"■V-.,,.:;,, 
 
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CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 3 1924 051 271 157 
 
Gift of 
 the Estate of 
 Mrs. Charles 
 Beaunrant 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In perusing so interesting a narrative as is pre- 
 sented 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 
 examiije and arrange, neither of whom made an 
 essay for accomplishing the task. They were vo- 
 luminous, 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 papei's 
 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 memo- 
 randa 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 de- 
 tails, which may be found in other works, have 
 been abridged, though there is more of this de- 
 scription 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. 
 
 1 was intimately acquainted with "William Savery, 
 and esteemed him as a brother beloved. His affable 
 disposition, his catholic spirit, and his truly Chris- 
 tian 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 con-sactions 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 declaiming with much solemnity 
 and I'everence, 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. 
 PniLADEfiPHiA, Seventh month, 1837. 
 1* 
 
VI TBSTIMONT. 
 
 TESTIMONY 
 
 Of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia 
 for the Northern District, concerning William 
 Savert. 
 
 It appears that he was born in the city of Phila- 
 delphia, in the year 1750, and educated in the pi'in- 
 ciples 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, encour- 
 aged him in a departure from the simplicity of 
 truth ; which, aided by his own propensities, drew 
 him into many deviations from the religious prin- 
 ciples 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 testi- 
 monies then delivered. 
 
 In the autumn of that year he married in Chester 
 county, and settled within the limits of our Monthly 
 
TESTIMONY. VU 
 
 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 dwell- 
 ing inward with those gifts and qualifications with 
 which he was favored, he became an able advo- 
 cate 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 instru- 
 ment of good. 
 
 He was engaged to travel much on this Conti- 
 nent 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 
 
Vm 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 miind was ever ready to administer ac- 
 cording 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 ap- 
 pointed, 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, l^ot being easy to leave 
 this scene of woe and misery, he voluntarily re- 
 signed himself to visit those in distress, both Friends 
 and others, with advice and- counsel, in the love 
 
TESTIMONY. IX 
 
 of the Grospel, to the great consolation and comfort 
 of many. A like affliction befalling that and other 
 parts of the city and neighborhood, in the follow- 
 ing 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 feel- 
 ing 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 upright- 
 ness in his dealings ; and not long before his de- 
 cease, said to a friend who often visited him, " It 
 is necessary to look to our outward concerns, there 
 ar-e 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 woi'k, 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 de- 
 pending, 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 JOUKNAL 
 
 OF 
 
 WILLIAM SAYERY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early religious visitations — Eeflections 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 Kiver and Lake Erie — Drunken Indians — Detroit — 
 Religious Meetings — Kindness of the Officers to Friends — Gather- 
 ing and appearance of the Indians — Interview with a Wyandot 
 Chief — Great heat of weather — Horrors of Indian Wars — Re- 
 peated 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 — White- 
 hall — 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 S aveky was bora in the city of Philadelphia, 
 in the year 1750 ; receiTed 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 THELIFBOE 
 
 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 enjoy- 
 ment of ease and pleasure in a course of life far re- 
 mote 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 l)ivine Good- 
 ness, 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 re- 
 volt 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 
 
■WIIiLIAMSAVBEY. 13 
 
 upon my pillow has drawn tears of sorrow and con- 
 trition from me, when none have been privy to it but 
 his All-seeing Eye : so that my days of joy and laugh- 
 ter 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 service- 
 able to me, being roused to more serious thought than 
 ever before. 
 
 " I now saw the iniquity of mispending my precious 
 time, and 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 embellish- 
 ment 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 mis- 
 pending our precious time ! how watchful ! how care- 
 ful ought we to be of our words and actions ; always 
 remembering, that the sacred eye of an all-seeing God 
 2 
 
14 THELIFEOP 
 
 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 judg- 
 ment 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 many deep baptisms we have to pass 
 through, before 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 grati- 
 tude 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 occa- 
 sion, 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 SAVEBT. 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 mat- 
 ters, 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 iipright 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 suifer 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 de- 
 sirous 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 
 liowling 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, hlessed and praised for ever be his name, brought 
 me into some degree of composure. The strong im- 
 pression 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 chil- 
 dren, and when and where He leads them, graciously 
 afibrds 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. Qh ! 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 SAVBET. 17 
 
 Friends, Tyho 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 for- 
 gotten 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 dis- 
 tress 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 
 with 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 
 God ! It far surpassed everything I had ever before 
 experienced, and was such that I hope to bear it in re- 
 
18 THBLIFEOI' 
 
 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 con- 
 siderable 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 refine- 
 ment 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 com- 
 munion 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 Caro- 
 lina, 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 SAVER T. 19 
 
 which, carefully treasured up, would be lastingly bene- 
 ficial. 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 court- 
 martial, 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 man- 
 gled in the presence of some thousands of persons. 
 William says, " Great endeavors were afterwards used, 
 both by threats and*persuasions, to induce him to com- 
 ply 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 pur- 
 pose : but remaining steadily fixed, he could have no 
 freedom to countenance their measures, let the conse- 
 quence be what it might. I think it is worthy of re- 
 mark, that his prudent wife appeared to be more con- 
 cerned on account of an evil report that her husband 
 had been brought to a compliance, than for all his suf- 
 fering, 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 the Friends ought not to suffer; be said, 
 
20 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 propor- 
 tion ; those treble taxes were in consequence of their 
 not 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." 
 
 His 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 at- 
 tended 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 Charles- 
 ton, 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 22d. 
 
 He says, " 24th being First-day, was at two meet- 
 
WILLIAM SAVER Y; 21 
 
 ings : they were attended by more people not pro- 
 fessing with us, than Friends, who do not appear to be 
 more than fifteen members in the place ; but the meet- 
 ing-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 cheer- 
 ful, 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 funda- 
 mental truths were opened, showing that the work of 
 righteousness is peace, and the effect thereof, quiet* 
 ness 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 6th, about fifty-four miles. Here are 
 about seven families, who have built a small meeting- 
 house, 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- 
 
 fcuai 
 
22 THELIFBOF 
 
 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 oflf; 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 merci- 
 less oppressors, and by terrible things in righteousness 
 will sooner or later plead the cause of the afflictfed. 
 It is sorrowful, that because judgment against an evil 
 work is not speedily executed, the hearts of men are 
 set to do evil. 
 
 " Kode 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 was 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 meet- 
 ing was at Paget's creek : a variety of religious pro- 
 fessors were present, and near the close the people 
 were much tendered. Had meetings at Raybor's creek. 
 Mud-lick, and AUwood, and on the 15th was at Cam- 
 
"WILLIAM SAVER Y. 23 
 
 Ibridge or Ninety-six. Had a meeting in the Court- 
 touse, with a mixed multitude : it was large, and thought 
 to he 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. 
 Grot 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 
 nuihber 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 con- 
 tinued in these agitations some time after meeting 
 broke up. Several wept, and most of the people ap- 
 peared serious. I stept in among them again, and ad- 
 vised the wo^^en 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 swingle- 
 tree 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 mo- 
 ment, for I had not power to stop her, nor any possi- 
 bility of jumping out, without imminent 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 yfere in vain. 
 
24 THBLIFBOF 
 
 A few yards further might, in all probahility, have 
 terminated the scene, and 1 was accordingly endeavor- 
 ing 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, 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 Wrights- 
 borough : 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 en- 
 deavored as soon as possible to retreat, but they stop- 
 ped 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 SAVERT. 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 disinte- 
 rested religious visits in future. 
 
 " On the 28th we got to Savannah. The next day 
 being First-day, the parson came and offered his meet- 
 ing-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 
 3 
 
26 THELIFEOF 
 
 ■wretcli 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 him- 
 self 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 restrained 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 SAVEET. 27 
 
 of the intercliange of a sentiment. Christianity and 
 humanity, how are ye disgraced ! Where will such 
 astonishing horrible conduct end ? 
 
 " Sixth month, 2d, got to Charleston. On First- 
 day, the 5th, attended Friends' meeting in the morn- 
 ing, 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 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 thejr power to bestow. 
 
 These acts of benevolence, however, had been in- 
 terrupted 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 en- 
 gaged 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 esta- 
 blish 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 Hen- 
 dricks and his brothers, two Indian messengers recently 
 from the Western country, and also a, letter from Ho- 
 packon, 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 for Sufferings in 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 29 
 
 the Fourth month, 1793, minutes,' expressing the unity 
 of their respective Monthly Meetings, and the appro- 
 bation 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 
 whomthis 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. 
 
 " BrotherSj-^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 grand- 
 fathers that they were men of peace, and desired to 
 live among you in peace and love, and that their chil- 
 dren 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 
 
30 THBLIFBOF 
 
 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 Jight 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 grand- 
 fathers, 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 in- 
 ward 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 remem- 
 ber, that the Great Spirit sees and knows all the 
 thoughts of your hearts, and of the hearts of all man- 
 kind, and all their actions. And when their bodies 
 
WILLIAM SAVERY. 31 
 
 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, Pie 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 prin- 
 ciples 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 for 
 your 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 friend- 
 ship, with the white people of the United States ; and 
 that many of you have a desire that you may be in- 
 structed 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 aifairs of government, which are 
 under the direction of the President of the United 
 States, and his counsellors, but that we should, at all 
 
82 THELIFBOF 
 
 times, be willing to do anything in our power to pro- 
 mote love and peace. 
 
 "Brothers, — We greatly desire that the commis- 
 sioners 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 diiference 
 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 dis- 
 posed 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. 
 
 " PMladelpMa, 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 In- 
 dians, and was going to attend the treaty. On First- 
 day, the 5th of the month, they attended two meetings 
 
WILLIAM SAVBRT. 33 
 
 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 gene- 
 ral 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 trans- 
 ported 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 re- 
 ligious conversation with much kindness and charity; 
 the General expressed many just BC^d valuable senti- 
 ments on the weighty subjects undei^ discussion. Ar- 
 rived at fort Schuyler in the evening. 
 
 " 17th. 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 THELIFEOP 
 
 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 Wick- 
 ham, 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 hjird to a harbor fifteen miles, which 
 we reached about nine o'clock in the evening, and en- 
 camped. 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 SAVEKT. 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 o'wn 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 popu- 
 lation, 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 situa- 
 tion occasioned us to decline accepting it. 
 
 " 31st. Several of us went down in our boat to 
 Navy Hall, and spent several hours with the commis- 
 sioners : we got passes from Governor Simcoe, to go on 
 to Detroit, by the first king's vessel from Port Erie. 
 
36 THELIFEOF 
 
 " First-day, 2d of Sixth month, a meeting heing ap- 
 pointed to he held in a harn, ahout four miles from our 
 encampment ; Friends, and some people from the land- 
 ing, 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 neighbor- 
 hood. 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 pre- 
 pared 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 
 eongiderable distance, in order to render an account 
 of their improvements and property ; several of 
 whom were Friends and Menonists from Pennsylvania. 
 Beached Fort Erie about four o'clock, and finding 
 three British vessels, we took our passage, but the 
 wind being unfavorable, could not sail. 
 
■WILLIAM SAVERT. 37 
 
 "Fourth-day, the 5th, the wind still unfayorable. 
 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 In- 
 dians. 
 
 " Pifth-day, the wind pretty fair ; sailed pleasantly 
 in much harmony, the time spent agreeably and use- 
 fully. 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 shalll 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 
 tbe Bass islands, near which are abundance of fine 
 fish ; — continued heaving the lead from about eleven 
 4 
 
38 THBLIFBOP 
 
 o'clock to tliree — 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, and 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 Cap- 
 tain 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 Mohuwk 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. Yeal, 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 SAVERT. 39 
 
 putcd 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 Eng- 
 land commands the regiment. quartered in this 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 satis- 
 faction ; 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 extra- 
 ordinary terrifying painting, and the appendages of 
 their dress ; any description I am capable of giving, 
 must afford a very faint idea of the ferocious appear- 
 ance 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 cer- 
 tainly 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 hav- 
 ing knowledge of us, came to our lodging to pay us a 
 compliment ; but I wish to be excused from a compli- 
 ment of the like kind in future. The frightful paint- 
 ing 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 in- 
 deed it is to reflect, that such is the depravity of many, 
 under the dignified character of Christians, whose con- 
 duct towards these poor creatures ought to have been 
 marked with a pacific desire of inspinng 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 ofiBcers' mess-house ; 
 their respectful, polite behavior to Friends, marked 
 their character as gentlemen, and merited our acknow- 
 ledgment ; they permitted us to use great freedom with 
 tbpm. and I hope we kept our places. 
 
 '• Seventh-day, after informing the colonel of our 
 
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 in- 
 convenient, the king's ship-builder offered his boat- 
 house, 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, beg- 
 ging for rum and other things, we were obliged to re- 
 tire up stairs to avoid them. 
 
 " First-day, 16th of Sixth month, attended the meet- 
 ing at ten o'clock forenoon. The colonel having dis- 
 pensed 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 consider- 
 able 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 THELIFBOF 
 
 except the Roman Catholic, is the reading of prayers 
 and church service by an officer, sometimes on First- 
 days, at ivhich the Protestant inhabitants attend. 
 After dinner the colonel's boat being prepared, about 
 twelve or fifteen of ns proceeded down the river to 
 attend a meeting appointed at four o'clock, six miles 
 off. Several other boats set ofif 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 : 
 — 1 hope the meeting ended well. Returned to De- 
 troit, thankful to the Author of mercies for his un- 
 merited kindness during the day. 
 
 " Second-day, 17th. We have need to ask for both 
 faith and patience to support us under our long deten- 
 tion, and the continual alarming reports of the. dispo- 
 sition of the Indians, who are collecting for the treaty. 
 Most of those who pass this place are said to go pre- 
 pared 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 situa- 
 tion I was ever brought into. May the Lord preserve 
 
WILLIAM S A VERT. 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 wonjan. 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 wil- 
 derness, and encamping on the ground like poor pil- 
 grims, 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 ofScers since we arrived. 
 
 "Fourth-day, a boat coming for us from the neigh- 
 borhood 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 Provi- 
 dence to the proof, and I found, as I haveX*'ften before, 
 that it is one of the highest degrees of attainment, to 
 say with sincerity, ' Thy will be done.' Fifth-day even- 
 ing, at the request of the officers, I spent an hour or 
 two with four of them, and conversed on the nature 
 
44 T.HELII'BOI' 
 
 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 senti- 
 ments 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 continu- 
 ance 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 Louisbourg, 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 Avorth bringing. Schooners go about six hun- 
 dred 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 territorie?^ in which are lai'ge bodies of excellent 
 laud : that which lies along the river Le French, about 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 46 
 
 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. 
 
 " Pirst-day, 23d, we held a meeting in a large sail- 
 loft, but not having given notice to the colonel of our 
 intention, the soldiers were out on parade. The gather- 
 ing was pretty large, many coming in from the country; 
 and the doctrine appeared to, be closer than some pre- 
 sent could bear. A serious call was sounded, to ex- 
 amine 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 in- 
 culcating 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 refiections 
 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 pro- 
 mise, ' 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 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 offer- 
 ing 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 
 present their situation was represented to be very dis- 
 tressing, for want of provisions, having scarcely any- 
 thing 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 pro- 
 cure 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 
 Itidians. 
 
 " 27th. Spent most of the day at our lodgings ; a 
 Shawnese chief, who, we were informed, had come 
 from the council at the Miami Kapids, desiring to see 
 
WILLIAM SAVE KY. 47 
 
 US, we had some conversation witt him through an in- 
 terpreter, but could not obtain his sentiments respect- 
 ing the issue of the treaty : he appeai-ed to be a quiet, 
 cautious man, and thought the treaty would not be over 
 before frost. We are almost ready, at times, to ap- 
 prehend that our patience will be exhausted, yet can- 
 not 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 be- 
 cometh our profession. It has, however, been peculiarly 
 trying to me to-day, to look forward to so long a sepa- 
 ration 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 foun- 
 dation 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 de- 
 ceased, 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 THELIFBOF 
 
 noon in reading. Captain Drake giving us his com- 
 pany, related many curious observations he had made 
 during four years' employment on these lakes, having 
 arrived a fgw days past from Michillimachinack, ahout 
 one hundred and thirty leagues distant, at the further 
 end of lake Huron. He informed us that many hun- 
 dred men are employed hy 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 remarkably healthy. 
 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 any- 
 thing of us, by their angry looks and drawing away 
 their hands when we ofi"ered ours — calling us Sho- 
 mochoman 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 becbme 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 
 
WILLIAMSAVERY. 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 hap- 
 pened, the Wyandots felt some of the old aifection to 
 remain. We assured him, we had the same love and 
 friendship for them that our forefathers had, and that 
 our principles had alway-g restrained us from war ; but 
 believing our government was disposed to make peace 
 with them on principles of justice, we were made will- 
 ing to leave our families and take this long journey, to 
 endeavor to promote it, and to be present at the con- 
 clusion 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 wor- 
 ship in the sail-loft was large and solid, considering 
 the company ; held another at five o'clock in the after- 
 noon, which was large, as before, and to good satis- 
 faction ; 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 
 
50 THELIEEOF 
 
 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 In- 
 dians 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 ninety- 
 six. 
 
 " 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 considera- 
 tions 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 
 fresh cases related this-morning by one, who, Axith her 
 husband and some others now in this place, were prison- 
 ers. About throe hundred and ninety-five of them 
 had fled into forts, for protection, near the close of the 
 Afar with Great Britain, consisting of men, women, and 
 children, inhabitants of Kentucky. They capitulated 
 to a body of British troops and Indians, on the con- 
 dition that their lives were to be spared ; but after a 
 march of a day or two, a number being aged and in- 
 firm, they were tomaha\\ked; after which each nation 
 
WILLIAM S A V E E Y . 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 Avas 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 In- 
 dian war — burning prisoners in a slow fire of one or 
 two days' duration, with shocking tortures of diflFerent 
 kinds, too much even to relate without the most pain- 
 ful feelings to every mind not callous to the sensi- 
 bilities of humanity. 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 right- 
 eousness, 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 ofEcers of this garrison, we may say, 
 that their efforts have been numerous, and mostly suc- 
 cessful, in alleviatirig 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 THELIIfEOF 
 
 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 ai-e very ex- 
 tensive, this post being a door of communication to all 
 the Indian country, objects are continually offering. 
 
 "Intelligence from the council, at the Rapids, in- 
 forms us, that two chiefs, from every nation there as- 
 sembled, 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 com- 
 missioners 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 
 sa,ys 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 receiv- 
 ing gifts from the white people ; saying, that the Great 
 Spirit had made the land over the great lake for white 
 
■\V I L L I A M S A V E 11 Y. 53 
 
 people, and this island for the yellow people. They 
 then refused to drink rum, and told the whites, the In- 
 dians 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 receiv- 
 ing 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 h'ad 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 THELIFBOF 
 
 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. 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 ap- 
 pear 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 sufiering and exercise, is to 
 labor to experience that ' quiet habitation,' where we 
 mq.y be preserved from being tossed off the foundation 
 by the many voices we bear. 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 de- 
 ceased 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 In- 
 dians, 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 acknow- 
 ledge 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. We 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 doming. 
 
 " 11th. Dined at James Abbott's, who being much ac- 
 quainted wiih Indian affairs for thirty years, expressed 
 his opinion that no treaty would take place at present; 
 
66 THELIFBOF 
 
 or if it did, no peace -would be obtained ; with wbich 
 our two interpreters joined ; all agreeing that the In- 
 dians 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 with- 
 out much effect. Men who are in the spirit of war, we 
 have found in many instances in this place, cannot pos- 
 sibly see as we see. A long and truly afilicting recital 
 of Indian cruelty and perfidj' 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 ten- 
 dency gradually to eradicate the tenderest feelings of 
 humanity. 
 
 " 12th. Embarked with all the fnmily of our land- 
 lord, 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 hei*, that when- 
 ever 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 SAVER Y. 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 enter- 
 tain 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 over- 
 balanced 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 Eapids, 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 exer- 
 cised, it terminated in this, that there was neither pro- 
 priety 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 TIIELIFEOF 
 
 was, therefore, deemed most advisable to write to 
 Colonel M'Kee [a British officer], enclose him the ad- 
 dress 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 
 Eapids, 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 in- 
 formation 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 pre- 
 served in patience to the end. 
 
 " 19th. Being informed by a merchant, that the In- 
 dians 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 SAVERT. 59 
 
 he was old, but his sons had travelled very far, and 
 told him some extraordinary things ;' upon which he 
 was 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 circum- 
 stances 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 diiferent 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 ac- 
 quainted with their superstitious ceremonies and empty 
 parade : we could not behold it without secret pity. — • 
 The 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 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 de- 
 termined to extirpate the nation. 
 
 " First-day, 21st, had a large meeting in the sail- 
 loft, 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 afifectionate 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 Provi- 
 dence had permitted our being among them, and pray- 
 ers for our return home in peace. Divers of th^ soldiers 
 were tender. 
 
 " 22d. A vessel arriving last evening, brought us 
 intelligence that the commissioners, several interpre- 
 ters, &c., had landed at the mouth of the river, eigh- 
 teen 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 woiild 
 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 SAVBEY. 61 
 
 and good wishes of many of tlie 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 con- 
 cluded to stay for the vessel. 
 
 " 25th. After taking an affectionate leave of many 
 kind friends, who appeared much interested in our pre- 
 servation and welfare, being accompanied by their good 
 wishes, we went on board with Colonel England, Adju- 
 tant 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, ofiBcers, and three of us Friends, got into a 
 large covered barge, and were rowed down to the com- 
 missioners, 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 accom- 
 modated 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 THELIFBOP 
 
 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 con- 
 tinual flashes of lightning, and heavy peals of thunder. 
 The ground of our encampment being very flat, w^e 
 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 re- 
 turn to Detroit, Joseph Moore and myself went ofi" 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 manj^ of the 
 inhabitants were glad to see us. 
 
 " 28th. First-day morning I was unwell, probably 
 the efi"ect 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 with- 
 out 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. Ac- 
 cordingly, upon our intention being known, many peo- 
 ple 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 In- 
 dians, 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 in- 
 habitants ofi" 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 THELIFEOP 
 
 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 
 Ihcy 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 efi"ect a peace, and we 
 retired to bed with heavy hearts. A number of In- 
 dians 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 be- 
 come, 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 break- 
 fast, and staid smoking their pipes and conversing with 
 us until five o'clock in the evening, when the council- 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 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 pay- 
 ments 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 satis- 
 faction 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 morn- 
 ing the Indians returned ; and after the fire was kin- 
 dled, 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 ofi" 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- 
 
 (3 * 
 
66 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 ri'sk of our lives ; hut 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 read- 
 ing 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 
 
WILLIAMSAVERY, 67 
 
 as in us lay, the objects of our journey. In the even- 
 ing 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. — Ap- 
 pointed a meeting to be held at Simon Girty's, to- 
 morrow, 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 De- 
 troit, 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. Gene- 
 ral Lincoln, General Cliapin, Captain Hamilton, Lieu- 
 tenant- 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 THBLIEEOF 
 
 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 im- 
 pressions that a peace would be made; but they said 
 there still remained an opposition, principally from the 
 Shawnese, 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, eac1i 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 per- 
 suasion being used, I at length prevailed on the worst 
 one to let me lead him away some distance : he fre- 
 quently 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 pre- 
 served 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 THBLIFBOF 
 
 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 Phila- 
 delphia, 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 tiieir 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 SAVBRT. 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 suc- 
 ceeded, 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 fall- 
 ing 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 THBLIFEOF 
 
 little nouristment. My friends the commissioners and 
 their companions were liind and attentive : at the same 
 time several of our retinue were unwell ; Jasper Par- 
 rish was, thought to he 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 even- 
 ing 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 
 
.WILLIAMSAVBET. 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 re- 
 newed, and we sat down with the company to break- 
 fast, where we were obliged to explain many things 
 respecting our principles, which were but little under- 
 stood ; this has indeed been our almost daily employ- 
 ment 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 under- 
 standing, 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. 
 
 " 16tb. Colonel Pickering being desirous of giving 
 7 
 
74 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 deputiej from the council ; they 
 brought a definite message in writing, importing that 
 the council had considered the answer of the commis- 
 sioners 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 commission- 
 ers 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- SAVER Y. 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 be- 
 came 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 meet- 
 ing, 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 mer- 
 cies, 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 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 im- 
 prudent 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 fur- 
 nished 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, in- 
 tending 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 SAVEEY. 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 in- 
 vited 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 passen- 
 gers. Taking breakfast once more on board the Dun- 
 more, we left her about nine o'clock, the sailors and 
 marines parting from us with rnany 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 Ohippeway. Captain Hamilton 
 being the commandant of the fort, he met us at the 
 shore, and took us to his apartment, where we were 
 entertained with great frankness and generosity. About 
 four o'clock in the afternoon, the general, doctor, secre- 
 tary, Lieutenant Gwanz, and myself, proceeded in a 
 v/agon 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 THELIFEOP 
 
 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, 
 and 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 Hall, where we lodged. 
 
 " 30th. Sailed about three o'clock in the morning, 
 in a small sloop, and having a fine wind, made aliout 
 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 passen- 
 gers 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 SAVBEY. 79 
 
 cis. The -wind being fresh, it was doubtful whether 
 we could cross it or not in the night ; but our Cana- 
 dians 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 THELIFEOP 
 
 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 fnrtler on came to another rapid, also said to 
 be several 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 wheel- 
 barrow, 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 THBLIFEOF- 
 
 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 
 p,wake until towards morning, when I got a little sleep. 
 " 6th. Passed several garrisons, and proceeding with 
 a fair wind, stopped at an American custonl -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 con- 
 tinued 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, and a painful one it was to me ; it being rainy 
 and a high wind, and no light to find our blankets. I 
 laid down 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 SAVEEY. 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 Captajn 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 de- 
 sire 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 
 thence 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 Lin- 
 coln having been on the spot at the time, informed us 
 
84 THBLIFBOF 
 
 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 de- 
 pressed by receiving a confirmation of a report which 
 we had heard at Saratoga, that my beloved city, (Phil- 
 adelphia,) was in an alarming conditicm, from the preva- 
 lence 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 ac- 
 counts. 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 morn- 
 ing, before day-light, I was attacked with the most 
 violent chill I had ever experienced, followed by fever. 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 85 
 
 " 14tli, 15ih and 16tli, 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 suffer- 
 ings 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 ap- 
 prehended, 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 ming- 
 ling with the families of Friends then newly settled in 
 the parts they visited, together with the peaceful evi- 
 dence that they were in the way of their duty, sus- 
 tained 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 ac- 
 count of the engagement, they remarked: that not- 
 withstanding the desirable object of peace was not ob- 
 tained, they had not a doubt of the rectitude of sub- 
 mitting 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 
 
bb THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 jus- 
 tice to the fullest extent, but by kind and liberal treat- 
 ment, to convince them of the sincerity of their friend- 
 ship, and that they were actuated by the desire to pro- 
 mote their comfort and happiness. This course of pro- 
 cedure 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 Presi- 
 dent 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 in- 
 ducing both parties to accede to such reasonable pro- 
 positions as might facilitate the settlement of the sub- 
 jects 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 abo- 
 riginal proprietors of our country. 
 
88 THBLIFBOF 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Joins another Deputation to an Indian Treaty — Address from Friends 
 to the Indians — Journey from Philadelpliia to the western part 
 of N. York — Hard fare in the Wilderness — Canandaigua — Inter- 
 view with Oneidas — Jemima Williinson 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 com- 
 pensate 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 Home — 
 Difficulties of the Journey — Arrival in Philadelphia — Reilections 
 respecting the Indians — Visit to Virginia Yearly Meeting — Re- 
 markable Service in Richmond — Return Home. 
 
 In the Eighth month, 1794, the Meeting for Suffer- 
 ings was informed through the officers of government, 
 that a treaty was shortly to he held at Canandaigua, 
 in the State of New York, hetween commissioners ap- 
 pointed 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 move- 
 ment, four Friends, viz: David Bacon, John Parrish, 
 
WILLIAM SAVER Y. 89 
 
 William Savery, and James Emlen, under an appre- 
 hension that it was their religious duty, offered them- 
 selves for the service, and being approved by the meet- 
 ing, -were furnished with a number of articles, as pre- 
 sents 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 be- 
 loved 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 THELIFEOF 
 
 are willing to come to see you, with desires to do you 
 good. 
 
 " Brothers, — We meddle not with the affairs of go- 
 vernment ; 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 and 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 dif- 
 ferences. 
 
 " Brothers, — We hope you will receive kindly our 
 friends and brothers, David Bacon, John Parrish, Wil- 
 liam Savery and James Emlen. We have put under 
 their care a small token of love for you, as the descend- 
 ants of the first inhabitants of this land of North 
 Amenca, 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 fare- 
 well. 
 
 " 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. 
 He 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 pre- 
 cious unity and affectionate concern of our near con- 
 nections and brethren. This, to me, has been a com- 
 fortable 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 re- 
 freshment, 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 attimes entertain travellers, and expected to dine ; 
 but' they having neither feed for our horses, bread nor 
 
92 THISLIFEOF 
 
 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 im- 
 mediately went to lie down. A fever coming on, I was 
 very sick until evening, and began to doubt the pro- 
 priety of going on, yet was glad that my indisposition 
 was not the cause of detaining my friends, for it rained 
 too hard to 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 bark- 
 ing 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 oppor- 
 tunity ; 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 luxu- 
 rious 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 SAVBKY. 93 
 
 lying all night in the Tvoods. We had to lie on the 
 floor, with the house open on all sides ; yet were con- 
 tent, 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 Cha- 
 pin were holding a conference with the Oneida In- 
 dians. 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 THBLIFEOF 
 
 our throats that we mieht 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 gene- 
 rally. 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 re- 
 ceived, and spent a pleasant day. This country has 
 two great disadvantages attending it, the scarcity of 
 springs and rivulets, and the unhealthiness of the cli- 
 mate in its present uncultivated state, yet it is settling 
 very fast, the land being very fertile ; but as the In- 
 dians 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 strug- 
 gling under many privations to procure a living for 
 their large families ; some have staid for many weeks 
 
WILLIAM SAVBRY. 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 doctriues, he and several others came 
 with her into this country, and took up forty-one thou- 
 sand acres of excellent land near the west side of Sen- 
 eca lake, at four pence per acre. But the good under- 
 standing 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 fra- 
 ternity. 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 THELIPEOF 
 
 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, as- 
 suring 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. Ask- 
 ing for the rest of the family, Rachel Malin stepped 
 into Jemima's room and invited her out. She was at- 
 tired in a loose gown or rather a surplice of calico, and 
 some parts of her dress were quite masculine; she ac- 
 costed 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 SAVBUY. 97 
 
 vored strongly of pride and ambition to distinguish her- 
 self 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, how- 
 ever, 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 con- 
 tempt, 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 after- 
 ward 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 THBLIFBOF 
 
 " 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 be- 
 tween the sachems and the warriors, the warriors pro- 
 testing 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, be 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 
 
WILLIAMSAVEKY. 99 
 
 his hand as he closed his speech. He then desired, if 
 the warriors had heard nnything that was not true, 
 they would point it out. Peter, after reminding Colonel 
 Pickering of the advice which he gave them at New- 
 town 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 hun- 
 dred 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 
 
 1)6611 disa'^pointed 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 Indinns were quiet and behaved decently ; as many 
 of the Indians had received some notion of the Chris- 
 tian 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 every- 
 where. 
 
 " 13th. Ruminating on the state of the Oneida In- 
 dians, 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 ex- 
 posed 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 there- 
 fore 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 efiect. 
 
 " Colonel Pickering having called on us again, we 
 went with him to the camp, where the chiefs and war- 
 riors 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 ap- 
 peared well calculated to prevent the frauds and im- 
 positions' of designing men. They heard all patiently, 
 9* 
 
102 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 sa- 
 chems or warriors had heen wrong, for it would not 
 have hurt the sachems if they had heen 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 iniiicted, as it was not their wish. He also no- 
 ticed 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 mat- 
 ters 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 some- 
 thing 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 peo- 
 ple persuading them out of their lands, even some who 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKY. 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 in- 
 fluence 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 as- 
 sistance 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 hind 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 pos- 
 session, which would result in a great accumulation of 
 wealth to the Oneida nation. He concluded by pro- 
 mising 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 posses- 
 sion, 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 |our miles, were 
 
104 THE LIFE OF 
 
 expected this forenoon ; but having to paint and orna- 
 ment 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 im- 
 portance, 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 
 speedi 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 per- 
 sons, 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, Corn- 
 planter and his party of the Senecas arrived, amount- 
 ing to about four hundred. They drew up in three 
 sides of a square, the Oneidas, Onondagoes, &c.," facing 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 105 
 
 them ; each fired three rounds, and performed some 
 manoeuvres ; all in full Indian dress, and painted in an 
 extraordinary manner. Then encircling the commis- 
 sioners and us, they exchanged a short speech of con- 
 gratulation, and as it rained, the rum was soon brought, 
 arid 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, yell- 
 ing, 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 Bro- 
 ther, Red Jacket, Little Beard, and a number more of 
 the Seneca chiefs, came to our lodgings to hold a con- 
 ference, 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 to- 
 gether on the subject several times, and believed they 
 had come to the knowledge of the original owners of 
 tfiat land, two of whom, ancient men, were now pre- 
 sent, 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 coun- 
 cil. 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 honor- 
 able 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 pos- 
 sessions on such a firm and justly acquired fee, as true Christian 
 principles would dictate. 
 
WILLIAM SAVBKY. 107 
 
 the Oneidas, spoke, addressing themselves to their bro- 
 thers, 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 de- 
 livered 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 heairt 
 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 after- 
 noon, 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 con- 
 ference 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. 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 bury- 
 ing 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 re- 
 quested to keep open at one end and the United States 
 
WILLIAM SAVEET. 109 
 
 at the other, as long as the sun shone. Many other 
 things of the like nature he said to them, after the fig- 
 Tirative style of the natives, that all might be cleared 
 out of the way before the business of the treaty com- 
 menced. 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 Pick- 
 ering 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 sub- 
 jects, 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. Pish Car- 
 rier spoke in answer to the commissioner's address yes- 
 terday, till he had passed through his hands one by 
 10 
 
110 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 friend- 
 ship with the fifteen fires, he delivered fifteen strings 
 of chequered wampum as a seal to it. Colonel Picker- 
 ing introduced himself as sole commissioner on the part 
 of the United States, whom the Six Nations had re- 
 quested 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 intro- 
 duced 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 appro- 
 bation ; 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 com- 
 pany 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 Scrip- 
 ture, without much similarity or connection. The In- 
 dians 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 SAVBKY. Ill 
 
 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 commis- 
 sioner, they concluded it was no good council fire, so 
 he came ofi" 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 ap- 
 proved of the Indians' conduct, and said he would have 
 Berry removed off those lands. An accounX 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 senti- 
 ments, 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 re- 
 plied, 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 pther day, he must assure them, that it was 
 not with his approbation ; she had forced herself into 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 118 
 
 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 com- 
 plained 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 bro- 
 thers in Canada talked with them, and they let ths 
 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, per- 
 haps two hours, respecting the ancient boundaries of 
 the Six Nations' land, and inquired what was the ex- 
 tent 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 con- 
 querors, 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 In- 
 dians, 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 Na- 
 tions, assembled some chiefs yesterday and delivered 
 it to them. Being in the character of a British inter- 
 preter, he appeared at the council with the Indians 
 to-day, and seemed very intimate with them. Corn- 
 planter 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 ex- 
 pressed 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 Canan- 
 daigua ; after the council at Canada is over, it is my 
 earnest desire you will immediately come to BufiFalo- 
 creek, and bring General Chapin with you — I will wait 
 here till you return. 
 
 " Colonel Pickering rose and said, he was sorry that 
 anything should happen to interrupt this council fire : 
 but it is now interrupted by the coming of Johnson, 
 whom he considered as a British spy, and that his being 
 here was an insult to him, to their friends the Quakers, 
 and to the fifteen fires. That the intrusion of this man 
 into our councils, betrayed great impudence, and was 
 a fresh 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 
 Ms expressions as much as lie 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 busi- 
 ness 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 suf- 
 fer 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 SAVBRT. 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 hks 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 
 
118 THELIFEOF 
 
 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 John- 
 son 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, des- 
 pised, 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 mis- 
 understanding respecting the cause why the treaty was 
 not held at Buffalo-creek, agreeably to the Indians' re- 
 quest — the disposition of the Senecas appeared rather 
 more uncompromising than heretofore. 
 
 " 27th. Expecting a council, we went to the com- 
 missioner 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 lute 
 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 virho 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 Cayuga s 
 and Onondagoes, have moved ofi' 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 computa- 
 tion 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 fifty- 
 six 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 In- 
 dians, 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 huiidred 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 Quinta, 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 pre- 
 sented, 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 re- 
 turn home. The happy effects of steady perseverance 
 in the cause of the .Africans, is an encouraging reflec- 
 tion, and may serve as an animating example in this. 
 Our business here, though trying and tedious, is some- 
 times 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 SAVEKT. 121 
 
 they wished them to he 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 inter- 
 views 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 he- 
 come 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 him- 
 self 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, Ke would return home ; and he really 
 intended it ; but Colonel Pickering and General Chapin 
 interested themselves to detain him. The dissatis- 
 faction of the Senecas rose so high, that it was doubt- 
 ful whether a council would be obtained to-day, but 
 about three o'clock they met ; Cornplanter not attend- 
 ing. 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 con- 
 duct 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 impro- 
 priety, to blame him, for it was his fault. This pacify- 
 ing 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 terras 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 pro- 
 duced 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 bright- 
 ened, 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 Alle- 
 ghany 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 difiiculty. He observed to them, 
 that the sachems had acknowledged it was now four 
 years since he had been brightening the chain of friend-' 
 ship between them and the United States, and that it 
 liad been even as in the days of Sir William Johnson, 
 that the rusty part now alluded to had never before 
 
WILLIAM SAVER T. 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 Con- 
 gress, and showed them on the map that it was ceded 
 by them to the United States at the treaty of Port 
 
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 Gihson, the 
 commissioners at the last mentioned treaty, expected 
 the east line of the triangle would have extended to 
 Bufialo-creek ; hut that not being the case, he offered 
 to cede hack 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 com- 
 prehends three or four times the quantity of land in- 
 cluded 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 Bufialo-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 settle- 
 ments 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 SAVBRY. 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. He had also goods at this place 
 to the amount of ten thousand dollars to distribute 
 among them, if the treaty should issue to mutual satis- 
 faction. 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 dif- 
 ferences, 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 
 minutes 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 and artisans. Perhaps this intimation 
 may be so made use of in a future day, that great 
 good may accrue to the poor Indians, if some religious 
 young men of our Society, could, fromi a sense of duty, 
 be induced to spend some 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 sor- 
 row-^ a scalp from an enemy answered the same pur- 
 pose, 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 dif- 
 ferent 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 per- 
 formed 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 mar- 
 vellous exploits, made his brag, which was, that he 
 had been a man of peace all his days, in the profes- 
 sion of a physician ; that he had been very industri- 
 ous, and restored many who had been ready to die. 
 He said, all that the others had bragged of, was 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKY. 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 doc- 
 tor'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 coun- 
 cil 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 sul- 
 phur. 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 busi- 
 ness they came about would not admit of their pre- 
 sence. Apprehending that we should be interrupted 
 in the house, we retired to a distance, and sat down 
 
128 THE LIFE OF 
 
 upon some logs, wlieii Red Jacket spoke nearly as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 "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 re- 
 spect 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 ofibrd 
 us any assistance in your power. 
 
 "Brothers, — We hope, you will make your minds 
 easy. We Tj;ho 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 as- 
 sistance, and take no part in war. We expect you 
 were all born on this island, and consider you as bre- 
 thren. Your ancestors came over the great water, 
 and ours were born here ; this ought to be no impedi- 
 ment to our considering each other as brethren. 
 
 " Brothers, — You all know the proposals that Have 
 been made by Cunnitsutty (Colonel Pickering, the com- 
 missioner), 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 SAVBRY. 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 Con- 
 gress, or the extent of the commissioner's powers, that 
 you will candidly inform us. 
 
 "'Brothers, — We desire that what we are nowahout 
 communicating, may be kept secret. We are willing 
 to give up the four-mile path, from Johnson's landing- 
 place to Cayuga-creek, agreeably to our compact with 
 Sir William Johnson, long ago. The other part pro- 
 posed by Colonel Pickering to be relinquished by us ; 
 that is, from Cayuga to Buifalo-creek, we wish to re- 
 serve 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 Brie 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 considera- 
 tion. 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 ofi" 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 aboiit the time fixed, but finding us not en- 
 
130 . THELIFBOF 
 
 tirely prepared to give them an answer, told us not to 
 hurry ourselves, and they would come to-morrow morn- 
 ing ; 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 of- 
 fence. My friends laid it upon me to deliver the 
 answer, which I did, holding the seven strings of wam- 
 pum 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 con- 
 tained 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 commo- 
 dious 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 SAVEKT. 131 
 
 number of pretty children, who, in all the activity and 
 buoyancy of health, were diverting themselves accord- 
 ing to their fancy. The vast number of deer they have 
 killed, since coming here, which they cut up and hajag 
 round their huts, inside and out, to dry, together with 
 the rations of beef which they draw daily, give the ap- 
 pearance of plenty to supply the few wants to which 
 they are subjected. The ease and cheerfulness of 
 every countenance, and the delightfulness of.the after- 
 noon, 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 In- 
 dians ; 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 peo- 
 ple's any in the world. In returning to our quarters 
 we passed by the Indian council, where Red Jacket 
 V as 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 he no hard thoughts entertained, on account of 
 their having heen several days deliberating on an an- 
 swer ; 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 considera- 
 tion 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 be- 
 tween 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 ha^ids. With respect 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 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 r.espect 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 ap- 
 ply 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 wisb 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 re- 
 capitulated what Red Jacket had expressed, which is 
 tlie usual custom of the Indians in their answers ; re- 
 minding them why they decreased, and the white peo- 
 ple 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 jips only, it is the language 
 of our hearts. You say, if we relinquish the four 
 mile path from Cayuga to BuiFalo-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 oifered 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 SAVBKT. 135 
 
 we do so, it will be very inconvenient, unless we can 
 have taverns to accommodate travellers, as the dis- 
 tance is great. You know they have a road and ac- 
 commodations 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 har- 
 bor 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 difS- 
 culty between us, I trust we shall not be long in com- 
 ing 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, Canun- 
 dach, Canatounty, and a John Whitestripe, all Onei- 
 das, 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 neighbor- 
 hood. He said, they had accordingly made the in- 
 quiry, 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. 137 
 
 chief and warrior of the Tuscaroras, with an inter- 
 preter, 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 reserv-. 
 ing the piece of land, between Cayuga and Buffalo- 
 creek, 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 travel- 
 lers 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 pro- 
 posals, 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 pro- 
 visions, 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 Philadel- 
 phia, 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 
 waited 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 yon 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; com- 
 ply 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, respect- 
 ing 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 
 diiBcult, if you grant us but liberty to pass and repass, 
 I will give up the rest. You know there is a path 
 already from BuflFalo-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 
 matt.er you can make no difiBculty; I will sit down and 
 wait your answer. After a short space. Colonel Picker- 
 ing observed, he had forgot to inform them that the 
 road should be opened under the direction of the super- 
 intendent 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 com- 
 plying with our request, in giving up the particular 
 spot in dispute. You mentioned that you wanted a 
 road through our country ; remember your old agree- 
 ment, 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 
 Port Schlosser to Buffalo-creek, but not from Buffalo- 
 creek 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 SAVERT. 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 bet^ween 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 t^wo 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-day — 
 Colonel Pickering and some chiefs busy in preparing 
 the articles of treaty. 
 
 " 6th. An interpreter,' with four other Indians, came 
 to have further convers&.tion about the Hopewell land. 
 It does not appear probable, that the Conestogoes 
 were the original owners. We requested them to con- 
 vene 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 Tus- 
 caroras 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 OF 
 
 Isle. They were surprised to find that Cornplanter, 
 Little Billy, and others, had received two thousand 
 dollars worth of goods from Pennsylvania at Muskin- 
 gum, and two thousand dollars at Philadelphia. Their 
 minds being much disturbed, they broke up the con- 
 ference ; this was a sad disappointment to us, who ex- 
 pected 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 be- 
 ing 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 in- 
 stanced 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 commiss-ioner 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 SAVBKY. 143 
 
 the commissioner, and agreed on all the articles of 
 treaty to be engr'ossed on parchment, and signed to- 
 morrow. 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 Cones- 
 togoes 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 ex- 
 amine, and if he thought they contained anything 
 worth notice, he might forward them to us in Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 " First-day, the 9th. Several Friends in this part 
 of the country came to the meeting ; one of them thir- 
 teen miles. A number of other white people attended, 
 and a large number of Indians. It was a solid meet- 
 ing ; several, both of whites and Indians, were tender, 
 and wept ; and aftet it was' over, one man in a par- 
 ticular manner, confessed to the truth, and prayed 
 that the Lord might bless it to all who were present. 
 On my part, it was an afiectionate 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 wait- 
 ing, which we immediately attended. Two large parch- 
 ments, 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 In- 
 dians, 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 in- 
 form you of my own mind as an individual. I con- 
 sider the conduct of the U-nited 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 Stan- 
 wix, 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 ap- 
 proved 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 be- 
 fore. 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 SAVEKY. 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 dis- 
 approved 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 be- 
 fore ; but this was done last year to the Western In- 
 dians, 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 sa- 
 chems, 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 S AVERY. 14T 
 
 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 your- 
 selves ; 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 after- 
 noon 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 direc- 
 tion, 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 re- 
 ceive 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 no,w a probability of receiv- 
 ing something fqr 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, as 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 Phila- 
 delphia, for the purpose of examining more fully into the 
 
WILLIAM SAVBKT. 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 Picker- 
 ing 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 ex- 
 amine, 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 compen- 
 sation 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 ii considerable sum 
 of money, and gave it as ii present to thorn, with which they 
 were highly gratified. 
 18 * 
 
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 re- 
 quested 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-mor- 
 row morning, as they had something further to com- 
 municate. 
 
 " 12th. About thirty or forty of the sachems and 
 chief warriors met at our lodgings, and delivered tjie 
 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 in- 
 vitation 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 SAVEBY. 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 ac- 
 ceptable to be informed of this, by letter to the chiefs 
 now present. 
 
 "Brothers, — We give hearty thanks to the descend- 
 ants of Onas, that you so willingly rose from your 
 seats to attend this council fire according to our re- 
 quest; 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 con- 
 sidered 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 esta- 
 blished 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 con- 
 cluded, 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 uncom- 
 fortable ride of four hours, during which John Parrish 
 had his face bruised by a fall ; and such was the difii- 
 culty 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, 
 tlie path being as bad as it could be ; and the snow 
 
WILLIAM S AVERT. 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 enter- 
 tained 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 refresh- 
 ing. 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 OP 
 
 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, intend- 
 ing to make forty-two miles, as there is but one mise- 
 rable house in the intermediate distance, which we 
 desired not to lodge at, but disappointments and vexa- 
 tions 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 bad- 
 ness 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 pro- 
 cured 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 Alle- 
 ghany 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 SAVBEY. 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 compen- 
 sation 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 Vir- 
 ginia, 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 ; 
 atrived 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, accom- 
 panied 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. 
 
 " 13th. Travelled very diligently, and made fifty- 
 two 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 hegan, 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 bro- 
 ther 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 SAVEEf. 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 appear- 
 ance, ■ 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 re'ward for the righteous ; Verily He is a 
 God that judgeth in the earth ;' to illustrate and en- 
 force which, the Lord ■was pleased to grant me both 
 matter and utterance to my o^wn 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 
 audi«nce 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 pre- 
 sent from most of the meetings within thirty miles, 
 said, the truths of revelation rose triumphant over 
 Deism and error, and were never more cordially re- 
 ceived 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 morn- 
 ing. 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 Csdar-creek, and taking one or two meetings 
 in their way, reached home on the 4th of the Sixth 
 month. 
 
WILLIAM SAVBEY. 161 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Concern to visit Europe — Journal of the Voyage — Leave-taking — 
 Banks of Newfoundland — Hard vreather — Meetings on Shipboard 
 
 — French Privateer — Arrival at Liverpool — Appointed Meetings 
 — London — Sails for Bremen with G. Dillwyn and D. Sands, &c. 
 
 — Notice of Voyage — Eeach Bremen — Wine Cellar — Religious 
 Citizens — Continues Journey — Hamburg and Altona — Religious 
 Services — Travelling through Germany ^ Zell — Habits of the 
 People — Pious Pastor — Hanover — Visits to several religious cha- 
 racters — Hammelin — Pyrmont — Grave of I. Pemberton — Profes- 
 sors with Friends — Separatists — Religious Engagements — Re- 
 markable reuniting Meeting with both Parties — Affecting Parting 
 
 — Leaves Pyrmont with D. Sands, &e. — Visits the Dutchess of 
 Brunswick — Helmstead — Character of the Country — Magdeburg 
 — Religious Service — Detects an Impostor — Brandenburg — Re- 
 ligious Meeting — Potsdam — Notice of the City — Berlin — Dis- 
 couragements — 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 — St:irt for Magdeburg. 
 
 '^HE mind of W. Savery being expanded by Gospel 
 love, and a,n ardent desire for the salvation of his fel- 
 >low-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, t0)|^ublish 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; memher, his 
 prospect of duty was united with, and the requisite 
 certificates of the approhation 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 \%th of Fifth month, 
 1796, in company with several m,inisters, viz : Samuel 
 Emlen, Deborah Darby, Rebecca Young, Sarah Tal- 
 bot, and Phebe Speakm,an. 
 
 "Fourth-day, 18th. All the Friends intending to 
 embark in the Sussex, met at New Castle, a public 
 meeting feeing 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 oppor- 
 tunity in the house. Judge Basset, with several magis- 
 trates, 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 hear- 
 ing 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 Eebecca Young, through the tendering in- 
 fluence 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 ser- 
 vice, were also exercised in the expression of heart- 
 felt 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 ; com- 
 mitting 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 OE 
 
 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 oflF 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 Speak- 
 man is weak with disease, hut supported under it with 
 instructive resignation and patience — our dear friend 
 Samuel Emlen, better in health than when on shore, 
 and wich his usual animation, enlivens us in our watery 
 prison with frequent recitals of interesting occurrences, 
 and j-^stances of Providential care and support, drawn 
 
WILLIAM SAVEET. 165 
 
 from a long course of observation and experience. We 
 feel as much at home on the ocean as ive 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 re- 
 newed confirmation afibrded, 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, es- 
 pecially 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 sam'e redeeming love, are 
 
166 THE LIFE OF 
 
 scarcely furnished -with mere necessaries : the lament- 
 able 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 
 days, 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 York ; 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 oppor- 
 tunity 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 but 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-shfells, 
 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 SAVERT. 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 LIFBO.F 
 
 sensible we have much to be tlianlcful for, especially 
 that we are mercifully kept in near unity and sympathy 
 with each other. 
 
 " 6th. The wind and sea were boisterous and ap- 
 peared 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 afilicting 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 afflic- 
 tions 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 SAVERT. 169 
 
 we be favored to possess our souls in patience : have 
 gained very little to-day. 
 
 " lOth. 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 soul- 
 refreshing 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 sufiFering 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, com- 
 fortable 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 un- 
 pleasantly 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 Ire- 
 land, 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 hos- 
 pitable and worthy friends Kobert 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 mer- 
 cies. 
 
 "First-day, Sixth month 19th, 1796. At two meet- 
 ings 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 Man- 
 chester, 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 pros- 
 pect of having an evening meeting with the inhabi- 
 tants, 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 meet- 
 ing 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 LISE 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 inhabi- 
 tants 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 even- 
 ing, 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 thank- 
 fulness for the opportunity. Samuel Emlen appointed 
 another meeting of the like kind, to be held on First- 
 day evening, which coincided with a prospect I pre- 
 viously 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 afiecting parting with the 
 people for the present, my mind now feeling easy to 
 leave them. 
 
 " 7th. At Birmingham ; and feeling my mind en- 
 gaged 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 acknow- 
 ledged 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, and silent 
 as usual with me. At the close, feeling my mind en- 
 gaged to have a meeting with the inhabitants at large, 
 I proposed it, and Nicholas Wain, Thomas Scatter- 
 guod, and other Friends uniting with it, one was accord- 
 ingly 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, mj mind feeling peaceful. 
 
 " First-day, 17th. Was at Devonshire morning meet- 
 ing ; George Dilhvyn and some others had good ser- 
 vice. 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 
 16* 
 
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 John- 
 son 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 meet- 
 ing 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 SAVEET. 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, S.nd 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 
 tlie 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 wete in sight 
 
176 THE LIFE OF 
 
 of land, being the coast of Oldenburg. At nigbt 
 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 refreshment. 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. Part- 
 ing in much tenderness, we returned to the ship with 
 her good wishes. 
 
 " 9th. Sailed along between the countries of Hanover 
 and Oldenburg to Brack, 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 thg morning, paving 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 SAVBRY. 177 
 
 and cows, living under the same roof, and all very 
 meanly ; tbe 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, out- 
 landish 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 6ach other's- houses for religious purposes. 
 
 " 12th. George Dillwyn, William Farrer, and my- 
 self, visited Mooyer & Topkin, merchants in the town, 
 to whom we were recommended. Topkin having been 
 some time in London, spoke English, and gave us in- 
 formation 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 droop- 
 ing 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 be- 
 yond them. After sitting awhile with her, she sent a 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKT, 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 an- 
 cient 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 relig- 
 ious subjects. He 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 
 dou?t these are an enligitened 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 
 poAver 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 distin- 
 guishes their little company from others, is the circum- 
 spection 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 ma- 
 king 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 de- 
 sirous of improvement, and were open and loving. We 
 gave them some books, and recommended their close 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 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 Baoher came to see us, 
 having just heard there were Friends come to Bremen. 
 He appeared to be a man of good understanding, ac- 
 quainted 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 acquaintedwith 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 acknow- 
 ledges 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 bo the opinion 
 16 
 
182 THELIFE 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 contihuiilly 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 Hamburg, and dined at Ottenburg, eighteen Eng- 
 lish 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. Kose 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 purchnse 
 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 hoys 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 SAVEET. 183 
 
 some Tvlieat. Hundreds of the poor peasants were 
 employed in mowing and hauling in ; the women bear- 
 ing 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 Bre- 
 men and Harburg, 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 intro- 
 duction from London. He appeared to be a high man, 
 his countenance bespeaking little kindness to us : how- 
 ever, 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 Alton a, having a letter to Vandersmis- 
 sen & 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 Ham- 
 burg, 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 discour- 
 agement 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 inet with some 
 others at times in Altona and Hamburg of like re- 
 ligious opinions, and "was a preacher among them. 
 With him and his wife we had an hour's religious con- 
 versation. After I bad 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 sugar- 
 refiners in Hamburg. Having walked several miles in 
 the dust and heat, we returned to our lodgings fatigued, 
 yet satisfied with our visit. — ' Through many tribula- 
 tions 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 con- 
 versation, one of them showed some surprise at our 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKY. 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. At 
 length he appeared satisfied with our motives, and be- 
 lieved 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 exposi- 
 tion of some of the predictions of the prophets and of 
 our Saviour, &c. This man appeared too full of him- 
 self 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 
 16* 
 
186 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Irest 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 Menonists, 
 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 conversa- 
 tion 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 commu- 
 nications were received and 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 neces- 
 sity 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 im- 
 provement in the true and living way. One of them, 
 J. Abenau, appears to be the most solid and enlight- 
 ened 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 hun- 
 dred 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 gov- 
 erned 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 cru- 
 cifixes, 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 an- 
 cestors 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 thou- 
 sand inhabitants, and is, of the two, the pleasanter 
 city. 
 
 "Fourth-day, 24th. Our friends the Vandersmis- 
 sens 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, recommeiiding 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 SAVER T. 189 
 
 impositions on strangers. We hired a boat to tate 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, passengets 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 mortifica- 
 tion 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 
 w^aiting, the Lord hath hitherto manifested to our com- 
 fort, 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 mer- 
 chant 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 hes- 
 itation, T 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, peace- 
 able principles, and refusing to take oaths, were con- 
 sistent 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 sajir 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 SAVEEY. 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 pas- 
 tor 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 pub- 
 lic walks, which was very agreeable to us, and what 
 we did not expect. Spending some time with the pas- 
 tor 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 OP 
 
 of Christ; yet bis 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 re- 
 spect, 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 
 efiect on the souls of those who observed it, who re- 
 mained from year to yea.r in their general conduct for- 
 getful 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 S A VERY. 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 thtee 
 acquaintances in Zell to whom he could speak his senti- 
 ments 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, whicii 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 womaUj of a religious 
 mind, who waited on us during our stay, took our at- 
 tention 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 
 liooY country to Hanover, and put up without the city 
 gates, where we had tolerable accommodations : the 
 landlord was a baptized Jew. 
 
WILLIAM SAVER Y. 195 
 
 " 31st. George Dillwyn and I walked through the 
 town and delivered our letters of recommenda,tion. 
 The city has the appearance of considerable trade, 
 chiefly carried on by land, the river being only navi- 
 gable 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 
 meetingrhouse, 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 Shafier 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 OP 
 
 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 Eni:;iisli 
 a little. He gave us an account of many exercises he 
 had passed through, and of his present state and opin- 
 ions, 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 SAVER T. 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. Seisbergcr 
 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 com- 
 pany. In the evening we had a comfortable sitting by 
 ourselves ; and have found it very strengthening fre- 
 quently 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. 
 
 "3d. George Dillwyn, David Sands and myself, 
 paid another visit to the aforesaid shoemaker, at his 
 request, and he appeared glad of the visit. My com- 
 panions 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 pur- 
 pose ; 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. preser- 
 vation 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 mnn 
 (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 tender- 
 ness 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 be- 
 ginning 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 d;iys ; 
 
WILLIAM SAVERY. 199 
 
 he also said that he thought it a hlessing to have such 
 people in his house. 
 
 " 5th. Moved on to Hamtneln ; 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 Ham- 
 meln, than all the journey before. This is a fortified 
 town, and may contain about fifteen thousand inhabit- 
 ants ; it is now full of soldiers, and said to, be the 
 strong hold of the Hanoverian dominions ; its hand- 
 some 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 re- 
 ligious service in Hammeln, we set out for Pyrmont, 
 travelling -through a handsome, hilly, and well culti- 
 vated 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 tad 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, con- 
 sisting 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 S A VERY. 201 
 
 tte 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 brother- 
 in-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 afiairs. 
 
 " 12th. In the afternoon, visited the family of Her- 
 man Shutamire, who had separated. We asked him 
 some questions concerning his separation, which he 
 answered in a good frame of mind ; and after recom- 
 mending him to dwell near the Fountain of love, that 
 would reconcile and imite all the children of our 
 heavenly Father together, we parted in much tender- 
 
 * These people, though professing our principles, are not ac- 
 counted strictly in membership with our religious Society. 
 
202 THE LIFE 01" 
 
 "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 helieve that great harmony prevails among the in- 
 habitants, who are four families, chiefly connected with 
 Friends. 
 
 " 16th. Herman Shutamire visited us, and brought 
 three papers, one from himself, one from Henry Mun- 
 thang, and one from Anthony Shonning ; being a vindi- 
 cation 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 afiair 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 SAVERT. 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 li-ttle 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, con- 
 taining 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 my- 
 self 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 meet- 
 ing at six o'clock, with all that had gone off, and 
 Friends together, and desired them to seek for a pre- 
 paration 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 gono 
 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 tri- 
 umph, 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 clear- 
 ness with which they expressed themselves. The Lord 
 graciously condescending to favor, in a remarkable 
 manner, with his blessed presence — all hearts wei'e 
 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 ap- 
 peared 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 neces- 
 sity of dwelling in that charity, which, instead of mag- 
 nifying each other's weakness, and entertaining ground- 
 less 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 con-, 
 triting and heart-tendering time it was, and most of 
 the company were melted into tears, under an extra- 
 ordinary sense of the Lord's compassion to us. 
 
WILLIAM SAVEET. 205 
 
 " It was then proposed, as it appeared that in a time 
 of -n-eakness 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 Master- 
 builder, 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 reinark- 
 able 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 LIEE OF 
 
 Friends. We went to rest, sweetly refreshed in spirit, 
 and I did not marvel that my mind had been so remark- 
 ably 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 tim-e 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 con- 
 science 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 melnbers, 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 educa- 
 tion 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 meet- 
 ing concluded in much harmony. Thus we are favored, 
 through Divine help, to get along step by step to our 
 ■comfort. 
 
 " 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 
 in, 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 ; con- 
 sisting 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 ex- 
 pressed 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 villnge 
 one mile and a quarter from Pyrmont, in the same val- 
 ley 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. Chris- 
 topher 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 Christo- 
 pher'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 
 
WILlTlAM SAVER Y. 209 
 
 solemn covering prevailing, Friends were raade 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 hound 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 dust and had entertainment at a 
 good inn ; tliis is the territory of the bishop of Hilde- 
 sheim, mostl^y Roman Catholics. 
 
 " 30th. Got to Hildesheim to breakfast ; gave to the 
 landliidy and her son (Protestants) some books. Hil- 
 desheim 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 
 inhiibitants. 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 vil- 
 lages, the bind excellent and the roads good, with many 
 crosses and crucifixes on the sides of them. 
 
 " Tenth month 1st. The Duke has built a noble 
 orphnn-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 bad 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, convei'sed 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 SAVBRY. 211 
 
 We 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 prin- 
 ciples. 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 dis- 
 ciple,' &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 vani- 
 ties. 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 pa.rted 
 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. 
 
 "First-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 numhers, 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 king-! 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 fur 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 Magde- 
 burg, 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 com- 
 panies 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. W ; 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 con- 
 sidered, 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 extra- 
 ordinary 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 man 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 SAVEET. 215 
 
 •wMcli tis 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 pro- 
 mised 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 car- 
 ried, 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 peo- 
 ple look upon us with very friendly countenances in 
 this city, and speak kindly ; and there is something 
 
216 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 dol- 
 lars, 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 mapy people in this 
 place, who, though not in strict communion with the 
 Moravians, seem much inclined lo them. That society 
 have a town and large congregation in Saxony, per- 
 haps 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 SAVERT. 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 de- 
 sired they might all retire in their minds, and be atten- 
 tive to what the Lord might give us to say among them. 
 After a time of solemn silence, David Sands and my- 
 self were severally opened in testimony, and the meet- 
 ing ended in prayer. They were very solid, and most 
 of them much tendered, seemed scarce\y able to part 
 with us, and expressed with many tears, their thank- 
 fulness 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 oiF for Potsdam, a 
 19 
 
218 THE LIFE OF 
 
 good-looking ■woman came up, and said in an affection- 
 ate 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 request- 
 ing 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. ! the simplicity of 
 these dear people ! they parted from us with regret, 
 and said those who were with us last evening at meet- 
 ing 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 olaces of residence, 
 
WILLIAM SAVERY. 219 
 
 our business in this country and the character vre travel 
 in, whether ofiScers, 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 Ham- 
 burg, 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 
 wiio love the humble path of Jesus, see of the great- 
 ness a,nd 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 
 paluces. 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 Lorn- 
 
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 oiEcer, who sent a soldier with us to the 
 Inspector's office, where, after a good deal of persua- 
 sion, 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 
 liad 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 com- 
 pany 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 ac- 
 knowledged 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 ad- 
 ditional 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 Ber- 
 lin ; for the subjects of the letter had taken a deep 
 liold on his mind. Lewis had much conversation with 
 him, which appeared to soften him in some degree ; 
 but not to convince him. 
 
 " Tlae 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 ex- 
 plained to him at that time, apparently to his satisfac- 
 tion ; 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 to 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 relig- 
 iously inclined. We sat together in a low, discouraged 
 state, almost ready to wish ourselves away, but con- 
 cluded that here we must stay, endeavor to clear our- 
 selves, and contend for the faith as ability might be 
 given, through suffering. While thus engaged, a re- 
 ligious 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 amonc 
 
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 sleep- 
 less 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 hun- 
 dred 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, Mo- 
 ravians, 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 inha.bitants 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 THELIFEOF 
 
 service ensued ; and after prayer, during -which they 
 all kneeled, we parted. This gave us encouragement, 
 and a hope that it would he introductory to further 
 service ; they said the letter from the tutor at Magde- 
 burg had not prejudiced them — they owned us as bro- 
 thers 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 re- 
 joiced 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 See- 
 bohm and David Sands should go, and the rest of us 
 continue in our chambersr- 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 oppor- 
 tunity of speaking before they broke up, to his satis- 
 faction, 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 SAVERT. 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 
 misei-able 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 fort}' persons 
 collected in our rooms, which are convenient and retired ; 
 among them were two parsons, one a Lutheran, the 
 other ^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 
 afiectionate 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 good- 
 ness 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 Freyen- 
 walde, a town ahout thirty-five miles north-east of 
 Berlin, where the Koenig's Rath Albinus had retired, 
 after laying down his lucrative oiEce 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 edu-- 
 cation 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 SAVEET. 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 the 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 mnde 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 lias 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 
 ir/striiment 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 to 
 
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 re- 
 ceived us gladly. Some conversation taking place re- 
 specting 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 ttie 
 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 to 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 to- 
 morrow evening, we wrote a note to Jenike, requesting 
 
■WILLIAM SAVERY. 229 
 
 he would give the people notice who assembled at liis 
 house this evening ; which he did according to his 
 promise ; but told thera 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 them- 
 selves 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 Hover, 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 Ohris- 
 20 
 
230 THE LIFE OP 
 
 topher Henefusz ; and severcal 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 Scrip- 
 ture, 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 assem- 
 bly, 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 S AVERY. "-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. ilany 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 Mag- 
 deburg 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 anoient 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 
 f-jrgotten 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 con- 
 siderable 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 mur- 
 muring. 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 
 diiferent from any other places is, that the zeal of 
 these people occasions them to be mostly collected be- 
 fore 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 ; but many of 
 the people coming in, we were engaged with them until 
 dinner-time in religious conversation. A Major Mar- 
 connay, 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 relnted 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 bis 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 afrer 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 liying 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 stay- 
 ing 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 re- 
 quested 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 SAVBRY. 235 
 
 were frequently mucli 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 mqre especially so, as we were 
 sensible that the priests and worldly-wise professor? 
 were much alnrmed, 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 dis- 
 solute, 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, ;ind 
 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 THELIFBOF 
 
 many tears manifested the pLice we had in their miuds: 
 they h!lve 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 con- 
 dition they were taking them to the army. the 
 miseries of war ! 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKY. 237 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Magdeburg — Halberstadt — Journey continued — Beach Pyrmont — 
 Eeligious Meetings — Again leave Pyrmont — Rinteln — Becon- 
 ciliation between separated Friends — Minden — Uncourteous treat- 
 ment at tjfeln — Trials at Bilefield — Lemgo — Bad roads — Beturn 
 to Hanover — Various religious services — Leave for Amsterdam — 
 Disasters on the road — ^Bevisit Minden — Beligious Meetings — 
 Counsellor Borges and Consistdrial Bath — Osnaburg — Impositions 
 upon travellers — Bentheim — Deventer — Amsterdam — Friends 
 in Amsterdam — Hague — Rotterdam — Beligious reflections — 
 Meetings with the inhabitants — Voyage to Sluys — Proceed to 
 Dunkirk — Markets, &c. — Journey to Paris — Thomas Paine — 
 Irreligion in the city — Journey to Congenies — Origin and character 
 of Friends at Congenies — Beligious services — Minutes nvade in 
 former years — Affecting parting — Journey renewed — Grilles — 
 Character of the people and country — Professors with Friends — 
 Leaves Congenies. 
 
 " Seventh-DAT, 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 there- 
 fore desired he might be informed that we were re- 
 turned, and ready to answer for ourselves to him or 
 anv v,''..j were willing to meet us with the Bible in their 
 
238 THE LIEE OP 
 
 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 appea.rs 
 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, difFerentt 
 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 SAVBRY. 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 Magdeburg, and not finding a con- 
 venient 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 «as 
 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. 
 
 "26th. 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 frinrs, and tte 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 remaAs were made to them, to which 
 they assented. The young man thought it an unhappi- 
 ness 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 Bar- 
 clay'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 SAVERT. 241 
 
 was writing some of his works there. We arrived be- 
 fore 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 cheer- 
 fully 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 some- 
 thing 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 wel- 
 fare 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 Hilde- 
 sheim ; 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 un- 
 polished 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 dis- 
 charged him, though we had paid the \vhole 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 SAVER Y. 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 mat- 
 ters 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 Marconnay of Berlin, ex- 
 pressing in a grateful and thankful manner, the good- 
 ness 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 ; how- 
 ever, as there are many serious people in many places 
 in Prussia, we cannot doubt but other instruments will, 
 
244 THE LIPB 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 eifectual 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 re- 
 main 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 Phila- 
 delphia, 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. 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 profes- 
 sors. 
 
 "Eleventh month, 1st. Spent much of the day 
 alone, my mind discouraged and much exercised from 
 
WILLIAM SAVER Y. 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 cham- 
 ber 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 rest- 
 ing 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 after- 
 noon 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 he a solid, well-conducted 
 meeting. 
 
 " Fourth-day, 9th. We had a tender 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 Han- 
 over, if the Lord will. Christopher Eeckefus 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, flve thousand inhabitants ; is a 
 poor dirty place, and garrisoned by many soldiers. 
 Had a small meeting at a house, the owner of ^vhich, 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 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 de- 
 cease of the former owner of the house. We encour- 
 aged them to a revival, and left them in much sweet- 
 ness. 
 
 " 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 THK LIFE OP 
 
 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 pro- 
 fessing with us, and were enabled to account for the 
 feelings we had in the meeting. Three of the prin- 
 cipal 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 aifection. 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 S AVERT. 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 com- 
 pensation. Our friend Christopher Reckefus still con- 
 tinued 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 which 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 SAVERT. 251 
 
 but hei' husband not being united with her in religious 
 concern, and having always treated Friends with indif- 
 ference, 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 crowd- 
 ing 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 pre- 
 judiced. We were nowhere so much stared at, so ill- 
 treated, nor so depressed in our minds. After meet- 
 ing, 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 OP 
 
 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 em- 
 ployed in the linen manufacture ; and it is filled with 
 soldiers. 
 
 " Krst-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 agaii^st the French, and was in several battles, 
 but had never fired his gun. One was a general engage- 
 ment 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 rnorning, felt 
 great repugnance to shedding the blood of his fellow- , 
 creatures, and kneeled down and besought the Lord to 
 preserve him through the coming day, which was merci- 
 fully 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 an- 
 other. 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 SAVBKT. 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 de- 
 sirous 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 Gruhb 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 re- 
 freshed. 
 
 " 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 observa- 
 tions 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 fi-iendly 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 licr heavenly 
 Father ; this leads herein 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, nlany of them of the fii'st rank ; it held 
 about three hours. David Sands and myielf were led 
 to preach the Gospel, during which much solemnity 
 prevailed ; it proved refreshing to us, aad we believe 
 to several of them. 
 
 " Fourth-diiy, 23d. Had much conversation with 
 C. Wellnian 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 frrendly. 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 SAVER Y. 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 stand- 
 ing faithful, -ffhom 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 had ; 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 house- 
 hold 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 after- 
 noon ; the landlady received us kindly, but the house 
 was crowded with Prussian ofiBcers. 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 
 iTiinds 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 SAVERT. 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 
 haying evidently gained ground and come nearer to 
 Friends. There are several here who have scruples 
 respecting some p^arts 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 
 have 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 chil- 
 dren. 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 lodg- 
 ings : 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 unlocked for, and we en- 
 deavored to strengthen his exercised mind. 
 •2"2* 
 
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 collect- 
 ing ; 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 sea- 
 son. 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 our- 
 selves ; 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 wore 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 thank^fulness, and we parted with tenderness. 
 " 5th. The knowledge of our being in town being 
 
WILLIAM SAVERY. 259 
 
 much spread, many of various characters a.nd ranks 
 came to our lodgings throughout the day, and a num- 
 ber sent their children for books, so that all vie 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 commu- 
 nicated 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 qiiiet 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 remjirkable 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 ac- 
 knowledged 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 com- 
 munion 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 con- 
 tinue 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 SAVBEY. 261 
 
 and vre 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 peace- 
 sake 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 moreJdq,d 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 sus- 
 tained ; 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 SAVERT. 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 even- 
 ing we had a meeting in a chamber at the orphan- 
 house, where two hundred at least attended, and be- 
 haved well. Among them were people of note, and 
 ofiScers 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 unlocked 
 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 pro- 
 moted by them. There was much expression of unity 
 with us, and thankfulness for the opportunity. ! 
 what occasion we have to say, ' Good is the Lord, and 
 worthy to be served.' 
 
 " 12th. Not feeling ourselves at liberty to go for- 
 ward, 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-mor- 
 row. 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 ap- 
 point 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 for- 
 bid the orphan-house, he afi"ected 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 assem- 
 blies in his Westphalian dominions, but Lutherans, 
 
WILLIAM SAVERY. 265 
 
 Calvinists, Roman Catholics, Moravians, JeYfs, 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 wo 
 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 contro- 
 versy with him, turned to the other subject. This con- 
 firms me in the expediency of encouraging those upon 
 whom it may be laid, to visit the king of Prussia ; per- 
 haps it may fall upon dear George Dillwyn. For my 
 own part, I feel my mind relieved from it at pi'esent. 
 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 OP 
 
 it ; -which he acknowledged was right, and that if it 
 was possible to find his author, he would inform us be- 
 fore -we left the city. After making some general ob- 
 servations, 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. 
 
 "Mude another visit to counsellor Borges and had 
 some religious service, which was an humbling time. 
 The old man embraced us affectionately, and said he 
 bad 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 
 beneflcial 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 SAVBKY. 267 
 
 parting with our dear Eriends, who came one after 
 another in the most alFectionate mannef 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 LIFE OF 
 
 is almost continually playing, so that Tve 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 con- 
 vened, 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 : mj 
 feelings are heavy and unpleasant. ! sweet liberty 
 of conscience, thou restorest men to their proper dig- 
 nity, 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 SAVBRY. 269 
 
 heim, a considerable town on a roclcy 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 in- 
 wardly and outwardly attend us, yet he favors with 
 times of refreshing from his presence, which is nn ample 
 reward for all our toil and suflFering. 
 
 " 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 mul- 
 tiplied 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 nnciont piece of archi- 
 23 ■■' 
 
270 THE LIFE OF 
 
 tecture claimed our notice ; it had been used as a 
 worship-house for the Reformed, for centuries past, but 
 is BOW totally in ruins inside, the French arfiiy 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 De- 
 venter and its environs, the river Yssel, with a hand- 
 some bridge upon boats, and the cleanliness of the 
 p'eople, formed as agreeable a prospect as any we have 
 seen on the continent — the city may contain ten thou- 
 sand 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 lan- 
 guage appears to be a mixture of bad German, French, 
 and English. The road,s 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 peo- 
 ple, 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-rooiti, 
 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 coifee, 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 anrbas- 
 sadors 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, travel- 
 lers 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, 8tli. Were at two meetings, the largest 
 we have had ; there were six American captains pre- 
 sent, and these meetings were thought to be the most 
 solid and satisf:ictory of any -since we came to this 
 place : many of the people were affected and parted with 
 us afiectionately ; 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 did so ; and once a year, to 
 transmit an account to Friends in London, of the con- 
 dition 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 
 tkirty 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 J.676 to 1720, there was a considerable 
 number of Friends here, sixty or seventy signing their 
 marriage certificates. Since the last date, there ap- 
 pears 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 cer- 
 tificates, the meeting concluded. In the evening we 
 had a religious opportunity with young J. Vanderwarf 
 and his wife, which we' believe was right, and hope 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 Ley- 
 den, 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 re- 
 ceived us very courteously, endorsed our passes, and 
 gave us such intelligence respecting our jour.ney 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 English- 
 man ; but thought William Farrer would meet with no 
 interruption while he remained in our company, en- 
 gaged in the good work of promoting religion among 
 the people ; and remarked, that he was satisfied we 
 were what we appeared to Ijp, 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- 
 
wil;liam savbrt. 275 
 
 tre, of about one hundred feet wide, shaded and orna- 
 mented 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 
 have 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 the general state of my mind 
 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 con- 
 sciousness of my natural disqualification for the work 
 of Gospel ministry. Travelling so far, through many 
 outward difiicultie's, 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 — tha,t I 
 may be thoroughly -washed in the laver of regeneration, 
 until I am prepared, through adorable mercy, to he 
 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 mer- 
 chants, the oppression and wretchedness of the poor, 
 and the depravity of many in^ll 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, 
 whom 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 infirmi- 
 ties 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 SAVERY. 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 has fine canals running through it in diflferent 
 directions, in which the largest merchant-ships may 
 lie conveniently. The number of English and Scotch 
 people, the appearance of sociability among the in- 
 habitants, 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 foot- 
 ways, 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 edu- 
 cated 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 bands to pay for clean- 
 ing 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 Ir.rge 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. 
 
 " I7th. In the evening had a meeting at the Epis- 
 copal worship-house, built by Queen Anne, for the 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 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 i^ 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 pros- 
 pect 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 exer- 
 cised about the right way to proceed ; believing our 
 religious 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 under- 
 stand 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 dd.y ; 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 mdre 
 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. 
 
 " oih. Much detentionon 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 under- 
 went 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 
 
282 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 diffi- 
 culties 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 
 thought to contain sixty thousand people, but has a 
 dark uncomfortable appearan'ce, 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. Biding on the side of the sea, we arrived 
 at Dunkirk in the afternoon. I put up at Judith Gar- 
 diner's, a Friend from Nantucket, whose husband died 
 
WILLIAM S A V K R T . 283 
 
 at sea since their settling here, and she keeps a board- 
 ing-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, at- 
 tended me kindly. 
 
 " 10th. This town is supposed to contain forty thou- 
 sand inhabitants, has a gloomy appearance, the houses 
 being closely stowed ; the people here, as well as in 
 Flanders, are mostly Koman 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 con- 
 tend 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. Hus- 
 sey's, where about thirty attended, among whom were 
 some American captains, and several citizens of Dun- 
 kirk. 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 thanks- 
 giving 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 re- 
 spected 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 appealed 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 SAVEEY. 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 ithe 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 philoso- 
 phers, 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 vil- 
 lages, and saw many of the people going to their mass- 
 houses, over the doors of which is painted, ' The French 
 nation acknowledge the Supreme Being and the immor- 
 tality of the soul.' Ai-rived at Paris. 
 
 " 20th, The country is populous, but we see much 
 
286 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 intb 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 sup- 
 posed, to take them off, but one of his companions in 
 office, observing to him, that we made a religious scru- 
 ple 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 Na- 
 tional Convention, exempts Friends by a special clause 
 • — there were a number of persons present waiting to 
 do business with the municipality, who appeared sur- 
 prised 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 SAVER Y. 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 ai'e fre- 
 quented 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 as- 
 sertions 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. 
 
 " Oiir 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 church, 
 whom I honestly desire above all other things to serve, 
 ■with my time, talents, and substance. This city con- 
 tains almost everything to gratify the eyes of the 
 
288 THE LIEE OF 
 
 curious, the desires of the voluptuous, the talents of 
 the learned, and the dissipation of the gay and fash- 
 ionable 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 specigs of goods, many 
 places of vain amusement, and handsome walks with 
 seats, and is almost constantly crowded with passen- 
 gers. 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 in- 
 iquity 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, 
 hut the road bordered by uncultivable mountains, con- 
 sisting almost entirely of rocks, or else by wood-land , 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 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 ofience ; but are often much tried, and it fre- 
 quently 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 Nffgent. 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, 
 26 
 
290 THE LIFE OE 
 
 this festival is ifot 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, tend- 
 ing, 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 coun- 
 try on very small asses, two women on one, one of the 
 women looting 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 coun- 
 try 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 con- 
 siderable, but not a handsome city, principally occu- 
 pied jn making muslins, which the women spin, while 
 walking in the streets. Our cabriolet leaving us, we 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 291 
 
 •were obliged to take wliat 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 coun- 
 try, 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 travel- 
 ling, 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 re- 
 sumed our potache, passed oyer a country more moun- 
 tainous than any heretofore, until we arrived at Rouen, 
 situate on the side of the Loire, a city that may con- 
 tain twenty thousand inhabitants. At the Table d'Hote, 
 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 in- 
 habitants employed in manufactories of muslin and 
 silk. They were differently dressed from any we had 
 yet seen, and remarkably friendly ; indeed the frank- 
 ness 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 aiid proceed on our 
 journey. 
 
 " 6th. Arrived at Lyons 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 ; on?-third is built on a 
 very steep mountain, on the side of the Ehone ; 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. 
 
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 neces- 
 sary 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 even- 
 ing, 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 Csesar, 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 
 
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 ofiFered 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 gene- 
 rally, that do 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. 
 
 " 11th. 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 SAVER T. " 295 
 
 tion, we gave them several boots. Our kind friend, 
 the merchant, inclining to staj here a few days, we 
 were obliged to take a potaohe for Nismes ; the people 
 of the auberge taking us for priests, behaved respect- 
 fully. 
 
 " 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 uncomfort- 
 ably 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 in- 
 habitants, 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 
 afiection and joy. 
 
296 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " 14tli. 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 aiForded. 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 oifered 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 Ms grateful acknowledg- 
 ments 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 unafi"ected 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 afi"ords 
 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 Eobinel, 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 adver- 
 tised 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 aifectionately 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 ciiler, 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 
 
 courageiiQent to them. I could not but repeatedly con- 
 trast the circumstances of these persons, with that of 
 my dear friends at home and in England. ! 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 silk-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 SAVER Y. 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 
 the Friends here, and to add some admonition, en- 
 couragement, &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 thankful sense of the goodness and mercy of 
 the gracious Shepherd of the sheep. Their usual prac- 
 tice being to hold but one meeting on First-day, we 
 appointed another to be at three o'clock in the after- 
 noon : 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 con- 
 ference 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 inhabi- 
 tants 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 way, 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 ^o 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 cer- 
 tificates of our friends, George and Sarah Dillwyn, 
 Eobert and Sarah Grubb, Mary Dudley, A. Bellamy 
 
WILLIAM SAVBKY. 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 ; ohserved 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 Ro- 
 binel accornpanying 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 w-ho 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, 26tli. The meeting in the school-room, 
 which is at present their only meeting-place, collected 
 ahout ten o'clock ; the fore-part was somewhat inter- 
 rupted hy a number coming late, and the room was 
 crowded, but being at length gathered into stillness, 
 the great Master of assemblies favored with his pre- 
 sence : a remarkable solemnity continued for near an 
 hour, very refreshing to our spirits, and we were per- 
 suaded 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 conde- 
 scension, 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 mother- 
 in-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 mem- 
 bers ; on their own motion it was agreed to hold hence- 
 forward 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 vinea, the soil very poor, though 
 there are delightful valleys among the mountains ; but 
 T 1^ five seen neither cows nor oxen since leaving Nismes ; 
 but sheep and goats for milk. Passed through a vil- 
 lage where were several Targe and once elegant build- 
 ings, 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 
 Fontanea, where the good old people and family of 
 Samuel Brunn were much pleased to see us ; the kind- 
 ness, 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 bless- 
 ing 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 re- 
 specting 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 ihese, 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 pene- 
 trating hidden mysteries, so observable in the Ger- 
 mans ; and indeed the two nations difier 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 leuve 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 li'ttle 
 mule : Louis Majolier, Pierre Robinel, Pierre Marignol, 
 and Pierre Benezet, having two asses between them, 
 26* 
 
£06 THE LIFE OTS 
 
 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 re- 
 mounted my mule, but soon after arriving at a village 
 where it had an inclination to stop, he kicked, and re- 
 fused 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 de- 
 corum 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 complain- 
 ing, 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, iii the vicinity of Gilles's, was 
 more hilly, and the whole, with a very few trees inter- 
 spersed, was covered with vineyards, the cultivation 
 of grapes being almost the sole occupation of the peo- 
 ple ; 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 SAVEEY. 307 
 
 wagons. We arrived safe at Gilles's in the evening, 
 the road being the nearest way from Congonies, was 
 in many places not practicable for carriages ; the dis- 
 tance, said to be five leagues, occupied six hours, with- 
 out 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 per- 
 haps the richest of those, called Qualcers, 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 meet- 
 ings 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, extend- 
 ing 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 faci 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 hut one large and very ancient chapel remain- 
 ing, 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 hard 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 ofier. 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 bis house and spent a few minutes with 
 
310 THE LIFE OE 
 
 him and Ms 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 oiler; after which, 
 Mary, daughter of David Ventigole, bore her testimony, 
 which was edifying and sound, delivered in much humil- 
 ity, 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 pro- 
 priety of establishing an order and discipline; some 
 of them expressed their opinion of its fitness, and we 
 then left it under their consideration. 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 311 
 
 " 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 
 aiford 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 hun- 
 dred. Our landlord has about the same amount of 
 stock, and employs as many people, but he has twenty- 
 seven hundred sheep ; the reason we have seen no oxen 
 is, that they keep them on the mountains. Those pro- 
 fessing -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 Con- 
 genies. 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 weak- 
 ness. The Society here, as well as at Oongenies, has 
 been subsisting for sixty or rnore 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 
 vtell. 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 Ifeld ; then we 
 had a free conference respecting the nature and neces- 
 sity of church discipline, and parted with serious im- 
 pressions. 
 
 "5th. This forenoon, after a short time of retire- 
 ment with the family where we lodged, and some others 
 who came in, we parted in much love ; many were wait- 
 ing without to take leave of us, which they did affection- 
 ately, 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. Pro- 
 ceeded 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 con- 
 taining 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 SAVBEY. 313 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Leaves Congenies — Impositions ' — Vienno — 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 
 Cond^ estate — Dunkirli — Character of the French — Rejoicing 
 at the prospect of peace — Difficulty of procuring passports — 
 Arrival 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 Edin- 
 burgh — Glasgow — Ireland — Belfast — Boarding-school — Poverty 
 of the people — Romish funeral— Dublin — Distribution of alms. 
 
 " 6tli. Parting affectionately with our three friends 
 from Congenies, we passed through a number of vil- 
 lages, 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 OP 
 
 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 uncom- 
 mon 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 Lyons 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 SAVERT. 315 
 
 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 Lyons, 
 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 and 
 the Seine 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 Tvay 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 confine- 
 ment, 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 them- 
 selves with the thoughts of our being priests in dis- 
 guise. Seeing the castle where the thirty priests were 
 confined, about a mile distant, I took a walk in com- 
 pany with a young man that way, but not being per- 
 mitted an entraiice, and it being warm, stopped at a 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 31T 
 
 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 soli- 
 tary 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, Ave 
 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 sup- 
 per, having occasion for something in our saddle-bags, 
 they were not to be found. A number of people, ap- 
 parently of bad character, being at the inn, we made 
 our loss known, searched in all the places we thought 
 27 * 
 
318 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. Eose 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 assist- 
 ance, 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 con- 
 duct me to him. The magistrate appeared to be a man 
 of integrity, and offered to assist us : I gave him a de- 
 scription 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 SAVBEY. 319 
 
 not perceive that anything was missing. Passing along 
 a fine country, and through Autun, a handsome and 
 heautifttlly situated city, we got to Chissey, a small 
 village, where we had some repairs done to our_car- 
 riage, but had proceeded only about a mile, when one 
 of our springs breaking, we had to return. The inn- 
 keeper had taken possession of an ancient castle of 
 some cidevant nobleman, which he converted into an 
 auberge. 
 
 "Krst-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 con- 
 verse 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 coun- 
 try, round the city as well as in it, dancing, &c. ! 
 Prance, 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 peo- 
 ple 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 black- 
 smith charged us twelve shillings and six-pence ster- 
 ling, 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 SAVEKT. 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 orna- 
 ments outside, &c., hespoke it to be very ancient, and 
 were also a testimony to the unnecessary and incon- 
 sistent manner in which these buildings were erected, 
 six or nine centuries past. The people go in proces- 
 sion, 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 Catho- 
 lics 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 pros- 
 pect 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 statioiis 
 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 govern- 
 ment 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 good- 
 ness 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. Dennis, 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 SAVERT. 323 
 
 that language. Pie 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 getit 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 he 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 mag- 
 nificence and extent, exceeds anything we have seen 
 in Europe, belonging to a subject, though 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 
 gardens, fish-ponds, canals, cascades and fountains, are 
 said to have been, when in their best condition, pre- 
 ferable to anything in Europe. These ruined palaces, 
 once replete and surrounded with all that could please 
 and gratify the voluptuous inclinations of their inhab- 
 itants, 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 OP 
 
 over all human glory.^ Lord, teach us to aspire Tvith 
 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 wan- 
 dering 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 neigh- 
 borhood ; yet one thing is lacking, worth a thousand 
 times more than all he can otherwi^ 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. He 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 SAVEKY. 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 sliepherds 
 have so much confidence in them, that they sit down 
 on the side of a bank and work at making baskets,^r 
 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 after- 
 noon. 
 
 " 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, ^nd the 
 provisions generally excellent, but their bills are enor- 
 mous. Travellers, if they use economy, and are in 
 their own carriage, cannot be accommodated for much 
 les^ 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 enter- 
 tain 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 hereto- 
 fore abounded, who will be a special and spiritual 
 heritage unto himself — may He cut short his work in 
 righteousness and hasten that day ! For my own part, 
 weak, feeble, and unworthy as I feel of any employ- 
 ment 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 oflFers 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 mer- 
 ciful 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 OE 
 
 have travelled. Oh ! when will men be wise — when 
 ■n-ill they sufiFer 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 eve- 
 ning; at the latter, through the condescension of the 
 good Shepherd of the sheep, it was a time of refresh- 
 ment and comfort, I believe, to both the laborers and 
 the auditory : for ray 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 SAVBEY. 329 
 
 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 diflferent 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 jJractise, 
 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 OB 
 
 being upon us. Ot ! that we may be preserved wise 
 and harmless. A proposal being made for our accept- 
 ing 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 profes- 
 sion ; 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 cnndcmnation ; 
 though I am weak, poor, and liable to err, and may 
 not in some instances have kept in the straight path 
 of duty, yet ihe 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 meet- 
 ing 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 ob- 
 scured 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, Gravoscnd 
 
WILLIAM SAVBRT. 331 
 
 and. two others ; but being detained by the fog, we con- 
 cluded to give them three guineas to land us at Mar- 
 gate. 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 mer- 
 chants, 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 pro- 
 ceed up the Thames to Gravesend; the Friends were 
 very kind, and went on shore and brought us some ac- 
 ceptable 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 Lon- 
 don ; there were several respectable people in the ves- 
 sel, 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 OP 
 
 united in the same acknowledgment : after some time, 
 the passengers mostly collecting in a large I'oom 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 pro- 
 duce 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 Grace- 
 church 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, Eebecca 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 ap- 
 prehending 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 condescen- 
 sion, was a time of renewed encouragement. Deborah 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEY. 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 Deb- 
 orah 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 thp 
 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, Hth. At six o'clock in 
 the evening, under as much discouragement as ever I 
 remember, attended a meeting appointed for other pro- 
 fessors : 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 tis 
 heart made better ; that God was good to all nations, 
 and that those who served him, were the same in Tur- 
 key 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 meeting- 
 house, 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 mo.re 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 peo- 
 ple being still, I was enabled to extend my voice suf- 
 ficiently to be heard ; and Friends thought it a profit- 
 able 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 fetr scattering 
 
WILLIAM SAVER Y. 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 sor- 
 row 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 ap- 
 peared 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 them- 
 selves 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 he 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 evftiing ; he standing at the door all 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKY. 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 ap- 
 peared, 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 meet- 
 ings at Pool, Lymington, and Wareham ; went to Wey- 
 mouth, 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 in- 
 quired of us when there would be another meeting. 
 29 
 
338 THE LIFE OP 
 
 " 6th. Took passage for the island of Jersey ; the 
 wind was so high that we could not make a landing 
 where we intended, hut were driven many miles, and 
 there heing two ships of war near, they ohliged 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 da^ager we were in, were very trying, 
 having taken no refreshment all day. After much toil 
 and difl5culty, 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 deten- 
 tion, 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 ofiScers and examined, we 
 were told that this island was so circumstanced, that it 
 would be very improper to preach against war at pre- 
 sent; 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 S AVERT. 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 un- 
 worthiness to be thus cared for and preserved from one 
 place to another, in a strange land. 
 
 " 7th. The two women Friends who thus provided 
 ni;> with accommodation, appear to be pious persons ; 
 ai.il though separated from the benefits of religious 
 society, they with their niece sit down'together on First 
 and otlier 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 account 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 oflScers to receive him again 
 and to treat Friends in a diiferent 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 satis- 
 factory 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 tvro days, and hoped 
 ■(ve would stay longer, and she helieved 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 plau- 
 sible, 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 was 
 hired for the purpose. Some of our Methodist acquaint- 
 ances 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 pros- 
 pect 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 SAVER Y. 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 conver- 
 sation 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 meet- 
 ing 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 vv'as very hard they should 
 be deprived of the meeting, by the restless behavior 
 oPa 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 cohversation ; he nppeared to be a religious 
 minded man, weary of his situation as a soldier, and 
 said there were a number of religious men in that regi- 
 ment, 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 grand- 
 daughter 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 SAVEUY. 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 main- 
 tenance, 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 oflScers of the regi- 
 ment 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 ]3ivine 
 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 meet- 
 ing 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 
 
344 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Divine help, it was an open time ; many of those pre- 
 sent 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 prin- 
 cipal contributors was much displeased with his eon- 
 duct, 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 in- 
 clining to stir up contention between them and their 
 
WILLIAM SAVER T. 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 wliich 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. 
 
 "•26:h. Got to Ackworth; attended the meeting 
 with the children, which, through Divine condescen- 
 sion, proved a solid, satisfactory season. At the close, 
 
346 THE LIFK 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 ^even 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 oppor- 
 tunity with them, the good Master favored with his 
 presence ; they were much tendered, and we parted 
 aiFectionately. 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, and 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 SAVEET. 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 attended 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-Ches- 
 ter, 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 ex- 
 pressing their approbation of the doctrines they heard. 
 This city has many marks of great antiquity, and is 
 built on a plan difierent from any other I have ever 
 seen. — Went bai k 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 OP 
 
 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 hea- 
 venly 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. 
 
 " 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 SAVER Y. 349 
 
 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 con- 
 fused about the time, only about one hundred came ; 
 it proved, however, through Divine goodness, a refresh- 
 ing time, both to us and the people. Another was ap- 
 pointed for five o'clock in the evening. While at din- 
 ner, 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 Cas- 
 tletown, 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 ac- 
 cepted 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 fishing- 
 place, for they always fished together, under the direc- 
 30 
 
350 THE LIFE OF 
 
 tion of an admiral or commaBder, 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 gene- 
 rally appear to be sober, considerate men. In the 
 evening, the meeting assembled ; most of the respect- 
 able 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 oiScer, who sat by me, 
 kneeled down with me at the time of prayer, and 
 seemed much affected, as was also Major Wallop, bro- 
 ther 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 ex- 
 pressed 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 SAVERT. 351 
 
 US -vrith 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 ball- 
 room, which was very much crowded. The governor 
 and family, and most of the principal people of Castle- 
 town 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 pur- 
 pose, 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 fisher- 
 men. We delivered the governor's letter to the high 
 bailiff, who said he would exert himself to forward our 
 
352 THE LIFJ) OP 
 
 views, and oiFered 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 them- 
 selves 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 per- 
 son 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 increa,sing, 
 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 thii 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 oiFered us a large school-house for a meet- 
 ing, 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, ;ind 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 
 islaad, and concluded with much brokenness among 
 the people ; thanks be to Him that is forever worthy, 
 and nothing to us but abasement. The people pressed 
 
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 re- 
 ceive it, be was sure it would be a gratification to me, 
 to see it distributed among the poor who were dis- 
 tressed 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 underta- 
 king to give notice, and making it to be in the after- 
 noon, 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 prinfeipally 
 on their account. About three hundred 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 expanse 
 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 ex- 
 ceedingly 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 oppres- 
 sive, 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 ex- 
 perienced 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 Swarth- 
 more, 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 in 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 S A V E K Y . 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 Margaref Fox's carriage used to enter by a gate- 
 way 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 wain- 
 scoting 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 like- 
 wise 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 satis- 
 faction, yet I did not feel myself relieved. 
 
 " 14th. The minister of the Independent congre- 
 gation, 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 SAVERT. 359 
 
 " First-day, 17th. The meeting was larger than any 
 I have seen, except London and Bristol ; and an ap- 
 pointed 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 preser- 
 vation 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 Scnttergood and myself; David Sands 
 is in Wales. What hath or doth hinder them, but the 
 too great attachment to the pursuits of this world ? ! 
 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 OP 
 
 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 coun- 
 try, among whom was John Hall, of Broughton, a 
 minister ; the meeting was large and satisfactory. 
 
 " First-daj', 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, satisfactbry 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 consolating 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 SAVEKT. 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 meet- 
 ing ; some others who are descendants of Friends join 
 them on Eirst-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 incite- 
 ment 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 meet- 
 ing 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, the poor can 
 get none ; and the farmers who employ them, feed 
 them with skim, or as they call it, blue milk and oat- 
 meal, 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 
 
362 THE LIFE OT 
 
 them, but sucli 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 tbe close of which I appointed another 
 at six o'clock in the evening. I felt much discouraged 
 at havipg a 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 eve- 
 ning. 
 
 " 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 mem- 
 bers 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 SAVBRY. 363 
 
 cover a great deal of ground. The houses are in gene- 
 ral 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 substantial — 
 they 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 dif- 
 ferent 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 spund, 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, 8d. 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 m,ercies. 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. Phcebe 
 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 nfeeting 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 meet- 
 ing, and I took leave of the people with much tender- 
 ness. After meeting, some pious persons expresse'd 
 themselves in an aiFectionate manner. I hope the kind 
 expressions of some after meetings will bnly 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 testi- 
 mony 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 
 lesser 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 S A V IS R Y . 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 keep- 
 ing 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 com- 
 fortable 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 satis- 
 fied 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 nie, 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 dooi*. It 
 was thought there were one thousand or more assem- 
 bled ; 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* 
 
866 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, thank- 
 ful 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 m,an, 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 doc- 
 trine 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. 367 
 
 joiced, and she confessed feelingly to the truths she 
 heard. 
 
 " 10th. Parted affectionately with William Smith and 
 Alexander Wehster, who said they were strengthened 
 hy our visit ; hut 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 
 hut 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, a,nd 
 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, ^e 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 Urie to Aberdeen was very poor ; the distance 
 about fourteen miles. 
 
 " 12th. Passing through a poor country and with 
 hard riding we got to Old Meldrum — 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 eve- 
 ning ; 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 Cruik- 
 shank'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 oppor- 
 tunity 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 Scot- 
 land, 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. ! 
 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 TIIK LIFT! OF 
 
 settled on land which they have improved, being man- 
 aged 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 meeting- 
 house. 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 aifecting 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' meeting- 
 house, 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-morrow 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, a,nd a vast 
 many went away for want of room — all the avenues 
 for air being stopped, it became very warm and trying. 
 
WILLIAM SAVEEX. 371 
 
 Although many had to stand, they presently got quiet, 
 and a solemnity prevailing, the people continued atten- 
 tive, and were tendered. We helieved 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, 
 and 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 he 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 and 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 Scot- 
 land 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 
 
872 THE LIFE OP 
 
 mind turned to go. by Dundee again. We ■^ere 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 with- 
 out 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 incon- 
 sistent 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 
 souiid words. Arrived at Dundee in the evening. Our 
 two convinced friends, Alexander Websfer and Wil- 
 liam Smith, called upon us, and appear to have gained 
 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 pre- 
 vented 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 gra- 
 cious condescension of our heavenly Father, the oppor- 
 tunity 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 whe- 
 ther 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 ex- 
 changing 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 
 
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 uncon- 
 ditional 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 sti-engthen 
 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 with- 
 out 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 throuo-h 
 
WILLIAM SAVEET. 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 Wig- 
 ham, 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 pregent. 
 
 " 24th. A young man who was at some of our meet- 
 ings 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 know- 
 ledge 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 ap- 
 pointed 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 
 tlicy 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 confirm- 
 ing and solid meeting of any we attended in Edinburgh ; 
 and after taking an afiectionate 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 hand- 
 some 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 prin- 
 ciples ; 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 tbe 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 stuflfs, 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 la,st 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 meet- 
 ing 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 1' 
 
 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 hut few 
 in all my travels equal to it — it closed in humble thank- 
 fulness to the Author of every mercy : after which I 
 took leave of the people, apprehending I might now 
 he at liberty to leave them ; many came up very ten- 
 derly 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 en- 
 deavored to get out, but the audience seemed not in- 
 clined 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 peo- 
 ple, I did not feel the propriety of another public meet- 
 ing at the Hall, having reason to hope, as it closed 
 well last night, the way will be open for future fellow- 
 travellers ; 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 accord- 
 ingly 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 mucli hum- 
 bled, particularly two gay young woinen. 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 abun- 
 dance 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 bar- 
 ren 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 
 
380 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 hundi-ed came together 
 and behaved well, and through renewed mercy it proved 
 an open time. — Appointed another for to-morrow eve- 
 ning. 
 
 " 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 SAVBRY. 381 
 
 ■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 aflFected, 
 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 sit- 
 uation 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 open- 
 ness, 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 sin- 
 ners," &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. 
 
382 THE LIFE OF 
 
 of land on a long lease. The National Meeting sub- 
 scribed 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 re- 
 ligious 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 SAVBRY. 383 
 
 We distributed a little money among them, and they 
 returned many blessings. 
 
 " 15th. Attended the week-day meeting at Ballin- 
 dery, 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 con- 
 sistency in their appearance as to our profession, but 
 more weight in answering their queries, and conduct- 
 ing 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 pro- 
 duce of the earth ; but the poor live very poorly in- 
 deed, perhaps in every way more distressed than in 
 any country I have seen ; and the rich lamentably op- 
 pressive. 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 OP 
 
 days. Tte houses are all white, being overcast with 
 lime, which is much the case in this country. 
 
 " First-day, 19th. Though unwell I went to meet- 
 ing 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 con- 
 tain 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 oiF, 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. 385 
 
 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 cere- 
 monies. We stopped, and had an opportunity of see- 
 ing 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; lie then sprinkled the coffin; the people 
 arose, and were likewise sprinkled, which the poor 
 women seemed eager to catch, and returned him a 
 courtesy. 
 
 " 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 dif- 
 ferent 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 SAVER Y. 387 
 
 " Twelftli 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 visit- 
 ing 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 onjy 
 one to each person. 
 
 "First-day, 3d. Attended the meeting in the fore- 
 noon at Meath street, which was large. I had a heavy 
 cold by going so much aniong the poor in the wet. 
 Went to the appointed evening meeting, which was 
 exceedingly crowded, and it was said that many hun- 
 dreds went away ; tbo 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. 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 wicked- 
 n«ss, 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 Eebecca Young 
 to the public meeting this evening : it was a very re- 
 
WILLIAM SA VERY. 
 
 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 peo- 
 ple behaved 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 op- 
 pression. 
 
 " First-day, 10th. It was concluded to open both 
 meeting-houses, neither being capable of containing 
 the pe.ople 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 endjng 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 S A VERY. 391 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Dublin — Poverty and wretchedness — Limerick — Fertile land — 
 Cork — Foundlings — Clonmel — Rich Friends — St. Patrick's Well 
 
 AiFecting partings — Widow Usher and daughters — Abraham 
 
 Shackleton and his notions — Arrival in Wales — Manners and 
 habits — Bristol — Bath — Hannah More — William Wilberforce — 
 London — Norwich — Newspaper commendations — Benjamin West 
 — Visit to the King, Queen, and Princesses — Meetings in London 
 — War Taxes — Mary Fletcher — Shrewsbury — Wrexham — Oppo- 
 sition and meeting at Ormskirk — Liverpool — Re-enters Wales — • 
 Large meetings — Sails for Ireland — Dublin Yearly Meeting — 
 Defection in fundamental principles — Violations of the testimony 
 against war — Arduous labor to counteract unsound doctrine — 
 Return to England — Birmingham — Soup-houses — London Yearly 
 Meeting — Long walks to Yearly Meeting — Interviews at New- 
 gate — 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 brick — 
 the 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 ; per- 
 haps one hundred vessels are in port, the greater part 
 of which are colliers. The city may contain two hun- 
 dred 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 afi"ecting 
 sight to a humane, feeling mind, that perhaps any city 
 in the world can exhibit: many of them are exceed- 
 ingly 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 con- 
 tinually surrounded by poor, half-naked people, who 
 lay out their little all, which, perhaps, they have beg- 
 ged, in the hope of gaining by their chance ; but the 
 keepers of these offices have made such nice calcu- 
 lations 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 many should 
 gain something, it serves to keep up the delusion. In 
 
WILLIAM SAVER Y. 393 
 
 the present state of things, it does not appear prohable 
 but that publin will continue to harbor from twenty 
 to forty thousand miserable beings as it now does, 
 until som©. 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 Eathangan 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 meet- 
 ing ; 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 de- 
 scendants 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 
 
394 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 pro- 
 cured, 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 also visited the boarding-school 
 for girls, wherein they were much broken into tears. 
 The town of Mountmelliek 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 SAVERT. 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, 
 Jhat 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 plau- 
 sible pretences, even in some of the foremost rank. Our friend 
 Nicholas Wain, when on a visit to this nation, in the year 1795, 
 without any previous information, opened in the Province Meet- 
 ing at this place, ajj 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 ; treat- 
 ing his atonement and propitiation as a fabulous scheme, in- 
 vented to impose upon the credulous, and not worthy of the 
 enlarged ideas of philosophic minds ; which caused great dis- 
 tress, and almost broke up the meetings in several parts of the 
 nation. 
 
896 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 
 Kidgway 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 
 difierent 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 land- 
 lord, at six-pence or eight-pence per day and food ; so 
 that the state of the poor is indeed a very hopeless 
 
WILLIAM SAVEKY. 397 
 
 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 conde- 
 scension 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 childi-en 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 Tip- 
 perary, 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 
 
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 atten- 
 tive, and the opportunity ended in solemn prayer. 
 Appointed another for Third-day evening. 
 
 " On the 25th, after dinner, observitig 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 hun- 
 dred and twenty boys and girls, from five to fourteen 
 years old, tolerably clothed, though mostly without 
 shoes or stockings. After a litfle time in silence, David 
 Sands, Mary Dudley and myself, had something to ofier 
 to the company : many of the children were attentive 
 and some in tears : the masters and superintendents 
 expressed their satisfaction. The institution is prin- 
 cipally supported by a tax on coals, and the children, 
 when about the age of fourteen, are bound out appren- 
 tices 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 SAVBRY. 399 
 
 appointed meeting in tbe 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 remem- 
 bered in Cork at those promiscuous meetings. I felt 
 my mind much relieved, and though greatly unexpected, 
 concluded to leave Cork in th-e morning. 
 
 " 27th. Took leave of several Friends who were 
 very aflFectionately attached, and I do not remember 
 ever having left a city with so general an expression 
 again,st 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 filled — 
 several ofiicers 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 pro- 
 ceeded on our journey ; but having taken a cold, so 
 that I could neither stoop nor draw my breath without 
 pain and diflBculty, and the road being rough, I rode 
 in great pain. Tffe 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 Clon- 
 mel, in the evening. 
 
 "First-day, 31st. Was at their forenoon meeting, 
 after •■which I mentioned my prospect of having an op- 
 portunity Vfith 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 conveniences, 
 with the abundance of their tables, appeared to me to 
 
WILLIAM SAVBEY. 401 
 
 call 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 Water- 
 ford. 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 chil- 
 dren 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 aifected. 
 
 " First month, 3d. At a Friend's house about three 
 miles from 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 Eoman 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 
 
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 hut 
 little milk, and indeed scarcely anything hut potatoes 
 and salt. At present they are very uneasy, commit 
 many riots, rohberies 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 at- 
 tended by Ann Gruhb ; 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 Cath- 
 olics. Our dear friends Deborah Darby and Rebecca 
 Young having appointed a meeting here, wo 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 Water- 
 ford, 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 WaterforJ, 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 pro- 
 posed 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 OP 
 
 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. 
 
 " 8th. Went to see the place intended for a boarding- 
 school, 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 excel- 
 lent daughters in consumption, a third is now near her 
 end, and a fourth evidently going the same way. She 
 has been supported in her afiliction 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. He 
 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 re- 
 ligious 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 SAVEET. 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, — Chris- 
 tianity 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 accomipanied with 
 a pretended looking towards a greater state of perfec- 
 tion 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 ase not brought iato deep abase- 
 ment ; 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 num- 
 ber of meetings of Friends in different parts ensued ; and it is 
 
406 THE LIFE OP 
 
 "After retiring to rest, I could get but little sleep 
 for some hours — Satan is indeed full of subtleties — 
 ■who 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. i 
 
 " Pirst 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 infi- 
 delity, 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 SAVERT. 407 
 
 door, I sent for ten loaves of bread, but before they 
 were distributed thirty others appeared, and each had 
 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. 
 
 " 11th. 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 1 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 to- 
 day ; 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, 'AH 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; 
 friends, 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 grand- 
 father 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 com- 
 forting 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 SAVEET. 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, ten- 
 dering 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 gene- 
 rally 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 OE 
 
 Hlls, 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 pre- 
 ferred in this hilly country. Much simplicity of manners 
 was obvious in the people of our inn, and they accom- 
 modated us with kindness and good lodging. 
 
 " 16th. Got to breakfast at Carmarthen, which is a 
 decent town, perhaps ten thousand inhabitants, beau- 
 tifully 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 SAVBEY. 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 con- 
 sidering 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 sepa- 
 ration. 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, well- 
 dressed 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 he a singular and 
 extraordinary character, had been bred a Roman 
 Catholic in London, bjit growing uneasy with the 
 practices of that people, she went off to Rome, expect- 
 incr 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 M 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 dis- 
 grace of religion and morality — it is said that one 
 thousand persons attended the concert last night. Be- 
 lieving it right to have another meeting, one was 
 accordingly appointed at a meeting-house of the dis- 
 senters, 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 Wilber- 
 force, 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 OP 
 
 schools, &c. They are a band of sisters, desirous of 
 employing their time in doing what may be beneficiai 
 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 not- 
 withstanding 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, tp 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, stand- 
 ing on very high ground, and commanding an exten- 
 sive 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 filled — 
 many 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 sepa- 
 ration 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 profes- 
 sions ; 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 abase- 
 ment, as unworthy of so great and repeated mercy : 
 dear George Dillwyn made a solid and pertinent ad- 
 dition, and the meeting closed in prayer and praises — 
 returned 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 pei'sons, 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 suiFering, but at length believed it most for my 
 peace to express a little, and through gracious conde- 
 scension 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 re- 
 markably 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 SAVERT. 417 
 
 will choose the simple, safe path of self-denial. This 
 city is supposed to contain about sixty thousand in- 
 habitants, 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 
 jnany stood outside, in the yard, all the time; and 
 through infinite mercy it proved a favored time — ■ 
 closing in prayer and pr«,ises to God. 
 
 "12th. Visited several elderly Friends, and then 
 
418 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ■went to Hartford, 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 quiet- 
 ness 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 
 the answer of a conscience void of offence to God and 
 man, that is the great object of my concern and will 
 be enougji. 
 
 "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 ap- 
 pointed a public meeting 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 remark- 
 ably 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 SAVBKT. 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 Hina, 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 chariiies 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 day — it is a great 
 relief to the poor, for which they express many blessings 
 to Friends as they pass through the streets. 
 
 " 7'th. Having appointed a public meeting, I went 
 to it this evening in much fear : it soon became exceed- 
 ingly 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 con- 
 duct 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 prac- 
 tice 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 childrefl, 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, rela- 
 tionship, 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 diiferent modi- 
 36 
 
422 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ficatiori of outward form and profession iiTthe 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. Ben- 
 jamin 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 crea- 
 ture as I am, under these weighty engagements. 
 
 "16th. Coijcluded 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 SAVER T. 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 Lon- 
 don ; 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 experi- 
 enced 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 consid- 
 erable 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. 
 
 " 23d. 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 coflSn 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 Bridge- 
 north, 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 cham- 
 bers 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 and 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 qtiite 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 Da,rby 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 — she leaned on my arm to 
 the 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 
 oi) ■ 
 
426 THE LIFE OF 
 
 late John Fletcher, of this parish, having had a numer- 
 ous meeting in the Dale this afternoon, occasioned more 
 people to he 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 eve- 
 ning. As it was the time of the nssizes, 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 abou1i,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 suiFer reproach, if' 
 the Lord permitted it, for his name sake, they became 
 quiet, and though impatient to get in were serious and 
 still. Deborah Darby 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. 427 
 
 orali 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 ap- 
 pointed meeting at eleven o'clock ; and it being fair- 
 time, which continues a week, the inn and streets were 
 crowded : the raanufacturers from Manchester and 
 Birmingham, were here to get orders for goods, and 
 the Irish traders with linen, so |hat it looked like an 
 unfavorable time for a meeting : about one hundred 
 and fifty came in, but secm^ed 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 com- 
 pany being such who had come out of the country to 
 the fair, and probably had never seen a Friends' meet- 
 ing 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 num- 
 ber were 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 an- 
 other 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 alter much detention, about nine 
 o'clock at night. 
 
 "29th. Attended their meeting — my mind to-day 
 much exorcised about right direction, when and how to 
 
428 THE LIFE or 
 
 niove towards my dear Jiome, desiring to be released 
 as soon as the Lord may please to make way for it in 
 peace. 
 
 " 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, ex- 
 pecting the people would not all be pleased with the 
 order. It appeared that a person, by the initials sup- 
 posed 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 SAVEET. 429 
 
 refused a meeting,- 1 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 in- 
 form us from the constable, we might hold our meeting 
 at four o'clock, when the public worship w6uld 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 sup- 
 posed 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 pre- 
 judiced 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 pro- 
 mote. 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 feelino- 
 my strength increase as I proceeded, and the heavenly 
 Shepherd near, the people dropped their countenances, 
 and became serious — many at length were much af- 
 fected ; and towards the close, which was under a feel- 
 ing 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 said 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 wis- 
 dom 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, in- 
 volved nations in cruel and destructive wars, and per- 
 mitted men to ravage foreign countries, and carry 
 their inhabitants into the most inhuman hands of slave- 
 masters. 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 SAVERT. 431 
 
 ing, in 'whicli the business appeared to be well con- 
 ducted, 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 indifierent 
 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 ap- 
 pointed one for other professors in the evening, which 
 was crowded. I was considerably enlarged in com- 
 munication, 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, re- 
 markably 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 aprpeared 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 01" 
 
 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 Jeph- 
 son, 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 ap- 
 pointed 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 SAVEKY. 433 
 
 warm, so ttat 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 un- 
 settlement, and I then proposed, that if another place 
 could be immediately obtained, we had better proceed 
 thither. A respectable looking man said, the Inde- 
 pendent 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 ex- 
 pressions of their satisfaction, and many asked for 
 books, which we had not to give theih, but promised to 
 send them some. Wrexham is one of the largest towns 
 in Wales, and may contain eight or ten thousand in- 
 habitants. 
 
 " Proceeded to Oswestry, a considerable town, about 
 sixteen miles distant ; and passed through many plea- 
 sant vales, &c. A large room being prepai-ed 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 ac- 
 knowledging the Truth and asking for books. 
 
 " 24th. Going towards Welchpool, we found the 
 roads very much cut and hilly ; the valleys were beau- 
 tiful, and many barren mountains were in view — the 
 farm-houses generally small, and the dress of the peo- 
 ple 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 S A VERY. 435 
 
 as to be able to hear ; they were still both within doors 
 and without, and many were much tendered : the op- 
 portunity. ended in prayer, and FHends 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 Montgomeryshire, 
 eight miles oiF, 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 aHother 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 ap- 
 pearance 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 difi'erent 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 OS 
 
 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 ac- 
 commodated. On the morning of the 28th, we plainly 
 discovered the mountains of Wicklow — and the cap- 
 tain, 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 light- 
 house, 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 Water- 
 ford, 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 
 held, 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 re- 
 ports from the different meetings, the subject of read- 
 ing the Scriptures took up the attention of Friends. 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 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 mem- 
 bers 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 num- 
 ber 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 ap- 
 pointed 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 ray 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 
 
438 THE LIFE. OF 
 
 number of concerned Friends, both men and ivomen : 
 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 concern- 
 ing him — and pretended that they were so illuminated 
 as to have no occasion for books or outward helps — 
 some of these they believed had come into the com- 
 mittee, 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 Scrip- 
 tures in Robert Barclay, and if Abraham Shackleton 
 or any other, who I supposed to be the cause of unea- 
 siness, 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 di'd 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 Jeffus 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, ap- 
 pointed three men to bring in a report. On attending 
 the committee in the afternoon, a report w^as 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 un- 
 sound and pernicious opinions, which were the cause of so much 
 sorrow and concern to the Society, soon after relinquished tb^ir 
 membership or were disowned. 
 
440 THE LIFE OP 
 
 alteration, was adopted and sent into the women'a 
 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 toolc 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 for- 
 merly 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 Scrip- 
 tures. 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 SAVER T. 441 
 
 ness, thought it was no time to break up the connec- 
 tion, in which I much united. 
 
 "5th. The meeting was brought under the considera- 
 tion 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 manner. 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 meet- 
 ings 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 Fa- 
 ther, 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 seve- 
 ral gifts, and to be-watchful in keeping down those who 
 
442 THE LIFE 0¥ 
 
 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, a.fter 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 liord passed through 
 certain cities without doing many miracles, because of 
 their unbelief. Mary Ridgway then took up the sub- 
 ject, 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 de- 
 termined to stay at Holyhead until I could learn some- 
 thing 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 arri\ing from Ireland ; there are perhaps 
 
WILLIAM SAVERT. 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 pos- 
 session. It had been found after we sailed from Dub- 
 lin, 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 in- 
 habitants 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 val- 
 leys, and humble cottages^ with their inhabitants, be- 
 tween the mountains ; the horses, cattle, ploughs and 
 people, so far below us, that they appeared very dimin- 
 utive. 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 LIEEOE 
 
 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 extraordi- 
 nary scene. With much diligence we got to Birming- 
 ham 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.whieh the London associa- 
 tions 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, appa- 
 rently 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 neai-ly 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 com- 
 fortably, 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 endea- 
 vored 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 pre- 
 ceding the Yearly Meeting. Thomas Scattergood ap- 
 peared in prayer, and also Elizabeth Usher from Ire- 
 land; Friends kept their seats a considerable time 
 
446 THE LIFE OF 
 
 after she kneeled, not knowing her, for which I was 
 sorry. 1 stood up, and Friends followed my example ; 
 much solemnity appeared to cover the meeting, and it 
 so ended. Dear Dehorah 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 pre- 
 sent, and several Friends from London. Deborah 
 Darby and Rebecca Young were favored with living 
 testimonies, and through renewed mercy we were com- 
 forted in believing it was a good meeting. The meet- 
 ing 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 compli- 
 meMary notices had little or no weight with him, 
 having 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 higli 
 stations. 
 
 "23d. A Friend of Lancashire spoke a few "words 
 in the ministry, with which I had unity. He 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 hun- 
 dred miles, as did also another minister of Cumber- 
 land, 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 Hempstead; the grounds, garden, 
 &c. were in high style, I thought much beyond true 
 simplicity. Being on one side of Hempstead heath, 
 
448 THE LIFE OP 
 
 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 pleasan-ter 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 remem- 
 brance 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 eve- 
 ning 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 from wounding thy holy 
 cause ; ' and blessed be his name, He has often mani- 
 fested himself to be strength in weakness and a present 
 helper in the needful time ; for which, under a present 
 sense of my ojwn 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 New- 
 gate ; 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 con- 
 tinually sent out of the world in that way, in this coun- 
 try ; many for small crimes. The woman now under 
 sentence, had passed a bank-note of only twenty shil- 
 lings 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 try- 
 ing 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 hum- 
 bling time — such finother baptizing season I never re- 
 member on a like occasion ; he was greatly contrited, 
 and bathed in tears, and his wife being present, was 
 very thankful, and it was with difBculty 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, 
 88* 
 
450 THE LIFE OP 
 
 but to no purpose, so sanguinary are tbe 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 Wil- 
 liam Penn, and to mj 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 
 discQuraged. 
 
 " 16th. Was again on board the William Penn, her 
 cabin berths being all engaged, I looked at the steer- 
 age, and thought it might be worthy of consideration, 
 whether I should go in that, but determined upon 
 nothing.; returned to my lodgings in much heaviness, 
 on account qf 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 SAVEEY. 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 steer- 
 age, 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 pre- 
 served. 
 
 " 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 m.uch 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 
 
452 THE LIFE OF 
 
 a private interview with him, and freely expressed our 
 sentiments, which seemed to give him much satisfac- 
 tion ; then returned to London, having reason to be- 
 lieve our visit would not be wholly lost. 
 
 " 29th. Visited the school and work-house at Clerken- 
 well ; most Friends speak of the comfort and sweet- 
 ness they find in attending this institution, which has 
 been abundantly blessed ; several who have been edu- 
 cated 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 
 cohcern in a meeting at Horsleydown, about a year 
 past, preaching to a great crowd of people in Moor- 
 fields : his expression and looks betrayed much wild- 
 ness, 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-day, 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 even- 
 ing 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 Deistieal 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 eomfortable 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 accom- 
 modated 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 oiF 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, 
 iind 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 SAVBKT. 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 con- 
 vincement 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 inter- 
 ruption, 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 suiEcient to authorise 
 it. In company with several Friends, I had another 
 
456 THE LIFE OF 
 
 opportunity with tte man mentioned befofe, 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 ap- 
 point 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. 
 
 " Krst-day, 22d. Had an appointed meeting at the 
 
WILLIAM SAVERY. 45T 
 
 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 thnt made us joyful in 
 the house of prayer and praise, with which the meet- 
 ing 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 particula.r 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 obli- 
 gation 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 Bris- 
 tol last, I believed it would be my duty to attempt an- 
 other 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 accom- 
 panying, 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 notwithstand- 
 ing 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~ at- 
 tended 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 pro- 
 visions 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, deter- 
 mined to go to land, as it was dangerous staying on 
 the water much longer. This was a miserable alter- 
 native 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 
 s;ot on board the ship again. 
 
 " First-day, 19th. Went on shore again and attended 
 their afternoon meeting, and also a burial, at -vyhich 
 ■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 even- 
 ing, 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 boat- 
 man 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. 
 
 " 81st. 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 ofi"; 
 and coming on board in great haste, brought no fresh 
 provisioue except a few pounds of beef. About ten 
 o'clock all the ships were under sail, said to be ninety- 
 six. Several Friends came ofi" 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 SAVBKT. 461 
 
 becoming unfavorable we had to return, whicb damped 
 our spirits mucb, but there seemed no other alternative 
 than to anchor again at Cove, yet under this great dis- 
 appointment 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 oflF 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 ves- 
 sel 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 vigi- 
 lant 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 merci- 
 fully granted me, yet was desirous, if consistent with 
 his will, ito see my beloved connexions and friends at 
 home. 
 
 39* 
 
4G2 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " ISth. 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 dan- 
 ger with respect to the French. 
 
 " 15th. Saw no vessels and supposed we were sepa- 
 rated 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 pas- 
 sage 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 cap- 
 tain, all the passengers and some of the crew, sat 
 down with ua 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 con- 
 sidering the state of our vessel were obliged to remon- 
 strate 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 SAVEEY. 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 sus- 
 pense 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 coun- 
 tenances 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 OP 
 
 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 de- 
 pressed my spirits much. 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 dis- 
 tress, 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 morning. 
 
 " Tenth month, 1st. High wind and rain, the cabin 
 
WILLIAM SAVEET. 465 
 
 close shut up, aBd 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 roll- 
 ing and tbssiiig 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 un- 
 easiness, was not so now, and the consideration of again 
 .heholding 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 sad- 
 ness. It being almost a perfect calm, 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." 
 
 Note. — 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 ofBoer 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 re- 
 tired a few miles out of the city, on account of the 
 
 vinoed of the truths of the Gospel, promulgated by those disin- 
 terested 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 form- 
 ing 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 lost, in the abound- 
 ings 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, and the blessed realities of religion experienced, 
 the soul becomes increasingly sensible of the emptiness and 
 unsatisfying nature of outward forms and ceremonies, and longa 
 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 SAVERT. 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 Marconnay to Willia,m 
 Savery, David Sands, dec. 
 
 " 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 feel- 
 ing ; 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 bro- 
 ther, 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 dili- 
 
 neas 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 Pots- 
 dam ; 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 au- 
 dience 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, 
 
 " Makconnay. 
 "Berlin, 22nd October, 1796." 
 
WILLIAM SAVBRY. 469 
 
 gent attendance of religious meetings. His tender, 
 sympathizing mind, not being easy without endeavor- 
 ing 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 ani- 
 mal 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 com- 
 pany 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, in- 
 dications 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 montli, 1804, he was confined to the 
 house, except occasionally riding for the benefit of ex- 
 ercise 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 Sa\'iour, Jesus Christ, in 
 his propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the world, and 
 in all his glorious ofiices 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, James, opinion given by, respecting the Indian 
 
 treaty 56 
 
 Albinus, Rath, services of and unity with Friends 226-228 
 
 B. 
 
 Benezet, Maodalena, speaks at a meeting at Oongenies... 296 ' 
 
 BoBGES, CouNSEiLOR, kind attention of, to William Savery, 263 
 
 affecting parting of, with William Savery 266 
 
 Bbown, EMANtrEt, occasions a separation at Pyrmont 206 
 
 BnoHNEB, J., visits Friends at Hanover 196 
 
 C. 
 
 Chippbwat Indians, slaves made and sold by 59 
 
 CoMMissiONEBs of the United States, reply of, to Indians, 65 
 
 decline the terms proposed by the Indians 74 
 
 Cobnplanteb, speech of 114,116 
 
 dissatisfaction of the chiefs with 121 
 
 speech of, to commissioners in council 144 
 
 D. 
 
 Deputation of Fbiends, 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 Danmore to return home 75 
 
 account rendered by, to the Meeting for Sufferings, 85 
 
 (471) 
 
472 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 Deputation of Fbiends, another, goes to a treaty at 
 
 Canandaigua 90 
 
 meet Col. Pickering at Canandaigua 93 
 
 meeting for worship held by 94 
 
 jneeting 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 In- 
 dians in Friends Ill 
 
 address to, by a deputation of chiefs 127 
 
 reply of, to the Indians 130 
 
 decline signing the treaty 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.... 57 
 
 P 
 
 Fkiends, 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 payfor their land near Hopewell, Va. 106 
 information given to, by Indians, respecting it.... 13&-143 
 
 Faemek's Beothek, speech of, to Friends 150 
 
 G. 
 
 GiETY, Simon, meeting appointed at the house of 67 
 
 H. 
 
 Heokieweldee, J., accompanies Friends to the Indian 
 
 treaty 32 
 
 Hendkioks, Captain, writes to Friends for assistance 64 
 
INDEX. 473 
 
 I. 
 
 Page 
 
 JafDiANS, 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 
 
 peaceab^, distress of. 46 
 
 murder committed by 47 
 
 peaceable character of, living in N. West Terri- 
 tory 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— j their statement... 98 
 
 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 112 
 
 wrongs of, as detailed in Council 113 
 
 speeches made in the Council of. 114-117 
 
 letter of, to Captain Brandt .'. 118 
 
 number and possessions of the Six Nations of 119 
 
 amusements of the 126 
 
 40 
 
474 INDEX. 
 
 J. 
 
 rage 
 
 Jacket, Blue, interview with, ty Friends 56 
 
 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 136 
 
 speech of, to commissioner 137, 140 
 
 Jenike, a minister named, kindness of, to Friends 228 
 
 'JoHSsoN, , brings a message to the Indians from Cap- 
 tain Brandt 114 
 
 Benjamin, sicl^ness of 314 
 
 Jordan, Richard, met with by Wm. Savery in Virginia... 158 
 
 K. 
 
 KilLBUCK, John, educated Indian, returns to his former 
 
 habits 46 
 
 Kkictooh, J. T., kindness of, to Friends 194 
 
 L. 
 
 Laaer, Charlotte, met with by Wm. Savery at Pyrmont... 244 
 
 visit to the parent^ of, by William Savery 254 
 
 Labouen, Captain, grants Friends the use of library 47 
 
 Lapham, Abraham, deputa'tion of Friends entertained by, 94 
 Laurens, Colonel, a meeting-house obtained by, for Wm. 
 
 Savery 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 
 
 Maeoonnay, Ma.toe, interesting interview with, by Wm. 
 
 Savery 233 
 
 letter from, to Wm. Savery and D. Sands .!.. 467 
 
INDEX. 475 
 
 N. 
 
 ^---'' ft Page 
 
 Names of Friends composing the Deputation to Indians, 29 
 
 Nealy, Robert, account of. 120 
 
 Niagara, dangerous proximity to the Falls of, by W. S. 
 
 aud others 36 
 
 0. 
 
 Officers of a garrison, humanity of 61 
 
 P. 
 
 Pemberton, John, notice of the death and serTioes of 200 
 
 PiCKEEiUG, Timothy, commissioner of tJ. 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 
 
 figarative 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 
 
 _jeply from, to Cornplanter 145 
 
 Potter, Judge, duped by Jemima Wilkinson 96 
 
 Christopher, kindness of, to Wm. Savory 323 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quakers, address of, to the Six Nations 89-90 
 
 R. 
 
 Rath, Coksistorial, opposition of, to Friends — visited by 
 
 Wm. Savery, etc 264 
 
 Reckefds, 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 
 
476 INDEX. 
 
 8. 
 
 Page 
 
 Saoabeesa, the chief, suggests to Friends to send some of 
 
 their young men to instruct the Indians 125 
 
 Savekt, William, birth of ^—youthful deviations of — re- 
 
 yiew of condition of 12 
 
 serious impressions made upon, at a funeralJ 14 
 
 state of mind and distress of. 15 
 
 great physical prostration and happy deliver- 
 ance of 17 
 
 accompanies a Friend into Virginia and N. Caro- 
 lina — 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 
 
 Augosta 24 
 
 holds a meeting at Savannah — interposes on be- 
 half of a poor slave 26 
 
 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 82 
 
 account by, of embarkation at Albany and voyage 
 up the Mohawk, and 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,... 37 
 
INDEX. 477 
 
 Pago 
 Savert, William, with the other Friends holds a satisfac- 
 
 tory meeting — arrives at Detroit 38 
 
 description by, of the appearance and behaviour 
 
 of Indians 39-40 
 
 with other Friends holds the first meeting at De- 
 troit 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 Kouge 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 enrich- 
 ing the church 56 
 
 with Joseph Moore returns to Detroit — last meet- 
 ing 62 
 
 goes back to the encampment 63 
 
 ■presents made by, to Indians 64 
 
 offers to go to the Indian encampment, but is pre- 
 vented 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 ducks are prevented from being destroyed 
 
 at Niagara Falls 77 
 
 sails down the St. Lawrence 78 
 
 exposure to a violent storm 79 
 
 arrives at Montreal — some notice of the city, by, 80 
 
 leaves Montreal 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 90 
 
478 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 Savert, 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 set- 
 tlers 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 Kichmond 159 
 
 liberated for a religious visit in Europe 161 
 
 journal of voyage to England, by 162-170 
 
 notice by, of the banks of Newfoundland 166 
 
 overhauled by a French Privateer 169 
 
 service of, in Liverpool, Birmingham, &c 171,172 
 
 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 
 
 Savebt, William, notice by, of Hanover 195 
 
 exercise of, as interpreter 196 
 
 interview of, witli 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 Branden- 
 burg 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 Magde- 
 burg, 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 
 
 diificulties of the journey — poverty and diet 249-50 
 
480 INDEX. 
 
 Fags 
 Savert, 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 pro- 
 fessors at Congenies, came to know about 
 
 Friends and unite with them 296-7 
 
INDEX. 481 
 
 Page 
 Savert, William, assists in reTiving tlie Monthly Meeting 
 
 at Congenies 300 
 
 notice by, of tlie habits, &o. of the people 301 
 
 visits S. Brunn at Fontanes — visits families at 
 
 Congenies 804 
 
 leaves Congenies — difficulties with an Ass and a 
 
 Mule 805-6 
 
 observations of, respecting the products of the 
 
 country 308 
 
 proceeds to Nismes — notice of Roman remains... 812 
 
 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 Condi's 
 
 estate 323 
 
 notice by, of the sagacity of the Shepherds' dogs, 324 
 arrives at Dunkirk — judgment of, respecting the 
 
 French 825 
 
 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^f 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 342-345 
 
 41 
 
482 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Saveet, William, returns to England 345 
 
 notice by, of Friends prisoners at York 346 
 
 visit of, to Isle of Man 348-358 
 
 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 856 
 
 " " of the unusual rainy weather 858 
 
 " " 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 865 
 
 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 876-878 
 
 crosses over to Ireland 379 
 
 goes to Lisburn 380 
 
 notice by, of the boarding-school at Lisburn 381 
 
 observation of, respecting the poverty of the peo- 
 ple 383 
 
 notice by, of a Romish funeral 385 
 
 reaches Dublin, account of the wretchedness of 
 
 the poor > 386 
 
 notice by, of a blind boy 889 
 
 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 
 
 gome 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 
 
 Pago 
 Savebt, 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 singu- 
 lar woman 412 
 
 again visits H. More and meets Wm. Wilberforce, 413 
 notice by, of » 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. ...j 424 
 
 notice by, of Mary Fletcher 425 
 
 meets again with D. Darby and R. Young 426 
 
 meeting held by, at Wrexham — reaches Liverpool, 427 
 
 difiBculties of, respecting a meeting at Ormskirk, 428 
 notice of meetings attended in the neighborhood 
 
 of Liverpool 430-433 
 
 attends meetings at Welcbpool, &c 434 
 
 sails again for Ireland 435 
 
 aiTives 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 
 
 Savert, William, returns to England — loses his baggage, 442 
 
 receives his baggage — travels in Wales 443 
 
 notice by, of Soup-liouse at Birmingham 444 
 
 attends London Yearly Meeting 445-447 
 
 visit by, to some prisoners in Newgate 449 
 
 eiForts made by, to obtain a passage home 450 
 
 visits of, to Wm. 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 iieet 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 
 
 Shawnese, advice to, by one of theii" wise men 62 
 
 Slave, cruel punishment of a 20 
 
 ,.SiAVES, 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 Canandaigua 88 
 
 Spannaglb, Lena, walks twelve miles to wait on Friends, 200 
 
 V. 
 
 Ventigole, Mart, acceptable ministry of ; 309 
 
 Ventigoie, 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 
 
 _^iiftrudes into the Indian council. > 110 
 
 Websteb, Alexander, and William Smith, some account 
 
 of 364-6, 7 
 
 THE END. 
 
 41*