also advise all others who are equally scrupulous to do the same-and as Animosities and Faction have of late greatly prevailed amongst us, and at all times there prevails with too many, an ill-judged parsimonious Disposition, who for no other reason than to save their money, though probably on some other pretence, may vote for such as they may think by their opposition to the Governor, may most effectually answer that end: That such Friends should give out publickly before hand when they find they are named, that they will by no means stand or serve, though chosen and accordingly-that the meeting recommend this to the Deputies from the several Monthly or Quarterly meetings in this Province-all which from the sincerest Zeal for the Publick Good, Peace of the Country, and not only the Reputation, but the most Solid Interest of Friends as a People, is (I say again) most seriously recommended to your consideration by Your true Friend and Well wisher, STENTON Sept. 22, 1741. JAMES LOGAN. To Robert Jordan and Others, the Friends of the Yearly Meeting for Business now convened at Philadelphia. On examination of the Minutes of the Yearly Meeting for 1741, it appears that James Logan addressed a letter to Robert Jordan and others, which was produced to that Body. In conformity to custom in such cases, the paper was referred to a Committee: and Samuel Preston and others were selected for the purpose of examining it, who reported "that the subject matter of the Letter related to the Civil and Military Affairs of the Government, and in their opinion it was unfit to be read to the Meeting." Extract of a Letter of R. Peters to J. Penn. The Yearly Meeting being held the Week before the general Election, Mr. Logan by his son William sent them a Letter, wherein he is said to enlarge on the defenceless state of the Province, and of the ill consequences that may ensue on men of their Principles procuring themselves to be returned to Assembly, but his good Design was eluded by the following expedient. Some Members moved that a Committee might be appointed to peruse the Letter, and to report whether it contained matters which were fit for the meeting to take into consideration-accordingly Rob't. Jordan, Jno. Bringhouse, Ebenezer Large, John Dillwin and Rob't. Strethill were appointed to inspect the Epistle, and report whether it contained matters proper to be communicated to the meeting at large. On examination they reported that the Letter containing matters of a Military and Geographical nature, it was by no means proper to be read to the general meeting, but some persons who understood those matters might be desired to consider and answer it. Rob't. Strethill singly declared that considering that Letter came from one who was known to have had abundance of experience, was an old member, and had a sincere affection for the Welfare of the Society, he was apprehensive should this Letter be refused a reading in the Meeting, such a proceeding would not only disgust him but the Body of Friends in England, especially as it might be supposed to contain several things that were intended for the good of the Society at these fickle and precarious times-but Jno. Bringhouse plucked him by the coat and told him with a sharp tone of voice, "Sit thee down Robert, Thou art single in thy opinion." Mr. Logan, in resentment as I suppose of such treatment caused thirty copies to be printed off to save the trouble of copying, with a design to send them to his friends in England, but whether he will or no is now doubtful, tho I will persuade him if possible to send one to the Proprietors. It is said, but I advance this without knowing anything from him of the matter that either by the persuasion of Mr. Logan or in a conference that was held at his house with some of the principal members of the Meeting, he has altered his mind, keeps the contents a secret, and is disposed to suppress the Whole. However he has promised the Governor, Mr. Allen, and myself, the reading of it but under secrecy at this time which I can't account for. NOTE. The following passage from Franklin's Memoirs refers to what occurred between Penn and Logan on their voyage to America, and referred to above, (page 36 near the end.) "The Honorable and learned Mr. Logan, who had always been of that sect, wrote an address to them declaring his approbation of defensive war, and supported his opinion by many strong arguments: he put into my hands sixty pounds to be laid out in lottery tickets for the battery, with directions to apply what prizes might be drawn wholly to that service. He told me the following anecdote of his old master, William Penn, respecting defence. He came over from England when a young man with that proprietary, and as his secretary. It was war time, and their ship was chased by an armed vessel, supposed to be an enemy. The captain prepared for defence; he told William Penn and his company of Quakers that he did not expect their assistance, and that they might retire into the cabin, which they did, except James Logan, who chose to stay on deck and was quartered to a gun. The supposed enemy proved a friend, so there was no fighting: but when the Secretary went down to communicate the intelligence, William Penn rebuked him severely for staying upon deck and undertaking to assist in defending the vessel contrary to the principle of Friends; especially as it had not been required by the captain. This reprimand being before all the company, piqued the secretary, who answered: "1 being thy servant, why did thee not order me to come down, but thee was willing enough that I should stay and help fight the ship when thee thought there was danger." |