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46 BULLETIN OF FRIENDS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION DOCUMENT CONCERNING VACCINATION Or THE ADVICE OF THOMAS DANN TO HIS CHILDREN By Robert H. Dann The following extract is taken from a little unpublished handwritten journal prepared by an ancestor of mine, Thomas Dann, who was born in 1741 at Nuffield, Surrey, England. He says that his motive in writing the journal was "chiefly for my own perusal and that of my Children when I may be laid in the silent Grave." In his introduction he says: "My Grandfather's name was Thos. Dann,1 lived in the house where I now dwell, he was convinced of the Truth in the early part of Friends, and lived and died a steady and serviceable Member of Society, as I have been informed." Most of the farmers in the community were Friends and used to attend Reigate Meeting, which was several miles distant. The original of this journal, "Some Accounts of the Lord's Tender Dealings With Me Thomas Dann of Nuffield," is in the possession of an uncle of mine. I recently came into possession of a hand-written copy evidently made shortly after the journalist 's death in 1810, for it contains a record of this event and a copy of the memorial accepted by Dorking Monthly Meeting. The copy is written into a book which is an exact duplicate of the original. The section extracted seems to show real parental understanding and skill in dealing with the family in a critical matter. Extract from the Journal of Thomas Dann About the 22nd year of my age I had an inclination to be Innoculated for the small pox, and to that end advised with my Father concerning it: and this I can truly say I did not run inconsiderately into it as too many do, not considering the consequences of it, thinking thereby to be prepared to go anywhere in order to take their pleasure without being in danger of catching it; but my view in having it was, that I might be more serviceable on Truth's account : and as it was thought by some an 1 Three persons bearing the name Thomas Dann are mentioned in this paper: the writer of the journal, his father (referred to in the title), and his grandfather. CONCERNING VACCINATION47 unadvised undertaking; and did not spare to blame both my Father and me for it, I shall here insert the paper of written advice which my Father gave us on this occasion (my Sisters going with me in order to have it likewise). The paper Follows:— "The advice of Thomas Dann [the journalist's father] to his Children when they were going to be Innoculated for the small pox. "I take this opportunity to remind you of my past and present Care concerning you, when your Dear Mother was near her end, and no hopes of her recovery, myself like to be striped of a Loving Wife and you of an affectionate Mother: my spirit was fervently drawn fourth in humble prayer by the Bedside where she lay, to the Almighty that if it was his will to take her from us, and that we must then be parted, that he would be graciously pleased to make up the Loss to us all, which I think he hath abundantly done in many respects for which I am truly thankful to him the God of all our Mercies and favours. "My next care and prayer on your account was, that he would give me Wisdom and an understanding heart, to govern you according to your tender age; then I found it my place not to demand any unreasonable things of you, yet to hold you to the word of Command ; But now you are grown up to years of maturity I am willing to treat you not only as Children but as Friends, and to hear you as in Friendly conversation. Yet whilst I am Living shall expect to be consulted by you, especially in things of the most weighty matter, it is true you have consulted me in this undertaking, and I have given my consent thereto ; and my Prayers are that you may do well...

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