TRANSACTIONS
OF
THE OHIO MOB,
CALLED IN THE PUBLIC PAPERS
“AN EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SHAKERS.”
Monday, August 27, 1810.-This day occurred, in the county of
Warren, now Union Village, near Lebanon, in the State of Ohio,
one of the most extraordinary instances of unconstitutional proceed-
ings, and the most formidable appearance of infringement on the
rights of conscience, that ever was witnessed in this country.
A body of five hundred armed men, equipped in uniform, and in
military order, with their officers, appeared on the ground before the
meeting-house, and, by a committee of about twelve men, appointed
for the purpose, demanded of us that we should renounce our faith
and practice, our public preaching and mode of worship, or quit the
country.
This very extraordinary attempt first began to be agitated princi-
pally through the instrumentality of a certain John Davis, John and
Robert Wilson, and John Bedle, who had apostatized from the faith,
and became bold in wickedness and false accusations against the Be-
lievers; whereby those who had long waited for false witness to ac-
cuse the Believers of something criminal, were at length furnished
with sufficient matter (as they said) to answer their purpose.
Accordingly, about the first of June, a piece appeared in the pub-
lic papers, signed by Col. James Smith, stating as matters of fact,
what he had been informed by the aforesaid apostates—viz: that the
education of children among the Shakers is chiefly a pretence—that
they whip their underlings severely, and also their children—that
they count it no sin to have carnal knowledge of their own women—
that all surplus money and property is given up to Elder David—that
he keeps the whole treasury of the Society in his own hands; and
that he, like the Pope, exercises unlimited authority over all under
his control; and that he, with his council, live sumptuously on the
labors of others; with many things more of a like nature; with re-
2
marks made to exasperate the public with the hottest indignation
against the Society, as being a poisonous nest, and enemies to the
cause of American liberty.
But what seemed to be intended as the weightiest charges in this
publication, were certain things therein alleged against James Smith,
Jun., who was among the Believers, and for which there was some
plausible pretence. James's wife, Polly, having left him on account
of his faith, and he refusing to give up his children to her, furnished
the old man with matter for many heavy charges of oppression and
cruelty.
This piece was publicly answered, in a spirited manner, by Rich-
ard McNemar, the falsity of it exposed, and the author cited to prove
what he had alleged, or bear the character of a slanderer. Notwith-
standing, as many wished to receive accusations upon any ground
whatever, the answer was little regarded by such ; nor did it appear
that Smith, or any of his associates, had any intention of prosecuting
the matter in any lawful manner.
About the middle of July, we were secretly informed that a sub-
scription paper was handing about, for the purpose of raising a mob
against us, and that John Davis and the two Wilsons were active in
the business. But they, being publicly taxed with it, denied that
there was any such thing in agitation; and so it remained in the dark
until August 23d, when there was a small hint dropped to some of
the Believers at meeting, that Col. Smith, with a number of men
from Kentucky, were over, and engaged in collecting others, to assist
in taking off his grand-children.
Next day, being Friday, we heard from credible authority that five
hundred men were to assemble the next Monday morning at Capt.
Kilbreath's, about three miles off, and intended to come as a mob,
and take off J. Smith's children, and other acts of outrage. The
next day the news became still more flagrant; and in the afternoon
we were informed by Wade Loofbourrow, a young man from Butler
county, near Hamilton, that he had seen the written instrument which
the designing party had signed, but did not read it; that it was in
the hands of Major J. Potter, at Hamilton Court, the day before;
that the mob was a common subject of conversation on that occa-
sion; that he heard Major Potter say that five hundred were sub-
scribed; also, that Rev. Matthew G. Wallace was forward and active
in the business; that Major Potter would be second in command ;
that the Springfield Light-Horse would be on the ground, and many
more of the baser sort from Springfield, the Big Hill, from around
Hamilton, and from the vicinity northwest of us; that we might ex-
pect the party to appear on Monday, without doubt; and that he
came on purpose to inform us of the plot, and wished to tarry, and
see the result.
3
The same evening, news came in from every quarter of their pre-
parations, and threats of abuse—that they meant to tar and feather
R. McNemar, drive the old Shakers out of the country, and restore
the rest back to their former faith and manner of living.
The next day, (Sabbath, August 26,) some of the party came to
our meeting, particularly Capt. Robinson, who avowed the fact that
they would be on the ground the next day, for the purpose of vio-
lence; but what, he did not fully specify. The State's Attorney, J.
Collet, and the High Sheriff of the county, T. M'Cray, both of Leba-
non, finding out their place of rendezvous, went for the purpose of
giving them a lecture on the unlawfulness of their intentions, which
we understood they delivered. The matter had now become gen-
erally known ; and a number of sensible, influential men, being at
our meeting, determined to return the next day, and see the event.
Among these, were Dr. Budd and Dr. Bladgley, from New Jersey;
Col. Stanley, from Cincinnati; and D. Corneal, a noted young man
from Kentucky.
Monday morning, the Believers went about their ordinary business,
and about eight o'clock the people began to collect from different
quarters as spectators to the scene which they expected shortly to
commence. The First Circuit Judge of the State, F. Dunlavy, was
early on the ground, intending, if anything unlawful should be at-
tempted, to countermand the proceeding. News came from every
quarter that the troops were assembled at Kilbreath's, and would cer-
tainly appear. Dr. Bladgley (with some company) concluded to ride
out and meet them, which he accordingly did ; and about twelve
o'clock returned, and informed us that they were mounted and mov-
ing on, and would be on the spot in less than an hour. Accordingly,
about one o'clock, the troops appeared, entered in by the Dayton
road from the North, and marched in order till the front came within
a few rods of the meeting-house, and called a halt. A number of
officers were in uniform, and the troops armed, and generally equip-
ped in regimental order. The whole body of people now collected
on the ground consisted of about fifteen hundred—some supposed
upwards of two thousand. Besides the five hundred troops in mili-
tary order, many scattering ones, who came with the multitude, were
also armed, but undisciplined persons; old gray-headed men, boys
and others, who exhibited a very mean and mob-like appearance.
Some of the undisciplined multitude were armed with guns—some
with poles, or sticks, on which were fixed bayonets; and others with
staves, and hatchets, and knives, and clubs. The exhibition pre-
sented a scene of horror, the intention of which was covered with
duplicity. It is very probable, that, through the influence of those
peace-designing men, before mentioned, the mob-party had agreed
ppen the expedient of choosing a committee to state to us proposals
4
tº
in the name of the party, and to receive and return our answers.
After a few minutes' halt at the meeting-house, the committee came
forward and faced the yard before the dwelling-house of the old Be-
lievers. . They requested three of the original men, (meaning of the
old Shakers,) viz.: John Meacham, Benjamin S. Youngs, and Issa-
char Bates, to come forward, in order to confer with them on the
occasion of the people's assembling, observing that a committee was
chosen for that purpose, consisting of twelve men then present,
among whom was one chief speaker. They were told that two of
the men they called for were not here; only one of them, viz.: Ben-
jamin Youngs, was present. Then they said two others (in place
of those absent) would answer. Several respectable characters stood
present in the yard before them, and we concluded to take with us
two or three of those who were not of our Society, viz.: Judge Dun-
lavy, Gen. W. Schenck, and J. Corwin, Esq., allowing that six, at
least, would not be too many to be present with their committee,
whom they said consisted of twelve in number. This we proposed,
but they objected, allowing none to be present but those of the So-
ciety, and of those, only three. Judge Dunlavy asked, Have you
any objections to by-standers ? (alluding to himself and those with
him.) They answered, Yes. As they had devised for us to meet
with them in the woods, we proposed to meet in a room in the house;
but to this they objected, and insisted upon going into the woods.
Unreasonable as their request was, that only three of us should meet
with them in the woods, and that no one should be present in the
conference proposed who was not of the Society, and might serve as
a witness for us to the proceedings, yet we consented, as no alterna-
tive was granted.
Three of the Society, viz.: Benjamin S. Youngs, Peter Pease,
and Matthew Houston, withdrew with the committee into a piece of
woods beyond the garden, about sixty rods south of the dwelling-
house, and half a mile south of the meeting-house.
The leading characters of the committee were, Matthew G. Wal-
lace, a noted Presbyterian preacher, chief speaker; Doctor Squire
Little, a New-Light; Capt. John Clark, and John Fisher. The
names of the rest we did not ascertain. Wallace began in the name
of the people to state their grievances, observing that our principles
and practice had caused great disturbances in the minds of the peo-
ple, and led to the extinction of civil and religious society, which
they are determined to uphold; that our system was a pecuniary sys-
tem, and led mankind into bondage and oppression ; and that the
people were determined to bear it no longer—and they endeavored
to insinuate that they (the committee) were in a capacity to prevent
evil being done, and perhaps prevent much blood being shed, as the
people were fully resolved on a redress, provided we would comply
5
with the terms they had to propose, as the voice of the people. A 1-
ter speaking in this manner for some time, they stated the followin-
conditions as the only terms on which the people would be satisfied,
and prevented from forcing a compliance by violent measures, viz.:
1. That we should deliver up the children of James Watts, de-
ceased, to their grandfather; alleging that the said James, at his de-
cease, gave his children to his father—and asked us if we did not
see the propriety.
We answered—we had not seen the propriety hitherto, as we sup-
posed the mother, under whose care the children now were, had the
greatest right to them; and asked them if it was recorded, that the
said James gave his children to their grandfather ? . They answered,
that it was not. We told them that we could not give up that which
was not in our possession. The children were with their mother,
and under her care, and we exercised no authority over them. We
were sure that the mother and children might be seen by any two or
three civil men; and if the parent was willing, and the children
wished to go, it was not our wish to have them retained; nor if any
demanded them, and chose to force them away, would any violence
be used to prevent them.
2. That old William Bedle be permitted to see his grandchild, a
son of Elijah Davis, alleging that the said child came away, (from
his father,) and was forcibly brought back contrary to his inclination.
To this we also replied, that the child was under the care of his own
parents; that we had not any control over him—that we did not usurp
the parents’ right over their children, but we doubted not that the
child might be seen, etc., etc., an answer similar to the above.
3. That we should give up the children of James Smith, observ-
ing that we were doubtless well acquainted with the circumstances
relative to these children. To this we also answered, that the chil-
dren were under the care of their father; that they were now in the
hands of the authority, and that a suit had commenced in court re-
specting them. This, therefore, they concluded to drop for the
present.
4. The chief speaker here observed, that the next thing might
probably seem hard to us, and then proceeded to state the weightiest
proposition, as the sense of the mob party, (whom he still termed the
people,) viz.: that we cease publicly to inculcate our principles, and
that we cease our practice; that we cease to dance on the Sabbath-
days and on the week-days, observing that such practices were re-
verse from the gospel; or depart out of the country by the first Mon-
day in December next. The amount of which proposition was, that
we should renounce our faith and practice, our manner of living,
preaching, and mode of worship; or depart out of the country.
These were the terms proposed by the mob's committee in the
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6
name of the people. If we accede to the terms, well; and if not,
the people, as they called them, were determined to enforce them by
violence. We now requested them to state their proposals in writ-
ing; but Wallace observed, that what had been proposed was short,
and could be easily remembered without writing. Benjamin replied,
as the proposals were short they might be the more readily commit-
ted to writing; but they pointedly refused.
It was two o'clock, and one hour was agreed upon to receive a
positive answer. The committee arose, and we returned home. All
the elder brethren and sisters present, were assembled together in an
upper room of the house. We invited in Judge Dunlavy, Squire
Corwin, and General Schenck, all of this county. We stated in
their presence the proposals and demands of the committee, and the
answer we expected to return; observing, also, wherein we felt
their requirements, &c., in the first instance, unreasonable and un-
just, particularly in not allowing any persons present at the confer-
ence who might serve as witnesses against the unlawfulness or injus-
tice of their demands; and also, of the unreasonableness of grand-
fathers demanding to be given up to them their grandchildren who
were among us under the care of their own parents. These judi-
cious men, though they said nothing on the present occasion, ap-
peared much affected, and feelingly interested for the cause of jus-
tice. After we arose, Judge Dunlavy and General Schenck went
out, and found Dr. Little, one of the committee, in the yard before
the house, and talked to him in an affecting manner on the illegality
and consequences of this day's concourse of people.
At the expiration of the time appointed, Benjamin informed Dr.
Little that we were now ready to meet them. Accordingly, we again
met the committee at the same place in the woods, before-mentioned,
and delivered the following answer, viz.:-
1. Respecting the children demanded to be given up, we observed,
that we had already stated what we had to say on that subject; add-
ing, that all adults among us were free, and that it was contrary to
our principles and our practice to oppress any, or hold them in bond-
aſſe.
º, Respecting our faith which we held in the gospel, we esteemed
it dearer than our lives, and therefore meant to maintain it, whatever
we might suffer as the consequence. And as to our leaving the
country, we were on our own possessions which we had purchased
with money obtained by our own honest industry. It was our en-
deavor not to owe any man anything; we had not a cent of any man's
money; we enjoyed our own peaceable possessions in a free country,
and were entitled to those liberties (including the liberty of our con-
sciences) which the laws of our country granted us. This was the
allSW6'ſ.
7
In the course of the first sitting of the committee, we had observed
to them, that things were misrepresented and wrongly reported of
us; that there was no evidence of the existence of those things of
which we were accused, and that they were only reported by preju-
diced persons; that there was no need of all this concourse of peo-
ple; if we had done wrong in any matter, we were willing that any
judicious persons should make examination, and the laws of our
country made ample provisions for the redress of grievances. To
which they replied by the chief speaker, that the means prescribed
for redress would require too lengthy a process, and the people would
not wait the issue of such measures, adding that they had evidence
sufficient.
It is here worthy of notice, that, although the committee had so-
lemnly agreed not to admit or suffer any of the party near them
while they conferred with us, yet before we closed with them they
had a number of false witnesses and accusers standing by, with
charges against us, particularly John Davis, the apostate before-
mentioned, who falsely, and in the most malicious spirit, brought
accusations against the Believers; others, also, were standing round,
in readiness to take their turns in accusation. In this state of
things, we asked the committee, again and again, if they had un-
derstood us. And they again and again answered in the affirma-
tive; and though we had pointedly delivered our answers, still they
labored hard to urge upon us the propriety of our compliance to
their demands; for how, said Wallace, could we withstand a thou-
sand men But not acceding to their terms, we left them, and it
appeared very doubtful what would be the event.
About the meeting-house, the school-house, the children’s family,
and the first family of young Believers, there was a vast and pro-
miscuous concourse of armed men and spectators, some disputing,
some inquiring, others railing out against, and endeavoring to scat-
ter falsehood, and urging the propriety of banishing us out of the
country by violence. Women of the baser sort, who were in fellow-
ship with the riot, had placed themselves within sight of the build-
ings, on the edge of the woods, waiting to see the destruction of the
Shakers; others, of the same cast, were taking an active part in
urging on parties of the mob to take away, by force, children of
their connections, who believed, and such like acts of violence.
Some men, of talents and good principles, were engaged in contest-
ing those violent measures agitated by the mob party, urging our
right of citizenship from our peaceable deportment, and the uncon-
stitutionality of infringing upon our right, which had never been
forfeited by any misconduct.
About 3 o'clock, a public speaker of the party, standing in the
street before the meeting-house door, proclaimed liberty, that all
8
who had any charges against the Shakers might come forward and
enter them. A number of charges were produced; but no charge,
however, was regularly entered and taken up, except a charge of
murder against Amos Valentine, upon the deposition of John and
Robert Wilson, two of the before-mentioned apostates, who deposed
that when they lived among the Shakers the said Amos had a boy
that had fits—that he whipped said boy unmercifully ; also, that the
said boy was whipped by Daniel Moseley, and that the said Amos
and Daniel both wished that the boy was dead; that the boy for
some time past had been missing, and that the said deponents be-
lieved that the said boy was murdered and put out of the way. A
habeas corpus was immediately served on Amos, and he put under
guard until the said boy should be produced. The boy was imme-
diately sent for, being at Moses Easton's, about two miles off. About
this period of transactions, the committee were sitting the second
time, with the three brethren before mentioned. Judge Dunlavy,
who understood the proceedings of the committee before, followed
them to the edge of the woods, and there sat down upon a log,
about five rods distant from where the committee were sitting, and
there waited to see the issue. Immediately after the brethren left
the committee, he mounted his horse in the midst of the assembly,
and, with a loud voice calling attention, he delivered a solemn in-
junction, that no one violate the laws of Ohio, and required all civil
officers present to take eognizance of the conduct of any who
should violate them. Soon after this, the aforesaid boy arrived,
very corpulent and hearty. This was about four o'clock. Dunlavy
understanding the case, gave public information of the boy’s arrival,
and the satisfaction which was given of the innocence of the party
accused, ordered the prisoner to be released, and the people to dis-
perse, as nothing remained as any matter of investigation, Never-
theless, Capt. Kilbreath refused to comply with Dunlavy's order to
release the prisoner, alleging that he was as high in office as the
judge. Upon which, Dunlavy ordered him to be apprehended and
put in prison. But Kilbreath being armed with a sword and pistol,
and refusing to be taken, they left it to be determined some other
way which of them should be greatest. The prisoner, however,
was released ; but some of the party treated the judge with great
contempt, and uttered the most bitter invectives against him for his
interference. At this stage of the proceedings, the committee hav-
ing returned and mingled among the multitude, and Dunlavy having
given his orders, the mob party were somewhat irritated and thrown
into confusion. But the word of command being given, and the
party mounted, they moved down the street in a violent career, amid
clouds of dust, and halted in a vast crowd, facing the dwelling-
house of the Elders; and, after a little pause, Major Robinson, with
9
a loud voice, demanded of those in the house, whether we would
comply with the proposals of the committee, Yea or Nay. This
was repeated a number of times, crying aloud, Give us an answer,
Yea, or Nay! but no one answered a word. Then all the people
in the house, men and women, old and young, were commanded to
come out of the house, and to place themselves in a circle on the
green before them. But none offered to move.
Then Robinson continued his harangue to this effect; that we
should comply immediately with the proposals of the committee,
and accede to remove out of the country by the first of December
next, or suffer the consequences; and then cried, Is not this the
voice of the people 7 which was instantly answered by the mob
with uplifted hands, and a general loud and hideous yell, in the most
exasperated manner. But as none appeared or answered, they or-
dered the gates to be thrown open, which, after some considerable
hesitation, some of the concourse ventured to perform. The doors
of the house were now instantly shut and fastened, as hitherto they
had been left open. After the gates were thrown open, the house
was immediately surrounded by a promiscuous multitude of armed
men and spectators, but the main body of the corps remained on
their horses in the street. After some consultation in the mob
party, they proposed a committee from among them, whom they
wished to enter and search every apartment of the house, to see
whether there were not some who were held in bondage, and such
other like instances of cruelty and injustice, as were reported. The
committee proposed came forward, consisting of Major William
Robinson, Capt. John Robinson, Capt. John Clark and Capt. Cor-
nelius Thomas, and one or two more. They entered upon condi-
tions of behaving civilly, and began their search and examinations
with the young sisters, and asked them, one by one, if they wished
to leave the Shakers.
Betsey Seward replied, that she was satisfied with the people, and
her present place of abode—that she liked it better than among her
natural relations; because they treated her more kindly than ever
her natural relations did, and that she did not wish to see any of
them any more, while they remained so wicked. The committee
then said, Let her stay. Prudence Morrill being interrogated, re-
plied, that all the world would be no inducement to her to go away;
that she had much rather lay her head down upon the floor, and
have it chopped off, than she should be taken from among Believers.
Caty Rubart also made a firm reply to the same amount; and so
did Jenny McNemar, and all the rest—each declaring that they
were free to go away, if they chose, at any time, and that nothing
bound them but their faith and love, All whom they interrogated,
whether brethren or sisters, made similar replies.
10
The committee having searched every apartment of the house,
declared themselves satisfied. Capt. Thomas (who was a man of con-
siderable feeling) in particular, said he saw a decent house, and decent
people in it. They then drank generously of cold coffee, went out,
and reported—Well satisfied.
After this, they went back again to their former ground at the meeting-
house, and the same committee proceeded to examine the house and family
of the young Believers. All who were interrogated made firm replies,
that they were free, and might go away whenever they chose, but would
not. . Some said they rather die than abandon their faith or forsake the
people of God. By this time the committee were under considerable mor-
tification, and their zeal began to abate, having been disappointed in all
their researches, and some persuasions had to be used to get them into the
school-house. Matthew being present at their examinations, wished them
to go, especially as they had it reported that we would not suffer our chil-
dren and youth to read the scriptures. When they went into the school,
they found Testaments plenty. Matthew observed, they might see at least
one lie had been told them. They looked at the children's writings, which
they acknowledged far surpassed their expectations. Matthew then wish-
ed them to ask the children questions, whether they had enough to eat,
etc., observing that he had children among them, and had long been ab-
sent, and knew not at present how it might be with them. When they
asked, First—have you enough to eat? they answered, Yeal yea l yeal
as much as we want, ran all through the school. Second—are you whip.
ped more than you deserve 2 They answered, Nayl nay 1 nay I all
through ; and many said, Noi whipped at all. Third—do you want to go
from these people 2 If you do, continued they, fear not, we will protect
you. Nay! may ! may ! ran all through the school. They were then
wished to hear the children read, but they would not, declaring themselves
fully satisfied. Then they were requested to go to John Wood's. Per-
haps they might find that enslaved woman, of whom they had spoken, and
about whom the party were so much agitated, (for it was reported that
some certain woman was onslaved by the shakers. Those in search had
not yet found her, for another select number of the party had searched
the meeting-louse for her a little while before, and the children's order at
John Wood's had also leen searched and examined.) But the committee
would not go any further, declaring themselves, again and again, fully sat-
isfied; and so they departed.
No ground of accusation leing found or reported to the party, and the
generality being wearied and perplexed with the same, and under a mor-
tifying disappointment, were j The last of ti ( m disappeared as
the darkness of night began to creep over the horizon, without leaving
behind them any visible marks of cruelty.
No disturbance or confusion appeared an.ong the Believers through the
whole occasion. The generality kept busy at their usual employments
—took dinner in their usual manner, and entertained such as they could
with convenience. They answered those mildly who spoke to them,
whether peaceably or in a taunt. Such as wished to enter the rooms
from the noise and clamor, did so, and spent their time in conversatiºn.
Perhaps a scene entirely like this has not transpired since the rights of
conscience have been esteemed sacred by man. That no evil or cruelty
11
was transacted after such formidable preparations of design, can be assigfi-
ed to no other cause than the interposing hand of Divine Providence—that
invisible Power of God, which turneth the hearts of men whithersoever
He will, and saith unto the mighty waters, Hitherto shalt thou come, and
no further.
[N. B.-The foregoing transactions are stated according to the best recollection
and information of the circumstances, immediately after the event transpired. It
is not to be understood that every individual of this vast body were persons of
malicious designs. Some, even of those under arms, appeared not to know in
reality for what purpose they were come together, only as they had been ordered
out by their officers. There were some, also, who had been influenced to evil
designs by the malicious and evil reports in circulation, who, when they received
true information, and were induced to consider the impropriety of such illegal
conduct, manifested no disposition to do any injury. Some of this description
left the mob and returned back, after Doctor Bladgley went to know their inten-
tions. There were numbers, also, who were men of good information and just
principles, some of whose names have been mentioned, whose only endeavors
were to inculcate reason into the minds of as many as were accessible, and to
maintain a spirit of peace and freedom.]
BENJAMIN SETH YOUNGS.
Miami Country, State of Ohio, Aug. 31, 1810.
LINEs witHTTEN ON THE PRECEIDING,
IBY RICHARD McNEMAR.
The solemn work of judgment that we are truly im,
Can leave no room for falsehood, or any secret sin;
Even sinners are engaged to search out all we do,
Which must confute their slander, and prove the gospel true.
2
It has been boldly stated, and published as a truth,
That we retain in bondage the aged and the youth ;
That invalids and infants we put out of the way,
And in some dark apartment their slaughtered relics lay.
3
With doubtful apprehension these things were spread about,
Till they became too weighty to hang in longer doubt;
In secret combination a multitude agree,
That if such things existed their truth they soon would see.
4
A day was then appointed, and all that would unite,
Collected in one body to bring our deeds to light;
Nor was the scene distressing, if facts had been their aim,
But some took this occasion to play a different game.
5 *
The clergy had prepared a very different plan,
As heretics to brand us and purge us from the land;
Then, armed with swords and rifles, five hundred men at least,
Presented their chief speaker, a Presbyterian priest.
A committee then was chosen their orders to advance,
That we must cease from preaching, and quit the solemn dance,
And all who had been active to lead the people on,
The first of next December must from the state be gone.
12
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37
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7
To these despotic orders, before we should conform,
e answered we should hazard the most tremendous storm ;
So when they had denounced our sure and certain fate,
They hastened to the army our answer to relate.
8
Now statesmen raised their voices in virtue's noble cause,
Forbidding all concerned to violate the laws;
While many men of candor did publicly display
The sacred rights of conscience and freedom of the day.
9
A while our destination hung in a doubtful scale;
At length the force of reason and conscience did prevail—
But still to show some pretext for this long formed plot,
They meant to search our houses and all that we had got.
10
A number then was chosen, and freely had access,
To search our habitations and all that we possess;
They called on those in bondage, and bid them now to fly—
But there were none to hearken, or with their terms comply.
I 1
The answer they received, e'en from the weakest youth,
Convinced them if they spurned it must be at the truth;
And the same peace and union appearing in the school,
There every heated passion became entirely cool.
12
This trusty Inquisition did to the rest declare,
We have found decent houses, and decent people there;
The troops were then dismissed, the scrutiny was done,
And the retreat commenced before the setting Sun.
- 13

Each in our own employment were busy through the day,
But little interrupted, we little had to say;
In peace and consolation we saw the matter close,
Took supper and had worship, and went to our repose.
14
"Through all the noise and tumult no drop of blood was spilt,
Nor was there one Believer marked with a charge of guilt;
The like has not been witnessed, and we presume to say
It was a scene of wonder, congenial to this day.
15
Exclude the voice of Priestcraft, and bind the Lion's paw,
Republicºns in thousands may try us by their law;
To every man of reason we're open as the air,
And every free enquirer shall still be welcome here.
RICHARD McNEMAR.