
fire, on a damp earthen floor, lying upon a little straw,
only a few tattered rags for covering, and very little
to eat, how must every feeling heart be touched! In
another place there were two widows with seven children,
two of them blind and nearly naked, and one of the
mothers racked with rheumatic pains; they had no fire,
and not two ounces of bread in the house.  They have
no laws here to oblige the parishes to take care of the
poor, and more than twenty thousand in Dublin are in
deep distress, many through their own folly and wickedness, but not a few for want of employ.  Walked a
mile and a half to a Friend's house through the wet,
(for it rains every day,) where we received shocking
accounts of the murders and plunder of the United
Irishmen in the south, within a few days past.
"5th. Went with Deborah Darby and Rebecca Young
to the public meeting this evening: it was a very re



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   389
spectable congregation, one Romish and several other
priests present, and I thought it the most open and
favored opportunity I had been at in Ireland; the people belhaved well, and at the close were very inquisitive
when there was to be another meeting. I was thankful
for the renewed mercies of the day.' 7th. Visited a blind boy about eleven years old,
who appears to be a prodigy, and has a memory so
tenacious that he can retain almost all he hears, and
repeat a large portion of several books, &c.; it is so
surprising, that all who have seen him acknowledge it
to be an extraordinary gift.' 9th. A number of invitations were sent to me by
Friends. but it was not possible for all to be complied
with; indeed, I desire to have much more retirement
than I can obtain.  Friends do not enough consider
poor travellers who stop among them, or probably they
would not crowd upon them so much as they do; they
mean it as a kindness, but it often amounts to oppression.
"First-day, 10th. It was concluded to open both
meeting-houses, neither being capable of containing
the people that would probably come.  I attended at
Sycamore alley, and they were both thought to be
favored.  In the evening the public meeting at that
place was soon filled; the mayor of the city and some
principal persons came, among whom there were eight
or nine priests of different congregations, and many
officers.  My mind was opened in an unusual manner,
and after speaking some time, some pieces of coal were
33 *




390               THE LIFE  OF
thrown in at the end windows, which alarmed the
women, and many of them rose: two of the officers of
the army immediately went out to find the disturbers,
and drew their swords.  I sat down for three or four
minutes, when they returned, and the people becoming
quiet, I rose and proceeded, and it proved to be a truly
comforting, tendering time; thanks be unto Him who
is ever worthy of all praise: -the meeting ending in
awful prayer and praises - the people parted from us
in much love, and I felt my mind relieved of public
meetings in Dublin.
"11th. Spent the forenoon in visiting the poor, and
distributed about eight guineas that were put under
my care, to a very wretched company."




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                          391
CHAPTER VI.
Dublin -Poverty and wretchedness -Limerick -Fertile land -
Cork - Foundlings - Clonmel - Rich Friends - St. Patrick's Well
-Affecting partings- Widow Usher and daughters- Abraham
Shackleton and his notions-Arrival in Wales-Manners and
habits - Bristol -Bath - Hannah MIore -William WilberforceLondon-Norwich-Newspaper commendations-Benjamin West
-Visit to the King, Queen, and Princesses —Meetings in London
-War Taxes —Mary Fletcher - Shrewsbury -Wrexham - Opposition and meeting at Ormskirk - Liverpool- Re-enters WalesLarge meetings - Sails for Ireland - Dublin Yearly MeetingDefection in fundamental principles-Violations of the testimony
against war —Arduous labor to counteract unsound doctrineReturn to England- Birmingham-Soup-houses-London Yearly
Meeting - Long walks to Yearly Meeting-Interviews at Newgate-Difficulty of obtaining a passage home-Murders by the
Catholics in Ireland~-Embarks at Bristol for America -Detention
at Cork - Notes of the voyage-Arrival at home - Sickness and
death.
"DUBLIN is certainly a very fine city; many of the
streets are wide and elegantly built, perhaps Sackville
street is not excelled by many, if any, in Europe; it
is one hundred and twenty feet wide - that and some
others have lamps before every door; indeed, it is the
best lighted  city  I have seen.  Many  of the houses
are  four or five stories high, of pretty good brickthe best streets uniform and straight, with good flagged
foot-ways. The public buildings are grand, exceeding




392               THE LIFE  OF
those of London, especially the custom-house, college,
parliament-house, exchange, &c.
" The trade to Dublin is not great for its size; perhaps one hundred vessels are in port, the greater part
of which are colliers.  The city may contain two hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, many of whom
roll in luxury; but there is no comparison that I have
seen in Europe for wretched habitations in the alleys
and back streets, which are filled with human beings,
who, in their present filthy mode of living, nakedness,
depravity and morals, are really the most affecting
sight to a humane, feeling mind, that perhaps any city
in the world can exhibit: many of them  are exceedingly hurt by drinking the pernicious spirits made of
malt, rye, &c., called whiskey, of which an immense
quantity is distilled in Ireland.  Another source of
misery is, the numerous lottery offices in the city,
which make a splendid appearance after candle-light;
in some streets there are many whose doors are continually surrounded by poor, half-naked people, who
lay out their little all, which, perhaps, they have begged, in the hope of gaining by their chance; but the
keepers of these offices have made such nice calculations upon chances, that they are sure to gain. This
is noted as being a great source of misery to thousands
of poor, even such as swarm about the streets begging,
who are induced to venture their small pittances, in
hopes of obtaining more, in which they are often
greatly deceived; and if one in a great mianv should
gain something, it serves to keep up the delusion.  In




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                393
the present state of things, it does not appear probable
but that Dublin will continue to harbor from twenty
to forty thousand miserable beings as it now does,
until some employment can be found for them, and
they, by some means, be brought to labor for their
own support. Indeed, in all parts of the kingdom,
this class more or less abounds.
" 12th. Being the Monthly Meeting, we produced
our certificates; and Friends thinking it would be a
satisfaction to the women's meeting to hear them,
William Farrer and myself, with Thomas Fayle, went
in, and through renewed mercy had a tendering time
among them.  On lying down to rest, it was clear in
my mind, that now it would be right to leave Dublin.
"13th. Arrived at Rathangan in the afternoon,
and found Joshua Wilson's carriage waiting for us at
the side of the canal; we went to his house, about a
mile from Rathangan.
"14th. Breakfasted with our friend Jane Watson,
and went to their meeting, where a number of people
attended, and it was thought to be a solid, good meeting; Jane said it was a comfort to her.'" 15th. Set off for Mountmellick, the weather being
wet and stormy; before we got to Portarlington, a
town of some note, principally inhabited by the descendants of the French Hugenots, who were banished
out of the kingdom, one of the felloes of a wheel of
our chaise broke; we walked into the town and hired
a post-chaise, but before we got a mile from thence our




894               THE  LIFE  OF
post-chaise broke down in a very dirty place, Jane
Watson, William Farrer, and myself, in it.  It rained
very fast, and being invited, we went into a miserable
cabin with little fire, where lived two wretched families,
with several children, to whom we gave some money,
and they poured forth a profusion of blessings, as
usual. Most of the poor being Roman Catholics, their
benedictions are often very singular.  We had to stay
a considerable time before another chaise could be procured, and were very cold, though well clad; yet most
of the family were without shoes or stockings: I thought
we ought not to complain, but be thankful.  When we
entered our third chaise, it still raining hard. and the
waters much raised, we were in some danger; but by
going one mile round, we arrived safely in the evening,
and were kindly received by J. Pim and wife.  Mary
Ridgway being there waiting for us, we were mutually
glad to see each other.
"16th. Visited the provincial school for the province
of Leinster, consisting of about fifty scholars, healthy
and very decent; we had a tendering time with them
and their tutors; and alsd visited the boarding-school
for girls, wherein they were much broken into tears.
The town of Mountmellick is not large, consisting of
only one street about half a mile long.
"First-day, 17th. Attended their meeting, consisting
only of Friends; had a few words to say at the close,
which being of a very singular kind, I was glad that
Mary Ridgway and Jane Watson could acknowledge




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                       395
their great satisfaction and unity with it, * my mind
having been much exercised during the meeting.  The
afternoon meeting was also a trying, painful time to
me, though quite silent.  Friends having heard of my
general line of service among other people, marvelled
that I did not appoint a meeting of that kind for the
*It is cause of admiration and humbling acknowledgment,
that Divine influence, the only real qualification for Gospel
ministry, should thus preserve and guide the messengers of the
Lord's love and mercy to the people, as that they should in their
labors be led in the same line, and give them to feel and expose
defection, however secretly held or glossed over with very plausible pretences, even in some of the foremost rank. Our friend
Nicholas Waln, when on a visit to this nation, in the year 1795,
without any previous information, opened in the Province Meeting at this place, an intimation which had impressed his mind
with great exercise and painful concern; showing, that however
disguised and hidden, there was a spirit at work that would
divide and scatter, and draw off many that were then in high
stations, into self-sufficiency and disbelief of the truths of the
Gospel. This was such a surprise to some, that they were for
passing a censure upon him; but a few deeply experienced
minds fully united with and encouraged him. Now, when our
friend William  Savery was here, this rending, disorganizing
spirit was again impressively felt and detected; soon afterwards
it showed itself by a false profession of more enlightened and
liberal views of the Christian character, setting little value on
the Holy Scriptures, and endeavoring to destroy the faith in
the eternal divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; treating his atonement and propitiation as a fabulous scheme, invented to impose upon the credulous, and not worthy of the
enlarged ideas of philosophic minds; which caused great distress, and almost broke up the meetings in several parts of the
nation.




396               THE LIFE' OF
evening; but all seemed closed, and I could not attempt
it. After tea, finding a freedom to propose a meeting
of the scholars of both the schools, and the children
of Friends in town, in which my two friends Mary
Ridgway and Jane Watson united, we met with them
in the provincial school- about one hundred children
in all, their master, mistresses, and thirty or forty other
Friends.  My mind, which had been so exercised all
day, presently after sitting down, felt sweetly opened
to them; they were soon broken into tears, and a more
precious opportunity I never remember with children.
They took leave of us in tears, and I felt much refreshed
and comforted, and have reason daily to acknowledge,
that it is the Lord who opens and none can shut, and
shuts and none can open.
"20th. Being at Limerick, I appointed a meeting
this evening; the house was filled -three priests of
different congregations sat with us, and it was thought
to be an open, satisfactory time.
" The new part of this town is regular and well built;
it is on the Shannon, fifty miles from the sea.  Pork
here is bought at twenty-two shillings per one hundred
and twelve pounds, but much inferior to American; —
beef excellent, and much of both are salted and shipped.
Some of the poor in this neighborhood give six guineas,
and some more, a year, for an acre of potato ground,
when manured by the landlord. To earn this six guineas
takes a great deal of the year in labor for their landlord, at six-pence or eight-pence per day and food; so
that the state of the poor is indeed a very hopeless




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  897
one in this country. It takes them considerable time
to cut and dry their turf, and in some places they now
pay high for the privilege of getting it from the bogs,
and many of the poor have no way of getting it home,
but as the women carry it a long distance on their
backs.
" 22nd. Went to their week-day meeting, where
many other professors came, also two ministers of the
church of England; and through the merciful condescension of our heavenly Father, it appeared to be a
good meeting; after which William Farrer and myself
went off in a post-chaise for Cork. Passed through a
fine country of rich land. It being near the time called
Christmas, the people everywhere seemed preparing
for it; most of the poor get some meat or poultry, and
were bringing home on their backs plenty of broom,
furze, turf, &c., to keep better fires than usual: most
of the women and children were without stockings or
shoes, and also many of the men at this cold season of
the year, the air being very chilling and wet, The
verdure of the fields and meadows, and their prolific
appearance is such as I have never seen in any country.
The lands in the counties of Limerick, Cork and Tipperary, are so rich naturally, that much of it wants but
little manure.  Got to Cork this evening, the cost of
the carriage, turnpike, &c. for sixty-three English miles,
was about four guineas.
"First-day, 24th. The meeting held in silence; but
near the close I believed it right to propose an evening
meeting with other professors. Dined in company with
34




398               THE LIFE  OF
Mary Dudley, &c.  The meeting in the evening was
very crowded - David Sands, who had been confined
here with indisposition for several weeks, attended;
also Mary Dudley- the people were quiet and attentive, and the opportunity ended in solemn prayer.
Appointed another for Third-day evening.
" On the 25th, after dinner, observing a large gate
near the house with an inscription, informing that the
walls enclosed a foundling hospital, I felt an inclination
to go over and see the children.  The masters and
mistresses soon collected the children, about two hundred and twenty boys and girls, from five to fourteen
years old, tolerably clothed, though mostly without
shoes or stockings. After a little time in silence, David
Sands, Mary Dudley and myself, had something to offer
to the company: many of the children were attentive
and some in tears: the masters and superintendents
expressed their satisfaction.  The institution is principally supported by a tax on coals, and the children,
when about the age of fourteen, are bound out apprentices to such business as they incline to.  The city of
Cork is large, and many streets wide, handsome and
well built; yet a more dirty, disagreeable city to walk
in, I have scarcely seen; it is built on both sides of
the river Lee, and may contain one hundred thousand
inhabitants.
"Third-day, The common meeting was pretty well
attended; Mary Dudley was large and instructive in
her testimony, and it ended in prayer,  Went to the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  899
appointed meeting in the evening, and found the house
well filled: the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ
his Son, was shown to be of more value than all other
science. Many people of the first rank were present,
some priests, &c. David Sands had a good testimony
and closed the meeting in prayer. I believe that through
mercy the Truth was in dominion; the people were very
quiet and attentive, said to be the most so ever remembered in Cork at those promiscuous meetings. I felt
my mind much relieved, and though greatly unexpected,
concluded to leave Cork in the morning.
"27th. Took leave of several Friends who were
very affectionately attached, and I do not remember
ever having left a city with so general an expression
against my hasty departure; but I believe all is right.
Passed through a pretty village where Samuel Neale
formerly lived, and got to Youghall in the evening.
" 28th. Attended their week-day meeting, which
was silent; and proposed a public meeting for six
o'clock in the evening. The house was nearly filledseveral officers and soldiers attended: it seemed, for
some time, to be laborious, but the people being still,
and towards the latter part tender, we separated in
much solemnity.
"29th. Accompanied by several Friends, we proceeded on our journey; but having taken a cold, so
that I could neither stoop nor draw my breath without
pain and difficulty, and the road being rough, I rode
in great pain.  The country is more beautifully green
at this season than any I know of in America in any




400               THE LIFE OF
season.  Got to Robert and Mary Dudley's, at Clonmel, in the evening.
"First-day, 31st. Was at their forenoon meeting,
after which I mentioned my prospect of having an opportunity with other professors at six o'clock in the
evening: the meeting-house, which was large, was soon
filled, and it was said that several hundreds were out
of doors.' The crowded situation of the people kept
them uneasy for a little time, but afterwards it became
more quiet: the people outside being very desirous of
seeing and hearing, they talked much; but were at
length induced to be still, and we had a solid, favored
conclusion, through condescending mercy, in solemn
prayer and praises. The officers and soldiers behaved
well, and my mind was filled with thankfulness.
" Second-day, 1st of First month, 1798. Attended
an appointed meeting in the forenoon, which was not
so large as last evening.  It was not my judgment to
have it at this time of day, but it seemed necessary to
condescend to the sentiments of some Friends, who
afterwards believed that the evening would have been
better; I however was enabled to get through to my
own satisfaction, in exposing the pernicious doctrine
of Deism; and the opportunity was owned by the
Divine presence and power; and it afterwards appeared
that there were three professed Deists present.
" Friends in Ireland seem to live like princes of the
earth, more than in any country I have seen - their
gardens, horses, carriages and various conveniencts,
with the abundance of their tables, appeared to me to




WIL-LIAM  SAVERY.                 401call for much more gratitude and humility, than in some
instances, it is to be feared, is the case.  The easy
situation of some has been an injury to them and their
families: many have been much shaken, seriously tried
and afflicted; and may all work together for their good!
This town of Clonmel is larger and better built than
Youghall; it may contain twenty thousand inhabitants,
is situated on the banks of a little river called Suir, on
which they carry their produce in flat boats to Waterford. I had some serious conversation with dear Mary
Dudley, on divers matters that had taken my attention
in Ireland. In the evening it being the usual time when
the scholars at the school, instituted by Sarah Grubb,
sit down in the manner of a meeting; we had the childien of Friends of the town added to them, and it was
a comfortable opportunity; about eighty children being
present, Mary Dudley was favored in her testimony and
the children much affected.
"First month, 3d. At a Friend's house about three
miles fromr town, a very sumptuous establishment indeed,
which I did not omit to tell him was quite too much so.
On this place is a large run of water, called St. Patrick's
Well, to which the poor Roman Catholics resort on St.
Patrick's day, and wade in the water till they are very
cold; and at other times of the year many come from
a distance, some sent by the priests to do penance, who
thereby suppose they wash away their sins.: it is kept
almost constantly muddy by the people so frequently
going into it.  Three fourths of the people in Dublin,
and southward in Ireland, are supposed to be Roman
34*




402               THE LIFE  OF
Catholics; and some say seven eighths. They are an
oppressed people, and it is thought that two out of three
do not get meat six times in the year. They have but
little milk, and indeed scarcely anything but potatoes
and salt. At present they are very uneasy, commit
many riots, robberies and murders; refuse to pay tithes
of the few potatoes, &c., which they raise, and seem to
be almost lawless.
"I visited a public charity school, principally attended by Ann Grubb; and if it was not for the care
and support given by Friends, it is supposed it must
have dropped; it is held in the old meeting-house of
Friends; one hundred and fifty poor ragged children,
boys and girls, are taught reading, writing, knitting
and sewing- the boys nearly all without shoes or
stockings, and also the greater part of the girls.
"4th. Attended the Monthly Meeting, the fore part
of which was held in silence. I went into the women's
meeting, and through renewed favor it was a solid,
satisfactory time.  Elizabeth Pim, a minister, was
acceptably engaged in prayer.  Appointed a public
meeting to be at six o'clock this evening, which was
large, solid and relieving to me. Mary Dudley was
drawn forth in prayer and praises at the close, to our
refreshment and comfort.
"5th. Went to the widow Grubb's, at Anner Mills,
and after breakfast proceeded to Carrick, a considerable
town, where almost all the inhabitants are Roman Catholics. Our dear friends Deborah Darby and Rebecca
Young having appointed a meeting here, we attended




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  403
it; about three hundred persons were present, and
Deborah Darby had an open time, and it closed with
solemnity; though the Catholics are so walled round
that it is hard to penetrate them. After dinner, being
about to separate, I felt heavy, thinking it might be a
final parting between dear Deborah Darby, Rebecca
Young and myself: retiring into silence, some few
expressions were uttered, and Deborah Darby was
preciously drawn to supplicate the Father of mercies
for preservation, especially of us who had been united
in his love by sea and by land; most of the Friends
present were much broken into tears; and thus we
solemnly took leave of each other. It was also a very
tender parting between us, who were going for Waterford, and our kind hostess, Mary Dudley and her
daughter.  William Farrer and myself went with our
friend Ann Fayle, in her carriage to a Friend's house
about nine miles from Waterford, at which place we
arrived on the 6th.
"A great trade is carried on here in provisions, as
pork, beef, butter, &c.  Notwithstanding the great
abundance of provisions that appear everywhere, this
place, like most others in Ireland, abounds in poor and
beggars; and all the suburbs for a great distance are
made up of poor thatched cabins.
"First-day, 7th. Attended their morning meeting,
which was large for this country: at the close I proposed a meeting for the town's people this evening,
which was very large and crowded; it was thought
there were one thousand persons present, and yet many




404               THE LIFE OF
went away.  Great stillness prevailed, and the people
were very attentive; through renewed mercy it broke
up in a solid, tender frame, and I appointed another
for Third-day evening.
8 th. Went to see the place intended for a boardingschool, which is a fine, healthy spot; from thence we
visited the widow Usher, a valuable woman of excellent
understanding, who has been received among Friends
within a year past; since which she has lost two excellent daughters in consumption, a third is now near her
end, and a fourth evidently going the same way. She
has been supported in her affliction marvellously, and
her daughters have made a precious end, as the one
now going will also soon do.  She was sensible, and
looked on us with a sweet countenance - all felt like
peace around her bed, and I was comforted in being
with the family.
"At my lodgings in the evening came Robert Greer
and Abraham  Shackleton, the latter from  Ballitore,
who had come forty-two miles in order to see me. IIe
holds opinions of a singular nature; objects' to the five
first books of Moses in particular, but in general to
the accounts of the Jews in the Old Testament, and
various parts of the New Testament; professes to think
there is little if any need of books of any kind on religious subjects; that they only darken the mind and
keep it from turning itself wholly unto God, the fountain
of all light and life.  But of all books of a religious
kind, he especially dislikes Friends' Journals, and has
but a slight opinion of ministry and discipline, and all




WILLIAM  SAVORY.                     405
secondary helps in general; but is for having all people
turned to the Divine Light in themselves alone. Christ,
he says, was a good man, the leader of the people,
because he was wholly obedient to this light, which he
was in an especial manner filled with. He thinks the
Evangelists are poor historians, that Paul brought much
of his epistles from  the feet of Gamaliel, and many
parts of them  are therefore rabbinical stuff,- Christianity was the same to those who were obedient to the
anointing, before the coming of Christ in the flesh, as
since,' &c.  I perceived all this was accompanied with
a pretended looking towards a greater state of perfection and redemption, than our Society has yet arrived
at.  For my part, I could not see as he did, nor unite
with him in his erroneous expressions and opinions, and
I feel a fear they will produce much hurt, if he and
others in this nation are not brought into deep abasement; his talents and morality making error in his
hands more dangerous.  We separated without much
satisfaction, at least on my side.*
* We have here a further disclosure of some of the deleterious
principles of the deceitful, subtle spirit, which worked under
the specious garb of outside morality and great professions of
universal benevolence, and carried away many unsuspecting
souls into the vortex of Deism, and at length into Atheism. It
is very remarkable, that a great withering and falling away
overtook nearly all of them, and upon some of the principal
promulgators of those unrighteous doctrines, an awful blast
was evidently brought. This same insidious spirit having since
got into America, lamentable desolation of a considerable number of meetings of Friends in different parts ensued; and it is




406                THE  LIFE  OF
"After retiring to rest, I could get but little sleep
for some hours    Satan is indeed full of subtletieswho can discover them, but He who dwelleth in and
covereth himself with unapproachable light? I thought
or dreamed, that I saw a man in a field, who appeared
to be attempting to pluck a few tares that were growing
among choice wheat, but he pulled up more wheat than
tares, and trod down abundance more with his feet;
and I thought he had far better let them alone until
the harvest.
"First month, 9th. Attended the week-day meeting:
my mind was much exercised and heavy, but near the
close was drawn forth in prayer, and afterwards felt
peaceful. Went with Abraham Shackleton to a Friend's
house, and opened to him more of my disapprobation
than I had before.  Attended the public meeting in
the evening, which was large; much solemnity and
quiet prevailed, and it ended in praises.
" 10th. Stayed much at my lodgings, writing; and
received a letter from Abraham Shackleton, in which
he appears lovingly disposed towards me, but evidently
wrong, so far as I am  able to judge, in many of his
opinions -took leave of him, and had much concern
on his account, and in that state went to bed. Fifth-day,
seeing ten miserable beggars sitting round a Friend's
to be feared that numerous individuals, who at first had no idea
of its destructive nature, have been plunged into complete infidelity, and entire repugnance to the doctrines of the Gospel,
and the unspeakable benefits conferred upon man, through the
propitiatory sacrifice of the Lord Jesus.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   407
door, I sent for ten loaves of bread, but before they
were distributed thirty others appeared, and each hd(
the same quantity. This is the way in Ireland, and
there is no coming to an end of the business. Another
letter came from Abraham  Shackleton who has gone
for his home, and I am not sorry for his leaving us;
he has given me much exercise.
"11 th. Dined in company with several Friends, one
of whom  belonging to Enniscorthy, appeared much
concerned at the new opinions that had been manifested
in their quarter. My mind was exercised with much
thought, whether it might not be proper for me to go
to Ross, about ten miles off, where a person of some
note had been convinced and come amongst Friends,
though I cannot but desire, as a man, to get through
my engagements as soon as possible in this land. Lord!
strengthen me to say,'thy will be done,' for in this
only there is peace.
12th. Visited Elizabeth Usher, and found her in
much Christian resignation to the will of the Lord,
though her third lovely daughter was to be buried today; having lost two others in a consumption, and a
son in another way, within a twelvemonth; her father
at this time lying a corpse, and her fourth and last
daughter likely very soon to follow her sisters in the
same disease.  Her state of mind, as well as that of
her dear remaining daughter, was truly instructive to
me.  Her son, who had not professed with Friends,
came a few hours before Judith's death, to take leave
of her; she looked at him with much serenity of coun



408               THE LIFE  OF
tenance, bid him farewell, and said with a voice louder
than she had for some time,'All is peace, sweet peace,'
and so departed, praising God in joyful hope of a blessed
change approaching.  Her corpse was carried to the
meeting-house, but not brought in where the meeting
was held, but left in the women's meeting-room, which
is their custom; for as they are surrounded by Roman
Catholics, they might take up the opinion that Friends
brought the corpse into the meeting, with the idea that
it would be profitable to the departed spirit to pray over
it. Through the renewed mercy of our heavenly Father,
it was a precious parting meeting; many of the dear
youth were much affected, as also others. The corpse
being put in a plain oak coffin and placed upon a hearse,
was led slowly through the streets to the burying-ground;
fiiends, relations, &c. following promiscuously: - all
business seemed to cease as we passed along, and much
stillness appeared among the people, many of whom
knew the family, they being of high rank; the grandfather who lay a corpse, was the eldest alderman of
the city. At the graveyard, a multitude were collected,
both Friends and others, high and low, and I believed
it my duty to say a few words, and rehearse the comforting expressions of the deceased; after which there
was a further communication from another Friend, and
many not of our Society were much broken. The Lord
be praised for his goodness.
"Feeling my mind much comforted and relieved of
going to Ross, or anywhere else in Ireland, I took an
affectionate leave of many Friends in the graveyard,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 409
at which divers expressed their surprise, and wishes to
detain me over First-day; but believing it was a good
time to leave them, I got into a post-chaise and went
about seven English miles, where the packets for Wales
lay.  After dinner we sailed, there being no cabin
passengers but William Farrer and myself; we passed
down the river Suir, and were out at sea soon after the
light appeared at the light-house.
"13th. Arriving at Milford in Wales, we set off for
Haverfordwest; the road and country very hilly, yet
exhibiting some pleasant prospects of well-cultivated
farms, but the soil much inferior to that we had left in
Ireland.
"'First-day, 14th. The meeting at Haverfordwest
consisted of about sixty persons, and was a solid, tendering time to myself and others: there are about five
families of those professing with us at this place. Had
an appointed meeting in the evening, but the house
was not half filled, owing as was believed to the person
who undertook to give the notice being in low repute,
and had done the business very imperfectly.  The
people in the street hearing my voice, kept coming in,
which rather unsettled the meeting; but near the close
we had a little quiet, and it ended quite as well as I
expected.
"15th. Proceeded through a hilly country as before,
the valleys pleasant and fertile, though the land is generally poor, except where it is made otherwise by lime
and other manure. Pembrokeshire exhibits a pleasant
picture; the houses of the farmers, scattered among the
35




410              THE LIFE  OF
hills, appear neat and comfortable, the people warmly
clad, and few barefoot or ragged, as we have lately been
accustomed to see in Ireland; - the houses are mostly
thatched, and all are white-washed outside, which gives
them  an agreeable appearance at a distance.  The
women all wear hats, like men -we met many of the
farmers' daughters, well mounted on horseback, with
great-coats and hats on; -riding on horseback is preferred in this hilly country. Much simplicity of manners
was obvious in the people of our inn, and they accommodated us with kindness and good lodging.
" 16th. Got to breakfast at Carmarthen, which is a
decent town, perhaps ten thousand inhabitants, beautifully situated on the side of a small river, which empties
into the Bristol channel; it is surrounded with high
hills, well improved and cultivated to the tops; the
country much more fertile than that we passed through
yesterday; the valleys and hills covered with beautiful
verdure, look as green as ours in the fourth month.
The weather is more serene and clear than in Ireland,
and the people very respectful, industrious, and not
fond of show and finery -they work hard for a little
money; a woman with one or two pack-horses or asses,
will travel on foot eight or nine miles, with about one
and a half bushels of oats, which brings them about
fourteen pence more than they cost; and in summer
not more than nine pence.  Laborers have six pence
a day and their provision.
" 17th. Had a meeting appointed at Swansea, which
was pretty well attended; the people were quiet and




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  411
attentive; I thought it was, through Divine mercy, a
good meeting, and I left it peacefully.
"19th. In passing through the country, I saw several
large ancient castles, the parks and fields beautifully
green, surrounded with hills; and hundreds of sheep,
deer, goats, and cattle feeding - an attractive spot of
earth indeed.  Got on to Marlborough: the inn we
stopped at had formerly been a seat of the Duke of
Marlborough; it was the largest and most splendidly
furnished I have seen in England; the gardens, park,
forest, &c., make it a great resort of gentry to spend
a few days.  Arrived at Bristol in the evening, and
on the 20th visited a number of Friends, and had some
thought of moving on in the morning; but upon considering it more fully, I concluded to stay at Bristol.
"First-day, 21st. The meeting was large, many not
professing with us coming in.  Some of our Society
here make an appearance unbecoming our religious
profession.  Through heavenly goodness a solemnity
soon spread over us, and it was a satisfactory meeting,
for which I felt thankful.  That held in the evening
was very crowded, but still and orderly; there were
several ministers of other societies present, and the
opportunity appeared to be favored with the presence
of the great and good Master of assemblies, and ended
in thankfulness to Him for this additional mercy.
"22d. My good friend  and companion, William
Farrer, having received a letter from home, informing
of the illness of his nephew and partner, thought it
his place to return there, which was some trial to me,




412               THE  LIFE  OF
having travelled in true fellowship on the continent
and on these islands ten months together; and we
parted in the same, both being affected at the separation.  Several Friends accompanied me to Bath, at
which we arrived before noon.  The public meeting
this evening was large, a considerable number of other
professors attended, and many could not get in; they
behaved with great propriety, and I felt my mind
relieved to my own satisfaction.  Very few of the
members of our Society here have the appearance of
Friends, and some said they were sorry they could not
attend, but they were.engaged on parties at that hour.
Having paid a visit in the forenoon to the famous
Hannah More and her four sisters, some of them being
present at the meeting, came and invited us to their
house again; there came also a middle-aged, welldressed woman, who shook hands with me, and asked
when it would suit me to receive a visit, as she wanted
to have some conversation with me.  I told her this
evening, and while at supper she came; she stayed
about half an hour, appeared to be a singular and
extraordinary  character, had been  bred a Roman
Catholic in London, but growing uneasy with the
practices of that people, she went off to Rome, expecting her mind would be relieved at that fountain-head
of religion, but was greatly deceived; and after residing
there three years, protesting against their errors, for
which she had several times been likely to lose her
life, she returned through France. Not finding true
religion there, she had come to Bath about nine months




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  413
since, disgusted with all professions and separated from
them, yet seeking the Truth; she was overjoyed at
being at the meeting, having never thought of inquiring
among Friends for religion: after expressing a little
to her, we parted.
" 23d. This being the season for drinking the waters,
the town is crowded with gentry, who make a splendid
appearance, and live in great dissipation, to the disgrace of religion and morality-it is said that one
thousand persons attended the concert last night. Believing it right to have another meeting, one was
accordingly appointed at a meeting-house of the dissenters, which was thought would hold twelve hundred
persons or more; and it was presently filled, and
proved, through the adorable mercy of our heavenly
Father, to whom be all the praise, a precious season,
ending in solemn prayer and praises.  Hannah More
having desired a Friend to bring me to their house
again, I there found the celebrated William Wilberforce, who had been at the meeting, which I knew not
of; but it was somewhat remarkable and unusual, that
I should be led to touch upon the enormity of the
slave trade; we soon became quite familiar, and he
asked me many questions about the state of religion
in the different parts of the continent where I had
been, and appeared much pleased that I had had an
interview with Thomas Paine.  Hannah More and her
sisters are all unmarried, live in good style, and do a
great deal of good -they have written and compiled
many excellent works, some for the use of charity
35*




414              THE LIFE  OF
schools, &c. They are a band of sisters, desirous of
employing their time in doing what may be beneficial
in the world, and avoid all the gay and dissipating
amusements of Bath.  We did not retire to bed till
near twelve o'clock, and after the fatigues of the day,
I was favored to lie down rejoicing in the goodness
and mercy of God.
"24th. On leaving Bath, I was persuaded, that notwithstanding the great dissipation abounding in the
place, the Lord hath a considerable number of sincere
hearted, seeking children there, though our Society is
indeed at a very low ebb. Looking back at my visit
among the people, thankfulness covered my mind, that
the Lord had preserved me, as I humbly hope, from
wounding the blessed cause of Truth, which is at times
above all things dear to me. I had dreaded going there,
but was convinced that the Lord is sufficient for his
own work.  Got on to Melksham, and had a meeting
in the evening; the house was not large enough to hold
the people, but though crowded, they soon became
quiet and solid, and it appeared to me to be an open,
tendering time, ending with much solemnity-praised
be the great name of Him, whose is the power and the
glory. Passed on to Devizes, but felt no necessity to
make much stay there: walking through the market,
I took notice of a monument in the middle of the
street, erected to commemorate the sudden death of a
woman, who told a deliberate lie, in order to defraud.
The inscription is a solemn warning, to deter people
from frauds and lies in making bargains.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  415
"26th. Went through Windsor, where the royal
family were: the enormous pile of buildings, called
Windsor Castle, is near a mile in circumference, standing on very high ground, and commanding an extensive view. As we rode through the forest, I saw many
servants, and some of the nobility, who were attending
on a hunting excursion.  At Staines, I thought it
right to appoint a meeting for this evening, and Friends
being active in giving notice, though it was now late
in the afternoon, the meeting-house was soon filledmany stood, and some could not get in; the people
were still and attentive. I believed there were many
religious persons present, but also some Deists; many
were much tendered, and through renewed mercy it
was a time of favor.
"27th. Got to London, and was kindly received by
my beloved friends J. Savory and others, after a separation of near eight months.
28th. Attended two meetings, and two burials.
Had an appointed meeting in the evening, which was
much crowded with people of other religious professions; my mind was solemnly covered, and I was
favored with much openness, to the praise of Him,
who is the Author of all good, and to my own abasement, as unworthy of so great and repeated mercy:
dear George Dillwyn made a solid and pertinent addition, and the meeting closed in prayer and praisesreturned to my lodgings wearied, but comforted in
looking back on the labors of the day.
" Second month. 3d.  Went in a post-chaise for




416               THE LIFE OF
Norwich, and reached a Friend's house about half a
mile out of the town.
"First-day, 4th of the month.  Attended their
meeting; some not members stepped in, and there
were about two hundred under our name; very few
middle-aged, or young persons, who had a consistent
appearance in their dress; indeed, I thought it the
gayest meeting of Friends I ever sat in, and was
grieved to see it.  I expected to pass the meeting in
silent suffering, but at length believed it most for my
peace to express a little, and through gracious condescension was favored to relieve my mind, and many
were tendered.  Had a meeting in the evening, in a,
large meeting-house in another part of the town:
there seems to be but few upright standard-bearers
left among the members in this place, yet they are
not entirely removed.-Attended the public meeting,
and the house, though very large, could not contain
the people by several hundreds; but considering their
crowded situation, many being obliged to stand, they
soon became settled, and through mercy it proved a remarkably open, satisfactory meeting, ending in prayer
and praise' to the Author of every blessing.  The
marks of wealth and grandeur are too obvious in
several families of Friends in this place, which made
me sorrowful, yet saw but little opening to relieve my
mind; several of the younger branches, though they
are enabled, through Divine grace, to see what the
Truth leads to, yet it is uncertain whether, with all
the alluring things of this world around them, they




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 417
will choose the simple, safe path of self-denial. This
city is supposed to contain about sixty thousand inhabitants, which, perhaps, is too high an estimate: it is
pleasantly situated, but has many poor, and numerous
beggars in the streets.
"6th. Attended the Monthly Meeting at Ipswich,
in which they read my certificate, and in the women's
meeting I had a little to communicate: in the evening
had an appointed meeting for other professors, which
appeared to be heavy; yet I believe, that through the
preservation of the heavenly Shepherd, there was
nothing lost.
"8th. Was at Bury: this town is not large, but
bears the marks of great antiquity-has many singular
ruins in and about it, and is considered one of the
handsomest small towns in England.  King Edmund
is said to have died, and been buried here. The public
meeting, this evening, was crowded, but still, and
through the regard of our heavenly Father, a good
opportunity.
"11th. At meeting at Hitchen; and visited the
boarding-school, where my mind was drawn towards
the children in much affection, and they were all
broken into tears; it was, indeed, a time of special
favor.  The appointed public meeting, this evening,
was large, many went away for want of room, and
many stood outside, in the yard, all the time; and
through infinite mercy it proved a favored timeclosing in prayer and praises to God.
"12th. Visited several elderly Friends, and then




418              THE LIFE OF
went to Hertford, which is a large county town; and
not feeling easy to pass it without a meeting with the
inhabitants, one was accordingly appointed for this
evening; —the house was not quite filled, and for some
time the meeting seemed rather heavy; but through
the condescension of our heavenly Father, it proved
at length a good and comfortable season.
" 13th. Passed on through many villages, and arrived
at my usual lodgings in London before noon.  In this
last turn was out eleven days, and felt peace and quietness to attend me in the close.
" Second month, 14th. A publication appeared in one
of the public papers approving of what was delivered
at Norwich and Bath; but I thank my God, who has
yet preserved me from being elated or much depressed,
by the well or ill-done of the world. If I can but obtain
thre answer of a conscience void of offence to God and
man, that is the great object of my concern and will
be enough.
"After having visited a number of Friends, and
attended several meetings, I went to Horselydown on
First-day, the 18th; was at their meeting, and appointed a public fieeting for the evening, which was
very crowded; some of the most respectable people
being present - a great solemnity seemed to spread
over us in the time of silence, and though I felt remarkably poor and tried at entering it, yet through the
gracious condescension of our heavenly Father, it was
one of the most comfortable meetings to myself, I re



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  419
member to have sat in London: praises to the Author
of every blessing.
"First-day, 25th. Visited a number of Friends last
week; to-day attended the meetings at Westminster,
and appointed one for other people this evening, which
proved a good meeting, to the praise of Him, whose is
the power and the glory of all.
"27th. From a particular impression on my mind,
I visited a man in prison, who was under sentence of
death. His cell being small, damp and dark, the gaoler
invited us, with the criminal, into a better room. He
was about fifty years of age, and his wife was staying
with him to see his end.  After his condemnation, he
was at first much distressed on account of his condition,
but having been favored to find a place of repentance,
he had hope in the mercy of God and was not afraid
to die:- he seemed in a calm, quiet state of mind, but
not boasting.  Some advice was communicated to him,
and we left him thankful for our visit.
Third month, 5th. Visited the soup-house which is
principally under the care of Friends; there are several
of these charities in and about London.  The soup is
made very good and nourishing, and the poor give a
penny a quart for it; this one is in Brick-lane, and
makes about fifteen hundred quarts a daty-it is a great
relief to the poor, for which they express many blessings
to Friends as they pass through the streets.
" 7th. Having appointed a public meeting, I went
to it this evening in much fear: it soon became exceedingly crowded, and the passages being filled, some




420              THE LIFE OF
hundreds stood round the doors; many respectable
people attended, and much solemnity prevailed in the
time of silence. I was led to speak of the awful signs
of the times, and on some passages in the Revelations;
the Lord was good to us, and the way was opened in
a remarkable manner to declare the truth; and He
condescended to tender my own heart, and also most of
the congregation, for which there was an offering of
thanksgiving to Him; after which I was much humbled,
saw and felt myself unworthy of his many mercies, and
retired to rest with much thankfulness.
" 10th. Dined at Benjamin West's, in company with
George Dillwyn; and he having concerted the necessary
measures preparatory to a visit to the royal family,
George Dillwyn, Mary Knowles and myself, went with
him in his carriage to Buckingham-house, where we
arrived about six o'clock. The queen ordered the pages
to show us into one of the apartments, where we waited
about five minutes, when one of the lords came to conduct us to the drawing-room.  The king, queen and
three of the princesses, with prince Ernest Augustus,
met us with pleasant countenances.  Being informed
of my late journey on the continent, the prince asked
me many questions, but with rather too much rapidity.
He particularly wished to be informed of the present
state of Lyons, which gave me an opportunity of
expressing my feelings on the horrors and miseries of
war, and that it must be devoutly wished by every good
Christian, that a total cessation of that dreadful practice should take place; and which every one, according




WILLIAM SAVERY.                  421
to his rank and station in the world, ought to labor to
promote: to this the queen and princesses, who stood
close round us in a group, gave an emphatic assent.
The king and queen asked questions on several subjects,
to which I gave answers as I was qualified. The king
engaging in conversation with George Dillwyn, I turned
to the queen and princesses, who all appeared highly
pleased with the interview.  She gave me the names
of the children and their ages, and told Mary to bring
her sister Amelia, who was unwell, but she came in;she is a tall girl of fourteen. We conversed with the
king, queen and children, like old acquaintances; and
I told them I was grateful for their condescension in
receiving us in this social manner- for there was not
a single person with us in the room all the time. The
king asking me about the situation of things between
France and America, I told him I seldom meddled at
all with politics, as it was not my business. No, no, no,
said he, I understand; but as a people you can never
form  so natural an attachment with any nation of
Europe as England; we are united by religion, relationship, commerce, disposition, &c. I replied, that I
valued the connection, and hoped the family compact
would never be broken; -and the queen, who had
caught a part of the conversation, desired I would
repeat it; was much pleased with the idea, and spoke
of it to her daughters with satisfaction.  The king
spoke of the Theophilanthropists in France, but had not
a right idea of them. I told him I desired to embrace
the good as my brethren, under every different modi36




422               THE LIFE OF
fication of outward form and profession in the world;
-to which he and the queen replied,'A good Christian
must do so, for he has the same regard for good people
of different professions.' After much free conversation,
I could hardly take leave of them without tears. Benjamin West made a motion; the king and queen, with
the children, drew a little back, and with gestures of
respect, bid us a'good evening.'  I said a few words
at parting; George Dillwyn also expressed a little.
After we retired, Benjamin West staying a little, heard
the king say to the queen,' Charlotte, how satisfactory
this has been.'
" First-day, 11th. Attended meetings at Ratcliff and
appointed one for this evening, which was held in a
malt store- above one thousand people attended; and
though all could not get seats, they behaved remarkably
well. It was thought to be a solid, favored time, but
my mind was very much stripped at the close; surely
the Lord is good to sustain and support so poor a creature as I am, under these weighty engagements.
"16th. Concluded to hold a meeting this evening
with the people, in the king's dock-yards, at Chatham.
I admired the quiet and order of the workmen, a great
number of whom are Methodists; the meeting was full,
mostly from the dock-yard, and it appeared to be a solid
comfortable season.
"18th. At London, and attended their meeting at
Gracechurch street. A public meeting being appointed
for this evening, great numbers came together - many
of the gay families in and round London were present,




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  423
with a multitude of other professions, supposed to be
upwards of two thousand; yet they were very quiet and
attentive, and the Lord was pleased to be with me, so
that I rejoiced in a hope, that Truth had risen as high
as in any of the public meetings I had had about London; it ended in thanksgiving, and I took leave of the
people, not doubting I should now depart from this city
soon.
" 19th. I mentioned my prospect of appointing a
meeting for Friends only; and though I felt weak and
fearful about it, yet was most easy to appoint one for
to-morrow evening. Walked to the soup-house in Spittal
fields, where a few Friends were busily employed in
distributing about fourteen hundred quarts of soup,
which they do in about two hours-the poor people
bless the Quakers and seem very grateful for this relief.
"20th. Attended the appointed meeting, which was
large; a great many had to stand all the time- a
solemnity prevailed; and it was made, through the
heavenly Father's love, a season long to be remembered;
the light and airy, as well as the formal and precise
professors, were tenderly spoken to; and the humble,
upright-hearted among the youth and others, comforted.
It was such a time of cementing union and love with
my brethren and sisters in Society, as I never experienced in England before. At the close George Dillwyn
kneeled down, and in a lively manner gave God the
glory, which was and ever will be his due. A considerable number expressed a hope they should see me
again in London, and my own mind was doubtful whether




424               THE LIFE OF
it was a final parting; however, I believed it a right
time to leave the city at present, and commit the future
to the direction of Him, who hath been pleased to be
mercifully with me, far beyond my deserts:- many
were in tears, and it was after nine o'clock before I
could get out of the meeting-house.  I retired to rest
relieved of London, and with much thankfulness of
heart to the Father of mercies.
" 23(1. After having visited several Friends, went
on to Shipstone; and being informed of the burial of
a young woman at Chipping Norton, I felt most easy
to attend it, though several miles off. A large company
were present, so that the meeting-house was much too
small for them.  I had some remarks to communicate,
and it appeared to be a favored, contriting season.
The grave was walled up about one foot and a half
high, with brick, and floored with the same, laid in
mortar; the coffin was let down and covered with flat
stones, laid on the brick wall in mortar.  Went on
through a part of Oxfordshire to Evesham, a large
market-town in Worcestershire, where there are a few
Friends and a meeting.  Friends here were under a
good deal of concern, as I have found in many other
places, about paying taxes declared to be for the express
purpose of carrying on the war. I think our peaceable
testimony is so much concerned in it, that many Friends
will find it the way to peace, to suffer, rather than
actively comply: it will no doubt be a trying time to
many, through which I hope the standard will be held




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  425
up a little higher against the horrid practice of war,
than has yet been the case in England.
" 24th. Passed through a good country to Bridgenorth, on the head of the Severn: most of the town
stands on a high rocky hill; the lower town in the vale.
The rock is so soft that many of the poor live in chambers cut out of it; some families one story above another.
Great simplicity prevails among the country people;
their language partaking a little of Welch, and differing
from any I have heard in England. We rode over very
high and uneven ground, the Severn flowing below us,
and passed through the town of Brosely, among the
iron works and over the iron bridge.  This valley, for
a mile or more, is filled with iron works; the hills are
steep an(l rugged, yet covered with houses, gardens,
&c.; for the people are dependent on the works.  It
has a very dark appearance, even the trees and bushes
are quite blackened with the smoke; and in the night
the fires have a terrific appearance.  We arrived at
Sunny-side, and were received at Sarah Darby's with
much kindness.  Dear Deborah Darby resides here,
and Rebecca Young was here also.
"First-day, 25th. Visited  our ancient, honorable
Friend, Ann Summerland, a minister beloved, and now
in her eighty-ninth year -  he leaned on my arm  to
thie meeting-house: many not professing with us came
into the meeting, and at the close I appointed a public
meeting for the people generally.  The meeting in the
evening was large for the place, and appeared to be a,
solid time throughout.  Mary Fletcher, widow of the
36*




426               THE LIFE  OF
late John Fletcher, of this parish, having had a numerous meeting in the Dale this afternoon, occasioned more
people to be at ours; she preaches much in various
places round this neighborhood; bears an excellent
character for piety, both from Friends and others, and
is certainly an extraordinary woman.
" 26th. Went on to Shrewsbury, where Rebecca
Young lives, and had an appointed meeting this evening. As it was the time of the,assizes, many came
in, so that the house was too small for the company;
yet the people were very quiet and attentive, and through
the goodness of our heavenly Shepherd, it closed to our
comfort, in praises to his great and ever worthy name.
A messenger being sent on, a meeting was appointed
at Elsemere, on the borders of Wales, sixteen miles
from  Shrewsbury, which we attended the 27th.  The
people not being accustomed to see Friends often, were
somewhat uncivil as we passed through the street. The
room held about three hundred, but more were outside
and thronging to get in.  On explaining to them our
reasons for appointing such meetings and the necessity
laid upon us both to labor and to suffer reproach, if
the Lord permitted it, for his name sake, they became
quiet, and though impatient to get in were serious and
still. Deborah Dirby had-a favored time, and I made
some addition, and Rebecca Young closed the meeting
in prayer  so through the mercy and goodness of the
Lord our helper, Truth came into dominion, and at
parting with the people, they thanked us for our visit.
An ancient woman seemed very loving, and told Deb



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  427orah Darby there had never been a meeting of Friends
in the town since her remembrance, and that she was
thankful for this.
" Went to Wrexham on the 28th, and held an appointed meeting at eleven o'clock; and it being fairtime, which continues a week, the inn and streets were
crowded: the manufacturers from  Manchester and
Birmingham, were here to get orders for goods, and
the Irish traders with linen, so that it looked like an
unfavorable time for a meeting: about one hundred
and fifty came in, but seemed rather restless; and the
waiter of the inn frequently called one or other out to
some who had business.  Deborah Darby spoke, and
for a time they were pretty still, yet several were
moving out and in; a considerable part of the company being such who had come out of the country to
the fair, and probably had never seen a Friends' meeting before. I having something to offer, and speaking
pretty loud, many came up from below stairs; and
though there was still much unsettlement, yet a number wvere solid and quiet to the end; it closed in
prayer, and on parting with the more serious class,
they lamented that the meeting had not been at another time, when we should have had a large company,
and the people more settled. Went on for Liverpool,
and travelled through a pretty country to Chester,
where we arrived after much detention, about nine
o'clock at night.
"29th. Attended their meeting - my mind to-day
much c(,xrcised about right direction, when and how to




428               THE LIFE  OF
move towards my dear home, desiring to be released
as soon as the Lord may please to make way for it in
pea ce.
" Fourth month, 1st. Went out to Bickerstaff. which
had once been as large as most country meetings; but
for seven years past no members have resided there,
except two old people; the house is the most antique
and simple of any I have seen, and was nearly filled
with plain, honest looking country people, chiefly
farmers and laborers from the neighborhood, who were
still; many were tender, especially some of the most
aged, and I trust the good Shepherd was with us.
Friends having obtained leave for a meeting at three
o'clock in the Town Hall of Ormskirk, we proceeded
thither; but found that some prejudiced people had
been influencing the magistrate who gave leave, to
countermand it. He said, that upon consideration, he
did not think such meetings ought to be encouraged,
especially on the sabbath day, when every person
ought to be at their own place of worship; and he
therefore ordered the constable to stand at the door
and suffer no one to go in. The place had been seated,
and the notices spread in the town.  I felt calm, expecting the people would not all be pleased with the
order.  It appeared that a person, by the initials supposed to be one of the new lights from Ireland, had
been there some weeks past, and said something that
offended the minds of many, and the people behaved
rudely.  I was concerned how it might end; thinking
if any prejudices had got in, and we were obstinately




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  429
refused a meeting, I must endeavor to vindicate our
principles and testimony, either out of the windows of
the inn, or in the market-place.  I ate but little at
dinner, and before three o'clock a servant came to inform us from the constable, we might hold our meeting
at four o'clock, when the public worship would be over.
Some of the young men stood at the Hall door, and
also pasted up a paper, informing that the meeting
was postponed till four o'clock; at which time we
went-the constable having just opened the door, vast
numbers were crowding up stairs, and they came in,
until no more could either stand or sit: it was supposed about five hundred persons were there, some of
them the most respectable people of the town, who sat
near us; but it was very evident they came with prejudiced minds in a general way, and expected to have
something to ridicule. It is certainly a very important
engagement, and fraught with serious consequences,
to attempt to hold such meetings, and to leave them
so as to shut up the way of those who may come after;
which, indeed, is injuring the cause we profess to promote.  Believing it right to stand up and express a
text of Scripture, many began to smile, and I had not
been in such a meeting for a long time; yet feeling
my strength increase as I proceeded, and the heavenly
Shepherd near, the people dropped their countenances,
and became serious - many at length were much affected; and towards the close, which was under a feeling of reverent thankfulness to the Lord our helper,
an evidence was granted, that the holy Truth was as




430               THE LIFE OF
able as formerly to chain down light spirits and put
to silence the scorner. Returned to Liverpool. Several
vessels going for America, I am tried with daily anxiety
about home, in a manner I have not experienced since
I left it, and my mind much exercised that I might
know the will of God and do it, whether to go from
England at present or tarry a little longer.
"First-day, Fourth month, 8th.  At meeting, my
mind was opened in an unusual manner, and I felt
comforted in believing the gracious Helper of the poor
was near and his presence with us.  Appointed a
public meeting for this evening, which was large, their
commodious house being filled, and it was s:id that
many of the first rank in the town were present. The
call of the Lord's people out of Babylon was opened;
showing that Babylon signifies confusion, and that all
priestcraft and false foundations, laid by human wisdom and authority, in establishing systems and modes
of worship, not proceeding from  Divine wisdom, were
in the confusion, as well as the civil policy that involved nations in cruel and destructive wars, and permitted men to ravage foreign countries, and carry
their inhabitants into the most inhuman hands of slavemasters.  The meeting was still and attentive, and
much solemnity reigned, for which, impressed with a
sense of the mercy and goodness of God in thus
favoring us, the meeting closed in prayer and praises
-retired to bed with thankfulness to the Author of
every blessing for support through the day.
"10th. Having attended Hardshaw Monthly Meet



WILLIAM   SAVERY.                431
ing, in which the business appeared to be well conducted, I returned to Liverpool.  The roads were
dusty, and the people diverting themselves in the fields
with dancing and other sports, which they call'folly
fair,' a proper name for such vanity. Low in mind,
not seeing how to move for the best as respects my
leaving this country. My natural feelings are strongly
drawn towards home, but no light seems to shine upon
it; and I never had more need to ask for patience
than at present.
"14th. Went for Lancaster: the land through this
part of the country appears to be but an indifferent
soil; the farms, hedges, &c., not in that neatness which
is apparent in many other places in England.
" First-day, 15th. Attended their meeting, and appointed one for other professors in the evening, which
was crowded.  I was considerably enlarged in cormmunication, respecting the righteous of former ages,
both under the law and the Gospel, and the manner in
which they obtained confidence in God; and that the
same means would produce the like effect now, both to
individuals and nations: the people were quiet, remarkably attentive, and through holy condescension it
was a favored opportunity-the praise of all was
solemnly rendered unto Him who is for ever worthy.
"16th. Got on to Liverpool, and on the 17th was at
the meeting of ministers and elders, and it appeared to
be a profitable season. At the Quarterly Meeting for
Discipline, the subject of paying taxes for the support
of war was considered, and it appeared that many




432               THE  LIFE OF
Friends were much straitened in their minds about the
practice, in most of the Quarters in the nation.
"18th. The meeting this afternoon was large; it
was thought there were two thousand people present:
some doctrinal subjects were opened by William Jephson, in a remarkably clear and convincing manner, and
it was a favored time; ending in prayer and praises
unto God, who helped and strengthened us. Many of
the people expected another meeting, and seemed loth
to depart.
" 20th. A ship is to sail in two days for Philadelphia,
and my mind is much exercised, not feeling liberty to
return to America. A public meeting this evening was
large, at which were Deborah Darby, Rebecca Young,
and Charity Cook: the Lord in great mercy owned us,
and favored with a renewed eating and drinking together
as in his presence, where his banner over us was love;
in which I believe many not professing with us partook,
and parted in great sweetness.
"21st. Went on for Chester, and on First-day, the
22nd, had a public meeting there -the house filled -
Deborah Darby had an open favored time; the people
were solid and a number expressed their thankfulness,
wishing for another meeting; but one having been appointed at Wrexham, twelve miles off in Wales, for this
evening, we left Chester; passed through a pleasant,
well-cultivated country to that town. Held the meeting
in a large room, supposed to contain six hundred, but
it was much too small; and that and a room adjoining
were crowded to such a degree, that it became very




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 433
warm, so that some were ready to faint; yet the people
seemed inclined to be still. After speaking some time,
numbers pushing to get in caused uneasiness and unsettlement, and I then proposed, that if another place
could be immediately obtained, we had better proceed
thither. A respectable looking man said, the Independent meeting was at our service, if we chose to go
there; but dear Deborah Darby not being willing to
go into a place of worship of another society, stood up
and spoke to the people, which had a good effect. The
crowd however was too great to continue, and we broke
up the meeting, and appointed another at ten o'clock
in the forenoon, at the same place. The people seemed
sorry it could not be continued, as many of them were
poor and could not well attend on a working day.
"'23d. The meeting being accordingly held, about
eight hundred attended, and it proved a satisfactory
time, to the refreshment and comfort of many; much
tenderness being apparent, the people were full of expressions of their satisfaction, and many asked for
books, which we had not to give them, but promised to
send them some. Wrexham is one of the largest towns
in Wales, and may contain eight or ten thousand inhabitants.
" Proceeded to Oswestry, a considerable town, about
sixteen miles distant; and passed through many pleasant vales, &c. A large room being prepared for a
meeting, it was supposed seven hundred persons were
present; and after considerable communication we
37




434               THE.LIFE  OF
parted with the people in much tenderness-many acknowledging the Truth and asking for books.
"24th. Going towards Welchpool, we found the
roads very much cut and hilly; the valleys were beautiful, and many barren mountains were in view - the
farm-houses generally small, and the dress of the people rather mean. Several Friends from Colebrookdale
having joined us, we held a meeting in the evening at
our inn; but it was an hour before more than forty
persons came-two Friends spoke; after which, feeling
an engagement to speak, and my voice being heard at
a distance, the people crowded up stairs and filled both
rooms; they were quiet and attentive - a few persons
who had been drinking too freely were unsettled, yet
the meeting ended well, and we appointed another for
to-morrow evening.
" 25th. Attended the meeting of ministers and elders
this morning, which was small but solid; the poor Welch
Friends were much affected with the smallness of their
number and with their weakness.  The meeting for
Discipline, which is held only twice a year in Wales,
and is similar to a Quarterly Meeting, consisted of
about thirty-two men of their own members, sixteen of
them Welch, and as many from Shropshire. I felt very
low about the meeting to be held this evening, Friends
saying the people have never been very free in coming
to them.  Deborah Darby and Rebecca Young being
much wearied, excused themselves from attending. The
Town-house had been obtained, and it was soon filled,
and a large number stood in the street, but so situated




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                435
as to be able to hear; they were still both within doors
and without, and many were much tendered: the opportunity ended in prayer, and Friends thought that,
through Divine favor, it was the most solid meeting
they had known in that town.
"26th. Attended the meeting for Discipline, and
went into the women's meeting with my certificates,
where I had an open, tendering time, and dear Deborah
Darby appeared in prayer in a solemn and comforting
manner.  A  person who lived at Moontgomeryshire,
eight miles off, requesting Friends to hold a meeting
there, and Deborah Darby and Rebecca Young having
wished to have one there a few months back, which the
parson prevented, they now thought it right to go; and
believing it required of me to go another way, though
much in the cross, I took an affectionate leave of them,
in order to proceed to Dublin Yearly Meeting. Passed
through a mountainous country, having very little appearance of wealth or luxury; the inhabitants spoke
little else among themselves but Welch, and many of
them speak English with difficulty; they look like a
healthy, hardy race — the women almost universally
wear hats like men, and work much in the fields and
barn. The inhabitants seemed to live in humble style,
and to be much unacquainted with the fashionable
world.  Giving our coachmen, at different stages, a
little extra pay to get us on as fast as they could, to
Holyhead, we arrived there the 27th at night, and
found a packet just hoisting sail and the passengers
going on board. They allowed us a quarter of an hour




436               THE LIFE OF
to procure provisions for the voyage; so that if we had
been half an hour later, we should have missed our
passage.  There were only three passengers besides
ourselves, and a good sloop, in which we were well accommodated. On the morning of the 28th, we plainly
discovered the mountains of Wicklow-and the captain, A. Savory and myself, being the only persons who
had lain in provisions, it was all brought upon deck,
the others joined in our repast, and we all eat very
heartily.
" 29th. When about two miles from the Dublin lighthouse, a boat came to take the passengers on shore; at
such ports many are seeking to empty the pockets of
travellers. We breakfasted at a miserably dirty, though
large hotel, showing us at once that we were out of
England. Went to Meath street meeting-house, where
Friends were assembled   the widow Usher of Waterford, spoke a few words in prayer, and Friends seemed
glad to see me come into the meeting.  Appointed a
public meeting at six o'clock in the evening, which was,
through the renewing of our heavenly Master's favor,
an open, satisfactory time, and the praise was returned
to Him who alone is worthy.' 30th. Second-day; the Meeting for Discipline was
heli, and much solemnity was apparent at the opening.
Leinster province meeting contains almost as many
Friends as Ulster and Munster, and there is only one
small meeting in Connaught.  In considering the reports from the different meetings, the subject of reading the Scriptures took up the attention of Friends.




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                 437
Some of the accounts being deficient, Friends could
not easily get over it, but were not sufficiently clear
and explicit in mentioning their painful apprehensions,
and were about to pass it by.  I pressed their closer
attention to it. but some were for going on, though
many minds were oppressed, knowing the pernicious
sentiments that had obtained, even among some members in high stations. I now saw in part what brought
me to Ireland again.  I urged it again, when Friends
spoke their minds freely, and it appeared that a number in different parts of the nation were in a disposition
to lay waste in great measure the Holy Scriptures,
disputed the Divinity of Christ, and were not united
with the present ministry or discipline of our religious
Society, but yet professed to exalt the Divine Light
and immediate revelation very highly.  After several
hours spent on the subject, a large committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration, and join
with the women Friends in bringing in a report. David
Sands and myself were requested to sit with them.
Went to my lodgings fatigued, but convinced that it
was my duty to attend this meeting.
" Fifth month, 1st. The meeting of ministers and
elders was exercised on the same painful subject as
the Meeting for Discipline; some of the disaffected
were present; several active members, and one elder
of Dublin, sat with their hats on while David Sands
was in supplication.
"2d. The committee of men and women Friends,
respecting the Scriptures of Truth, met, and also a
37*




438               THE  LIFE  OF
number of concerned Friends, both men and women:
several Friends said they knew members, who not only
openly allowed their disbelief and disregard of a great
part of the Holy Scriptures, but who also denied the
Divinity of Christ, and many things recorded concerning him-and pretended that they were so illuminated
as to have no occasion for books or outward helpssome of these they believed had come into the committee, who might speak for themselves. I urged such
who were dissatisfied with the doctrines of Friends in
these respects, to be candid and open, that we might
discover what their sentiments were, observing that no
honest man ought to hold sentiments he was ashamed
of. I told them it was well to take one thing at a time,
and to read the head of the chapter on the Holy Scriptures in Robert Barclay, and if Abraham Shackleton
or any other, who I supposed to be the cause of uneasiness, had anything to object, I hoped they would
stand forth.  On its being read, J. B     y said he
agreed to the proposition that Barclay had laid down,
but there were several parts of the Scriptures he could
neither call holy nor require his children to read-he
would not go so far as to deny the authenticity of them
in general.  Abraham Shackleton agreed in words at
least, but was for mutilating the Scriptures, saying
that many parts were unprofitable, and some things
derogatory to the Divine Being-there were five books,
he observed, between Genesis and Job, but did not say
which, that he could very well spare, and some other.
parts of both the Old and New Testaments - he did




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  439
not deny that Jesus Christ was a Divine person, but it
was not clear what his ideas of the Divinity were.
After we had sat about three hours, those who were
not of the committee withdrew, and Friends then
spending another hour in considering the subjects, appointed three men to bring in a report. On attending
the committee in the afternoon, a report was brought
in, but before there was time to go through it, adjourned
until to-morrow.
"Fifth month, 3d. The committee on the Holy
Scriptures and on the unsound doctrines held by some
members of Society, having met, a report drawn up
by the sub-committee to be presented to the Yearly
Meeting, was read, setting forth that there was reason
to believe, that some members of Society held the
Scriptures, particularly some parts of them, in very
light estimation, and were also tinctured with unsound
doctrines, and proposing it to be recommended, that
such should be tenderly treated with by the Monthly
Meetings, and if they could not be brought to condemn
their errors, the Monthly Meetings should request the
assistance of the Quarters to labor further with them,
and if they still persisted to hold those pernicious
opinions, Friends were then to declare their disunity
with them.*  The meeting again assembling at five
o'clock, the report of the committee, with some small
* Most of the persons who had unhappily imbibed these unsound and pernicious opinions, which were the cause of so much
sorrow and concern to the Society, soon after relinquished tbir
membership or were disowned.




440               THE LIFE OF
alteration, was adopted and sent into the women's
meeting.  Some Friends -having obtained the freedom
of cities, by taking an affirmation to keep a gun and
bayonet in their houses, and a few others being at
present contractors for the army, this very serious
subject took up much time at this sitting of the meeting,
and it was ordered that a minute should be brought to
the next sitting, directing Monthly Meetings to deal
with such delinquents. The first is a practice of many
years' standing, and but lately taken notice of in a
Society capacity.  Some who were so circumstanced,
sent to the corporations a resignation of their freedoms.
"4th. Attended the meeting at Sycamore alley, and
had to mention the expressions'the memory of the just
is blessed,' bringing to the remembrance of the company
present, the worthies of our Society who had been formerly raised up in Ireland; the youth were tendered,
and through Divine mercy and favor, it appeared to
be a profitable, good meeting.  In one hour after this,
the meeting of ministers and elders met again, when
my certificates being read, some Friends were appointed
to draw a returning one from this meeting.  J. B -
sent in a note, desiring to be admitted into the meeting
to relieve his mind; Friends sent out a committee to
hear him, but did not admit him - he was one of those
persons who thought lightly of some part of the Scriptures.  Attended the Meeting for Discipline, which
recommended its representatives not to urge in the
Yearly Meeting of London, the request for a distinct
Yearly Meeting in Ireland; all who spoke to the busi



WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  441
ness, thought it was no time to break up the connection, in which I much united.
"5th. The meeting was brought under the consideration of appointing a committee to visit Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings in this nation, as it appeared to be
a trying time to Friends, from  circumstances both
within and without the Society, which subject I had
felt impressed on my mind for several sittings. Three
or four of those members who had given the meeting
much exercise and trouble, opposed the motion, but a
solemn calm  coming over the meeting, many Friends
expressed their unity with the concern, and six men
Friends were appointed.  The meeting adjourned until
afternoon, when it sat till eight o'clock at night, and
closed in a solid and comfortable manier. Though it
had been a painful, exercising week to many, it was
thought to be as profitable a meeting as had been held
for a number of years.
"First-day, 6th of the month. Attended their meetings for worship and appointed a public meeting for the
evening, which was very large, more than the house
would hold; there were many people of high rank,
some officers, and several of those called clergymen
present.  I was led to combat the Deistical opinions,
and through the continued mercy of our heavenly Father, it was one of the most solid, satisfactory meetings
I ever sat in Dublin.
7th. Meeting of ministers and elders: a lively zeal
was manifest to stir up Friends to attend to their several gifts, and to be watchful in keeping down those who




442               THE LIFE  OF
may attempt to introduce unsound doctrines among
Friends.  Our certificates were signed by all except
three members who are leaning, it is to be feared, to
the new opinions- the meeting concluded in a serious,
satisfactory manner, after having agreed to print
Robert Barclay's chapter on the Scriptures.
"8th. At meeting at Meath street, I mentioned the
passage in which it is said, that our Lord passed through
certain cities without doing many miracles, because of
their unbelief.  Mary Ridgway then took up the subject, and had a lively testimony; David Sands closed
the service on the same, and it was thought to be
a profitable meeting   Friends took leave of each
other in much tenderness.  In the afternoon there
being many Friends at the house where I was, I took
an affectionate leave of them all, several expressing
they believed I was right in coming again to Dublin,
for which I was thankful and felt encouraged.
" 9th. Went on board the packet with a number of
Friends who are going with us to England.  Arrived
in the evening at Holyhead, and our baggage being
taken to the Custom-house, I searched in vain for my
trunk, which could not be found, and was very uneasy
at the loss, as many valuable articles were in it.  I determined to stay at Holyhead until I could learn something about my trunk; it was rather a dreary time to
my cousin A. Savory and myself.  The town is small,
and a dull place, except when the packets are either
going out or arriving from Ireland; there are perhaps




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  443
about one hundred houses in it, and as to trade it
seems very dead.
" 12th. Early in the morning the bar-keeper came
into my room and said, your portmanteau is in my possession.  It had been found after we sailed from Dublin, and sent on by my friend Joseph Wilson.  Rode
to Bangor ferry -most of the towns in Wales are
very dull, both as to navigation and inland trade. Got
to Aberconway, one of the most ancient little cities I
have seen, particularly its walls and towers: being a
thoroughfare from Dublin to London, draws travellers
to it, and the money thus disbursed, furnishes the inhabitants with their principal support.  Rode in sight
of the Irish channel, and crossed several mountains,
one very high, the road being cut into the side of it
with the sea almost perpendicularly under it.  From
this height there is a very agreeable view of the ships
sailing in the channel; of the verdant, beautiful valleys, and humble cottages, with their inhabitants, between the mountains; the horses, cattle, ploughs and
people, so far below us, that they appeared very diminutive. Men and women seemed to take an equal share
of labor in the fields.  Got to St. Asaph, which is but
a small town, having rode sixty miles to-day.
"First-day, 13th. Passed through a well-cultivated
country, and one of the finest valleys in Great Britain,
the fields and meadows luxuriant, timber trees in the
hedges, etc.; much rural simplicity prevails. Arrived
at Wrexham.  Several hundreds of soldiers having
come into the town on their way to Ireland,-the people




444               THE LIFE  OF
seemed in a bustle and no probability of a meeting
among them  to advantage, so we sat down quietly to
our bibles. In the evening it plainly appeared. that a
meeting could not have been held to satisfaction, as
the people began to be very noisy, and much taken up
with the soldiery.
" 14th. Put on through Elsemere and Shrewsbury,
to Shefnal: saw a great number of furnaces and forges
at Ketly, which, with the coal-pits and smoke from
numerous steam-engines, made the country appear
black for many miles, covering the trees, shrubs,
houses, etc., and with the blackness of the people and
many fires burning, formed altogether an extraordinary scene.  With much diligence we got to Birmingham and staid a little while among our Friends. Went
to a house where they were delivering a quart of soup
and a half-penny worth of bread to each poor person,
for a penny.  Friends are the chief supporters of this
benevolent institution, from which the London associations took their rise; they brought each of us a little
of the soup, which was well relished and good. They
serve about one thousand  per day: the applicants
looked poor but far removed from the filthy, degraded
and wretched condition of the poor in Ireland; it did
my heart good to see this mode of relief promoted and
patronized by Friends.  They sell the soup very low,
rather than give it, which in great measure prevents
those from partaking of it, who would sell it if given
gratis, and apply the money to get strong drink.  I
had a public meeting in the evening, which was very




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  445
large, the crowd and heat being great, several young
women fainted, which occasioned some disturbance.
Afterwards the people sat in great quietness, and
Friends hoped that the testimony of Truth was owned
by many in the meeting not of our religious profession.
After meeting, one of the ordained ministers, a man
of pious character, endeavored to encourage me, apparently with much sincerity.
" 16th. Went through a fertile country, abounding
in rich pastures, fine sheep, large cows, etc.  Got to
Coventry, and it being their meeting-day, we went to
it: the house was nearly full, and it appeared to end
with solidity. In company with Friends going to the
Yearly Meeting, went to Towcester.  My mind very
low about entering London again, which I had left comfortably, with a hope that it would not be my lot to see
it again in this visit, yet could see no other way for me.
My friends endeavored to cheer me, as some of them
thought when I left it I should not get away peacefully
without attending the Yearly Meeting; and I endeavored after resignation.  The people knowing it is the
time of the Yearly Meeting, look pleasantly on Friends
as they pass along the roads, especially the inn-keepers,
as Friends have to stop at their houses —they were
very obliging, but were hard set to provide all with
post-horses.' 18th. Attended the usual morning meeting preceding the Yearly Meeting.  Thomas Scattergood appeared in prayer, and also Elizabeth Usher from Ireland; Friends kept their seats a considerable time
38




446              THE LIFE  OF
after she kneeled, not knowing her, for which I was
sorry. I stood up, and Friends followed my example;
much solemnity appeared to cover the meeting, and it
so ended.  Dear Deborah Darby, Rebecca Young and
myself, agreed to be at the meeting at Wandsworth on
First-day, the 20th, and to have an evening meeting
at Stockwell.
"20th. The meeting at Wandsworth was large, many
of the rich gentry having seats thereabouts were present, and several Friends from  London.  Deborah
Darby and Rebecca Young were favored with living
testimonies, and through renewed mercy we were comforted in believing it was a good meeting. The meeting at Stockwell was held in a corn store, which being
large and well seated, it was thought that five hundred
persons were present, yet great numbers did not get
in. The people were quiet, but the ceiling being low
and the windows and doors much stopped up by the
crowd, it became very warm, yet the company kept
very still. After I had relieved my mind, Deborah
Darby had a powerful testimony, and the opportunity
ended in prayer; the people withdrew in an orderly
manner, desiring another meeting."  These complime- "'ry notices had little or no weight with him,
havigr in himself the indubitable sense and feeling,
that if any good was done it was of the Lord's mercy,
to whom alone all praise is due.
21st. In the meeting for business, much was said
by several Friends to keep the members to plainness
and simplicity without formality, there being much




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   447
room for better example in the families of some in high
stations.
"23d. A  Friend of Lancashire spoke a few words
in the ministry, with which I had unity.  IIe was
formerly sailing-master of a frigate, in the time of the
American war, but was now an acknowledged minister,
keeps a school for a livelihood, and he and his wife
walked up to the Yearly Meeting, nearly three hundred miles, as did also another minister of Cumberland, who is in the station of a servant -several
others walked from  fifty to one hundred and fifty
miles.
" 24th. I thought it my place to go into the women's
meeting, which being united with, I was favored to
relieve my mind respecting the departures from Gospel
simplicity in some of. the rich and great.  Deborah
Darby in much sweetness offered up a solemn prayer.
With the great wealth that is among Friends, there are
many generous hearts who are disposed to apply it for
approved and religious purposes.
" First-day, 27th. Attended an appointed meeting
this evening at Islington, which was held in Friends'school and work-house, called Clerkenwell; it was- much
crowded and oppressively warm, and many out in the
yard -the people still and attentive. Deborah Darby
was preciously drawn forth in prayer and praises, and
through renewed mercy we parted solemnly.  Lodged
at a Friend's house at HIpmpstead; the grounds, garden,
&c. were in high style, I thought much beyond true
simplicity.  Being on one side of Hempstead heath,




448               THE  LIFE  OF
it is a fine, open situation, and seems to combine almost
everything this world could afford  and the owner gives
a welcome reception to Friends; but more conformity
to the simplicity and ways of Truth would have made
it still pleasanter to me-his taxes, charities and other
expenses, amount to near four thousand pounds sterling,
per annum.
"30th. The Yearly Meeting closed, having held
thirteen days.
"Sixth month, 1st. Was at the Meeting for Sufferings,
wherein Friends were encouraged to keep in remembrance the professors with us in Germany and France.
Attended a public meeting at Westminster this evening,
in which Deborah Darby was largely engaged, and
Rebecca Young also lively and pertinent, and it ended
in thanks to him who is ever worthy.
"First-day, 3d. Was at a public meeting this evening held at the Park meeting-house, which was so
crowded that the young people of our Society were
requested to go out to give room for others, which many
of them  did and staid in the yard.  Through Divine
favor and mercy I was enabled to relieve my mind far
beyond my expectation, for I entered the house in great
fear.  This is often my situation before these large,
important meetings, and the prayer of my heart in
secret is,'Lord preserve me fiom wounding thy holy
cause;' and blessed be his name, I-e has often mariifested himself to be strength in weakness and a present
helper in the needful time; for which, under a present
sense of my own great unworthiness, I desire in the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                   449
depth of humility to render unto him the praise of his
own works.
"4th. For several days past my mind has been
much turned to think of the poor prisoners in Newgate; four men and one woman were executed last
week, and several more intended for this week.  It is
truly an afflicting circumstance, that numbers are continually sent out of the world in that way, in this country; many for small crimes.  The woman now under
sentence, had passed a bank-note of only twenty shillings value, knowing it to be counterfeit; her master
gave her an excellent character, except in that one
instance, yet no pardon could be obtained.  Believing
it right to make the attempt, though it was very trying to me again to enter those dismal abodes of the
wretched, and having the company of a few Friends,
we were readily admitted.  Had an interview with a
young man of a respectable family, condemned for a
species of forgery, though it was believed, by most
people, that no fraud was designed.  We had a humbling time-such another baptizing season I never remember on a like occasion; he was greatly contrited,
and bathed in tears, and his wife being present, was
very thankful, and it was with difficulty we retired
from this most extraordinary, affecting scene, which I
have no language to describe, but trust I shall never
forget it: in the midst of judgment, the Lord eminently
remembered mercy.  The poor man continued calm,
and died in reverent hope in the mercy of God through
Christ Jesus.  Much interest had been made for him,
38*




450               THE  LIFE  OF
but to no purpose, so sanguinary are the laws of this
country. Visited two others, and had a quiet, solid
time with them.  Oh, when will these legal murders
cease?  We went out of these abodes of human
wretchedness, thankful to our ever gracious Helper,
and peaceful in having submitted to such a trying
service.
" Sixth month, 6th. Went on board several American
ships, but could determine upon nothing respecting
taking passage; most of them have guns, or go under
protection of armed vessels.  The thought of being
detained here as a prisoner after my business is over,
and the difficulty of procuring a passage, sunk me
very low.
" 13th. Went to meet with the captain of the William Penn, and to my great disappointment, found all
his berths for cabin passengers were engaged, though
he had not yet taken in a bale of goods - having set
my mind much on going in this ship, I became quite
discouraged.
"16th. Was again on board the William Penn, her
cabin berths being all engaged, I looked at the steerage, and thought it might he worthy of consideration,
whether I should go in that, but determined upon
nothing; returned to my lodgings in much heaviness,
on account of the difficulties that seem to attend an
attempt to return to my beloved home.
" 17th. At Devonshire-house meeting, which was
large; Christiana Hustler, though very weak in body,
had a lively testimony. I proposed a public meeting




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  451
there at six o'clock in the evening, which I went to in
much fear; the people collecting in multitudes, several
of high rank, and conducted with stillness and much
solidity.  I thought it a more laborious meeting than
some I had been at in that house, yet it closed with
much comfort to my mind in prayer and praises.
" 18th. Went again on board the William Penn, and
found the captain; there being still room in the steerage, concluded to keep it under consideration. By a
letter from Ross, in Ireland, we were informed that
all the Friends in that town, of which there are about
six families, were preserved from injury in person or
property, during the great slaughter and burning
lately perpetrated there: the Friend writes, that he
could count two hundred and fifty dead bodies at once
in the streets, from his own window. It is a special
mercy from  the Lord, that Friends have been so preserved.
" First-day, 24th. Was at Devonshire-house meeting
this afternoon; my mind was led into sympathy with
some not of our Society, who were looking for some
great thing to be done to convince them of our faith;
and I was led forth much more largely into labor than
I expected, and hope the Lord was pleased to favor
with his help and presence- the opportunity closed
solemnly.' 27th. Went in company with three Friends to visit
William Wilberforce, to lay before him the distressed
state of the people in Ireland, as we had been informed
of it by a recent letter from a Friend there.  We had




4.52              THE LIFE OF
a private interview with him. and freely expressed our
sentiments, which seemed to give him much satisfaction; then returned to London. having reason to believe our visit would not be wholly lost.
" 29th. Visited the school and work-house at Clerkenwell; most Friends speak of the comfort and sweetness they find in attending this institution, which has
been abundantly blessed; several who have been educated there have become valuable ministers, and also
many are useful and promising young people in Friends'
families.  On my return to my lodgings, observed a
man, who, I believe, was first awakened to religious
concern in a meeting at Horsleydown, about a year
past, preaching to a great crowd of people in Moorfields: his expression and looks betrayed much wildness, and I was afraid the ardor of his mind would
land him in insanity: the people were generally civil.
I had much conversation with him; his weakness is an
apprehension of great and extraordinary revelations.
At first his state of mind was calm and quiet, but by
associating with some men of warm imaginations and
high opinions of themselves, he seemed now likely to
lose even his understanding.'First-dav, Seventh month, 1st. Went to Staines to
attend a burial-many people came to the meeting,
the greater part of whom were not members of our
Society; some of the young people were much affected,
and it proved a solid opportunity. Appointed an evening meeting for people of other societies, which was
very large, it being thought that as many stood out of




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  453
the house as were in it. I arose with a concern which
the apostle had clearly expressed for me, and I think
it best in a general way for ministers to make use of
Scripture expressions in their testimonies: the words
were these,' Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any
of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the
living God;' and I was led to speak on the danger of
an unbelieving heart. The fore part of the time seemed
very laborious, but afterwards, as the Lord opened the
way for it, I had to address a different class, and through
great condescension it was a season of much brokenness
and favor, and the meeting ended in thanksgiving to
the everlasting Fountain of all spiritual help.  I was
afterwards informed there were some at the meeting
who held Deistical opinions."
Seventh month, 7th. Being detained by not finding
a suitable vessel to take his passage for America, he
spent the time in attending meetings and visiting the
sick, aged and infirm, yet under much depression at
being so long prevented from returning home.
" First-day, 8th. Went to Deptford, where some of
the most sober of the people attended the meeting;
and though not so large as was expected, it was through
mercy a comfortable season. Dined at a young woman's
named Jane Jefferys, in company with several Friends.
She was convinced of our religious principles about two
years since, received into membership and sometimes
speaks a few words acceptably in meetings. Her parents
being displeased at her change, turned her out of doors;
she commenced a little mercer's shop and mending of




454               THE  LIFE  OF
umbrellas —her business is now increased, and she
appears to be blessed for her integrity. A person who
had been at our meeting here last year and then'accommodated us, sent to know if he should fit up a place
for a public meeting in the evening, which being my
prospect, he took much pains in putting the place in
order.  It was a large hop and malt house, and notice
being given, though a wet evening, it was supposed that
seven or eight hundred attended; were very quiet and
well behaved, and through Divine mercy and goodness
it proved a tendering, favored opportunity, ending in
praises to our ever gracious Helper and Preserver;
many appeared thankful for it, and one well-dressed
woman with tears, expressed her gladness at having
been present.
" 10th. Set off for Bristol to seek for a passage, and
arrived there about half-past ten o'clock at night, it
being one hundred and sixteen miles.
"11th. Went on board a vessel which was small and
her accommodations but poor-then to another, but
it being uncertain when she would be ready, and also
taking guns on board for defence, I could not agree to
take passage in her.  Visited several Friends, and in
the evening had another interview with the man who
is before noticed as speaking in Moorfields: he had
been convinced in Guernsey, was filled with an opinion
that he was called to some great work in this nation,
and abounded in visions and revelations.  I retired to
rest with deep inquiry on my mind,'Lord, what wouldst
thou have me to do in my present situation?' not yet




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  455
seeing with clearness the ship to return in. Affecting
accounts are received from Ireland of the ruin and
devastation there, so that it is said many Protestants
have abjured their religion to save their lives. Friends
have also been required to embrace the Romish religion
in some instances, as the insurgents have said there
should be but one religion in the country, yet no
violence was offered to any member on that account.
Two young men, who had latterly appeared under convincement and attended Friends' meetings at times,
declaring they could neither take an oath nor deny
their faith, suffered death. One who was a member
having departed from  the testimony of Truth, and
associated with others to oppose the insurgents, was
killed with all his party, about twenty in number. One
innocent young man was shot at behind his master's
counter in mistake, being taken for another person.
The Quarterly Meeting being held at Enniscorthy the
next day but one after the great slaughter and burning
of that town, Friends had to remove the dead bodies
out of the way of the carriage wheels.  The meeting
was small but solid, and Friends met with no interruption, which was a great favor from the good hand
of Providence, worthy of grateful thanksgiving.
" 13th. Attended the week-day meeting at Bristol,
which I hope was an instructive one: the expectations
of both Friends and others being for a public meeting
in the evening, they requested to know if one should
be appointed, but I felt nothing sufficient to authorise
it.  In company with several Friends, I had another




456               THE LIFE OF
opportunity with the man mentioned before, who thinks
his call is to all people - refuses to work at his trade,
&c.: much tender advice was given to him, but it had
little or no effect upon him. Such is the state of those
who are so unhappy as to exalt their own imaginations
into the seat of revelation, be they ever so inconsistent
with Scripture and reason, concluding they are the
command of God to them.  On this score our Society
and others have suffered much.
" 14th. Set off to reach London if possible to-night,
and with great diligence arrived  there about nine
o'clock in the evening, said to be on this route one
hundred and eighteen or one hundred and twenty
miles.
" First-day, 15th.  Attended Grace-church street
meeting, and at the close believed it my place to appoint an evening meeting, which was much crowded,
the people remarkably still, and it was satisfactory;
our gracious and heavenly Shepherd, notwithstanding
our unworthiness and manifold infirmities, continues
to be a present help to those who call upon Him.
"20th. Concluded to take passage in a vessel I had
before been on board of at Bristol, though she was not
likely to afford such comfortable accommodation as
some others which had guns for defence.  The kind
expressions of care and love for me from my friends,
humbled me into tears of gratitude before the Author
of every mercy, who had graciously preserved me in
unity with my brethren.
"First-day, 22d. Had an appointed meeting at the




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                 457
Peel, the house became so crowded that the young
people were desired to give way to strangers, which
they generally did, yet it was said that some hundreds
went away for want of room.  My mind was much
humbled: the people, though greatly crowded, were
still, and a solemnity prevailed that made us joyful in
the house of prayer and praise, with which the meeting ended, and Friends said they did not remember so
orderly a public meeting in that house."
After this he had several religious opportunities
both at meetings and in families, there being much
unity and attachment manifested by Friends towards
him.  He took coach on the 26th for Bristol, being
accompanied by several of his particular friends, but
did not get there until half-past eleven o'clock at
night.
" First-day, 29th. My kind friends have manifested
great attention and benevolence towards me in several
respects. Attended their meeting this forenoon, where
I was favored to relieve my mind comfortably, and the
meeting appeared to end well.  Was at an appointed
meeting in the evening which was very large, and I
felt my mind strengthened under an apprehension of
duty, to show that as God is love, there was an obligation on us as Christians, to endeavor to live in Him,
that we might also manifest a living in love with each
other.  The meeting ended in prayer and praises to
the Author of every mercy, for this renewed favor. I
was comforted in spirit for the Lord's goodness in
39




458               THE  LIFE  OF
granting relief to my mind, as ever since leaving Bristol last, I believed it would be my duty to attempt another meeting of this kind: no doubt with me the Lord
hath many sheep in this city, not yet nominally of our
fold.
" 31st. While in meeting a messenger came in and
beckoned me to come out, informing that my passport
was come from  the duke of Portland, and desired I
would immediately go with him to the custom-house,
as the controller was waiting beyond his usual hour to
grant me liberty to sail for America.  My mind not
being quite relieved of the meeting, I desired of him a
little delay, and returned to the women's meeting,
where I had an open, tender parting. Then went to
the custom-house and was soon cleared. Many Friends
came to my lodgings in the evening, and it pleased our
good Master to grant us his presence.
"Eighth month 1st. A number of Friends accompanying, we went to a place about two miles from
where the vessel lay, and in an upper room of the inn
had a comfortable, religious opportunity.  I had in
much brokenness to express my thankfulness to my
blessed  and good Shepherd, who had carried me
through a great journey and voyage, and notwithstanding my many infirmities, had granted me now in the
close a portion of sweet peace, which was not of merit
but of his own mere mercy; and it closed in prayer
and praises to Him who is ever worthy: we then parted
with many tears.' Getting on board we soon set sail, but our captain




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  459
not liking to go to sea that night, we dropped anchor
under the shore of Wales.
"6th. After a rough passage, got into the cove of
Cork, and dropped anchor; I took boat and went on
shore, then in a post-chaise to Cork, and next day attended their usual week-day meeting.
"8th. Returned to the vessel. Cove is a poor, dirty
town, and may contain three hundred houses, the
greater part of which are very mean; the inhabitants
depend upon the shipping for a livelihood, and provisions are very low, except when the fleet comes in;
butcher's meat from three to four pence per pound;
poultry,, fish, potatoes, &c., in like proportion.
" 12th. Went to Passage in our boat, then took horse
and got to Cork to their meeting, which was pretty
large, and I hope a profitable one.
" 14th. Was at their usual meeting, and after dinner
took boat for the vessel, it not being prudent to stay
long on shore, as the sailing of the fleet was daily
expected.  In our passage in the boat it rained much,
and night coming on it was very dark and boisterous;
we searched long from one vessel to another, but could
not find ours, and being as wet as we could be, determined to go to land, as it was dangerous staying on
the water much longer.  This was a miserable alternative to go to a town with so little hope of getting a
lodging, but we providentially landed safely, though
not without danger, and the lads belonging to the boat,
after much inquiry found me a bed, the people lent me
a few dry clothes while mine were put to dry, and with




460               THE LIFE OF
a little refreshment I went to sleep, and on the 15th
got on board the ship again.
"First-day, 19th. Went on shore again and attended
their afternoon meeting, and also a burial, at which
was a great concourse of people, and I had some
religious service, which appeared to be a time of favor
and comfort to the relatives of the deceased.
"First-day, 26th. Went to Cork, attended their
meeting, and appointed a public meeting for the evening, it having been on my mind since my first landing;
it was large, and several Friends with myself thought
the Lord favored us with his presence.
"27th. Was very desirous to get to the ship, and
procured a horse and proceeded to Cove, but no boatman would go to the vessel, as the wind was high and
it rained very hard: I was therefore obliged to stay at
an uncomfortable house that night.
" Eighth month, 30th. Very uneasy at our detention;
went to Cork, and attended the meeting, which was
chiefly in silence, but a time of comfort.
" 31st. The ship of war fired a gun about six o'clock
in the morning to put to sea.  Our. captain being on
shore, we were among the hindermost in getting off;
and coming on board in great haste, brought no fresh
provisions except a few pounds of beef.  About ten
o'clock all the ships were under sail, said to be ninetysix. Several Friends came off in a boat and brought
us a number of fine vegetables, &c. We had a religious
sitting together and parted most affectionately, not
expecting to meet again on these shores.  The wind




WILLIAM  SAV-ERY.                  461
becoming unfavorable we had to return, which damped
our spirits much: but there seemed no other alternative
than to anchor again at Cove, yet under this great disappointment we endeavored to encourage each other
in resignation.
First-day, Ninth month 2nd.  Held a meeting in
the cabin, the captain and passengers were present,
and we were favored with a solid, comforting season.
"8th. A  signal being given for the fleet to get
under weigh, all the harbor seemed to resound with
acclamations of joy, and by the middle of the afternoon
we were in the centre of the fleet off the old head of
Kinsale, and next morning out of sight of land.
" 12th. The sea and wind having for two days been
very high, the waves frequently dashing over the vessel and pouring down the cabin stairs, our dead-lights
were put in, the cabin-doors closed, and our situation
became truly gloomy - a great part of our live stock
was destroyed.  Our captain and mate are very vigilant and proved themselves masters in the science of
navigation.  The helm being lashed we lay to for some
hours, and such an awful scene I had never before
been in at sea; the fleet was so scattered we could see
but eight or ten ships.  I kept my berth the greater
part of the day -our situation called for resignation
and confidence in Him whom the winds and sea obey,
and I was thankful for the portion that was mercifully granted me, yet was desirous, if consistent with
his will, to see my beloved connexions and friends at
home.
39*




462               THE  LIFE  OF
"13th. The storm had considerably abated, the sea
gradually subsided, and the wind though light was
fair; we passed the day in some degree of ease and
went to bed in thankful acknowledgment, that'the
winds which blew at heaven's command, at heaven's
command were still.' Found we had for two or three
days been off the bay of Biscay, a place of much danger with respect to the French.
"15th. Saw no vessels and supposed we were separated from the fleet, but in the afternoon some of them
came in sight. I was only desirous of having company
on account of our vessel being leaky, and by no means
fit to put to sea alone, and also an apprehension that
we should be short of provisions and water if the passage proved tedious.  I never wished to have any
other protection from  an enemy than the arm of a
gracious Providence.
"First-day, 16th. The weather being fine, the captain, all the passengers and some of the crew, sat
down with us at meeting in the cabin, which proved a
time of profitable reflection on the Lord's goodness in
preserving us through the late storm.  We were for
some time made uneasy by an apprehension that our
captain had an intention of leaving the fleet, and considering the state of our vessel were obliged to remonstrate with him, and though he assured us he would
find the fleet, yet we were not without suspicions that
he did not desire to join it.
"22nd. Had entirely lost sight of it. After seeking
it for two days past, a general dissatisfaction appeared




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  463
both among the seamen and passengers, several of the
former having been prisoners with the French; for my
own part, the only desire I had of continuing with the
fleet, arose from an apprehension of more safety as
respected our continual leaking.
"First-day, 23d. Held our meeting as usual, and
had cause to believe we were owned by the holy Head
of the church.
"27th. Early in the morning the captain came to
my room  and informed me there was a ship in sight,
but he could not yet discover whether it was an enemy or
not: as she was bearing towards us the passengers and
seamen were in alarm, some securing their most valuable
things, putting on their best clothes, &c.: the captain
also endeavoring to appear to the best advantage.  I
sat down quietly waiting the issue; the prevalent opinion
among our people was, that she was a Frenchman, and
our seamen seemed confident that she was.  This suspense and fear lasted more than an hour: I was preserved
from fear or disturbance, and said I was under no great
apprehension of danger.  When they came up they
ordered us to lay to till they came on board, which
they did, being armed, no hats but handkerchiefs tied
round their heads, with strong appearances of being
neither Americans nor Englishmen; all our people
seemed in consternation and dismay, but when their
captain boarded us and shook hands with ours, all countenances brightened again, yet with a mixture of fear
and doubt.  The captain of the stranger said he knew
me, had seen me in France, and was pleased to meet




464               THE LIFE  OF
me again as a friend -they spent an hour with us in
a social manner, informed us that the ship was the
Camilla, a letter of marque from Boston for Malaga,
had fourteen guns and thirty-five men; and ordering
his men into the shrouds, they gave us three cheers,
fired a gun and parted from us. By the papers they
left us, I found that the yellow fever was prevailing in
several towns and cities, and that the deaths in my dear
native city had amounted to between thirty and forty
per day, for three days the week previous, which depressed my spirits much. O Philadelphia! Philadelphia!
thou whom the Lord has known and favored above all
the cities I have ever seen, is there not a cause why
thou shouldst so repeatedly be made to read the roll
written within and without, with mourning, lamentation
and woe?  Doubtless there is, or thy God would still
have preserved the walls of salvation around thee, and
thy gates would have resounded with anthems of praise.
" My companions in the ship seemed unusually happy
all day after our escape, but the situation of my dear
and tender connexions and friends at home, now in distress, lay so near my heart, that I retired to my room
very heavy.
"First-day, 30th. Held meeting as usual, and was
sensible of the necessity of rendering praise unto God
for the favors received, and endeavoring to walk more
worthy of them, lest He should withdraw them from us;
his mercies are indeed new every niorning.
" Tenth month, 1st. High wind and rain, the cabin




WILLIAM   SAVERY.                  465
close shut up, and the passengers in the steerage were
kept down all day.
" 4th. Being on the banks of Newfoundland, we took
plenty of fine fish, to the joy of the ship's company.
"First-day, 7th. The wind being high, the ship rolling and tossing so much, and several of the passengers
not well, it did not appear practicable to hold a meeting,.
but we got the children and lads to read each a chapter
in the Bible.
" First-day, 14th. Held our meeting, and being now
in sight of land, the people on board were not so settled
as could be wished, but it ended better than I expected.
Our leak, which was the cause of so much serious uneasiness, was not so now, and the consideration of again
beholding my native land. frequently filled my heart
with gratitude, gladness and thankfulness to the Author
of every mercy.  But alas! how short-lived are our
times of rejoicing in this ever-changing scene. A pilot
came on board and informed that the yellow fever was
raging in New York, and with still greater violence in
my endeared Philadelphia, which struck me with sadness.  It being almost a perfect calmf, we made very
little way for several days - found that several vessels
of the fleet that sailed when we did, had arrived at
New York about a week since.
"18th. Were near the desired port."
Nhote.- On p. 233, William Savery mentions, that while he
and his companions were at Berlin, they were visited several
times by a Major Marconnay, who had been an officer of some
distinction under the king of Prussia; and appeared to be con



466                  THE  LIFE  OF
He landed at New York, soon proceeded towards
Philadelphia, and finding his wife and family had retired a few miles out of the city, on account of the
vinced of the truths of the Gospel, promulgated by those disinterested and faithful ministers of Christ. On page 243, under
date of Tenth month, 30th, 1796, he alludes to a letter which
they received at Pyrmont, written by this person, expressive of
his satisfaction with their visit to Berlin. Since the Journal
was in type the Editors have obtained a copy of this letter, and
apprehending it will be acceptable to their readers, they have
inserted it below. It furnishes evidence of a mind, in which
the work of regeneration was carrying on, struggling under
religious concern, and longing for a more full participation of
that glorious liberty which is the privilege of the sons of God.
It is delightful to observe how congenial minds, under the forming power of Divine grace, harmonize with each other in the
unity of the one spirit wherever they meet, or however previously
unknown.  Outward distinctions, whether of station, country,
or profession, seem to melt away and become lest, in the aboundings of that love which flows in their hearts as children of one
heavenly Father, and objects of the compassion and mercy of
the same Redeemer and Saviour. It is no less remarkable, that
in proportion as the heart-changing power of the Spirit of Truth
is submitted to, ant the blessed realities of religion experienced,
the soul becomes increasingly sensible of the emptiness and
unsatisfying nature of outward forms and ceremonies, Ind longs
to partake more largely of the living substance. The letter
also serves to show the feelings of affection and fellowship,
excited in the minds of some they met with, in the course of
their laborious and painful journey; and that though their
speech and their preaching was not in the words which man's
wisdom teacheth, yet under the powerful influence of the Holy
Spirit which accompanied, it was instrumental in awakening
not a few to a serious consideration of the things which belong
to their soul's peace.




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                      467
awful prevalence of the pestilential disease which then
had become very mortal, he got to them  as early as
practicable.  When  the sickness  and mortality  had
A Translated Copy of a Letter from Major Mlarconnay to William
Savery, David Sands, &c.
"My last words to you, dear brethren, were'God be with
you'- words that came from the fulness of my heart. I love
you with my soul. I was never so soon inclined to unite with
any men as I was to unite with you; and never felt so soon a
constraint to open my mind to any as I did to you. I have
opened this heart of mine into your loving souls; but yet you
are not wholly acquainted with my tried situation; for there
are feelings which cannot be expressed in words -I seem as if
I was forsaken of God, and yet I abhor this thought. I have
no desire to live or to die -for the pleasures of the world, let
them be what they may, I have neither taste, sense, nor feeling; but who will believe, that notwithstanding this disgust of
the world, my heart remains shut up from higher and heavenly
enjoyments. The precious sense of the sonship with God; the
assurance of faith, and the consolations of the word; of all that
I formerly enjoyed, tasted and felt of these gracious gifts, I
have now scarcely a remembrance.- My prayers are weak and
powerless, as if I cried unto God from afar, so that he cannot
hear me. This is also a thought I abhor.  Such, my dear
brethren, is nearly the circumstances of my soul: let your
hearts now feel with painful compassion, how it is with me;
and fall down on your faces before the throne of the great and
merciful Being, and pray for your poor Weak and wounded brother, that Jesus Christ may again be formed in my heart, and
that I may again rightly fix my eyes upon him;-then shall I
be able to stand in this heavy exercise.- I shall then take
from his hand the bitter cup and not murmur, but wait for his
help —then I shall be enabled in the end to exclaim,'Lord,
Lord God, gracious and merciful, thou art great in thy kind



468                 THE  LIFE  OF
subsided he returned to Philadelphia, and as usual was
industriously engaged in his mechanical business, as
well as in visiting the sick and infirm, and in the diliness and faithfulness; -who was ever confounded that put his
trust and hope in thee?'
"Yesterday, the minister, Howick, sent for me, and said he
had just received a letter from the king, who was very willing
and ready to give you an audience; and oh! how gladly could
I have called you back, as I wished most heartily an interview
between you and our good king. I told the minister, it was
possible you might have staid over yesterday, the 21st, at Potsdam; on which he immediately despatched a chasseur to the
General Bishosswerd, notifying him that you might probably
still be there; whether the chasseur has met with you, I know
not; but if it be according to my wishes, you will have an audience with the king to-morrow at nine o'clock. And in this
case, I desire you to give me as soon as possible, a circumstantial
information of your conference; for be persuaded, I thall not
make any bad use of what you may intrust me with. Your
letter to the king, the minister sent to him yesterday; but the
books, which the messenger could not take, were sent to the
monarch to-day.
" Now for the conclusion:'God be with you'- his light be
your guide; his love and grace, in and through Jesus Christ,
your protection and defence in all danger: be of good comfort,
and filled with joyful hope.- He that is with you, is stronger
than he that is against you.
" Never shall your memory be effaced from my soul: I shall
not cease to love you; it will be a comfort to my weary soul, if
sometimes you will make me joyful by imparting a few lines
of love, and nothing but death will be able to prevent my
answering your letters. In love I embrace you in my heart,
as your ever-loving brother,
" MARCONNAY.
"Berlin, 22nd October, 1796."




WILLIAM  SAVERY.                  469
gent attendance of religious meetings.  His tender,
sympathizing mind, not being easy without endeavoring as far as in his power, to alleviate the afflictions
of his fellow-citizens, occasioned him to be frequently
in the abodes of suffering and misery. As the yellow
fever had for several years visited the city, and he
was much within the sphere of its virulence, he thought
it most prudent to be very sparing in the use of animal food, and almost totally abstained from it, which
some of his friends believed tended to weaken his
frame, and rendered the system  more accessible to
other disorders.
From an apprehension of religious duty, he attended
the Yearly Meeting of New York in the year 1800,
having the full concurrence of his Monthly Meeting in
the service, and on his return home produced a minute
expressive of the satisfaction of Friends with his company and Gospel services among them.  In the Ninth
month, 1801, under similar feelings and with the unity
of his brethren, he attended the Yearly Meeting in
Baltimore, where his labors of love appear to have been
cordial and encouraging to Friends.
Excepting these engagements, it does not appear that
he travelled much after his return from Europe, but
was diligent in the discharge of his weighty trust as a
minister of the Gospel of Christ.
His constitution having become much impaired, indications of dropsical disease appeared; he however
continued to attend meetings, and to visit the sick and
afflicted.
40




470               THE LIFE  OF
In the Third month, 1804, he was confined to the
house, except occasionally riding for the benefit of exercise and change of air. During the course of his
sickness he was supported in resignation to the Divine
will, and notwithstanding his abundant labors in the
service of his Lord and Master, was led to take a very
humbling view of himself, as an unprofitable servant,
having nothing to depend on but the long suffering and
goodness of God -observing, "I thought I was once
strong for the work, but now I am a child brought back
to my hornbook, and have nothing to trust to but the
mercy of God through Christ my Saviour."  He had
been remarkable for his firm and unshaken belief in
the divinity of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in
his propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the world, and
in all his glorious offices for the salvation of mankind,
being often fervently engaged in setting forth these
blessed Gospel doctrines and enforcing them on his
hearers; and in the solemn moments of disease and
death, his reverent dependence and hope in his Saviour
did not fail him, but proved as an anchor to his soul.
And a short time before his death, under a sense and
feeling immediately imparted, he expressed "glory to
God," and continued in great composure of mind, until
the 19th day of the Sixth month, 1804, when he calmly
resigned his spirit into the hands of Him who gave it.




INDEX.
A.
Page
ABBOTT, JAIES, opinion given by, respecting the Indian
treaty................................................. 56
ALBINUS, RATH, services of and unity with Friends......... 226-228
B.
BENEZET, MAGDALENA, speaks at a meeting at Congenies...                   296
BORGES, COUNSELLOR, kind attention of, to William  Savery,                263
affecting parting of, with William  Savery...........          266
BROWN, EMANUEL, occasions a separation at Pyrmont......                   206
BUCHNER, J., visits Friends at Hanover..........................          196
C.
CHIPPEWAY INDIANS, slaves made and sold by................                 59
COMMISSIONERS of the United States, reply of, to Indians,                  65
decline the terms proposed by the Indians..........             74
CORNPLANTER, speech of........................................... 114, 116
dissatisfaction of the chiefs with.......................     121
speech of, to commissioners in council...............         144
D.
DEPUTATION OF FRIENDS, names of.............................              29
send address to Indians by letter......................          58
kindness towards, by the people of Detroit.........              60
leave Detroit to join commissioners...................          61
uncomfortable position of.............................     64
principles of Friends explained by....................           73
embark on the Dunmore to return home............                 75
account rendered by, to the Meeting for Sufferings,              85
(471)




472                                INDEX.
Page
DEPUTATION  OF  FBITNDS, another,  goes  to  a  treaty  at
Canandaigua....................................  90
meet Col. Pickering at Canandaigua................                     93
meeting for worship held by...........................                 94
meeting for worship held by, with  Indians........                   100
waited on and addressed by chiefs...................                  105
attend the general Council...........................                 106
deliver address of Friends to Indians.................              110
Capt. John  informs, of the confidence of the Indians in  Friends...............................              111
address to, by a deputation of chiefs.................              127
reply of, to the Indians..................................            130
decline signing the treaty....................1............         137
leave for home.........................        152
remarks by, respecting  the Indians, etc.............                 155
DETROIT, appearance of..........................................                  38
first Friends' meeting held at.........................                41
E.
ELLIOTT, CAPTAIN, consulted by Deputation  of Friends....                         67
F
FRIENDS, several, engage to visit the Indians..................                   28
kindness to, by military officers....................                 40
interest in, manifested at Detroit....................               54
four, offer to attend  the treaty at Canandaigua...                    88
efforts of, to pay for their land near Hopewell,Va.                  106
information given to, by Indians, respecting  it.... 136-143
FARMER'S BROTHER, speech of, to Friends......................                   150
G.
GIRTY, SIMON, meeting appointed at the house of............                       67
H.
HECKEWELDER, J.,  accompanies  Friends  to  the  Indian
treaty..........................................              32
HENDRICKS, CAPTAIN, writes to Friends for assistance......                        54




INDEX.                                           473
I.
Page
INDIANS, interest of Friends of Philadelphia in...............                               28
request Friends in Philadelphia to attend a treaty
with them......................................                        28
address to, by the Meeting for Sufferings.........                              29
of various tribes embark with Friends on Lake
Erie..............................................                       37
appearance,   drunkenness,  and   ferocity   of,  at
Detroit..................................................  39
peaceable, distress  of...................................                     46
murder committed  by...........................                 47
peaceable  character  of, living  in  N. West Territory.....................................................              48
instances of the perfidy and cruelty  of...............                        50
determination  of, to fight for their lands............                         52
excuse made by, for mixing sand with  sugar.......                              58
reply  of an aged, when  asked  if his son told lies,                           58
a deputation  of, state  their demands  to the U. S.
commissioner........................................                    63
drunken, great annoyance from........................                           69
two, bring the determination  of the Council........                            74
feelings  of  Friends  for  the -course  of  Friends
towards.............................................                     86
Oneida, conference held with -   their statement...                             93
speech  of Captain John, a sachem, to................                           98
hymns sung by, at a meeting held by Friends.....                              100
Oneida, condition  of......................................         101
Seneca, arrival and  reception  of...................... 103-105
speeches of, in General Council........................                      107
female, address  of, in Council..........................                     11
wrongs of, as detailed  in Council......................                      11
speeches  made in the Council of......................  114-117
letter of, to Captain  Brandt..........................       11 8
number and possessions of the Six Nations of......                            11 9
amusements  of the.................................        126
40*




474                             INDEX.
J.
Page
JACKET, BLUE, interview with, by Friends.....................             55
RED, visit of, with wife and children, to Friends,             120
speech of, to the commissioner and Friends,              132
returns a present, made to a chief who had
died...............................................  ] 36
speech of, to commissioner........................ 137, 140
JENIKE, a minister named, kindness of, to Friends...........            228
JOHNSON, -, brings a message to the Indians from  Captain Brandt.......................1 114
BENJAMIN, sickness of.................................        314
JORDAN, RICHARD, met with by Wnm  Savery in Virginia...                  158
K.
KILLBUCK, JOHN, educated Indian, returns to his former
habits......................................   46
KRICTOCH, J. T., kindness of, to Friends........................  194
L.
LAAER, CHARLOTTE, met with by Wm. Savery at Pyrmont...                   244
visit to the parents of, by William  Savery...........        254
LABOURN, CAPTAIN, grants Friends the use of library........               47
LAPHAM, ABRAHAM, deputation of Friends entertained by,                    94
LAURENS, COLONEL, a meeting-house obtained by, for Wm.
SaLvery................................................ 21
LEwis, T., visit to, by Wm. Savery...............................        21
manumits ten slaves....................................       22
LINCOLN, GENERAL, Friends meet with.........................            33
LLOYD, CORNELIUS, kindness of, to Wm. Savery...............             275
M.
MAJOLIER, LEWIS, Wm. Savery entertained by................               295
MARCONNAY, IMAJOR, interesting interview  with, by Wm.
Savery................................................  233
letter from, to Wm. Savery and D. Sands......... 467




INDEX.                                    475
N.
Page
NAMES OF FRIENDS composing  the Deputation to Indians,                        29
NEALY, ROBERT, account of........................................           126
NIAGARA, dangerous proximity  to  the Falls of, by W. S.
and others.............................................       36
0.
OFFICERS of a garrison, humanity of...........................                51
P.
PEMBERTON, JOHN, notice of the death and services of......                   200
PICKERING, TIMOTHY, commissioner of U. S. to Indians.....                      35
informs Friends respecting the treaties..............              73
interview  of, with Oneidas..............................   98-102
speech to the Indians by-reply by Capt. John...                   102
figurative speech of, to the Indians..................            108
another speech of..........................................       115
speeches of, to Indians................................... 121, 125....................................134, 139
claims the right of conquest to Indian lands........               142
reply from, to Cornplanter............................   145
POTTER, JUDGE, duped by Jemima Wilkinson..................                    96
CHRISTOPHER, kindness of, to Wm. Savery.........                  323
Q.
QUAKERS, address of, to the Six Nations.......................    89-90
R.
RATH, CONSISTORTAL, opposition of, to Friends -visited by
Wm. Savery, etc.....................................        264
RECKEFUS, CHRISTOPHER, Wm. Savery accompanied by.....                        246
residence of, and trials of............................           250
ROBINSON, CAPTAIN, kindness of, to deputation of Friends,                      61
ROBINEL, PIERRE, speaks at a meeting at Congenies.........                   296




l476                   INDEZX.
S.
Page
SAGAREESA, the chief, suggests to Friends to send some of
their young men to instruct the Indians.......           125
SAVERY, WILLIAM, birth of-youthful deviations of-review of condition of.................................    12
serious impressions made upon, at a funeral.......              14
state of mind and distress of............................       15
great physical prostration  and  happy  deliverance   of.................................................  17
accompanies a Friend into Virginia and N. Carolina-first appearance of, in the ministry....             18
account given by, of the sufferings of a Friend for
his testimony against war.........................        19
acknowledged as a minister-religious visits of,
from  1785 to  1789 — sails  for Charleston,
S. C...........                                           20
meetings held by, in Charleston -visits T. Lewis
and others who profess with Friends...........            21
meets with slaves going to be sold-reflections of
-visits several meetings in the State..........           22
goes into Georgia-extraordinary preservation of,
when run away with................................        23
affectionate manifestation towards, by the people
at Wrightsborough -  opposite  conduct  at
Augusta.........................      24
holds a meeting at Savannah -  interposes on behalf of a poor slave.................................  25
threatened for his interference for the slave........          26
return of, to Charleston -visits Virginia Yearly
Meeting..............................................    27
joins other Friends to attend an Indian treaty.....             28
starts on the journey to Sandusky.....................          32
account by, of embarkation at Albany and voyage
up the Mohawk, arid converses with General
Lincoln on religious subjects......................      33
kindly entertained  by British  officer at Oswego
Fort...................................................  34
arrives at Niagara Fort -journey continued......                35
holds a meeting -proceeds up Niagara River.....                 36
embarks on Lake Erie, with his company..........                87




INDEX.                                   477
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, with the other Friends holds a satisfactory meeting-arrives at Detroit.................              38
description by, of the appearance  and behaviour
of Indians.............................................    39-40
with other Friends holds the first meeting at.Detroit....................         41
embarrassing situation of...............................           42
indisposition and discouragement of..................              43
notice by, of the lake and river navigation.........                44
with J. Moore goes down the La Rouge............                   45
interview  of, with a Wyandot Chief.................               48
account by, of meeting held on Rouge River......                  53
account by, of the custom  in Canada for enriching the church.......................................        56
with Joseph Moore returns to Detroit-last meeting.......................;                                 62
goes back to the encampment..........................              63
presents made by, to Indians..........................              64
offers to go to the Indian encampment, but is prevented........................................     66
conference of, with Friends and Indians............                68
care of, to prevent a drunken Indian doing injury,                  69
attends a meeting at Gross Isle........................            70
serious indisposition of.............................      71
continued indisposition, &c.............................           72
starts on his return home.......................                   75
parts with  the other Friends, and continues his
voyage........................................         76
leaves the' Dunmore," and proceeds in batteaux
— notice by, of the manner in which  geese
and lucks are prevented from being destroyed
at Niagara Falls.................................             77
sails down the St. Lawrence............................            78
exposure to a violent storm...........................          79
arrives at Montreall-some notice of the city, by,                   80
leaves IMontreal for St. Johns....................       81
indisposition of — dangerous situation on the lake,                 82
reaches Albany -  proceeds down the Hudson.....                   84
arrival at his home -joins  another deputation to
a treaty at Canandaigua.............. ~~~~...              9




478                                   INDEX.
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, starts from  Philadelphia-hard journey,                              91
observations  by, respecting  the  hard  lot of  a
family, visited.......................................             92
arrives at Canandaigua...................................                 93
account by, of the character of the country about
Canandaigua, and the difficulties of the settlers.............................................         94
account by, of Jemima Wilkinson -visit to her...                          95
accompanies Col. Pickering to the Oneida Camp...                          98
account by, of the Six Nations........................                  119
notice by, of sulphur and salt springs...............                    127
visit of, to an Indian encampment-observations,                          130
examines the treaty in council, for the Indians...                      149
starts for home -  difficulties of the journey....... 152-155
leaves home for Virginia Yearly Meeting...........                     156
account by, of journey.................................. 156-160
remarkable meeting held by, in Richmond.........                        159
liberated for a religious visit in Europe..............                  161
journal of voyage to England, by..................... 162-170
notice by, of the banks of Newfoudlndland...........                    166
overhauled by a French Privateer.....................                  169
service of, in Liverpool, Birmingham, &c..........                 71. 171 72
service of, in London, &c........................... 173, 174
embarks for the Continent...........................                    175
at Oldenburg, Bruck, &c................................                 176
at Bremen...............................................           177
account by, of some religious people in Bremen..                         179
interview  with Christian Bacher..................        181
notice by, of the country travelled through........                      182
with G. Dillwyn goes to Hamburg and Altona..... 183, 184
interview  with religious persons.......................                185
with other Friends holds a meeting.................                    186
account by, of Hamburg and Altona.................                     187
travel to Ilarburg-arrive at Zell.................                    189
religious  interview   with  a  Moravian-with  a
Calvinist minister....................................            190
some remarks of, on the habits of the people......                      191
serious conversation with a pastor....................  192




INDEX.                                 479
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, notice by, of Hanover......................            195
exercise of, as interpreter..........................     196
interview of, with a German nobleman..............           197
proceeds to Hammeln -arrive at Pyrmont.........               199
notice by, of the religious services of himself and
companion, at Pyrmont —wages, &c., of
women and men....................................       202
account of the meeting held with the Friends and
separatists, at Pyrmont........................... 203-205
affecting parting of, with Friends, at Pyrmont....            209
visits the Duchess of Brunswick..................            210
notice by, of Helinstead-arrives at Magdeburg..               212
religious services of, at Magdeburg.....213, 214
detects and exposes an impostor.......................        215
arrives at Brandenburg.................................      216
religious service of, with D. Sands, at Brandenburg.......................................217
arrives at Potsdam.................................        218
notice of the city.......................................    219
arrives at Berlin -  intrusion of pedlars............        220
discouragement of, on account of letters received
by some in Berlin, from  the Tutor in Magdeburg, disapproving of Friends' principles......          221
notice by, of Berlin-  religious services............ 223-225
visit to Freyenwalde -return to Berlin.............           226
further religious services in Berlin..................  228-236
leaves Berlin    notice of Jews and Polanders.....            236
reaches Magdeburg -religious service..............   237-8
at Halberstadt -religious service.....................       239
kindness shown to, at Brunswick.....................       241
journey on -  arrives at Pyrmont.....................   242-3
receives information from  M. Marconnay, of the
manner in which he and D. Sands missed an
interview  with the king in Berlin...............       243
great depression of, its cause...........................     245
leaves Pyrmont, incident of travel...................        246
meets General Worms-arrives at Minden.........                247
religious service of, in reuniting separated brethren,        248
difficulties of the journey -poverty and diet..... 249-50




480                               INDEX.
Page
SAVEP', WILLIAM, rudeness shown to by many- kindness
of some to.............................................      251
notice by, of a religious minded soldier.............              252
interview  of, with the parents of Charlotte Laaer,                254
proceeds to Lemgo........................          255
turns back, and arrives at Hanover..................             256
notice by, of the religious scruples of several in
Hamburg.............................................         257
religious services of, in Hanover......................      257-260
great imposition practised upon, by landlord  and
postilion................................................  261
arrives at Minden -religious services............... 262-266
arrives at Osnaburg -notice of the town, &c....                  267
notice by, of Rheine, Bentheim, and  Delden —
expenses of travel...................................   268-9.
arrives at Amsterdam-notice of the town, &c..                     270
remarks by, upon some habits of the Dutch......                  271
obtains passes, to go into France.....................           272
notice by, of Friends in Amsterdam.................              273
notice of Hague, &c......................................         274
arrives at Rotterdam -serious reflections by......    275-6
notice of Rotterdam -meetings held there........ 277-279
voyage of, to Sluys....................................... 280, 281
proceeds to Dunkirk............................                   282
notice by, of the town, &c........................    283-4
arrives in Paris-notice of the city, &c............ 285-288
conversation of, with Thomas Paine...............               287
conjectures of the people respecting.................            289
notice by, of the Shepherdesses, &c. -  German
prisoners........................................           290
arrives at Lyons-notice of the town...............                292
observations by, on the character of the country,
towns, &c......................................   293-4
arrives at Nismes-notice of the town, &c........                 295
religious services of at Congenies..................... 295-302
account by, of the manner in which the professors  at Congenies, came  to  know  about
Friends and unite with them......................    296-7




IN DEX.                                     481
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, assists in reviving the Monthly Meeting
at Congenies........................................        300
notice by, of the habits, &c. of the people............              301
visits S. Brunn  at Fontanes-visits families  at
Congenies.............................................  304
leaves Congenies -  difficulties with an Ass and  a
Mule......................................    305-6
observations  of, respecting  the  products  of the
country........................................              308
proceeds to Nismes -notice of Roman remains...                        312
attempt to impose  on, by a blacksmith.............                 313
arrives in Lyons-  sickness of the companion of...                   314
notice by, of incidents at Mason...................               316
robbery of, at St. Emilian..............................             317
exercise of, on account of the state of the people,                  319
remarks  of, on the impositions, and  exorbitant
charges.........................................       320
arrival in Paris-  remarks on the city, &c...........    321-3
kindness  shown, by  C. Potter-Prince  Conde's
estate................................................         323
notice  by, of the sagacity of the Shepherds' dogs,                   324
arrives at Dunk'irk-judgment of, respecting  the
French...............................................         325
observations of, on the rejoicing at the prospect of
peace....................................................      327
opposition  of, to Deism.................................          328
obtains a passport.............................        330
declines landing at Margate -goes to  Gravesend
-serious interview  with  some  sailors  and
women.................................................          331
renewed  labors of, in England...................       332
notice by, of some printed sermons, said to be his,                  333
visit of, to Isle of Wight......................... 334-337
notice by, of a Methodist woman who preached...                       335
visit of, to  Guernsey........................                      337
visit of, to the Island of Jersey - dangers in the
boat, &c................................................. 338-343
meets with some of the descendants of Mary Dyer,                     342
returns to Guernsey -visit there....................  842-345
41




482                             INDEX.
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, returns to England...........................           345
notice by, of Friends prisoners at York...............         346
visit of, to Isle of Man................................. 348-353
kindness of the Governor to............................       349
distributes some money furnished by a Friend, to
the  fishermen..........................................  353
refuses to allow a collection to be taken up at a
meeting appointed by him, for the fishermen,             354
leaves the island -returns to Whitehaven.........            355
notice by, of Swarthmore, &c............        356...  of the unusual rainy weather.....358
"'"  of the low wages, &c. of the laborers....          359'"  "   of things about Kelso...........       361
arrives at Edinburgh -notice of the city, &c.......   362-4
interview of, with three Deists.............365
visit of, at Urie......................................    367
arrives at Aberdeen-notice of the town, &c. by,               370
returns to Dundee -  conversation respecting the
use of thee and thou-religious services.....  372-374
returns to Edinburgh-  incidents there............           375
goes to Glasgow -meetings there................... 376-378
crosses over to Ireland................................  379
goes to Lisburn...................................  380
notice by, of the boarding-school at Lisburn......           381
bbservation of, respecting the poverty of the people............................                383
notice by, of a Romish funeral..............      385
reaches Dublin, account of the wretchedness of
the poor..........................                      386
notice by, of a blind boy.................           389
account by, of Dublin and its inhabitants.......... 391-393
accident on the road to Mountmellick................          393
notice of a singular communication of, at meeting,            394
some account by, of Limerick...........................      396
ride  of,  to   Cork.............................................  397
visit of, to a Foundling Hospital............              398
religious services of, at Youghall......................     399




INDEX.                               483
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, observations of, on the luxury of Friends
in Ireland.............................................  400
notice by, of the resort of the Catholics to St.
Patrick's well.........................               401
affecting parting of, with D. Darby and R. Young,           403
account by, of the widow Usher-visited  by A.
Shackleton........................................  404
dream of- disapprobation of, to A. Shackleton...            406
notice by, of the severe trials of E. Usher..........      407
sails from  Ireland and lands in Wales-remarks
on the people, &c..........................   409-10
visits Bristol -parts with Wm. Farrer.............         411
visits H. More and sisters-interview with a singular woman............................................  412
again visits H. More and meets Wm. Wilberforce,             413
notice by, of a monument to  commemorate the
sudden death of a woman who lied in order
to defraud........................................   414
visits Norwich..............................................  416
visits Ipswich,  Bury and Hitchen......................    417
reaches  London..........................................  418
visit to a condemned criminal..........................     419
interview of, with the King, Queen, and Princesses,         420
notice by, of a large meeting held in London.......         422
notice of a funeral at Chipping Norton - concern
of Friends about paying war-tax................        424
notice by, of Mary Fletcher...........................    425
meets again with D. Darby and R. Young..........            426
meeting held by, at Wrexham-reaches Liverpool,              427
difficulties of, respecting a meeting at Ormskirk,          428
notice of meetings attended in the neighborhood
of Liverpool......................       430-433
attends meetings at Welchpool, &c....................     4
sails again for Ireland.................................  435
arrives in Dublin-Yearly meeting commences...               436
notice by, of the unsound docrines held by some
and the labor of the meeting relative to it.... 437-439
account by, of other exercises in that city.........       441




484                               INDEX.
Page
SAVERY, WILLIAM, returns to England -  loses his baggage,                     442
receives his baggage-  travels in Wales.............              443
notice by, of Soup-house at Birmingham............               444
attends London Yearly Meeting........................ 445-447
visit by, to some prisoners in Newgate.............              449
efforts made by, to obtain a passage home..........               450
visits of, to Win. Wilberforce........................           451
meetings held by, at Staines-  Deptford...........    452-3
goes to Bristol to find a passage home..............             454
notice by, of the murderous scenes in Ireland......               455
takes passage at Bristol..................................        456
peaceful feeling on leaving -sails...................           458
puts in at the Cove of Cork -detention of.........  459-61
encounters a great storm.................................        461
loses sight of the fleet...................................      462
account by, of the incidents of the voyage home.. 462-465
arrives in New  York-goes home.....................               466
letter to, from  Major Marconnay.....................            467
visits Yearly Meetings of New York and Baltimore,                 469
notice of the last sickness and death of............              470
SEEBOHM, LEWIS, interprets for Friends.......................                199
accompanies William  Savery to Berlin...............             208
SHUTAMIRE, H. visited by William  Savery......................  201
SHAWNES,, advice to, by one of their wise men..............                   52
SLAVE, cruel punishment of a.....................................             20
SLAVES, miserable condition of, in the rice swamps.........                   26
SUFFERINGS. Meeting for, memoralizes Congress on behalf
of Indians...................................        28
address by, to Indians......................              29
informed by Government of the Treaty to be held
at Cananrdaigua...................................          88
SPANNAGIE, LENA, walks twelve miles to wait on Friends,                      200
V.
VENTIGOLE, MARY, acceptable ministry of..........................            309
VENTIGOLE, DAVID, large amount of Stock owned by........                     311




INDEX.                                     485
W.
Page
WILKINSON, JEMIMA, visited  by William  Savery-account
of, and of the settlement of......................    95-97
visit of, at T. Morris' with Colonel Pickering......                 109
intrudes into the Indian council........................             110
WEBSTER, ALEXANDER, and  William  Smith, some account
of...................................................  364-6,  7
THE END.