Washington and Friends

72 BULLETIN OF FRIENDS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. Northampton Marker of the Indian Walk. This marker was unveiled 9 mo. 20, 1925, at Northampton, at the eastern approach to the bridge, on the concrete road from Bath. It is about three quarters of a mile from the site of the old Indian town of Hockendauqua, of the noted chiefs Lappawingo and Tishcohan. The walkers slept the first night about a half mile from this Indian town. DOCUMENTS. WASHINGTON AND FRIENDS. The following correspondence and the newspaper item tell their own story. The letter signed by President-elect Washington was written shortly before he started north from Mount Vernon for his first inauguration, which took place in New York City. William Hartshorne was a native of Alexandria, Virginia, and was Treasurer of the Potomac Company of 1785-1812, that is, the second Potomac Company. Strawberry Hill was his place in Fairfax County just outside of Alexandria. The feeling of certain classes in Philadelphia against Friends at this period was probably due to the fact that Friends had not supported the patriot cause more ardently during the Revolution, especially the military measures. Letter of William Hartshorne. (The original of the following letter is in Papers of George Washington, volume 242, in Manuscripts Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.) Strawberry Hill, March 28th, 1789 General Washington, As it seems to be the general opinion that you will comply with the wishes of your Countrymen and accept the presidency, I take the liberty of laying before you an extract of a letter I reed, lately from a relation oí mine in Philadelphia, and as it concerns a numerous people in that City, who suffered much in their propperty, had their persons insulted and were in danger of their lives from the outrages of a Mob at the last general illumination, I have no doubt you will pay that attention to the subject which it seems to deserve. "We are now contemplating the proposed advantages of foederal measures ; at the same time we are led to anticipate with equal concern, the effect which may probably take Place, when General Washington passes thro' the City, at which time an illumination is intended ; when perhaps some innocent acquaintances may immediately if not eventually fall a victim to DOCUMENTS.73 the unqualifyed rage of a mob, how contemptible Government appears— doubting their ability to restrain their fury? which a timely exertion would appease. The worst of Malfactors have as little dread of the Punishment annexed to the perpetration of their heinous offences, as many of us have to expect from the secret and open designs of our Neighbours whom we never offended at all, such is our envied situation in the City of Philadelphia —unhappy City! Thy natives who ought to respect will learn to deprecate thee." It is scarce necessary to add that this is from one of the People called Quakers and as I have not heard the design of illuminating in Philadelphia was laid aside, thought it my duty to lay this information before you, and at this time (tho' it may appear premature) least it should be too late to answer any purpose—I can only say this address is intended to do good, which I believe is the best apology I can make for the freedom of it. That the Lord of the Universe may take you under his holy Protection and assist you with his Wisdom to govern this people—and in his own time take you to himself is the prayer of Your very respectful Friend, WM. Hartshorne. Letter of George Washington. (The original of the following letter is in The Roberts Collection of Haverford College.) Mount Vernon, April ist, 1789. Sir, As it seems that it will be my unavoidable lot to be again brought into publick life, however contrary to my inclinations, I must prepare myself to meet with many occurrences which will be painful and embarrassing;— but I can truly say that few events would distrefs me more than the realizing of the apprehensions of so respectable a body of my fellow Citizens as the Quakers of Philadelphia,—as mentioned in your letter of the 28th Ulto.— If I...