initial commit of ebook 16088HEADmain

10 files changed, 5760 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/16088-8.txt b/16088-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7346b61
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,1866 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus
+Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus Pringle's Diary
+       With an Introduction by Rufus M. Jones
+
+Author: Cyrus Pringle
+
+Commentator: Rufus M. Jones
+
+Release Date: June 18, 2005 [EBook #16088]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RECORD OF A QUAKER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading
+
+
+
+
+
+THE RECORD OF A
+QUAKER CONSCIENCE
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Macmillan Logo]
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+NEW YORK · BOSTON · CHICAGO · DALLAS
+ATLANTA · SAN FRANCISCO
+
+
+MACMILLAN & CO., Limited
+
+LONDON · BOMBAY · CALCUTTA
+MELBOURNE
+
+
+THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd.
+TORONTO
+
+
+
+
+THE RECORD OF A
+QUAKER CONSCIENCE
+
+
+CYRUS PRINGLE'S DIARY
+
+
+WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
+RUFUS M. JONES
+
+
+New York
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+1918
+
+_All rights reserved_
+
+
+
+
+Copyright, 1913
+BY THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY COMPANY
+
+
+Copyright, 1918
+By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Set up and printed. Published, February, 1918
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note:
+
+Several unusual spellings have been kept as in the original, including:
+northermost ("Fairhope meeting-house is in the northermost country") and
+comformable ("yet probably in a manner comformable to").
+
+In some cases, variant spellings of the same word are used, as in the
+case of "enrolment" and "enrollment", "therefor" and "therefore", "well
+meant" and "well-meant". These have been comfirmed with the original.
+
+In referring to God, there is also inconsistency in the use of "His"
+versus "his" and "Him" versus "him".]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+The body of this little book consists of the personal diary of a young
+Quaker named Cyrus Guernsey Pringle of Charlotte, Vermont. He was
+drafted for service in the Union Army, July 13th, 1863. Under the
+existing draft law a person who had religious scruples against engaging
+in war was given the privilege of paying a commutation fine of three
+hundred dollars. This commutation money Pringle's conscience would not
+allow him to pay. A prosperous uncle proposed to pay it surreptitiously
+for him, but the honest-minded youth discovered the plan and refused to
+accept the well meant kindness, since he believed, no doubt rightly,
+that this money would be used to pay for an army substitute in his
+place. The Diary relates in simple, naïve style the experiences which
+befell the narrator as he followed his hard path of duty, and
+incidentally it reveals a fine and sensitive type of character, not
+unlike that which comes so beautifully to light in the Journal of John
+Woolman.
+
+This is plainly not the psychological moment to study the highly complex
+and delicate problem of conscience. The strain and tension of world
+issues disturb our judgment. We cannot if we would turn away from the
+events and movements that affect the destiny of nations to dwell calmly
+and securely upon our own inner, private actions. It is never easy, even
+when the world is most normal and peaceful, to mark off with sharp lines
+the area of individual freedom. No person ever lives unto himself or is
+sufficient to himself. He is inextricably woven into the tissue of the
+social group. His privileges, his responsibilities, his obligations are
+forever over-individual and come from beyond his narrow isolated life.
+If he is to be a rational being at all he must _relate_ his life to
+others and share in some measure their triumphs and their tragedies.
+
+But at the same time the most precious thing in the universe is that
+mysterious thing we call individual liberty and which even God himself
+guards and respects. Up to some point, difficult certainly to delimit, a
+man must be captain of his soul. He cannot be a _person_ if he does not
+have a sphere of power over his own act. To treat him as a puppet of
+external forces, or a mere cog in a vast social mechanism, is to wipe
+out the unique distinction between person and thing. Somewhere the free
+spirit must take its stand and claim its God-given distinction. If life
+is to be at all worth while there must be some boundary within which the
+soul holds its own august and ultimate tribunal. That Sanctuary domain
+within the soul the Quakers, ever since their origin in the period of
+the English Commonwealth, have always guarded as the most sacred
+possession a man can have.
+
+No grave difficulty, at least in the modern world, is involved in this
+faith, until it suddenly comes into conflict with the urgent
+requirements of social efficiency. When the social group is fused with
+emotion and moves almost as an undivided unit toward some end, then the
+claim of a right, on the ground of conscience, for the individual to
+deviate from the group and to pursue another or an opposite course
+appears serious if not positively insufferable. The abstract principle
+of individual liberty all modern persons grant; the strain comes when
+some one proposes to insist upon a concrete instance of it which
+involves implications that may endanger the ends which the intensified
+group is pursuing. A situation of this type confronts the Quakers
+whenever their country engages in war, since as a people they feel that
+they cannot fight or take any part in military operations.
+
+They do not find it an easy thing to give a completely rational ground
+for their opposition to war. Nor, as a matter of fact, is it any more
+easy for the militarist to rationalize his method of solving world
+difficulties. Both are evidently actuated by instinctive forces which
+lie far beneath the level of pure reason.
+
+The roots of the Quakers' opposition to war go deep down into the soil
+of the past. They are the outgrowth and culmination of a long spiritual
+movement. They carry along, in their ideas, emotions, habits and
+attitudes, tendencies which have been unconsciously sucked in with their
+mother's milk, and which, therefore, cannot be held up and analysed.
+The mystics, the humanists, the anabaptists, the spiritual reformers,
+are forerunners of the Quaker. They are a necessary part of his
+pedigree,--and they were all profoundly opposed to war. This attitude
+has become an integral part of the vital stock of truth by which the
+Quaker lives his spiritual life, and to violate it is for him to stop
+living "the way of truth," as the early Quakers quaintly called their
+religious faith.
+
+But the Quakers have never been champions of the negative. They do not
+take kindly to the rôle of being "antis." Their negations grow out of
+their insistent affirmations. If they are _against_ an established
+institution or custom it is because they are _for_ some other way of
+life which seems to them divinely right, and their first obligation is
+to incarnate that way of life. They cannot, therefore, stand apart in
+monastic seclusion and safely watch the swirl of forces which they
+silently disapprove. If in war-time they do not fight, they _do_
+something else. They accept and face the dangers incident to their way
+of life. They feel a compulsion to take up and in some measure to bear
+the burden of the world's suffering. They endeavour to exhibit, humbly
+and modestly, the power of sacrificial love, freely, joyously given, and
+they venture all that the brave can venture to carry their faith into
+life and action. In the American civil war, in the Franco-Prussian, the
+South African, the Balkan, the Russo-Japanese, small bands of Quakers
+revealed the same spirit of service and the same obliviousness to danger
+which have marked the larger groups that have manned the ambulance units
+and the war-victims' relief and reconstruction work of this world war.
+In this present crisis they have gone wherever they could go,--to
+Belgium, to France, to Russia, to Italy, to Serbia and Greece and Syria
+and Mesopotamia,--to carry into operation the forces of restoration and
+of reconstruction. They have not stood aloof as spectators of the
+world's tragedy. They have entered into it and shared it, and they have
+counted neither money nor life dear to themselves in their desire to
+reveal the power of redeeming and transforming love.
+
+Slowly the sincerity of the Quaker conviction about war has made itself
+felt and limited legislative provisions have been made, especially in
+England and America, to meet the claims of conscience. The problem which
+confronts the law-maker, even when he is sympathetic with the rights of
+conviction, is the grave difficulty of determining where to draw the
+line of special exception to general requirements and how to discover
+the sincerity of conscientious objection to war. The "slacker" is
+always a stern possibility. There must be no holes in the net for him to
+escape through. The makers of armies naturally want every man who can be
+spared from civilian life and can be utilized for military operations.
+It has consequently often seemed necessary for law-makers to be narrow
+and hard toward the obviously sincere for fear of being too easy and
+lenient with those suspected of having sham consciences.
+
+During the Civil War in America, President Lincoln, eager as he was to
+win the war, was always deeply in sympathy with the Quakers, and he
+stretched his administrative powers to their full limit to provide
+relief for conscientious convictions. In the early stages of the great
+conflict the President wrote the following kindly note in answer to a
+message from New England Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends:
+"Engaged as I am, in a great war, I fear it will be difficult for the
+world to understand how fully I appreciate the principles of peace
+inculcated in this letter [of yours] and every where by the Society of
+Friends."[1] Both he and Secretary Stanton made many positive efforts to
+find some way of providing for the tender consciences of Friends without
+being unfair to the rights of others. They even requested American
+Friends to call a conference to consider how to find a satisfactory
+solution of the problem. Such a conference was held in Baltimore,
+December 7th, 1863, and the Friends there assembled expressed great
+appreciation of "the kindness evinced at all times by the President and
+Secretary of War." A delegation from this conference visited Washington
+and, in co-operation with Secretary Stanton, succeeded in securing a
+clause in the enrolment bill, declaring Friends to be non-combatants,
+assigning all drafted Friends to hospital service or work among
+freedmen, and further providing for the entire exemption of Friends from
+military service on the payment of $300 into a fund for the relief of
+sick and wounded.[2]
+
+On several occasions Friends in larger or smaller groups went to
+Washington for times of prayer and spiritual communion with the great
+President. These times were deeply appreciated by the heavily burdened
+man. Tears ran down his cheeks, we are told, as he sat bowed in solemn
+silence or knelt as some moved Friend prayed for him to Almighty God.
+Writing of the visit of Isaac and Sarah Harvey of Clinton County, Ohio,
+in the autumn of 1862, Lincoln tenderly said: "May the Lord comfort them
+as they have sustained me." A letter written by the President in 1862 to
+Eliza P. Gurney, one of a small group of Friends who visited him and
+prayed with him in the autumn of that year, reveals forcibly how he
+regarded these occasions:
+
+     "I am glad of this interview, and glad to know that I have your
+     sympathy and prayers. We are indeed going through a great trial--a
+     fiery trial. In the very responsible position in which I happen to
+     be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly
+     Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out his great purposes,
+     I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to his
+     will, and that it might be so, I have sought his aid; but if, after
+     endeavouring to do my best in the light which he affords me, I find
+     my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to
+     me, his will is otherwise. If I had had my way, this war would
+     never have been commenced. If I had been allowed my way, this war
+     would have been ended before this; but we find it still continues,
+     and we must believe that he permits it for some wise purpose of
+     his own, mysterious and unknown to us; and though with our limited
+     understandings we may not be able to comprehend it, yet we cannot
+     but believe that he who made the world still governs it."
+
+Somewhat later President Lincoln wrote again to Eliza P. Gurney
+requesting her to exercise her freedom to write to him as he felt the
+need of spiritual help and reinforcement. Her letter of reply so closely
+touched him and spoke to his condition that he carried it about with him
+and it was found in his coat pocket at the time of his death, twenty
+months after it was written. In the autumn of 1864, President Lincoln,
+still impressed by the message which he had received, wrote a memorable
+letter to Eliza P. Gurney. It was as follows:
+
+     "I have not forgotten--probably never shall forget--the very
+     impressive occasion when yourself and friends visited me on a
+     Sabbath forenoon two years ago. Nor has your kind letter, written
+     nearly a year later, ever been forgotten. In all it has been your
+     purpose to strengthen my reliance on God. I am much indebted to the
+     good Christian people of the country for their constant prayers and
+     consolations; and to no one of them more than to yourself. The
+     purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we
+     erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance. We
+     hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before
+     this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet
+     acknowledge his wisdom, and our own error therein. Meanwhile we
+     must work earnestly in the best lights he gives us, trusting that
+     so working still conduces to the great ends he ordains. Surely he
+     intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no
+     mortal could make, and no mortal could stay. Your people, the
+     Friends, have had, and are having, a very great trial. On principle
+     and faith opposed to both war and oppression, they can only
+     practically oppose oppression by war. In this dilemma some have
+     chosen one horn and some the other. For those appealing to me on
+     conscientious grounds, I have done, and shall do, the best I could
+     and can, in my own conscience, under my oath to the law. That you
+     believe this I doubt not; and, believing it, I shall still receive
+     for our country and myself your earnest prayers to our Father in
+     heaven."
+
+It is, then, not surprising that President Lincoln was "moved with
+sympathy" when he heard the story of Pringle's suffering for conscience,
+or that he quietly said to the Secretary of War, "It is my urgent wish
+that this Friend be released."
+
+RUFUS M. JONES.
+
+Haverford, Pa.,
+December, 1917.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Nicolay and Hay: "Abraham Lincoln," Vol. VI, p. 328.
+
+[2] Secretary Stanton endeavoured to provide that this commutation money
+should be made into a fund for the care of freedmen. This suggestion
+was, however, not adopted by Congress.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECORD OF A QUAKER CONSCIENCE
+
+
+At Burlington, Vt., on the 13th of the seventh month, 1863, I was
+drafted. Pleasant are my recollections of the 14th. Much of that rainy
+day I spent in my chamber, as yet unaware of my fate; in writing and
+reading and in reflecting to compose my mind for any event. The day and
+the exercise, by the blessing of the Father, brought me precious
+reconciliation to the will of Providence.
+
+With ardent zeal for our Faith and the cause of our peaceable
+principles; and almost disgusted at the lukewarmness and unfaithfulness
+of very many who profess these; and considering how heavily slight
+crosses bore upon their shoulders, I felt to say, "Here am I, Father,
+for thy service. As thou will." May I trust it was He who called me and
+sent me forth with the consolation: "My grace is sufficient for thee."
+Deeply have I felt many times since that I am nothing without the
+companionship of the Spirit.
+
+I was to report on the 27th. Then, loyal to our country, Wm. Lindley
+Dean and I appeared before the Provost Marshal with a statement of our
+cases. We were ordered for a hearing on the 29th. On the afternoon of
+that day W.L.D. was rejected upon examination of the Surgeon, but my
+case not coming up, he remained with me,--much to my strength and
+comfort. Sweet was his converse and long to be remembered, as we lay
+together that warm summer night on the straw of the barracks. By his
+encouragement much was my mind strengthened; my desires for a pure life,
+and my resolutions for good. In him and those of whom he spoke I saw
+the abstract beauty of Quakerism. On the next morning came Joshua M.
+Dean to support me and plead my case before the Board of Enrollment. On
+the day after, the 31st, I came before the Board. Respectfully those men
+listened to the exposition of our principles; and, on our representing
+that we looked for some relief from the President, the marshal released
+me for twenty days. Meanwhile appeared Lindley M. Macomber and was
+likewise, by the kindness of the marshal, though they had received
+instructions from the Provost Marshal General to show such claims no
+partiality, released to appear on the 20th day of the eighth month.
+
+All these days we were urged by our acquaintances to pay our commutation
+money; by some through well-meant kindness and sympathy; by others
+through interest in the war; and by others still through a belief they
+entertained it was our duty. But we confess a higher duty than that to
+country; and, asking no military protection of our Government and
+grateful for none, deny any obligation to support so unlawful a system,
+as we hold a war to be even when waged in opposition to an evil and
+oppressive power and ostensibly in defence of liberty, virtue, and free
+institutions; and, though touched by the kind interest of friends, we
+could not relieve their distress by a means we held even more sinful
+than that of serving ourselves, as by supplying money to hire a
+substitute we would not only be responsible for the result, but be the
+agents in bringing others into evil. So looking to our Father alone for
+help, and remembering that "Whoso loseth his life for my sake shall find
+it; but whoso saveth it shall lose it," we presented ourselves again
+before the Board, as we had promised to do when released. Being offered
+four days more of time, we accepted it as affording opportunity to
+visit our friends; and moreover as there would be more probability of
+meeting Peter Dakin at Rutland.
+
+Sweet was the comfort and sympathy of our friends as we visited them.
+There was a deep comfort, as we left them, in the thought that so many
+pure and pious people follow us with their love and prayers. Appearing
+finally before the marshal on the 24th, suits and uniforms were selected
+for us, and we were called upon to give receipts for them. L.M.M. was on
+his guard, and, being first called upon, declared he could not do so, as
+that would imply acceptance. Failing to come to any agreement, the
+matter was postponed till next morning, when we certified to the fact
+that the articles were "with us." Here I must make record of the
+kindness of the marshal, Rolla Gleason, who treated us with respect and
+kindness. He had spoken with respect of our Society; had given me
+furloughs to the amount of twenty-four days, when the marshal at Rutland
+considered himself restricted by his oath and duty to six days; and here
+appeared in person to prevent any harsh treatment of us by his
+sergeants; and though much against his inclinations, assisted in putting
+on the uniform with his own hands. We bade him farewell with grateful
+feelings and expressions of fear that we should not fall into as tender
+hands again; and amid the rain in the early morning, as the town clock
+tolled the hour of seven, we were driven amongst the flock that was
+going forth to the slaughter, down the street and into the cars for
+Brattleboro. Dark was the day with murk and cloud and rain; and, as we
+rolled down through the narrow vales of eastern Vermont, somewhat of the
+shadow crept into our hearts and filled them with dark apprehensions of
+evil fortune ahead; of long, hopeless trials; of abuse from inferior
+officers; of contempt from common soldiers; of patient endurance (or an
+attempt at this), unto an end seen only by the eye of a strong faith.
+
+Herded into a car by ourselves, we conscripts, substitutes, and the
+rest, through the greater part of the day, swept over the fertile
+meadows along the banks of the White River and the Connecticut, through
+pleasant scenes that had little of delight for us. At Woodstock we were
+joined by the conscripts from the 1st District,--altogether an inferior
+company from those before with us, who were honest yeomen from the
+northern and mountainous towns, while these were many of them
+substitutes from the cities.
+
+At Brattleboro we were marched up to the camp; our knapsacks and persons
+searched; and any articles of citizen's dress taken from us; and then
+shut up in a rough board building under a guard. Here the prospect was
+dreary, and I felt some lack of confidence in our Father's arm, though
+but two days before I wrote to my dear friend, E.M.H.,--
+
+    I go tomorrow where the din
+    Of war is in the sulphurous air.
+    I go the Prince of Peace to serve,
+    His cross of suffering to bear.
+
+
+Brattleboro, _26th_, _8th_ month, 1863.--Twenty-five or thirty caged
+lions roam lazily to and fro through this building hour after hour
+through the day. On every side without, sentries pace their slow beat,
+bearing loaded muskets. Men are ranging through the grounds or hanging
+in synods about the doors of the different buildings, apparently without
+a purpose. Aimless is military life, except betimes its aim is deadly.
+Idle life blends with violent death-struggles till the man is unmade a
+man; and henceforth there is little of manhood about him. Of a man he is
+made a soldier, which is a man-destroying machine in two senses,--a
+thing for the prosecuting or repelling an invasion like the block of
+stone in the fortress or the plate of iron on the side of the Monitor.
+They are alike. I have tried in vain to define a difference, and I see
+only this. The iron-clad with its gun is the bigger soldier: the more
+formidable in attack, the less liable to destruction in a given time;
+the block the most capable of resistance; both are equally obedient to
+officers. Or the more perfect is the soldier, the more nearly he
+approaches these in this respect.
+
+Three times a day we are marched out to the mess houses for our rations.
+In our hands we carry a tin plate, whereon we bring back a piece of
+bread (sour and tough most likely), and a cup. Morning and noon a piece
+of meat, antique betimes, bears company with the bread. They who wish it
+receive in their cups two sorts of decoctions: in the morning burnt
+bread, or peas perhaps, steeped in water with some saccharine substance
+added (I dare not affirm it to be sugar). At night steeped tea extended
+by some other herbs probably and its pungency and acridity assuaged by
+the saccharine principle aforementioned. On this we have so far
+subsisted and, save some nauseating, comfortably. As we go out and
+return, on right and left and in front and rear go bayonets. Some
+substitutes heretofore have escaped and we are not to be neglected in
+our attendants. Hard beds are healthy, but I query cannot the result be
+defeated by the _degree_? Our mattresses are boards. Only the slight
+elasticity of our thin blankets breaks the fall of our flesh and bones
+thereon. Oh! now I praise the discipline I have received from uncarpeted
+floors through warm summer nights of my boyhood.
+
+The building resounds with petty talk; jokes and laughter and swearing.
+Something more than that. Many of the caged lions are engaged with
+cards, and money changes hands freely. Some of the caged lions read, and
+some sleep, and so the weary day goes by.
+
+L.M.M. and I addressed the following letter to Governor Holbrook and
+hired a corporal to forward it to him.
+
+BRATTLEBORO, VT., _26th_, _8th_ month, 1863.
+FREDERICK HOLBROOK,
+Governor of Vermont:--
+
+We, the undersigned members of the Society of Friends, beg leave to
+represent to thee, that we were lately drafted in the 3d Dist. of
+Vermont, have been forced into the army and reached the camp near this
+town yesterday.
+
+That in the language of the elders of our New York Yearly Meeting, "We
+love our country and acknowledge with gratitude to our Heavenly Father
+the many blessings we have been favoured with under the government; and
+can feel no sympathy with any who seek its overthrow."
+
+But that, true to well-known principles of our Society, we cannot
+violate our religious convictions either by complying with military
+requisitions or by the equivalents of this compliance,--the furnishing
+of a substitute or payment of commutation money. That, therefore, we are
+brought into suffering and exposed to insult and contempt from those who
+have us in charge, as well as to the penalties of insubordination,
+though liberty of conscience is granted us by the Constitution of
+Vermont as well as that of the United States.
+
+Therefore, we beg of thee as Governor of our State any assistance thou
+may be able to render, should it be no more than the influence of thy
+position interceding in our behalf.
+
+Truly Thy Friend,
+CYRUS G. PRINGLE.
+
+P.S.--We are informed we are to be sent to the vicinity of Boston
+tomorrow.
+
+_27th._--On board train to Boston. The long afternoon of yesterday
+passed slowly away. This morning passed by,--the time of our stay in
+Brattleboro, and we neither saw nor heard anything of our Governor. We
+suppose he could not or would not help us. So as we go down to our trial
+we have no arm to lean upon among all men; but why dost thou complain,
+oh, my Soul? Seek thou that faith that will prove a buckler to thy
+breast, and gain for thee the protection of an arm mightier than the
+arms of all men.
+
+_28th._ CAMP VERMONT: LONG ISLAND, BOSTON HARBOUR.--In the early morning
+damp and cool we marched down off the heights of Brattleboro to take
+train for this place. Once in the car the dashing young cavalry officer,
+who had us in charge, gave notice he had placed men through the cars,
+with loaded revolvers, who had orders to shoot any person attempting to
+escape, or jump from the window, and that any one would be shot if he
+even put his head out of the window. Down the beautiful valley of the
+Connecticut, all through its broad intervales, heavy with its crops of
+corn or tobacco, or shaven smooth by the summer harvest; over the hard
+and stony counties of northern Massachusetts, through its suburbs and
+under the shadow of Bunker Hill Monument we came into the City of
+Boston, "the Hub of the Universe." Out through street after street we
+were marched double guarded to the wharves, where we took a small
+steamer for the island some six miles out in the harbour. A circumstance
+connected with this march is worth mentioning for its singularity: at
+the head of this company, like convicts (and feeling very much like
+such), through the City of Boston walked, with heavy hearts and
+down-cast eyes, two Quakers.
+
+Here on this dry and pleasant island in the midst of the beautiful
+Massachusetts Bay, we have the liberty of the camp, the privilege of air
+and sunshine and hay beds to sleep upon. So we went to bed last night
+with somewhat of gladness elevating our depressed spirits.
+
+Here are many troops gathering daily from all the New England States
+except Connecticut and Rhode Island. Their white tents are dotting the
+green slopes and hilltops of the island and spreading wider and wider.
+This is the flow of military tide here just now. The ebb went out to sea
+in the shape of a great shipload just as we came in, and another load
+will be sent before many days. All is war here. We are surrounded by the
+pomp and circumstance of war, and enveloped in the cloud thereof. The
+cloud settles down over the minds and souls of all; they cannot see
+beyond, nor do they try; but with the clearer eye of Christian faith I
+try to look beyond all this error unto Truth and Holiness immaculate:
+and thanks to our Father, I am favoured with glimpses that are sweet
+consolation amid this darkness.
+
+This is one gratification: the men with us give us their sympathy. They
+seem to look upon us tenderly and pitifully, and their expressions of
+kind wishes are warm. Although we are relieved from duty and from drill,
+and may lie in our tents during rain and at night, we have heard of no
+complaint. This is the more worthy of note as there are so few in our
+little (Vermont) camp. Each man comes on guard half the days. It would
+probably be otherwise were their hearts in the service; but I have yet
+to find the man in any of these camps or at any service who does not
+wish himself at home. Substitutes say if they knew all they know now
+before leaving home they would not have enlisted; and they have been but
+a week from their homes and have endured no hardships. Yesterday L.M.M.
+and I appeared before the Captain commanding this camp with a statement
+of our cases. He listened to us respectfully and promised to refer us to
+the General commanding here, General Devens; and in the meantime
+released us from duty. In a short time afterward he passed us in our
+tent, asking our names. We have not heard from him, but do not drill or
+stand guard; so, we suppose, his release was confirmed. At that
+interview a young lieutenant sneeringly told us he thought we had better
+throw away our scruples and fight in the service of the country; and as
+we told the Captain we could not accept pay, he laughed mockingly, and
+said he would not stay here for $13.00 per month. He gets more than a
+hundred, I suppose.
+
+How beautiful seems the world on this glorious morning here by the
+seaside! Eastward and toward the sun, fair green isles with outlines of
+pure beauty are scattered over the blue bay. Along the far line of the
+mainland white hamlets and towns glisten in the morning sun; countless
+tiny waves dance in the wind that comes off shore and sparkle sunward
+like myriads of gems. Up the fair vault, flecked by scarcely a cloud,
+rolls the sun in glory. Though fair be the earth, it has come to be
+tainted and marred by him who was meant to be its crowning glory. Behind
+me on this island are crowded vile and wicked men, the murmur of whose
+ribaldry riseth continually like the smoke and fumes of a lower world.
+Oh! Father of Mercies, forgive the hard heartlessness and blindness and
+scarlet sins of my fellows, my brothers.
+
+
+PRISON EXPERIENCES FOR CONSCIENCE' SAKE--OUR PRISON
+
+_31st._, _8th_ month, 1863. IN GUARD HOUSE.--Yesterday morning L.M.M.
+and I were called upon to do fatigue duty. The day before we were asked
+to do some cleaning about camp and to bring water. We wished to be
+obliging, to appear willing to bear a hand toward that which would
+promote our own and our fellows' health and convenience; but as we
+worked we did not feel easy. Suspecting we had been assigned to such
+work, the more we discussed in our minds the subject, the more clearly
+the right way seemed opened to us; and we separately came to the
+judgment that we must not conform to this requirement. So when the
+sergeant bade us "Police the streets," we asked him if he had received
+instructions with regard to us, and he replied we had been assigned to
+"Fatigue Duty." L.M.M. answered him that we could not obey. He left us
+immediately for the Major (Jarvis of Weathersfield, Vt.). He came back
+and ordered us to the Major's tent. The latter met us outside and
+inquired concerning the complaint he had heard of us. Upon our statement
+of our position, he apparently undertook to argue our whimsies, as he
+probably looked upon our principles, out of our heads. We replied to his
+points as we had ability; but he soon turned to bullying us rather than
+arguing with us, and would hardly let us proceed with a whole sentence.
+"I make some pretension to religion myself," he said; and quoted the Old
+Testament freely in support of war. Our terms were, submission or the
+guard-house. We replied we could not obey.
+
+This island was formerly occupied by a company, who carried on the large
+farm it comprises and opened a great hotel as a summer resort.
+
+The subjects of all misdemeanours, grave and small, are here confined.
+Those who have deserted or attempted it; those who have insulted
+officers and those guilty of theft, fighting, drunkenness, etc. In
+_most_, as in the camps, there are traces yet of manhood and of the
+Divine Spark, but some are abandoned, dissolute. There are many here
+among the substitutes who were actors in the late New York riots. They
+show unmistakably the characteristics and sentiments of those rioters,
+and, especially, hatred to the blacks drafted and about camp, and
+exhibit this in foul and profane jeers heaped upon these unoffending men
+at every opportunity. In justice to the blacks I must say they are
+superior to the whites in all their behaviour.
+
+_31st._ P.M.--Several of us were a little time ago called out one by one
+to answer inquiries with regard to our offences. We replied we could not
+comply with military requisitions. P.D., being last, was asked if he
+would die first, and replied promptly but mildly, _Yes_.
+
+Here we are in prison in our own land for no crimes, no offence to God
+nor man; nay, more: we are here for obeying the commands of the Son of
+God and the influences of his Holy Spirit. I must look for patience in
+this dark day. I am troubled too much and excited and perplexed.
+
+_1st._, _9th_ month.--Oh, the horrors of the past night--I never before
+experienced such _sensations_ and fears; and never did I feel so clearly
+that I had nothing but the hand of our Father to shield me from evil.
+Last night we three lay down together on the floor of a lower room of
+which we had taken possession. The others were above. We had but one
+blanket between us and the floor, and one over us. The other one we had
+lent to a wretched deserter who had skulked into our room for _relief_,
+being without anything of his own. We had during the day gained the
+respect of the fellows, and they seemed disposed to let us occupy our
+room in peace. I cannot say in quiet, for these caged beasts are
+restless, and the resonant boards of this old building speak of bedlam.
+The thin board partitions, the light door fastened only by a pine stick
+thrust into a wooden loop on the casing, seemed small protection in case
+of assault; but we lay down to sleep in quiet trust. But we had scarcely
+fallen asleep before we were awakened by the demoniac howlings and
+yellings of a man just brought into the next room, and allowed the
+liberty of the whole house. He was drunk, and further seemed to be
+labouring under delirium tremens. He crashed about furiously, and all
+the more after the guard tramped heavily in and bound him with
+handcuffs, and chain and ball. Again and again they left, only to return
+to quiet him by threats or by crushing him down to the floor and gagging
+him. In a couple of hours he became quiet and we got considerable sleep.
+
+In the morning the fellow came into our room apologizing for the
+intrusion. He appeared a smart, fine-looking young man, restless and
+uneasy. P.D. has a way of disposing of intruders that is quite
+effectual. I have not entirely disposed of some misgivings with respect
+to the legitimacy of his use of the means, so he commenced reading aloud
+in the Bible. The fellow was impatient and noisy, but he soon settled
+down on the floor beside him. As he listened and talked with us the
+recollections of his father's house and his innocent childhood were
+awakened. He was the child of pious parents, taught in Sabbath School
+and under pure home influences till thirteen. Then he was drawn into bad
+company, soon after leaving home for the sea; and, since then, has
+served in the army and navy,--in the army in Wilson's and Hawkins's
+[brigades]. His was the old story of the total subjection of moral power
+and thralldom to evil habits and associates. He would get drunk,
+whenever it was in his power. It was wrong; but he could not help it.
+Though he was awakened and recollected his parents looking long and in
+vain for his return, he soon returned to camp, to his wallowing in the
+mire, and I fear to his path to certain perdition.
+
+_3d._ [9th month.]--A Massachusetts major, the officer of the day, in
+his inspection of the guard-house came into our room today. We were
+lying on the floor engaged in reading and writing. He was apparently
+surprised at this and inquired the name of our books; and finding the
+Bible and Thomas à Kempis's _Imitation of Christ_, observed that they
+were good books. I cannot say if he knew we were Friends, but he asked
+us why we were in here.
+
+Like all officers he proceeded to reason with us, and to advise us to
+serve, presenting no comfort if we still persisted in our course. He
+informed us of a young Friend, Edward W. Holway of Sandwich, Mass.,
+having been yesterday under punishment in the camp by his orders, who
+was today doing service about camp. He said he was not going to put his
+Quaker in the guard-house, but was going to bring him to work by
+punishment. We were filled with deep sympathy for him and desired to
+cheer him by kind words as well as by the knowledge of our similar
+situation. We obtained permission of the Major to write to him a letter
+open to his inspection. "You may be sure," said E.W.H. to us at W., "the
+Major did not allow it to leave his hands."
+
+This forenoon the Lieutenant of the Day came in and acted the same part,
+though he was not so cool, and left expressing the hope, if we would not
+serve our country like men, that God would curse us. Oh, the trials from
+these officers! One after another comes in to relieve himself upon us.
+Finding us firm and not lacking in words, they usually fly into a
+passion and end by bullying us. How can we reason with such men? They
+are utterly unable to comprehend the pure Christianity and spirituality
+of our principles. They have long stiffened their necks in their own
+strength. They have stopped their ears to the voice of the Spirit, and
+hardened their hearts to his influences. They see no duty higher than
+that to country. What shall we receive at their hands?
+
+This Major tells us we will not be tried here. Then we are to be sent
+into the field, and there who will deliver us but God? Ah, I have nursed
+in my heart a hope that I may be spared to return home. Must I cast it
+out and have no desire, but to do the will of my Master. It were better,
+even so. O, Lord, Thy will be done. Grant I may make it my chief delight
+and render true submission thereto.
+
+Yesterday a little service was required of our dear L.M.M., but he
+insisted he could not comply. A sergeant and two privates were engaged.
+They coaxed and threatened him by turns, and with a determination not to
+be baffled took him out to perform it. Though guns were loaded he still
+stood firm and was soon brought back. We are happy here in
+guard-house,--too happy, too much at ease. We should see more of the
+Comforter,--feel more strength,--if the trial were fiercer; but this is
+well. This is a trial of strength of patience.
+
+_6th._ [9th month.]--Yesterday we had officers again for visitors. Major
+J.B. Gould, 13th Massachusetts, came in with the determination of
+persuading us to consent to be transferred to the hospital here, he
+being the Provost Marshal of the island and having the power to make the
+transfer. He is different in being and bearing from those who have been
+here before. His motives were apparently those of pure kindness, and his
+demeanour was that of a gentleman. Though he talked with us more than an
+hour, he lost no part of his self-control or good humour. So by his
+eloquence and kindness he made more impression upon us than any before.
+As Congregationalist he well knew the courts of the temple, but the Holy
+of Holies he had never seen, and knew nothing of its secrets. He
+understood expediency; but is not the man to "lay down his life for my
+sake." He is sincere and seems to think what Major Gould believes cannot
+be far from right. After his attempt we remained as firm as ever. We
+must expect all means will be tried upon us, and no less persuasion than
+threats.
+
+AT THE HOSPITAL, _7th._ [9th month.]--Yesterday morning came to us Major
+Gould again, informing us that he had come to take us out of that dirty
+place, as he could not see such respectable men lying there, and was
+going to take us up to the hospital. We assured him we could not serve
+there, and asked him if he would not bring us back when we had there
+declared our purpose. He would not reply directly; but brought us here
+and left us. When the surgeon knew our determination, he was for haling
+us back at once; what he wanted, he said, was willing men. We sat on
+the sward without the hospital tents till nearly noon, for some one to
+take us back; when we were ordered to move into the tents and quarters
+assigned us in the mess-room. The Major must have interposed,
+demonstrating his kindness by his resolution that we should occupy and
+enjoy the pleasanter quarters of the hospital, certainly if serving; but
+none the less so if we declined. Later in the day L.M.M. and P.D. were
+sitting without, when he passed them and, laughing heartily, declared
+they were the strangest prisoners of war he ever saw. He stopped some
+time to talk with them and when they came in they declared him a kind
+and honest man.
+
+If we interpret aright his conduct, this dangerous trial is over, and we
+have escaped the perplexities that his kindness and determination threw
+about us.
+
+_13th._--Last night we received a letter from Henry Dickinson, stating
+that the President, though sympathizing with those in our situation,
+felt bound by the Conscription Act, and felt liberty, in view of his
+oath to execute the laws, to do no more than detail us from active
+service to hospital duty, or to the charge of the coloured refugees. For
+more than a week have we lain here, refusing to engage in hospital
+service; shall we retrace the steps of the past week? Or shall we go
+South as overseers of the blacks on the confiscated estates of the
+rebels, to act under military commanders and to report to such? What
+would become of our testimony and our determination to preserve
+ourselves clear of the guilt of this war?
+
+P.S. We have written back to Henry Dickinson that we cannot purchase
+life at cost of peace of soul.
+
+_14th._--We have been exceeding sorrowful since receiving advice--as we
+must call it--from H.D. to enter the hospital service or some similar
+situation. We did not look for that from him. It is not what our Friends
+sent us out for; nor is it what we came for. We shall feel desolate and
+dreary in our position, unless supported and cheered by the words of
+those who have at heart our best interests more than regard for our
+personal welfare. We walk as we feel guided by Best Wisdom. Oh, may we
+run and not err in the high path of Holiness.
+
+_16th._--Yesterday a son-in-law of N.B. of Lynn came to see us. He was
+going to get passes for one or two of the Lynn Friends, that they might
+come over to see us today. He informed us that the sentiment of the
+Friends hereabouts was that we might enter the hospital without
+compromising our principles; and he produced a letter from W.W. to S.B.
+to the same effect. W.W. expressed his opinion that we might do so
+without doing it in lieu of other service. How can we evade a fact?
+Does not the government both demand and accept it as in lieu of other
+service? Oh, the cruelest blow of all comes from our friends.
+
+_17th._--Although this trial was brought upon us by our friends, their
+intentions were well meant. Their regard for our personal welfare and
+safety too much absorbs the zeal they should possess for the maintenance
+of the principle of the peaceableness of our Master's kingdom. An
+unfaithfulness to this through meekness and timidity seems
+manifest,--too great a desire to avoid suffering at some sacrifice of
+principle, perhaps,--too little of placing of Faith and confidence upon
+the Rock of Eternal Truth.
+
+Our friends at home, with W.D. at their head, support us; and yesterday,
+at the opportune moment, just as we were most distressed by the
+solicitations of our visitors, kind and cheering words of Truth were
+sent us through dear C.M.P., whose love rushes out to us warm and living
+and just from an overflowing fountain.
+
+I must record another work of kind attention shown us by Major Gould.
+Before we embarked, he came to us for a friendly visit. As we passed him
+on our way to the wharf he bade us Farewell and expressed a hope we
+should not have so hard a time as we feared. And after we were aboard
+the steamer, as the result of his interference on our behalf, we must
+believe, we were singled out from the midst of the prisoners, among whom
+we had been placed previous to coming aboard, and allowed the liberty of
+the vessel. By this are we saved much suffering, as the other prisoners
+were kept under close guard in a corner on the outside of the boat.
+
+FOREST CITY UP THE POTOMAC. _22nd._ [9th month.]--It was near noon,
+yesterday, when we turned in from sea between Cape Charles and Henry;
+and, running thence down across the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, alongside
+Old Point Comfort, dropped anchor off Fortress Monroe. The scene around
+us was one of beauty, though many of its adornments were the results and
+means of wrong. The sunshine was brighter, the verdure greener to our
+eyes weary of the sea, and the calm was milder and more grateful that we
+had so long tossed in the storm.
+
+The anchor was soon drawn up again and the _Forest City_ steamed up the
+James River toward Newport News, and turning to the left between the
+low, pine-grown banks, passed Norfolk to leave the New Hampshire
+detachment at Portsmouth.
+
+Coming back to Fortress Monroe, some freight was landed; and in the calm
+clear light of the moon, we swung away from shore and dropping down the
+mouth of the river, rounded Old Point, and, going up the Chesapeake,
+entered the Potomac in the night-time.
+
+OFF SHORE, ALEXANDRIA. _23d._--Here we anchored last night after the
+main detachment was landed, and the Vermont and Massachusetts men
+remained on board another night. We hear we are to go right to the
+field, where active operations are going on. This seems hard. We have
+not till now given up the hope that we were not to go out into Virginia
+with the rest of the men, but were to be kept here at Washington.
+Fierce, indeed, are our trials. I am not discouraged entirely; but I am
+weak from want of food which I can eat, and from sickness. I do not know
+how I am going to live in such way, or get to the front.
+
+P.S. We have just landed; and I had the liberty to buy a pie of a woman
+hawking such things, that has strengthened me wonderfully.
+
+CAMP NEAR CULPEPER. _25th._--My distress is too great for words; but I
+must overcome my disinclination to write, or this record will remain
+unfinished. So, with aching head and heart, I proceed.
+
+Yesterday morning we were roused early for breakfast and for preparation
+for starting. After marching out of the barracks, we were first taken to
+the armory, where each man received a gun and its equipments and a piece
+of tent. We stood in line, waiting for our turn with apprehensions of
+coming trouble. Though we had felt free to keep with those among whom we
+had been placed, we could not consent to carry a gun, even though we did
+not intend to use it; and, from our previous experience, we knew it
+would go harder with us, if we took the first step in the wrong
+direction, though it might seem an unimportant one, and an easy and not
+very wrong way to avoid difficulty. So we felt decided we must decline
+receiving the guns. In the hurry and bustle of equipping a detachment
+of soldiers, one attempting to explain a position and the grounds
+therefor so peculiar as ours to junior, petty officers, possessing
+liberally the characteristics of these: pride, vanity, conceit, and an
+arbitrary spirit, impatience, profanity, and contempt for holy things,
+must needs find the opportunity a very unfavourable one.
+
+We succeeded in giving these young officers a slight idea of what we
+were; and endeavoured to answer their questions of why we did not pay
+our commutation, and avail ourselves of that provision made expressly
+for such; of why we had come as far as that place, etc. We realized then
+the unpleasant results of that practice, that had been employed with us
+by the successive officers into whose hands we had fallen,--of shirking
+any responsibility, and of passing us on to the next officer above.
+
+A council was soon holden to decide what to do with us. One proposed to
+place us under arrest, a sentiment we rather hoped might prevail, as it
+might prevent our being sent on to the front; but another, in some spite
+and impatience, insisted, as it was their duty to supply a gun to every
+man and forward him, that the guns should be put upon us, and we be made
+to carry them. Accordingly the equipment was buckled about us, and the
+straps of the guns being loosened, they were thrust over our heads and
+hung upon our shoulders. In this way we were urged forward through the
+streets of Alexandria; and, having been put upon a long train of dirt
+cars, were started for Culpeper. We came over a long stretch of
+desolated and deserted country, through battlefields of previous
+summers, and through many camps now lively with the work of this present
+campaign. Seeing, for the first time, a country made dreary by the
+war-blight, a country once adorned with groves and green pastures and
+meadows and fields of waving grain, and happy with a thousand homes, now
+laid with the ground, one realizes as he can in no other way something
+of the ruin that lies in the trail of a war. But upon these fields of
+Virginia, once so fair, there rests a two-fold blight, first that of
+slavery, now that of war. When one contrasts the face of this country
+with the smiling hillsides and vales of New England, he sees stamped
+upon it in characters so marked, none but a blind man can fail to read,
+the great irrefutable arguments against slavery and against war, too;
+and must be filled with loathing for these twin relics of barbarism, so
+awful in the potency of their consequences that they can change even the
+face of the country.
+
+Through the heat of this long ride, we felt our total lack of water and
+the meagreness of our supply of food. Our thirst became so oppressive
+as we were marched here from Culpeper, some four miles with scarcely a
+halt to rest, under our heavy loads, and through the heat and deep dust
+of the road, that we drank water and dipped in the brooks we passed,
+though it was discoloured with the soap the soldiers had used in
+washing. The guns interfered with our walking, and, slipping down,
+dragged with painful weight upon our shoulders. Poor P.D. fell out from
+exhaustion and did not come in till we had been some little time at the
+camp. We were taken to the 4th Vermont regiment and soon apportioned to
+companies. Though we waited upon the officer commanding the company in
+which we were placed, and endeavoured to explain our situation, we were
+required immediately after to be present at inspection of arms. We
+declined, but an attempt was made to force us to obedience, first, by
+the officers of the company, then, by those of the regiment; but,
+failing to exact obedience of us, we were ordered by the colonel to be
+tied, and, if we made outcry, to be gagged also, and to be kept so till
+he gave orders for our release. After two or three hours we were
+relieved and left under guard; lying down on the ground in the open air,
+and covering ourselves with our blankets, we soon fell asleep from
+exhaustion, and the fatigue of the day.
+
+This morning the officers told us we must yield. We must obey and serve.
+We were threatened great severities and even death. We seem perfectly at
+the mercy of the military power, and, more, in the hands of the inferior
+officers, who, from their being far removed from Washington, feel less
+restraint from those Regulations of the Army, which are for the
+protection of privates from personal abuse.
+
+_26th._ [_9th_ month.]--Yesterday my mind was much agitated: doubts and
+fears and forebodings seized me. I was alone, seeking a resting-place
+and finding none. It seemed as if God had forsaken me in this dark hour;
+and the Tempter whispered, that after all I might be only the victim of
+a delusion. My prayers for faith and strength seemed all in vain.
+
+But this morning I enjoy peace, and feel as though I could face
+anything. Though I am as a lamb in the shambles, yet do I cry, "Thy will
+be done," and can indeed say,--
+
+    Passive to His holy will
+    Trust I in my Master still
+    Even though he slay me.
+
+I mind me of the anxiety of our dear friends about home, and of their
+prayers for us.
+
+Oh, praise be to the Lord for the peace and love and resignation that
+has filled my soul today! Oh, the passing beauty of holiness! There is
+a holy life that is above fear; it is a close communion with Christ. I
+pray for this continually but am not free from the shadow and the
+tempter. There is ever present with us the thought that perhaps we shall
+serve the Lord the most effectually by our death, and desire, if that be
+the service He requires of us, that we may be ready and resigned.
+
+REGIMENTAL HOSPITAL, 4th Vermont. _29th._ [_9th_ month.]--On the evening
+of the 26th the Colonel came to us apologizing for the roughness with
+which he treated us at first, which was, as he insisted, through
+ignorance of our real character and position. He told us if we persisted
+in our course, death would probably follow; though at another time he
+confessed to P.D. that this would only be the extreme sentence of
+court-martial.
+
+He urged us to go into the hospital, stating that this course was
+advised by Friends about New York. We were too well aware of such a fact
+to make any denial, though it was a subject of surprise to us that he
+should be informed of it. He pleaded with us long and earnestly, urging
+us with many promises of indulgence and favour and attentions we found
+afterwards to be untrue. He gave us till the next morning to consider
+the question and report our decision. In our discussion of the subject
+among ourselves, we were very much perplexed. If all his statements
+concerning the ground taken by our Society were true, we seemed to be
+liable, if we persisted in the course which alone seemed to us to be in
+accordance with Truth, to be exposed to the charge of over-zeal and
+fanaticism even among our own brethren. Regarding the work to be done in
+hospital as one of mercy and benevolence, we asked if we had any right
+to refuse its performance; and questioned whether we could do more good
+by endeavouring to bear to the end a clear testimony against war, than
+by labouring by word and deed among the needy in the hospitals and
+camps. We saw around us a rich field for usefulness in which there were
+scarce any labourers, and toward whose work our hands had often started
+involuntarily and unbidden. At last we consented to a trial, at least
+till we could make inquiries concerning the Colonel's allegations, and
+ask the counsel of our friends, reserving the privilege of returning to
+our former position.
+
+At first a great load seemed rolled away from us; we rejoiced in the
+prospect of life again. But soon there prevailed a feeling of
+condemnation, as though we had sold our Master. And that first day was
+one of the bitterest I ever experienced. It was a time of stern conflict
+of soul. The voice that seemed to say, "Follow me," as I sought
+guidance the night before, kept pleading with me, convincing of sin,
+till I knew of a truth my feet had strayed from His path. The
+Scriptures, which the day before I could scarcely open without finding
+words of strength and comfort, seemed closed against me, till after a
+severe struggle alone in the wood to which I had retired, I consented to
+give up and retrace my steps in faith. But it was too late. L.M.M.
+wishing to make a fair, honest trial, we were brought here--P.D. being
+already here unwell. We feel we are erring; but scarce anything is
+required of us and we wait to hear from Friends.
+
+Of these days of going down into sin, I wish to make little mention. I
+would that my record of such degradation be brief. We wish to come to an
+understanding with our friends and the Society before we move, but it
+does not seem that we can repress the upheavings of Truth in our
+hearts. We are bruised by sin.
+
+It is with pleasure I record we have just waited upon the Colonel with
+an explanation of our distress of mind, requesting him to proceed with
+court-martial. We were kindly and tenderly received. "If you want a
+trial I can give it to you," he answered. The brigade has just marched
+out to join with the division for inspection. After that we are to have
+attention to our case.
+
+P.M. There is particular cause for congratulation in the consideration
+that we took this step this morning, when now we receive a letter from
+H.D. charging us to faithfulness.
+
+When lately I have seen dear L.M.M. in the thoroughness and patience of
+his trial to perform service in hospital, his uneasiness and the
+intensity of his struggle as manifested by his silence and disposition
+to avoid the company of his friends, and seen him fail and declare to
+us, "I cannot stay here," I have received a new proof, and to me a
+strong one, because it is from the experimental knowledge of an honest
+man, that no Friend, who is really such, desiring to keep himself clear
+of complicity with this system of war and to bear a perfect testimony
+against it, can lawfully perform service in the hospitals of the Army in
+lieu of bearing arms.
+
+_10th_ mo., _3d._--Today dawned fair and our Camp is dry again. I was
+asked to clean the gun I brought, and declining, was tied some two hours
+upon the ground.
+
+_6th._ AT WASHINGTON.--At first, after being informed of our declining
+to serve in his hospital, Colonel Foster did not appear altered in his
+kind regard for us. But his spleen soon became evident. At the time we
+asked for a trial by court-martial, and it was his duty to place us
+under arrest and proceed with the preferring of his charges against us.
+For a while he seemed to hesitate and consult his inferior officers, and
+among them his Chaplain. The result of the conference was our being
+ordered into our companies, that, separated, and with the force of the
+officers of a company bearing upon us, we might the more likely be
+subdued. Yet the Colonel assured L.M.M., interceding in my behalf, when
+the lieutenant commanding my company threatened force upon me, that he
+should not allow any personal injury. When we marched next day I was
+compelled to bear a gun and equipments. My associates were more
+fortunate, for, being asked if they would carry their guns, declined and
+saw no more trouble from them. The captain of the company in which P.D.
+was placed told him he did not believe he was ugly about it, and that he
+could only put him under arrest and prefer charges against him. He
+accordingly was taken under guard, where he lay till we left for here.
+
+The next morning the men were busy in burnishing their arms. When I
+looked toward the one I had borne, yellow with rust, I trembled in the
+weakness of the flesh at the trial I felt impending over me. Before the
+Colonel was up I knocked at his tent, but was told he was asleep,
+though, through the opening, I saw him lying gazing at me. Although I
+felt I should gain no relief from him, I applied again soon after. He
+admitted me and, lying on his bed, inquired with cold heartlessness what
+I wanted. I stated to him, that I could never consent to serve, and,
+being under the war-power, was resigned to suffer instead all the just
+penalties of the law. I begged of him release from the attempts by
+violence to compel my obedience and service, and a trial, though likely
+to be made by those having no sympathy with me, yet probably in a
+manner comformable to law.
+
+He replied that he had shown us all the favour he should; that he had,
+now, turned us over to the military power and was going to let that take
+its course; that is, henceforth we were to be at the mercy of the
+inferior officers, without appeal to law, justice, or mercy. He said he
+had placed us in a pleasant position, against which we could have no
+reasonable objection, and that we had failed to perform our agreement.
+He wished to deny that our consent was only temporary and conditional.
+He declared, furthermore, his belief, that a man who would not fight for
+his country did not deserve to live. I was glad to withdraw from his
+presence as soon as I could.
+
+I went back to my tent and lay down for a season of retirement,
+endeavouring to gain resignation to any event. I dreaded torture and
+desired strength of flesh and spirit. My trial soon came. The lieutenant
+called me out, and pointing to the gun that lay near by, asked if I was
+going to clean it. I replied to him, that I could not comply with
+military requisitions, and felt resigned to the consequences. "I do not
+ask about your feelings; I want to know if you are going to clean that
+gun?" "I cannot do it," was my answer. He went away, saying, "Very
+well," and I crawled into the tent again. Two sergeants soon called for
+me, and taking me a little aside, bid me lie down on my back, and
+stretching my limbs apart tied cords to my wrists and ankles and these
+to four stakes driven in the ground somewhat in the form of an X.
+
+I was very quiet in my mind as I lay there on the ground [soaked] with
+the rain of the previous day, exposed to the heat of the sun, and
+suffering keenly from the cords binding my wrists and straining my
+muscles. And, if I dared the presumption, I should say that I caught a
+glimpse of heavenly pity. I wept, not so much from my own suffering as
+from sorrow that such things should be in our own country, where Justice
+and Freedom and Liberty of Conscience have been the annual boast of
+Fourth-of-July orators so many years. It seemed that our forefathers in
+the faith had wrought and suffered in vain, when the privileges they so
+dearly bought were so soon set aside. And I was sad, that one
+endeavouring to follow our dear Master should be so generally regarded
+as a despicable and stubborn culprit.
+
+After something like an hour had passed, the lieutenant came with his
+orderly to ask me if I was ready to clean the gun. I replied to the
+orderly asking the question, that it could but give me pain to be asked
+or required to do anything I believed wrong. He repeated it to the
+lieutenant just behind him, who advanced and addressed me. I was
+favoured to improve the opportunity to say to him a few things I wished.
+He said little; and, when I had finished, he withdrew with the others
+who had gathered around. About the end of another hour his orderly came
+and released me.
+
+I arose and sat on the ground. I did not rise to go away. I had not
+where to go, nothing to do. As I sat there my heart swelled with joy
+from above. The consolation and sweet fruit of tribulation patiently
+endured. But I also grieved, that the world was so far gone astray, so
+cruel and blind. It seemed as if the gospel of Christ had never been
+preached upon earth, and the beautiful example of his life had been
+utterly lost sight of.
+
+Some of the men came about me, advising me to yield, and among them one
+of those who had tied me down, telling me what I had already suffered
+was nothing to what I must yet suffer unless I yielded; that human flesh
+could not endure what they would put upon me. I wondered if it could be
+that they could force me to obedience by torture, and examined myself
+closely to see if they had advanced as yet one step toward the
+accomplishment of their purposes. Though weaker in body, I believed I
+found myself, through divine strength, as firm in my resolution to
+maintain my allegiance to my Master.
+
+The relaxation of my nerves and muscles after having been so tensely
+strained left me that afternoon so weak that I could hardly walk or
+perform any mental exertion.
+
+I had not yet eaten the mean and scanty breakfast I had prepared, when I
+was ordered to pack up my things and report myself at the lieutenant's
+tent. I was accustomed to such orders and complied, little moved.
+
+The lieutenant received me politely with, "Good-morning, Mr. Pringle,"
+and desiring me to be seated, proceeded with the writing with which he
+was engaged. I sat down in some wonderment and sought to be quiet and
+prepared for any event.
+
+"You are ordered to report to Washington," said he; "I do not know what
+it is for." I assured him that neither did I know. We were gathered
+before the Major's tent for preparation for departure. The regimental
+officers were there manifesting surprise and chagrin; for they could not
+but show both as they looked upon us, whom the day before they were
+threatening to crush into submission, and attempting also to execute
+their threats that morning, standing out of their power and under orders
+from one superior to their Major Commanding E.M. As the bird uncaged,
+so were our hearts that morning. Short and uncertain at first were the
+flights of Hope. As the slave many times before us, leaving his yoke
+behind him, turned from the plantations of Virginia and set his face
+toward the far North, so we from out a grasp as close and as abundant in
+suffering and severity, and from without the line of bayonets that had
+so many weeks surrounded us, turned our backs upon the camp of the 4th
+Vermont and took our way over the turnpike that ran through the tented
+fields of Culpeper.
+
+At the War Office we were soon admitted to an audience with the Adjutant
+General, Colonel Townsend, whom we found to be a very fine man, mild and
+kind. He referred our cases to the Secretary of War, Stanton, by whom we
+were ordered to report for service to Surgeon General Hammond. Here we
+met Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Agriculture, waiting for our arrival,
+and James Austin of Nantucket, expecting his son, Charles L. Austin, and
+Edward W. Holway of Sandwich, Mass., conscripted Friends like ourselves,
+and ordered here from the 22nd Massachusetts.
+
+We understand it is through the influence of Isaac Newton that Friends
+have been able to approach the heads of Government in our behalf and to
+prevail with them to so great an extent. He explained to us the
+circumstance in which we are placed. That the Secretary of War and
+President sympathized with Friends in their present suffering, and would
+grant them full release, but that they felt themselves bound by their
+oaths that they would execute the laws, to carry out to its full extent
+the Conscription Act. That there appeared but one door of relief
+open,--that was to parole us and allow us to go home, but subject to
+their call again ostensibly, though this they neither wished nor
+proposed to do. That the fact of Friends in the Army and refusing
+service had attracted public attention so that it was not expedient to
+parole us at present. That, therefore, we were to be sent to one of the
+hospitals for a short time, where it was hoped and expressly requested
+that we would consent to remain quiet and acquiesce, if possible, in
+whatever might be required of us. That our work there would be quite
+free from objection, being for the direct relief of the sick; and that
+there we would release none for active service in the field, as the
+nurses were hired civilians.
+
+These requirements being so much less objectionable than we had feared,
+we felt relief, and consented to them. I.N. went with us himself to the
+Surgeon General's office, where he procured peculiar favours for us:
+that we should be sent to a hospital in the city, where he could see us
+often; and that orders should be given that nothing should interfere
+with our comfort, or our enjoyment of our consciences.
+
+Thence we were sent to Medical Purveyor Abbot, who assigned us to the
+best hospital in the city, the Douglas Hospital.
+
+The next day after our coming here Isaac Newton and James Austin came to
+add to our number E.W.H. and C.L.A., so now there are five of us instead
+of three. We are pleasantly situated in a room by ourselves in the upper
+or fourth story, and are enjoying our advantages of good quarters and
+tolerable food as no one can except he has been deprived of them.
+
+[_10th_ month] _8th._--Today we have a pass to go out to see the city.
+
+_9th._--We all went, thinking to do the whole city in a day, but before
+the time of our passes expired, we were glad to drag ourselves back to
+the rest and quiet of D.H. During the day we called upon our friend
+I.N. in the Patent Office. When he came to see us on the 7th, he stated
+he had called upon the President that afternoon to request him to
+release us and let us go home to our friends. The President promised to
+consider it over-night. Accordingly yesterday morning, as I.N. told us,
+he waited upon him again. He found there a woman in the greatest
+distress. Her son, only a boy of fifteen years and four months, having
+been enticed into the Army, had deserted and been sentenced to be shot
+the next day. As the clerks were telling her, the President was in the
+War Office and could not be seen, nor did they think he could attend to
+her case that day. I.N. found her almost wild with grief. "Do not
+despair, my good woman," said he, "I guess the President can be seen
+after a bit." He soon presented her case to the President, who exclaimed
+at once, "That must not be, I must look into that case, before they
+shoot that boy"; and telegraphed at once to have the order suspended.
+
+I.N. judged it was not a fit time to urge our case. We feel we can
+afford to wait, that a life may be saved. But we long for release. We do
+not feel easy to remain here.
+
+_11th._--Today we attended meeting held in the house of a Friend, Asa
+Arnold, living near here. There were but four persons beside ourselves.
+E.W.H. and C.L.A. showed their copy of the charges about to have been
+preferred against them in court-martial before they left their regiment,
+to a lawyer who attended the meeting. He laughed at the Specification of
+Mutiny, declaring such a charge could not have been lawfully sustained
+against them.
+
+The experiences of our new friends were similar to ours, except they
+fell among officers who usually showed them favour and rejoiced with
+them in their release.
+
+_13th._--L.M.M. had quite an adventure yesterday. He being fireman with
+another was in the furnace room among three or four others, when the
+officer of the day, one of the surgeons, passed around on inspection.
+"Stand up," he ordered them, wishing to be saluted. The others arose;
+but by no means L. The order was repeated for his benefit, but he sat
+with his cap on, telling the surgeon he had supposed he was excused from
+such things as he was one of the Friends. Thereat the officer flew at
+him, exclaiming, he would take the Quaker out of him. He snatched off
+his cap and seizing him by the collar tried to raise him to his feet;
+but finding his strength insufficient and that L. was not to be
+frightened, he changed his purpose in his wrath and calling for the
+corporal of the guard had him taken to the guard-house. This was about
+eleven A.M. and he lay there till about six P.M., when the surgeon in
+charge, arriving home and hearing of it, ordered the officer of the day
+to go and take him out, telling him never to put another man into the
+guard-house while he was in charge here without consulting him. The
+manner of his release was very satisfactory to us, and we waited for
+this rather than effect it by our own efforts. We are all getting uneasy
+about remaining here, and if our release do not come soon, we feel we
+must intercede with the authorities, even if the alternative be
+imprisonment.
+
+The privations I have endured since leaving home, the great tax upon my
+nervous strength, and my mind as well, since I have had charge of our
+extensive correspondence, are beginning to tell upon my health and I
+long for rest.
+
+_20th._ We begin to feel we shall have to decline service as
+heretofore, unless our position is changed. I shall not say but we
+submit too much in not declining at once, but it has seemed most prudent
+at least to make suit with Government rather than provoke the hostility
+of their subalterns. We were ordered here with little understanding of
+the true state of things as they really exist here; and were advised by
+Friends to come and make no objections, being assured it was but for a
+very brief time and only a matter of form. It might not have been wrong;
+but as we find we do too much fill the places of soldiers (L.M.M.'s
+fellow fireman has just left for the field, and I am to take his place,
+for instance), and are clearly doing military service, we are
+continually oppressed by a sense of guilt, that makes our struggles
+earnest.
+
+_21st._--I.N. has not called yet; our situation is becoming almost
+intolerable. I query if patience is justified under the circumstances.
+My distress of mind may be enhanced by my feeble condition of health,
+for today I am confined to my bed, almost too weak to get downstairs.
+This is owing to exposure after being heated over the furnaces.
+
+_26th._--Though a week has gone by, and my cold has left me, I find I am
+no better, and that I am reduced very low in strength and flesh by the
+sickness and pain I am experiencing. Yet I still persist in going below
+once a day. The food I am able to get is not such as is proper.
+
+_11th_ mo., _5th._--I spend most of my time on my bed, much of it alone.
+And very precious to me is the nearness unto the Master I am favoured to
+attain to. Notwithstanding my situation and state, I am happy in the
+enjoyment of His consolations. Lately my confidence has been strong, and
+I think I begin to feel that our patience is soon to be rewarded with
+relief; insomuch that a little while ago, when dear P.D. was almost
+overcome with sorrow, I felt bold to comfort him with the assurance of
+my belief, that it would not be long so. My mind is too weak to allow of
+my reading much; and, though I enjoy the company of my companions a part
+of the time, especially in the evening, I am much alone; which affords
+me abundant time for meditation and waiting upon God. The fruits of this
+are sweet, and a recompense for affliction.
+
+_6th._--Last evening E.W.H. saw I.N. particularly on my behalf, I
+suppose. He left at once for the President. This morning he called to
+inform us of his interview at the White House. The President was moved
+to sympathy in my behalf, when I.N. gave him a letter from one of our
+Friends in New York. After its perusal he exclaimed to our friend, "I
+want you to go and tell Stanton that it is my wish all those young men
+be sent home at once." He was on his way to the Secretary this morning
+as he called.
+
+Later. I.N. has just called again informing us in joy that we are free.
+At the War Office he was urging the Secretary to consent to our paroles,
+when the President entered. "It is my urgent wish," said he. The
+Secretary yielded; the order was given, and we were released. What we
+had waited for so many weeks was accomplished in a few moments by a
+Providential ordering of circumstances.
+
+_7th._--I.N. came again last evening bringing our paroles. The
+preliminary arrangements are being made, and we are to start this
+afternoon for New York.
+
+_Note._ Rising from my sick-bed to undertake this journey, which lasted
+through the night, its fatigues overcame me, and upon my arrival in New
+York I was seized with delirium from which I only recovered after many
+weeks, through the mercy and favour of Him, who in all this trial had
+been our guide and strength and comfort.
+
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+The following pages contain advertisements of a few of the Macmillan
+books on kindred subjects
+
+
+
+
+The Heart of the Puritan
+
+By ELIZABETH DEERING HANSCOM
+
+_$1.50_
+
+The purpose of this volume is stated by the editor in these words: "I
+determined to bring together in one place in a convenient compendium, as
+it were, some gleanings from many and dusty tomes, some fragments of
+reality, in the hope that from them might radiate for others, as for me,
+shafts of light to penetrate the past." The result is unique in the
+revelation afforded in the Puritans' own words of their daily walk and
+conversation and of that inner temper which governed their public acts.
+The range is from orders for clothes and directions for an Atlantic
+voyage to the soul searchings of Cotton Mather and the spiritual
+ecstasies of Mrs. Jonathan Edwards.
+
+The idea is a happy one, and Miss Hanscom carries it through with great
+tact and deftness.
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+The Tree of Heaven
+
+By MAY SINCLAIR
+
+_Cloth, $1.60_
+
+A singularly penetrating story of modern life, written in the author's
+very best manner. The scheme, the root motive of the book, may be said
+to be a vindication of the present generation--the generation that was
+condemned as neurotic and decadent by common consent a little more than
+three years ago, but is now enduring the ordeal of the war with great
+singleness of heart. This theme, in Miss Sinclair's hands, assumes big
+proportions and gives her at the same time ample opportunity for
+character analysis, in which art she is equalled by few contemporary
+writers.
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+Fairhope: The Annals of a Country Church
+
+By EDGAR DEWITT JONES
+
+_Cloth, 12mo., $1.25_
+
+Fairhope meeting-house is in the northermost country of Kentucky, in the
+midst of a populous farming community. In this book Mr. Jones, a
+life-long member of the community, tells the story of Fairhope
+meeting-house. The book is a remarkably sympathetic and appealing
+account of a phase of American rural life at a time when religion was
+always the uppermost topic in people's minds.
+
+"Simple narratives of our people, our preachers, and the lights and
+shadows of our rural religious life"--is the author's modest description
+of his work. But this gives no hint of the book's peculiar charm. Those
+who love birds and stretches of green meadow, glimpses of lordly and
+high hills, the soil and the sincere life lived on it, will find here a
+genuine delight.
+
+Above all is the interest in the preachers themselves. "There were
+giants in those days, and for the most part our ministers were good and
+noble men. Of their goodness and sincerity these annals bear witness!"
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+Christine
+
+By ALICE CHOLMONDELEY
+
+_Cloth, 12mo., $1.25_
+
+"A book which is true in essentials--so real that one is tempted to
+doubt whether it is fiction at all--doubly welcome and doubly
+important.... It would be difficult indeed to find a book in which the
+state of mind of the German people is pictured so cleverly, with so much
+understanding and convincing detail.... Intelligent, generous,
+sweet-natured, broadminded, quick to see and to appreciate all that is
+beautiful either in nature or in art, rejoicing humbly over her own
+great gift, endowed with a keen sense of humour, Christine's is a
+thoroughly wholesome and lovable character. But charming as Christine's
+personality and her literary style both are, the main value of the book
+lies in its admirably lucid analysis of the German mind."--_New York
+Times._
+
+"Absolutely different from preceding books of the war. Its very freedom
+and girlishness of expression, its very simplicity and open-heartedness,
+prove the truth of its pictures."--_New York World._
+
+"A luminous story of a sensitive and generous nature, the spontaneous
+expression of one spirited, affectionate, ardently ambitious, and
+blessed with a sense of humour."--_Boston Herald._
+
+"The next time some sentimental old lady of either sex, who 'can't see
+why we have to send our boys abroad,' comes into your vision, and you
+know they are too unintelligent (they usually are) to understand a
+serious essay, try to trap them into reading 'Christine.' If you succeed
+we know it will do them good."--_Town and Country._
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Record of a Quaker Conscience,
+Cyrus Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RECORD OF A QUAKER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 16088-8.txt or 16088-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/0/8/16088/
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/16088-8.zip b/16088-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..310a8c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088-8.zip
diff --git a/16088-h.zip b/16088-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db808d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088-h.zip
diff --git a/16088-h/16088-h.htm b/16088-h/16088-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f272901
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088-h/16088-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,2012 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Record Of A Quaker Conscience: Cyrus Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle, With An Introduction By Rufus M. Jones.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em;
+         }
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+         text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+         clear: both;
+         }
+    hr { width: 33%;
+	 margin-top: 2em;
+	 margin-bottom: 2em;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+
+    table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;}
+
+    body{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+        }
+
+    .linenum  {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */
+    .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .pagenum  {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */
+    .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em;
+               padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em;
+               float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em;
+               font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;}
+
+    .bb       {border-bottom: solid 2px;}
+    .bl       {border-left: solid 2px;}
+    .bt       {border-top: solid 2px;}
+    .br       {border-right: solid 2px;}
+    .bbox     {border: solid 2px;}
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .right   {text-align: right;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+    .u        {text-decoration: underline;}
+
+    .caption  {font-weight: bold;}
+
+    .figcenter   {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
+
+    .figleft     {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top:
+                 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;}
+
+    .figright    {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;
+                 margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;}
+
+    .footnotes        {border: dashed 1px;}
+    .footnote         {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;}
+    .footnote .label  {right: 84%; text-align: right;}
+    .fnanchor         {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;}
+
+    .poem             {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;}
+    .poem br          {display: none;}
+    .poem .stanza     {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;}
+    .poem span.i0     {display: block; margin-left: 0em;}
+    .poem span.i2     {display: block; margin-left: 2em;}
+    .poem span.i4     {display: block; margin-left: 4em;}
+    // -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus
+Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus Pringle's Diary
+       With an Introduction by Rufus M. Jones
+
+Author: Cyrus Pringle
+
+Commentator: Rufus M. Jones
+
+Release Date: June 18, 2005 [EBook #16088]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RECORD OF A QUAKER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>THE RECORD OF A<br />
+QUAKER CONSCIENCE</h1>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<!-- Page 2 -->
+<p><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 244px;">
+<img src="images/logo.png" width="244" height="80" alt="Macmillan Logo" title="Macmillan Logo" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">new york &middot; boston &middot; chicago &middot; dallas<br />
+atlanta &middot; san francisco</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">MACMILLAN &amp; CO., <span class="smcap">Limited</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">london &middot; bombay &middot; calcutta<br />
+melbourne</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, <span class="smcap">Ltd.</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">toronto</span>
+</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class="center"><!-- Page 3 --><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a></p>
+<h1>THE RECORD OF A<br />
+QUAKER CONSCIENCE</h1>
+
+
+<h2>CYRUS PRINGLE'S DIARY</h2>
+
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">with an introduction by</span><br />
+RUFUS M. JONES</h3>
+
+
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">New York</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center">1918</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>All rights reserved</i>
+</p>
+
+
+
+<p><!-- Page 4 --><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a></p>
+<p class="center">Copyright, 1913<br />
+<span class="smcap">By The Atlantic Monthly Company</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright</span>, 1918<br />
+<span class="smcap">By</span> THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center">Set up and printed. Published, February, 1918</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>Transcriber's Note:</b></p>
+
+<div style="margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%;">
+<p><i>Several unusual spellings have been kept as in the original, including:
+northermost ("Fairhope meeting-house is in the northermost country") and
+comformable ("yet probably in a manner comformable to").</i></p>
+
+<p><i>In some cases, variant spellings of the same word are used, as in the
+case of "enrolment" and "enrollment", "therefor" and "therefore", "well meant"
+and "well-meant". These have been comfirmed with the original.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>In referring to God, there is also inconsistency in the use of "His"
+versus "his" and "Him" versus "him".</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><!-- Page 5 --><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a></p>
+<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+
+<p>The body of this little book consists of the personal diary of a young
+Quaker named Cyrus Guernsey Pringle of Charlotte, Vermont. He was
+drafted for service in the Union Army, July 13th, 1863. Under the
+existing draft law a person who had religious scruples against engaging
+in war was given the privilege of paying a commutation fine of three
+hundred dollars. This commutation money Pringle's conscience would not
+allow him to pay. A prosperous uncle proposed to pay it surreptitiously
+for him, but the honest-minded youth discovered the plan and refused to
+accept the well meant kindness, since he believed, no doubt rightly,
+that this money would be used to pay for an army <!-- Page 6 --><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>substitute in his
+place. The Diary relates in simple, na&iuml;ve style the experiences which
+befell the narrator as he followed his hard path of duty, and
+incidentally it reveals a fine and sensitive type of character, not
+unlike that which comes so beautifully to light in the Journal of John
+Woolman.</p>
+
+<p>This is plainly not the psychological moment to study the highly complex
+and delicate problem of conscience. The strain and tension of world
+issues disturb our judgment. We cannot if we would turn away from the
+events and movements that affect the destiny of nations to dwell calmly
+and securely upon our own inner, private actions. It is never easy, even
+when the world is most normal and peaceful, to mark off with sharp lines
+the area of individual freedom. No person ever lives unto himself or is
+sufficient to himself. He is inextricably woven into the tissue of the
+social group. His privileges, his <!-- Page 7 --><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>responsibilities, his obligations are
+forever over-individual and come from beyond his narrow isolated life.
+If he is to be a rational being at all he must <i>relate</i> his life to
+others and share in some measure their triumphs and their tragedies.</p>
+
+<p>But at the same time the most precious thing in the universe is that
+mysterious thing we call individual liberty and which even God himself
+guards and respects. Up to some point, difficult certainly to delimit, a
+man must be captain of his soul. He cannot be a <i>person</i> if he does not
+have a sphere of power over his own act. To treat him as a puppet of
+external forces, or a mere cog in a vast social mechanism, is to wipe
+out the unique distinction between person and thing. Somewhere the free
+spirit must take its stand and claim its God-given distinction. If life
+is to be at all worth while there must be some boundary within which the
+soul holds its own <!-- Page 8 --><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>august and ultimate tribunal. That Sanctuary domain
+within the soul the Quakers, ever since their origin in the period of
+the English Commonwealth, have always guarded as the most sacred
+possession a man can have.</p>
+
+<p>No grave difficulty, at least in the modern world, is involved in this
+faith, until it suddenly comes into conflict with the urgent
+requirements of social efficiency. When the social group is fused with
+emotion and moves almost as an undivided unit toward some end, then the
+claim of a right, on the ground of conscience, for the individual to
+deviate from the group and to pursue another or an opposite course
+appears serious if not positively insufferable. The abstract principle
+of individual liberty all modern persons grant; the strain comes when
+some one proposes to insist upon a concrete instance of it which
+involves implications that may <!-- Page 9 --><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>endanger the ends which the intensified
+group is pursuing. A situation of this type confronts the Quakers
+whenever their country engages in war, since as a people they feel that
+they cannot fight or take any part in military operations.</p>
+
+<p>They do not find it an easy thing to give a completely rational ground
+for their opposition to war. Nor, as a matter of fact, is it any more
+easy for the militarist to rationalize his method of solving world
+difficulties. Both are evidently actuated by instinctive forces which
+lie far beneath the level of pure reason.</p>
+
+<p>The roots of the Quakers' opposition to war go deep down into the soil
+of the past. They are the outgrowth and culmination of a long spiritual
+movement. They carry along, in their ideas, emotions, habits and
+attitudes, tendencies which have been unconsciously sucked in with their
+mother's milk, <!-- Page 10 --><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>and which, therefore, cannot be held up and analysed.
+The mystics, the humanists, the anabaptists, the spiritual reformers,
+are forerunners of the Quaker. They are a necessary part of his
+pedigree,&mdash;and they were all profoundly opposed to war. This attitude
+has become an integral part of the vital stock of truth by which the
+Quaker lives his spiritual life, and to violate it is for him to stop
+living "the way of truth," as the early Quakers quaintly called their
+religious faith.</p>
+
+<p>But the Quakers have never been champions of the negative. They do not
+take kindly to the r&ocirc;le of being "antis." Their negations grow out of
+their insistent affirmations. If they are <i>against</i> an established
+institution or custom it is because they are <i>for</i> some other way of
+life which seems to them divinely right, and their first obligation is
+to incarnate that way of life. They cannot, <!-- Page 11 --><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>therefore, stand apart in
+monastic seclusion and safely watch the swirl of forces which they
+silently disapprove. If in war-time they do not fight, they <i>do</i>
+something else. They accept and face the dangers incident to their way
+of life. They feel a compulsion to take up and in some measure to bear
+the burden of the world's suffering. They endeavour to exhibit, humbly
+and modestly, the power of sacrificial love, freely, joyously given, and
+they venture all that the brave can venture to carry their faith into
+life and action. In the American civil war, in the Franco-Prussian, the
+South African, the Balkan, the Russo-Japanese, small bands of Quakers
+revealed the same spirit of service and the same obliviousness to danger
+which have marked the larger groups that have manned the ambulance units
+and the war-victims' relief and reconstruction work of this world war.
+In this present crisis they <!-- Page 12 --><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>have gone wherever they could go,&mdash;to
+Belgium, to France, to Russia, to Italy, to Serbia and Greece and Syria
+and Mesopotamia,&mdash;to carry into operation the forces of restoration and
+of reconstruction. They have not stood aloof as spectators of the
+world's tragedy. They have entered into it and shared it, and they have
+counted neither money nor life dear to themselves in their desire to
+reveal the power of redeeming and transforming love.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the sincerity of the Quaker conviction about war has made itself
+felt and limited legislative provisions have been made, especially in
+England and America, to meet the claims of conscience. The problem which
+confronts the law-maker, even when he is sympathetic with the rights of
+conviction, is the grave difficulty of determining where to draw the
+line of special exception to general requirements and how to discover
+<!-- Page 13 --><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>the sincerity of conscientious objection to war. The "slacker" is
+always a stern possibility. There must be no holes in the net for him to
+escape through. The makers of armies naturally want every man who can be
+spared from civilian life and can be utilized for military operations.
+It has consequently often seemed necessary for law-makers to be narrow
+and hard toward the obviously sincere for fear of being too easy and
+lenient with those suspected of having sham consciences.</p>
+
+<p>During the Civil War in America, President Lincoln, eager as he was to
+win the war, was always deeply in sympathy with the Quakers, and he
+stretched his administrative powers to their full limit to provide
+relief for conscientious convictions. In the early stages of the great
+conflict the President wrote the following kindly note in answer to a
+message from New England Yearly Meet<!-- Page 14 --><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a>ing of the Society of Friends:
+"Engaged as I am, in a great war, I fear it will be difficult for the
+world to understand how fully I appreciate the principles of peace
+inculcated in this letter [of yours] and every where by the Society of
+Friends."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Both he and Secretary Stanton made many positive efforts to
+find some way of providing for the tender consciences of Friends without
+being unfair to the rights of others. They even requested American
+Friends to call a conference to consider how to find a satisfactory
+solution of the problem. Such a conference was held in Baltimore,
+December 7th, 1863, and the Friends there assembled expressed great
+appreciation of "the kindness evinced at all times by the President and
+Secretary of War." A delegation from this conference visited Washington
+and, in co-operation with<!-- Page 15 --><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a> Secretary Stanton, succeeded in securing a
+clause in the enrolment bill, declaring Friends to be non-combatants,
+assigning all drafted Friends to hospital service or work among
+freedmen, and further providing for the entire exemption of Friends from
+military service on the payment of $300 into a fund for the relief of
+sick and wounded.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>On several occasions Friends in larger or smaller groups went to
+Washington for times of prayer and spiritual communion with the great
+President. These times were deeply appreciated by the heavily burdened
+man. Tears ran down his cheeks, we are told, as he sat bowed in solemn
+silence or knelt as some moved Friend prayed for him to Almighty God.
+Writing of the visit of Isaac and Sarah Harvey of Clinton County,<!-- Page 16 --><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a> Ohio,
+in the autumn of 1862, Lincoln tenderly said: "May the Lord comfort them
+as they have sustained me." A letter written by the President in 1862 to
+Eliza P. Gurney, one of a small group of Friends who visited him and
+prayed with him in the autumn of that year, reveals forcibly how he
+regarded these occasions:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I am glad of this interview, and glad to know that I have your
+sympathy and prayers. We are indeed going through a great trial&mdash;a
+fiery trial. In the very responsible position in which I happen to
+be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly
+Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out his great purposes,
+I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to his
+will, and that it might be so, I have sought his aid; but if, after
+endeavouring to do my best in the light which he affords me, I find
+my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to
+me, his will is otherwise. If I had had my way, this war would
+never have been commenced. If I had been allowed my way, this war
+would have been ended before this; but we find it still continues,
+and we must believe that he permits it for some wise purpose <!-- Page 17 --><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>of
+his own, mysterious and unknown to us; and though with our limited
+understandings we may not be able to comprehend it, yet we cannot
+but believe that he who made the world still governs it."</p></div>
+
+<p>Somewhat later President Lincoln wrote again to Eliza P. Gurney
+requesting her to exercise her freedom to write to him as he felt the
+need of spiritual help and reinforcement. Her letter of reply so closely
+touched him and spoke to his condition that he carried it about with him
+and it was found in his coat pocket at the time of his death, twenty
+months after it was written. In the autumn of 1864, President Lincoln,
+still impressed by the message which he had received, wrote a memorable
+letter to Eliza P. Gurney. It was as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I have not forgotten&mdash;probably never shall forget&mdash;the very
+impressive occasion when yourself and friends visited me on a
+Sabbath forenoon two years ago. Nor has your kind letter, written
+nearly a year later, ever been forgotten. In all it has <!-- Page 18 --><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>been your
+purpose to strengthen my reliance on God. I am much indebted to the
+good Christian people of the country for their constant prayers and
+consolations; and to no one of them more than to yourself. The
+purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we
+erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance. We
+hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before
+this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet
+acknowledge his wisdom, and our own error therein. Meanwhile we
+must work earnestly in the best lights he gives us, trusting that
+so working still conduces to the great ends he ordains. Surely he
+intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no
+mortal could make, and no mortal could stay. Your people, the
+Friends, have had, and are having, a very great trial. On principle
+and faith opposed to both war and oppression, they can only
+practically oppose oppression by war. In this dilemma some have
+chosen one horn and some the other. For those appealing to me on
+conscientious grounds, I have done, and shall do, the best I could
+and can, in my own conscience, under my oath to the law. That you
+believe this I doubt not; and, believing it, I shall still receive
+for our country and myself your earnest prayers to our Father in
+heaven."</p></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 19 --><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>It is, then, not surprising that President Lincoln was "moved with
+sympathy" when he heard the story of Pringle's suffering for conscience,
+or that he quietly said to the Secretary of War, "It is my urgent wish
+that this Friend be released."</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span class="smcap">Rufus M. Jones.</span></p>
+
+<p>Haverford, Pa.,<br />
+December, 1917.<br />
+</p>
+
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Nicolay and Hay: "Abraham Lincoln," Vol. VI, p. 328.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Secretary Stanton endeavoured to provide that this
+commutation money should be made into a fund for the care of freedmen.
+This suggestion was, however, not adopted by Congress.</p></div></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 20 --><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a></p><p><!-- Page 21 --><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><!-- Page 22 --><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a></p><p><!-- Page 23 --><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a></p>
+<h2>THE RECORD OF A QUAKER CONSCIENCE</h2>
+
+
+<p>At Burlington, Vt., on the 13th of the seventh month, 1863, I was
+drafted. Pleasant are my recollections of the 14th. Much of that rainy
+day I spent in my chamber, as yet unaware of my fate; in writing and
+reading and in reflecting to compose my mind for any event. The day and
+the exercise, by the blessing of the Father, brought me precious
+reconciliation to the will of Providence.</p>
+
+<p>With ardent zeal for our Faith and the cause of our peaceable
+principles; and almost disgusted at the lukewarmness and unfaithfulness
+of very many who profess these; and considering how heavily slight
+crosses bore upon their shoulders, I felt to say, "Here am<!-- Page 24 --><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a> I, Father,
+for thy service. As thou will." May I trust it was He who called me and
+sent me forth with the consolation: "My grace is sufficient for thee."
+Deeply have I felt many times since that I am nothing without the
+companionship of the Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>I was to report on the 27th. Then, loyal to our country, Wm. Lindley
+Dean and I appeared before the Provost Marshal with a statement of our
+cases. We were ordered for a hearing on the 29th. On the afternoon of
+that day W.L.D. was rejected upon examination of the Surgeon, but my
+case not coming up, he remained with me,&mdash;much to my strength and
+comfort. Sweet was his converse and long to be remembered, as we lay
+together that warm summer night on the straw of the barracks. By his
+encouragement much was my mind strengthened; my desires for a pure life,
+and my resolutions for good. In him and those of whom he spoke I <!-- Page 25 --><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>saw
+the abstract beauty of Quakerism. On the next morning came Joshua M.
+Dean to support me and plead my case before the Board of Enrollment. On
+the day after, the 31st, I came before the Board. Respectfully those men
+listened to the exposition of our principles; and, on our representing
+that we looked for some relief from the President, the marshal released
+me for twenty days. Meanwhile appeared Lindley M. Macomber and was
+likewise, by the kindness of the marshal, though they had received
+instructions from the Provost Marshal General to show such claims no
+partiality, released to appear on the 20th day of the eighth month.</p>
+
+<p>All these days we were urged by our acquaintances to pay our commutation
+money; by some through well-meant kindness and sympathy; by others
+through interest in the war; and by others still through a belief they
+entertained it was our duty. But we confess <!-- Page 26 --><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>a higher duty than that to
+country; and, asking no military protection of our Government and
+grateful for none, deny any obligation to support so unlawful a system,
+as we hold a war to be even when waged in opposition to an evil and
+oppressive power and ostensibly in defence of liberty, virtue, and free
+institutions; and, though touched by the kind interest of friends, we
+could not relieve their distress by a means we held even more sinful
+than that of serving ourselves, as by supplying money to hire a
+substitute we would not only be responsible for the result, but be the
+agents in bringing others into evil. So looking to our Father alone for
+help, and remembering that "Whoso loseth his life for my sake shall find
+it; but whoso saveth it shall lose it," we presented ourselves again
+before the Board, as we had promised to do when released. Being offered
+four days more of time, we accepted it as affording opportunity <!-- Page 27 --><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>to
+visit our friends; and moreover as there would be more probability of
+meeting Peter Dakin at Rutland.</p>
+
+<p>Sweet was the comfort and sympathy of our friends as we visited them.
+There was a deep comfort, as we left them, in the thought that so many
+pure and pious people follow us with their love and prayers. Appearing
+finally before the marshal on the 24th, suits and uniforms were selected
+for us, and we were called upon to give receipts for them. L.M.M. was on
+his guard, and, being first called upon, declared he could not do so, as
+that would imply acceptance. Failing to come to any agreement, the
+matter was postponed till next morning, when we certified to the fact
+that the articles were "with us." Here I must make record of the
+kindness of the marshal, Rolla Gleason, who treated us with respect and
+kindness. He had spoken with respect of our Society; had <!-- Page 28 --><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>given me
+furloughs to the amount of twenty-four days, when the marshal at Rutland
+considered himself restricted by his oath and duty to six days; and here
+appeared in person to prevent any harsh treatment of us by his
+sergeants; and though much against his inclinations, assisted in putting
+on the uniform with his own hands. We bade him farewell with grateful
+feelings and expressions of fear that we should not fall into as tender
+hands again; and amid the rain in the early morning, as the town clock
+tolled the hour of seven, we were driven amongst the flock that was
+going forth to the slaughter, down the street and into the cars for
+Brattleboro. Dark was the day with murk and cloud and rain; and, as we
+rolled down through the narrow vales of eastern Vermont, somewhat of the
+shadow crept into our hearts and filled them with dark apprehensions of
+evil fortune ahead; of long, hopeless trials; of abuse from <!-- Page 29 --><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>inferior
+officers; of contempt from common soldiers; of patient endurance (or an
+attempt at this), unto an end seen only by the eye of a strong faith.</p>
+
+<p>Herded into a car by ourselves, we conscripts, substitutes, and the
+rest, through the greater part of the day, swept over the fertile
+meadows along the banks of the White River and the Connecticut, through
+pleasant scenes that had little of delight for us. At Woodstock we were
+joined by the conscripts from the 1st District,&mdash;altogether an inferior
+company from those before with us, who were honest yeomen from the
+northern and mountainous towns, while these were many of them
+substitutes from the cities.</p>
+
+<p>At Brattleboro we were marched up to the camp; our knapsacks and persons
+searched; and any articles of citizen's dress taken from us; and then
+shut up in a rough board building under a guard. Here the prospect was
+<!-- Page 30 --><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>dreary, and I felt some lack of confidence in our Father's arm, though
+but two days before I wrote to my dear friend, E.M.H.,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">I go tomorrow where the din<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of war is in the sulphurous air.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I go the Prince of Peace to serve,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His cross of suffering to bear.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>Brattleboro, <i>26th</i>, <i>8th</i> month, 1863.&mdash;Twenty-five or thirty caged
+lions roam lazily to and fro through this building hour after hour
+through the day. On every side without, sentries pace their slow beat,
+bearing loaded muskets. Men are ranging through the grounds or hanging
+in synods about the doors of the different buildings, apparently without
+a purpose. Aimless is military life, except betimes its aim is deadly.
+Idle life blends with violent death-struggles till the man is unmade a
+man; and henceforth there is little of manhood about him. Of a man he is
+made a soldier, which is a man-destroy<!-- Page 31 --><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>ing machine in two senses,&mdash;a
+thing for the prosecuting or repelling an invasion like the block of
+stone in the fortress or the plate of iron on the side of the Monitor.
+They are alike. I have tried in vain to define a difference, and I see
+only this. The iron-clad with its gun is the bigger soldier: the more
+formidable in attack, the less liable to destruction in a given time;
+the block the most capable of resistance; both are equally obedient to
+officers. Or the more perfect is the soldier, the more nearly he
+approaches these in this respect.</p>
+
+<p>Three times a day we are marched out to the mess houses for our rations.
+In our hands we carry a tin plate, whereon we bring back a piece of
+bread (sour and tough most likely), and a cup. Morning and noon a piece
+of meat, antique betimes, bears company with the bread. They who wish it
+receive in their cups two sorts of decoctions:<!-- Page 32 --><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a> in the morning burnt
+bread, or peas perhaps, steeped in water with some saccharine substance
+added (I dare not affirm it to be sugar). At night steeped tea extended
+by some other herbs probably and its pungency and acridity assuaged by
+the saccharine principle aforementioned. On this we have so far
+subsisted and, save some nauseating, comfortably. As we go out and
+return, on right and left and in front and rear go bayonets. Some
+substitutes heretofore have escaped and we are not to be neglected in
+our attendants. Hard beds are healthy, but I query cannot the result be
+defeated by the <i>degree</i>? Our mattresses are boards. Only the slight
+elasticity of our thin blankets breaks the fall of our flesh and bones
+thereon. Oh! now I praise the discipline I have received from uncarpeted
+floors through warm summer nights of my boyhood.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 33 --><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>The building resounds with petty talk; jokes and laughter and swearing.
+Something more than that. Many of the caged lions are engaged with
+cards, and money changes hands freely. Some of the caged lions read, and
+some sleep, and so the weary day goes by.</p>
+
+<p>L.M.M. and I addressed the following letter to Governor Holbrook and
+hired a corporal to forward it to him.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Brattleboro, Vt.</span>, <i>26th</i>, <i>8th</i> month, 1863.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Frederick Holbrook</span>,</p>
+<p class="center">Governor of Vermont:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<p>We, the undersigned members of the Society of Friends, beg leave to
+represent to thee, that we were lately drafted in the 3d Dist. of
+Vermont, have been forced into the army and reached the camp near this
+town yesterday.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 34 --><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>That in the language of the elders of our New York Yearly Meeting, "We
+love our country and acknowledge with gratitude to our Heavenly Father
+the many blessings we have been favoured with under the government; and
+can feel no sympathy with any who seek its overthrow."</p>
+
+<p>But that, true to well-known principles of our Society, we cannot
+violate our religious convictions either by complying with military
+requisitions or by the equivalents of this compliance,&mdash;the furnishing
+of a substitute or payment of commutation money. That, therefore, we are
+brought into suffering and exposed to insult and contempt from those who
+have us in charge, as well as to the penalties of insubordination,
+though liberty of conscience is granted us by the Constitution of
+Vermont as well as that of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore, we beg of thee as Governor of our State any assistance thou
+may be able to <!-- Page 35 --><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>render, should it be no more than the influence of thy
+position interceding in our behalf.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+Truly Thy Friend,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Cyrus G. Pringle</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;We are informed we are to be sent to the vicinity of Boston
+tomorrow.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><i>27th.</i>&mdash;On board train to Boston. The long afternoon of yesterday
+passed slowly away. This morning passed by,&mdash;the time of our stay in
+Brattleboro, and we neither saw nor heard anything of our Governor. We
+suppose he could not or would not help us. So as we go down to our trial
+we have no arm to lean upon among all men; but why dost thou complain,
+oh, my Soul? Seek thou that faith that will prove a buckler to thy
+breast, and gain for thee the protection of an arm mightier than the
+arms of all men.</p>
+
+<p><i>28th.</i> <span class="smcap">Camp Vermont: Long Island, Boston Harbour.</span>&mdash;In the
+early morning damp and cool we marched down off the <!-- Page 36 --><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>heights of
+Brattleboro to take train for this place. Once in the car the dashing
+young cavalry officer, who had us in charge, gave notice he had placed
+men through the cars, with loaded revolvers, who had orders to shoot any
+person attempting to escape, or jump from the window, and that any one
+would be shot if he even put his head out of the window. Down the
+beautiful valley of the Connecticut, all through its broad intervales,
+heavy with its crops of corn or tobacco, or shaven smooth by the summer
+harvest; over the hard and stony counties of northern Massachusetts,
+through its suburbs and under the shadow of Bunker Hill Monument we came
+into the City of Boston, "the Hub of the Universe." Out through street
+after street we were marched double guarded to the wharves, where we
+took a small steamer for the island some six miles out in the harbour. A
+circumstance connected with this <!-- Page 37 --><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>march is worth mentioning for its
+singularity: at the head of this company, like convicts (and feeling
+very much like such), through the City of Boston walked, with heavy
+hearts and down-cast eyes, two Quakers.</p>
+
+<p>Here on this dry and pleasant island in the midst of the beautiful
+Massachusetts Bay, we have the liberty of the camp, the privilege of air
+and sunshine and hay beds to sleep upon. So we went to bed last night
+with somewhat of gladness elevating our depressed spirits.</p>
+
+<p>Here are many troops gathering daily from all the New England States
+except Connecticut and Rhode Island. Their white tents are dotting the
+green slopes and hilltops of the island and spreading wider and wider.
+This is the flow of military tide here just now. The ebb went out to sea
+in the shape of a great shipload just as we came <!-- Page 38 --><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>in, and another load
+will be sent before many days. All is war here. We are surrounded by the
+pomp and circumstance of war, and enveloped in the cloud thereof. The
+cloud settles down over the minds and souls of all; they cannot see
+beyond, nor do they try; but with the clearer eye of Christian faith I
+try to look beyond all this error unto Truth and Holiness immaculate:
+and thanks to our Father, I am favoured with glimpses that are sweet
+consolation amid this darkness.</p>
+
+<p>This is one gratification: the men with us give us their sympathy. They
+seem to look upon us tenderly and pitifully, and their expressions of
+kind wishes are warm. Although we are relieved from duty and from drill,
+and may lie in our tents during rain and at night, we have heard of no
+complaint. This is the more worthy of note as there are so few in our
+little (Vermont) camp. Each man comes on guard half the days. It would
+<!-- Page 39 --><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>probably be otherwise were their hearts in the service; but I have yet
+to find the man in any of these camps or at any service who does not
+wish himself at home. Substitutes say if they knew all they know now
+before leaving home they would not have enlisted; and they have been but
+a week from their homes and have endured no hardships. Yesterday L.M.M.
+and I appeared before the Captain commanding this camp with a statement
+of our cases. He listened to us respectfully and promised to refer us to
+the General commanding here, General Devens; and in the meantime
+released us from duty. In a short time afterward he passed us in our
+tent, asking our names. We have not heard from him, but do not drill or
+stand guard; so, we suppose, his release was confirmed. At that
+interview a young lieutenant sneeringly told us he thought we had better
+throw away our scruples and fight in the service of the coun<!-- Page 40 --><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>try; and as
+we told the Captain we could not accept pay, he laughed mockingly, and
+said he would not stay here for $13.00 per month. He gets more than a
+hundred, I suppose.</p>
+
+<p>How beautiful seems the world on this glorious morning here by the
+seaside! Eastward and toward the sun, fair green isles with outlines of
+pure beauty are scattered over the blue bay. Along the far line of the
+mainland white hamlets and towns glisten in the morning sun; countless
+tiny waves dance in the wind that comes off shore and sparkle sunward
+like myriads of gems. Up the fair vault, flecked by scarcely a cloud,
+rolls the sun in glory. Though fair be the earth, it has come to be
+tainted and marred by him who was meant to be its crowning glory. Behind
+me on this island are crowded vile and wicked men, the murmur of whose
+ribaldry riseth continually like the smoke and <!-- Page 41 --><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>fumes of a lower world.
+Oh! Father of Mercies, forgive the hard heartlessness and blindness and
+scarlet sins of my fellows, my brothers.</p>
+
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">prison experiences for conscience' sake&mdash;our prison</span></h3>
+
+<p><i>31st.</i>, <i>8th</i> month, 1863. <span class="smcap">In Guard House</span>.&mdash;Yesterday morning
+L.M.M. and I were called upon to do fatigue duty. The day before we were
+asked to do some cleaning about camp and to bring water. We wished to be
+obliging, to appear willing to bear a hand toward that which would
+promote our own and our fellows' health and convenience; but as we
+worked we did not feel easy. Suspecting we had been assigned to such
+work, the more we discussed in our minds the subject, the more clearly
+the right way seemed opened to us; and we separately came to the
+judgment that we must not con<!-- Page 42 --><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>form to this requirement. So when the
+sergeant bade us "Police the streets," we asked him if he had received
+instructions with regard to us, and he replied we had been assigned to
+"Fatigue Duty." L.M.M. answered him that we could not obey. He left us
+immediately for the Major (Jarvis of Weathersfield, Vt.). He came back
+and ordered us to the Major's tent. The latter met us outside and
+inquired concerning the complaint he had heard of us. Upon our statement
+of our position, he apparently undertook to argue our whimsies, as he
+probably looked upon our principles, out of our heads. We replied to his
+points as we had ability; but he soon turned to bullying us rather than
+arguing with us, and would hardly let us proceed with a whole sentence.
+"I make some pretension to religion myself," he said; and quoted the Old
+Testament freely in support of war. Our terms were, sub<!-- Page 43 --><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>mission or the
+guard-house. We replied we could not obey.</p>
+
+<p>This island was formerly occupied by a company, who carried on the large
+farm it comprises and opened a great hotel as a summer resort.</p>
+
+<p>The subjects of all misdemeanours, grave and small, are here confined.
+Those who have deserted or attempted it; those who have insulted
+officers and those guilty of theft, fighting, drunkenness, etc. In
+<i>most</i>, as in the camps, there are traces yet of manhood and of the
+Divine Spark, but some are abandoned, dissolute. There are many here
+among the substitutes who were actors in the late New York riots. They
+show unmistakably the characteristics and sentiments of those rioters,
+and, especially, hatred to the blacks drafted and about camp, and
+exhibit this in foul and profane jeers heaped upon these unoffending men
+at every opportunity.<!-- Page 44 --><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a> In justice to the blacks I must say they are
+superior to the whites in all their behaviour.</p>
+
+<p><i>31st.</i> <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&mdash;Several of us were a little time ago called out
+one by one to answer inquiries with regard to our offences. We replied
+we could not comply with military requisitions. P.D., being last, was
+asked if he would die first, and replied promptly but mildly, <i>Yes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Here we are in prison in our own land for no crimes, no offence to God
+nor man; nay, more: we are here for obeying the commands of the Son of
+God and the influences of his Holy Spirit. I must look for patience in
+this dark day. I am troubled too much and excited and perplexed.</p>
+
+<p><i>1st.</i>, <i>9th</i> month.&mdash;Oh, the horrors of the past night&mdash;I never before
+experienced such <i>sensations</i> and fears; and never did I feel so clearly
+that I had nothing but the hand of our Father to shield me from evil.
+Last night <!-- Page 45 --><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>we three lay down together on the floor of a lower room of
+which we had taken possession. The others were above. We had but one
+blanket between us and the floor, and one over us. The other one we had
+lent to a wretched deserter who had skulked into our room for <i>relief</i>,
+being without anything of his own. We had during the day gained the
+respect of the fellows, and they seemed disposed to let us occupy our
+room in peace. I cannot say in quiet, for these caged beasts are
+restless, and the resonant boards of this old building speak of bedlam.
+The thin board partitions, the light door fastened only by a pine stick
+thrust into a wooden loop on the casing, seemed small protection in case
+of assault; but we lay down to sleep in quiet trust. But we had scarcely
+fallen asleep before we were awakened by the demoniac howlings and
+yellings of a man just brought into the next room, and allowed the
+liberty of <!-- Page 46 --><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>the whole house. He was drunk, and further seemed to be
+labouring under delirium tremens. He crashed about furiously, and all
+the more after the guard tramped heavily in and bound him with
+handcuffs, and chain and ball. Again and again they left, only to return
+to quiet him by threats or by crushing him down to the floor and gagging
+him. In a couple of hours he became quiet and we got considerable sleep.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning the fellow came into our room apologizing for the
+intrusion. He appeared a smart, fine-looking young man, restless and
+uneasy. P.D. has a way of disposing of intruders that is quite
+effectual. I have not entirely disposed of some misgivings with respect
+to the legitimacy of his use of the means, so he commenced reading aloud
+in the Bible. The fellow was impatient and noisy, but he soon settled
+down on the floor beside him. As he listened and talked with <!-- Page 47 --><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>us the
+recollections of his father's house and his innocent childhood were
+awakened. He was the child of pious parents, taught in Sabbath School
+and under pure home influences till thirteen. Then he was drawn into bad
+company, soon after leaving home for the sea; and, since then, has
+served in the army and navy,&mdash;in the army in Wilson's and Hawkins's
+[brigades]. His was the old story of the total subjection of moral power
+and thralldom to evil habits and associates. He would get drunk,
+whenever it was in his power. It was wrong; but he could not help it.
+Though he was awakened and recollected his parents looking long and in
+vain for his return, he soon returned to camp, to his wallowing in the
+mire, and I fear to his path to certain perdition.</p>
+
+<p><i>3d.</i> [9th month.]&mdash;A Massachusetts major, the officer of the day, in
+his inspection of the guard-house came into our room to<!-- Page 48 --><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>day. We were
+lying on the floor engaged in reading and writing. He was apparently
+surprised at this and inquired the name of our books; and finding the
+Bible and Thomas &agrave; Kempis's <i>Imitation of Christ</i>, observed that they
+were good books. I cannot say if he knew we were Friends, but he asked
+us why we were in here.</p>
+
+<p>Like all officers he proceeded to reason with us, and to advise us to
+serve, presenting no comfort if we still persisted in our course. He
+informed us of a young Friend, Edward W. Holway of Sandwich, Mass.,
+having been yesterday under punishment in the camp by his orders, who
+was today doing service about camp. He said he was not going to put his
+Quaker in the guard-house, but was going to bring him to work by
+punishment. We were filled with deep sympathy for him and desired to
+cheer him by kind words as well as by the knowledge of our similar
+situa<!-- Page 49 --><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>tion. We obtained permission of the Major to write to him a letter
+open to his inspection. "You may be sure," said E.W.H. to us at W., "the
+Major did not allow it to leave his hands."</p>
+
+<p>This forenoon the Lieutenant of the Day came in and acted the same part,
+though he was not so cool, and left expressing the hope, if we would not
+serve our country like men, that God would curse us. Oh, the trials from
+these officers! One after another comes in to relieve himself upon us.
+Finding us firm and not lacking in words, they usually fly into a
+passion and end by bullying us. How can we reason with such men? They
+are utterly unable to comprehend the pure Christianity and spirituality
+of our principles. They have long stiffened their necks in their own
+strength. They have stopped their ears to the voice of the Spirit, and
+hardened their hearts to his influences. They see no duty <!-- Page 50 --><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>higher than
+that to country. What shall we receive at their hands?</p>
+
+<p>This Major tells us we will not be tried here. Then we are to be sent
+into the field, and there who will deliver us but God? Ah, I have nursed
+in my heart a hope that I may be spared to return home. Must I cast it
+out and have no desire, but to do the will of my Master. It were better,
+even so. O, Lord, Thy will be done. Grant I may make it my chief delight
+and render true submission thereto.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday a little service was required of our dear L.M.M., but he
+insisted he could not comply. A sergeant and two privates were engaged.
+They coaxed and threatened him by turns, and with a determination not to
+be baffled took him out to perform it. Though guns were loaded he still
+stood firm and was soon brought back. We are happy here in
+guard-house,&mdash;too happy, too much <!-- Page 51 --><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>at ease. We should see more of the
+Comforter,&mdash;feel more strength,&mdash;if the trial were fiercer; but this is
+well. This is a trial of strength of patience.</p>
+
+<p><i>6th.</i> [9th month.]&mdash;Yesterday we had officers again for visitors. Major
+J.B. Gould, 13th Massachusetts, came in with the determination of
+persuading us to consent to be transferred to the hospital here, he
+being the Provost Marshal of the island and having the power to make the
+transfer. He is different in being and bearing from those who have been
+here before. His motives were apparently those of pure kindness, and his
+demeanour was that of a gentleman. Though he talked with us more than an
+hour, he lost no part of his self-control or good humour. So by his
+eloquence and kindness he made more impression upon us than any before.
+As Congregationalist he well knew the courts of the temple, but the Holy
+of Holies he had <!-- Page 52 --><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>never seen, and knew nothing of its secrets. He
+understood expediency; but is not the man to "lay down his life for my
+sake." He is sincere and seems to think what Major Gould believes cannot
+be far from right. After his attempt we remained as firm as ever. We
+must expect all means will be tried upon us, and no less persuasion than
+threats.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">At the Hospital</span>, <i>7th.</i> [9th month.]&mdash;Yesterday morning came to
+us Major Gould again, informing us that he had come to take us out of
+that dirty place, as he could not see such respectable men lying there,
+and was going to take us up to the hospital. We assured him we could not
+serve there, and asked him if he would not bring us back when we had
+there declared our purpose. He would not reply directly; but brought us
+here and left us. When the surgeon knew our determination, he was for
+haling us back at once; what he wanted, he said, was willing men.<!-- Page 53 --><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a> We
+sat on the sward without the hospital tents till nearly noon, for some
+one to take us back; when we were ordered to move into the tents and
+quarters assigned us in the mess-room. The Major must have interposed,
+demonstrating his kindness by his resolution that we should occupy and
+enjoy the pleasanter quarters of the hospital, certainly if serving; but
+none the less so if we declined. Later in the day L.M.M. and P.D. were
+sitting without, when he passed them and, laughing heartily, declared
+they were the strangest prisoners of war he ever saw. He stopped some
+time to talk with them and when they came in they declared him a kind
+and honest man.</p>
+
+<p>If we interpret aright his conduct, this dangerous trial is over, and we
+have escaped the perplexities that his kindness and determination threw
+about us.</p>
+
+<p><i>13th.</i>&mdash;Last night we received a letter <!-- Page 54 --><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>from Henry Dickinson, stating
+that the President, though sympathizing with those in our situation,
+felt bound by the Conscription Act, and felt liberty, in view of his
+oath to execute the laws, to do no more than detail us from active
+service to hospital duty, or to the charge of the coloured refugees. For
+more than a week have we lain here, refusing to engage in hospital
+service; shall we retrace the steps of the past week? Or shall we go
+South as overseers of the blacks on the confiscated estates of the
+rebels, to act under military commanders and to report to such? What
+would become of our testimony and our determination to preserve
+ourselves clear of the guilt of this war?</p>
+
+<p>P.S. We have written back to Henry Dickinson that we cannot purchase
+life at cost of peace of soul.</p>
+
+<p><i>14th.</i>&mdash;We have been exceeding sorrowful since receiving advice&mdash;as we
+must call <!-- Page 55 --><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>it&mdash;from H.D. to enter the hospital service or some similar
+situation. We did not look for that from him. It is not what our Friends
+sent us out for; nor is it what we came for. We shall feel desolate and
+dreary in our position, unless supported and cheered by the words of
+those who have at heart our best interests more than regard for our
+personal welfare. We walk as we feel guided by Best Wisdom. Oh, may we
+run and not err in the high path of Holiness.</p>
+
+<p><i>16th.</i>&mdash;Yesterday a son-in-law of N.B. of Lynn came to see us. He was
+going to get passes for one or two of the Lynn Friends, that they might
+come over to see us today. He informed us that the sentiment of the
+Friends hereabouts was that we might enter the hospital without
+compromising our principles; and he produced a letter from W.W. to S.B.
+to the same effect. W.W. expressed his opinion that we might do so
+without doing <!-- Page 56 --><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>it in lieu of other service. How can we evade a fact?
+Does not the government both demand and accept it as in lieu of other
+service? Oh, the cruelest blow of all comes from our friends.</p>
+
+<p><i>17th.</i>&mdash;Although this trial was brought upon us by our friends, their
+intentions were well meant. Their regard for our personal welfare and
+safety too much absorbs the zeal they should possess for the maintenance
+of the principle of the peaceableness of our Master's kingdom. An
+unfaithfulness to this through meekness and timidity seems
+manifest,&mdash;too great a desire to avoid suffering at some sacrifice of
+principle, perhaps,&mdash;too little of placing of Faith and confidence upon
+the Rock of Eternal Truth.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends at home, with W.D. at their head, support us; and yesterday,
+at the opportune moment, just as we were most distressed by the
+solicitations of our visitors, <!-- Page 57 --><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>kind and cheering words of Truth were
+sent us through dear C.M.P., whose love rushes out to us warm and living
+and just from an overflowing fountain.</p>
+
+<p>I must record another work of kind attention shown us by Major Gould.
+Before we embarked, he came to us for a friendly visit. As we passed him
+on our way to the wharf he bade us Farewell and expressed a hope we
+should not have so hard a time as we feared. And after we were aboard
+the steamer, as the result of his interference on our behalf, we must
+believe, we were singled out from the midst of the prisoners, among whom
+we had been placed previous to coming aboard, and allowed the liberty of
+the vessel. By this are we saved much suffering, as the other prisoners
+were kept under close guard in a corner on the outside of the boat.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Forest City up the Potomac</span>. <i>22nd.</i> [9th month.]&mdash;It was near
+noon, yesterday, <!-- Page 58 --><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>when we turned in from sea between Cape Charles and
+Henry; and, running thence down across the mouth of Chesapeake Bay,
+alongside Old Point Comfort, dropped anchor off Fortress Monroe. The
+scene around us was one of beauty, though many of its adornments were
+the results and means of wrong. The sunshine was brighter, the verdure
+greener to our eyes weary of the sea, and the calm was milder and more
+grateful that we had so long tossed in the storm.</p>
+
+<p>The anchor was soon drawn up again and the <i>Forest City</i> steamed up the
+James River toward Newport News, and turning to the left between the
+low, pine-grown banks, passed Norfolk to leave the New Hampshire
+detachment at Portsmouth.</p>
+
+<p>Coming back to Fortress Monroe, some freight was landed; and in the calm
+clear light of the moon, we swung away from shore and dropping down the
+mouth of the river, <!-- Page 59 --><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>rounded Old Point, and, going up the Chesapeake,
+entered the Potomac in the night-time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Off Shore, Alexandria.</span> <i>23d.</i>&mdash;Here we anchored last night
+after the main detachment was landed, and the Vermont and Massachusetts
+men remained on board another night. We hear we are to go right to the
+field, where active operations are going on. This seems hard. We have
+not till now given up the hope that we were not to go out into Virginia
+with the rest of the men, but were to be kept here at Washington.
+Fierce, indeed, are our trials. I am not discouraged entirely; but I am
+weak from want of food which I can eat, and from sickness. I do not know
+how I am going to live in such way, or get to the front.</p>
+
+<p>P.S. We have just landed; and I had the liberty to buy a pie of a woman
+hawking such things, that has strengthened me wonderfully.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Camp near Culpeper.</span> <i>25th.</i>&mdash;My <!-- Page 60 --><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>distress is too great for
+words; but I must overcome my disinclination to write, or this record
+will remain unfinished. So, with aching head and heart, I proceed.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday morning we were roused early for breakfast and for preparation
+for starting. After marching out of the barracks, we were first taken to
+the armory, where each man received a gun and its equipments and a piece
+of tent. We stood in line, waiting for our turn with apprehensions of
+coming trouble. Though we had felt free to keep with those among whom we
+had been placed, we could not consent to carry a gun, even though we did
+not intend to use it; and, from our previous experience, we knew it
+would go harder with us, if we took the first step in the wrong
+direction, though it might seem an unimportant one, and an easy and not
+very wrong way to avoid difficulty. So we felt decided we must decline
+receiving the guns.<!-- Page 61 --><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a> In the hurry and bustle of equipping a detachment
+of soldiers, one attempting to explain a position and the grounds
+therefor so peculiar as ours to junior, petty officers, possessing
+liberally the characteristics of these: pride, vanity, conceit, and an
+arbitrary spirit, impatience, profanity, and contempt for holy things,
+must needs find the opportunity a very unfavourable one.</p>
+
+<p>We succeeded in giving these young officers a slight idea of what we
+were; and endeavoured to answer their questions of why we did not pay
+our commutation, and avail ourselves of that provision made expressly
+for such; of why we had come as far as that place, etc. We realized then
+the unpleasant results of that practice, that had been employed with us
+by the successive officers into whose hands we had fallen,&mdash;of shirking
+any responsibility, and of passing us on to the next officer above.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 62 --><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>A council was soon holden to decide what to do with us. One proposed to
+place us under arrest, a sentiment we rather hoped might prevail, as it
+might prevent our being sent on to the front; but another, in some spite
+and impatience, insisted, as it was their duty to supply a gun to every
+man and forward him, that the guns should be put upon us, and we be made
+to carry them. Accordingly the equipment was buckled about us, and the
+straps of the guns being loosened, they were thrust over our heads and
+hung upon our shoulders. In this way we were urged forward through the
+streets of Alexandria; and, having been put upon a long train of dirt
+cars, were started for Culpeper. We came over a long stretch of
+desolated and deserted country, through battlefields of previous
+summers, and through many camps now lively with the work of this present
+campaign. Seeing, for the first time, a country made <!-- Page 63 --><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>dreary by the
+war-blight, a country once adorned with groves and green pastures and
+meadows and fields of waving grain, and happy with a thousand homes, now
+laid with the ground, one realizes as he can in no other way something
+of the ruin that lies in the trail of a war. But upon these fields of
+Virginia, once so fair, there rests a two-fold blight, first that of
+slavery, now that of war. When one contrasts the face of this country
+with the smiling hillsides and vales of New England, he sees stamped
+upon it in characters so marked, none but a blind man can fail to read,
+the great irrefutable arguments against slavery and against war, too;
+and must be filled with loathing for these twin relics of barbarism, so
+awful in the potency of their consequences that they can change even the
+face of the country.</p>
+
+<p>Through the heat of this long ride, we felt our total lack of water and
+the meagreness <!-- Page 64 --><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>of our supply of food. Our thirst became so oppressive
+as we were marched here from Culpeper, some four miles with scarcely a
+halt to rest, under our heavy loads, and through the heat and deep dust
+of the road, that we drank water and dipped in the brooks we passed,
+though it was discoloured with the soap the soldiers had used in
+washing. The guns interfered with our walking, and, slipping down,
+dragged with painful weight upon our shoulders. Poor P.D. fell out from
+exhaustion and did not come in till we had been some little time at the
+camp. We were taken to the 4th Vermont regiment and soon apportioned to
+companies. Though we waited upon the officer commanding the company in
+which we were placed, and endeavoured to explain our situation, we were
+required immediately after to be present at inspection of arms. We
+declined, but an attempt was made to force us to obedience, <!-- Page 65 --><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>first, by
+the officers of the company, then, by those of the regiment; but,
+failing to exact obedience of us, we were ordered by the colonel to be
+tied, and, if we made outcry, to be gagged also, and to be kept so till
+he gave orders for our release. After two or three hours we were
+relieved and left under guard; lying down on the ground in the open air,
+and covering ourselves with our blankets, we soon fell asleep from
+exhaustion, and the fatigue of the day.</p>
+
+<p>This morning the officers told us we must yield. We must obey and serve.
+We were threatened great severities and even death. We seem perfectly at
+the mercy of the military power, and, more, in the hands of the inferior
+officers, who, from their being far removed from Washington, feel less
+restraint from those Regulations of the Army, which are for the
+protection of privates from personal abuse.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 66 --><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a><i>26th.</i> [<i>9th</i> month.]&mdash;Yesterday my mind was much agitated: doubts and
+fears and forebodings seized me. I was alone, seeking a resting-place
+and finding none. It seemed as if God had forsaken me in this dark hour;
+and the Tempter whispered, that after all I might be only the victim of
+a delusion. My prayers for faith and strength seemed all in vain.</p>
+
+<p>But this morning I enjoy peace, and feel as though I could face
+anything. Though I am as a lamb in the shambles, yet do I cry, "Thy will
+be done," and can indeed say,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Passive to His holy will<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Trust I in my Master still<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Even though he slay me.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>I mind me of the anxiety of our dear friends about home, and of their
+prayers for us.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, praise be to the Lord for the peace and love and resignation that
+has filled my soul <!-- Page 67 --><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>today! Oh, the passing beauty of holiness! There is
+a holy life that is above fear; it is a close communion with Christ. I
+pray for this continually but am not free from the shadow and the
+tempter. There is ever present with us the thought that perhaps we shall
+serve the Lord the most effectually by our death, and desire, if that be
+the service He requires of us, that we may be ready and resigned.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Regimental Hospital</span>, 4th Vermont. <i>29th.</i> [<i>9th</i> month.]&mdash;On
+the evening of the 26th the Colonel came to us apologizing for the
+roughness with which he treated us at first, which was, as he insisted,
+through ignorance of our real character and position. He told us if we
+persisted in our course, death would probably follow; though at another
+time he confessed to P.D. that this would only be the extreme sentence
+of court-martial.</p>
+
+<p>He urged us to go into the hospital, stating <!-- Page 68 --><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>that this course was
+advised by Friends about New York. We were too well aware of such a fact
+to make any denial, though it was a subject of surprise to us that he
+should be informed of it. He pleaded with us long and earnestly, urging
+us with many promises of indulgence and favour and attentions we found
+afterwards to be untrue. He gave us till the next morning to consider
+the question and report our decision. In our discussion of the subject
+among ourselves, we were very much perplexed. If all his statements
+concerning the ground taken by our Society were true, we seemed to be
+liable, if we persisted in the course which alone seemed to us to be in
+accordance with Truth, to be exposed to the charge of over-zeal and
+fanaticism even among our own brethren. Regarding the work to be done in
+hospital as one of mercy and benevolence, we asked if we had any right
+to refuse its performance; and questioned <!-- Page 69 --><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>whether we could do more good
+by endeavouring to bear to the end a clear testimony against war, than
+by labouring by word and deed among the needy in the hospitals and
+camps. We saw around us a rich field for usefulness in which there were
+scarce any labourers, and toward whose work our hands had often started
+involuntarily and unbidden. At last we consented to a trial, at least
+till we could make inquiries concerning the Colonel's allegations, and
+ask the counsel of our friends, reserving the privilege of returning to
+our former position.</p>
+
+<p>At first a great load seemed rolled away from us; we rejoiced in the
+prospect of life again. But soon there prevailed a feeling of
+condemnation, as though we had sold our Master. And that first day was
+one of the bitterest I ever experienced. It was a time of stern conflict
+of soul. The voice that seemed to say, "Follow me," as I sought
+<!-- Page 70 --><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>guidance the night before, kept pleading with me, convincing of sin,
+till I knew of a truth my feet had strayed from His path. The
+Scriptures, which the day before I could scarcely open without finding
+words of strength and comfort, seemed closed against me, till after a
+severe struggle alone in the wood to which I had retired, I consented to
+give up and retrace my steps in faith. But it was too late. L.M.M.
+wishing to make a fair, honest trial, we were brought here&mdash;P.D. being
+already here unwell. We feel we are erring; but scarce anything is
+required of us and we wait to hear from Friends.</p>
+
+<p>Of these days of going down into sin, I wish to make little mention. I
+would that my record of such degradation be brief. We wish to come to an
+understanding with our friends and the Society before we move, but it
+does not seem that we can repress the up<!-- Page 71 --><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>heavings of Truth in our
+hearts. We are bruised by sin.</p>
+
+<p>It is with pleasure I record we have just waited upon the Colonel with
+an explanation of our distress of mind, requesting him to proceed with
+court-martial. We were kindly and tenderly received. "If you want a
+trial I can give it to you," he answered. The brigade has just marched
+out to join with the division for inspection. After that we are to have
+attention to our case.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">p.m.</span> There is particular cause for congratulation in the
+consideration that we took this step this morning, when now we receive a
+letter from H.D. charging us to faithfulness.</p>
+
+<p>When lately I have seen dear L.M.M. in the thoroughness and patience of
+his trial to perform service in hospital, his uneasiness and the
+intensity of his struggle as mani<!-- Page 72 --><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>fested by his silence and disposition
+to avoid the company of his friends, and seen him fail and declare to
+us, "I cannot stay here," I have received a new proof, and to me a
+strong one, because it is from the experimental knowledge of an honest
+man, that no Friend, who is really such, desiring to keep himself clear
+of complicity with this system of war and to bear a perfect testimony
+against it, can lawfully perform service in the hospitals of the Army in
+lieu of bearing arms.</p>
+
+<p><i>10th</i> mo., <i>3d.</i>&mdash;Today dawned fair and our Camp is dry again. I was
+asked to clean the gun I brought, and declining, was tied some two hours
+upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p><i>6th.</i> <span class="smcap">At Washington</span>.&mdash;At first, after being informed of our
+declining to serve in his hospital, Colonel Foster did not appear
+altered in his kind regard for us. But his spleen soon became evident.
+At the time we asked for a trial by court-martial, and it was <!-- Page 73 --><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>his duty
+to place us under arrest and proceed with the preferring of his charges
+against us. For a while he seemed to hesitate and consult his inferior
+officers, and among them his Chaplain. The result of the conference was
+our being ordered into our companies, that, separated, and with the
+force of the officers of a company bearing upon us, we might the more
+likely be subdued. Yet the Colonel assured L.M.M., interceding in my
+behalf, when the lieutenant commanding my company threatened force upon
+me, that he should not allow any personal injury. When we marched next
+day I was compelled to bear a gun and equipments. My associates were
+more fortunate, for, being asked if they would carry their guns,
+declined and saw no more trouble from them. The captain of the company
+in which P.D. was placed told him he did not believe he was ugly about
+it, and that he could only put him under arrest <!-- Page 74 --><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>and prefer charges
+against him. He accordingly was taken under guard, where he lay till we
+left for here.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the men were busy in burnishing their arms. When I
+looked toward the one I had borne, yellow with rust, I trembled in the
+weakness of the flesh at the trial I felt impending over me. Before the
+Colonel was up I knocked at his tent, but was told he was asleep,
+though, through the opening, I saw him lying gazing at me. Although I
+felt I should gain no relief from him, I applied again soon after. He
+admitted me and, lying on his bed, inquired with cold heartlessness what
+I wanted. I stated to him, that I could never consent to serve, and,
+being under the war-power, was resigned to suffer instead all the just
+penalties of the law. I begged of him release from the attempts by
+violence to compel my obedience and service, and a trial, though likely
+to be <!-- Page 75 --><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>made by those having no sympathy with me, yet probably in a
+manner comformable to law.</p>
+
+<p>He replied that he had shown us all the favour he should; that he had,
+now, turned us over to the military power and was going to let that take
+its course; that is, henceforth we were to be at the mercy of the
+inferior officers, without appeal to law, justice, or mercy. He said he
+had placed us in a pleasant position, against which we could have no
+reasonable objection, and that we had failed to perform our agreement.
+He wished to deny that our consent was only temporary and conditional.
+He declared, furthermore, his belief, that a man who would not fight for
+his country did not deserve to live. I was glad to withdraw from his
+presence as soon as I could.</p>
+
+<p>I went back to my tent and lay down for a season of retirement,
+endeavouring to gain <!-- Page 76 --><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>resignation to any event. I dreaded torture and
+desired strength of flesh and spirit. My trial soon came. The lieutenant
+called me out, and pointing to the gun that lay near by, asked if I was
+going to clean it. I replied to him, that I could not comply with
+military requisitions, and felt resigned to the consequences. "I do not
+ask about your feelings; I want to know if you are going to clean that
+gun?" "I cannot do it," was my answer. He went away, saying, "Very
+well," and I crawled into the tent again. Two sergeants soon called for
+me, and taking me a little aside, bid me lie down on my back, and
+stretching my limbs apart tied cords to my wrists and ankles and these
+to four stakes driven in the ground somewhat in the form of an X.</p>
+
+<p>I was very quiet in my mind as I lay there on the ground [soaked] with
+the rain of the previous day, exposed to the heat of the sun, <!-- Page 77 --><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>and
+suffering keenly from the cords binding my wrists and straining my
+muscles. And, if I dared the presumption, I should say that I caught a
+glimpse of heavenly pity. I wept, not so much from my own suffering as
+from sorrow that such things should be in our own country, where Justice
+and Freedom and Liberty of Conscience have been the annual boast of
+Fourth-of-July orators so many years. It seemed that our forefathers in
+the faith had wrought and suffered in vain, when the privileges they so
+dearly bought were so soon set aside. And I was sad, that one
+endeavouring to follow our dear Master should be so generally regarded
+as a despicable and stubborn culprit.</p>
+
+<p>After something like an hour had passed, the lieutenant came with his
+orderly to ask me if I was ready to clean the gun. I replied to the
+orderly asking the question, that it could but give me pain to be asked
+or required <!-- Page 78 --><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>to do anything I believed wrong. He repeated it to the
+lieutenant just behind him, who advanced and addressed me. I was
+favoured to improve the opportunity to say to him a few things I wished.
+He said little; and, when I had finished, he withdrew with the others
+who had gathered around. About the end of another hour his orderly came
+and released me.</p>
+
+<p>I arose and sat on the ground. I did not rise to go away. I had not
+where to go, nothing to do. As I sat there my heart swelled with joy
+from above. The consolation and sweet fruit of tribulation patiently
+endured. But I also grieved, that the world was so far gone astray, so
+cruel and blind. It seemed as if the gospel of Christ had never been
+preached upon earth, and the beautiful example of his life had been
+utterly lost sight of.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the men came about me, advising <!-- Page 79 --><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>me to yield, and among them one
+of those who had tied me down, telling me what I had already suffered
+was nothing to what I must yet suffer unless I yielded; that human flesh
+could not endure what they would put upon me. I wondered if it could be
+that they could force me to obedience by torture, and examined myself
+closely to see if they had advanced as yet one step toward the
+accomplishment of their purposes. Though weaker in body, I believed I
+found myself, through divine strength, as firm in my resolution to
+maintain my allegiance to my Master.</p>
+
+<p>The relaxation of my nerves and muscles after having been so tensely
+strained left me that afternoon so weak that I could hardly walk or
+perform any mental exertion.</p>
+
+<p>I had not yet eaten the mean and scanty breakfast I had prepared, when I
+was ordered to pack up my things and report myself at the lieutenant's
+tent. I was accus<!-- Page 80 --><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>tomed to such orders and complied, little moved.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant received me politely with, "Good-morning, Mr. Pringle,"
+and desiring me to be seated, proceeded with the writing with which he
+was engaged. I sat down in some wonderment and sought to be quiet and
+prepared for any event.</p>
+
+<p>"You are ordered to report to Washington," said he; "I do not know what
+it is for." I assured him that neither did I know. We were gathered
+before the Major's tent for preparation for departure. The regimental
+officers were there manifesting surprise and chagrin; for they could not
+but show both as they looked upon us, whom the day before they were
+threatening to crush into submission, and attempting also to execute
+their threats that morning, standing out of their power and under orders
+from one superior to their Major Commanding E.M. As the <!-- Page 81 --><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>bird uncaged,
+so were our hearts that morning. Short and uncertain at first were the
+flights of Hope. As the slave many times before us, leaving his yoke
+behind him, turned from the plantations of Virginia and set his face
+toward the far North, so we from out a grasp as close and as abundant in
+suffering and severity, and from without the line of bayonets that had
+so many weeks surrounded us, turned our backs upon the camp of the 4th
+Vermont and took our way over the turnpike that ran through the tented
+fields of Culpeper.</p>
+
+<p>At the War Office we were soon admitted to an audience with the Adjutant
+General, Colonel Townsend, whom we found to be a very fine man, mild and
+kind. He referred our cases to the Secretary of War, Stanton, by whom we
+were ordered to report for service to Surgeon General Hammond. Here we
+met Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Ag<!-- Page 82 --><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>riculture, waiting for our arrival,
+and James Austin of Nantucket, expecting his son, Charles L. Austin, and
+Edward W. Holway of Sandwich, Mass., conscripted Friends like ourselves,
+and ordered here from the 22nd Massachusetts.</p>
+
+<p>We understand it is through the influence of Isaac Newton that Friends
+have been able to approach the heads of Government in our behalf and to
+prevail with them to so great an extent. He explained to us the
+circumstance in which we are placed. That the Secretary of War and
+President sympathized with Friends in their present suffering, and would
+grant them full release, but that they felt themselves bound by their
+oaths that they would execute the laws, to carry out to its full extent
+the Conscription Act. That there appeared but one door of relief
+open,&mdash;that was to parole us and allow us to go home, but subject to
+their call again ostensibly, though <!-- Page 83 --><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>this they neither wished nor
+proposed to do. That the fact of Friends in the Army and refusing
+service had attracted public attention so that it was not expedient to
+parole us at present. That, therefore, we were to be sent to one of the
+hospitals for a short time, where it was hoped and expressly requested
+that we would consent to remain quiet and acquiesce, if possible, in
+whatever might be required of us. That our work there would be quite
+free from objection, being for the direct relief of the sick; and that
+there we would release none for active service in the field, as the
+nurses were hired civilians.</p>
+
+<p>These requirements being so much less objectionable than we had feared,
+we felt relief, and consented to them. I.N. went with us himself to the
+Surgeon General's office, where he procured peculiar favours for us:
+that we should be sent to a hospital in the city, where he could see us
+often; and that orders should <!-- Page 84 --><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>be given that nothing should interfere
+with our comfort, or our enjoyment of our consciences.</p>
+
+<p>Thence we were sent to Medical Purveyor Abbot, who assigned us to the
+best hospital in the city, the Douglas Hospital.</p>
+
+<p>The next day after our coming here Isaac Newton and James Austin came to
+add to our number E.W.H. and C.L.A., so now there are five of us instead
+of three. We are pleasantly situated in a room by ourselves in the upper
+or fourth story, and are enjoying our advantages of good quarters and
+tolerable food as no one can except he has been deprived of them.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>10th</i> month] <i>8th.</i>&mdash;Today we have a pass to go out to see the city.</p>
+
+<p><i>9th.</i>&mdash;We all went, thinking to do the whole city in a day, but before
+the time of our passes expired, we were glad to drag ourselves back to
+the rest and quiet of D.H.<!-- Page 85 --><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a> During the day we called upon our friend
+I.N. in the Patent Office. When he came to see us on the 7th, he stated
+he had called upon the President that afternoon to request him to
+release us and let us go home to our friends. The President promised to
+consider it over-night. Accordingly yesterday morning, as I.N. told us,
+he waited upon him again. He found there a woman in the greatest
+distress. Her son, only a boy of fifteen years and four months, having
+been enticed into the Army, had deserted and been sentenced to be shot
+the next day. As the clerks were telling her, the President was in the
+War Office and could not be seen, nor did they think he could attend to
+her case that day. I.N. found her almost wild with grief. "Do not
+despair, my good woman," said he, "I guess the President can be seen
+after a bit." He soon presented her case to the President, who exclaimed
+at once, "That <!-- Page 86 --><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>must not be, I must look into that case, before they
+shoot that boy"; and telegraphed at once to have the order suspended.</p>
+
+<p>I.N. judged it was not a fit time to urge our case. We feel we can
+afford to wait, that a life may be saved. But we long for release. We do
+not feel easy to remain here.</p>
+
+<p><i>11th.</i>&mdash;Today we attended meeting held in the house of a Friend, Asa
+Arnold, living near here. There were but four persons beside ourselves.
+E.W.H. and C.L.A. showed their copy of the charges about to have been
+preferred against them in court-martial before they left their regiment,
+to a lawyer who attended the meeting. He laughed at the Specification of
+Mutiny, declaring such a charge could not have been lawfully sustained
+against them.</p>
+
+<p>The experiences of our new friends were similar to ours, except they
+fell among offi<!-- Page 87 --><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>cers who usually showed them favour and rejoiced with
+them in their release.</p>
+
+<p><i>13th.</i>&mdash;L.M.M. had quite an adventure yesterday. He being fireman with
+another was in the furnace room among three or four others, when the
+officer of the day, one of the surgeons, passed around on inspection.
+"Stand up," he ordered them, wishing to be saluted. The others arose;
+but by no means L. The order was repeated for his benefit, but he sat
+with his cap on, telling the surgeon he had supposed he was excused from
+such things as he was one of the Friends. Thereat the officer flew at
+him, exclaiming, he would take the Quaker out of him. He snatched off
+his cap and seizing him by the collar tried to raise him to his feet;
+but finding his strength insufficient and that L. was not to be
+frightened, he changed his purpose in his wrath and calling for the
+corporal of the guard had him taken to the guard-house.<!-- Page 88 --><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a> This was about
+eleven <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and he lay there till about six <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, when
+the surgeon in charge, arriving home and hearing of it, ordered the
+officer of the day to go and take him out, telling him never to put
+another man into the guard-house while he was in charge here without
+consulting him. The manner of his release was very satisfactory to us,
+and we waited for this rather than effect it by our own efforts. We are
+all getting uneasy about remaining here, and if our release do not come
+soon, we feel we must intercede with the authorities, even if the
+alternative be imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>The privations I have endured since leaving home, the great tax upon my
+nervous strength, and my mind as well, since I have had charge of our
+extensive correspondence, are beginning to tell upon my health and I
+long for rest.</p>
+
+<p><i>20th.</i> We begin to feel we shall have to <!-- Page 89 --><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>decline service as
+heretofore, unless our position is changed. I shall not say but we
+submit too much in not declining at once, but it has seemed most prudent
+at least to make suit with Government rather than provoke the hostility
+of their subalterns. We were ordered here with little understanding of
+the true state of things as they really exist here; and were advised by
+Friends to come and make no objections, being assured it was but for a
+very brief time and only a matter of form. It might not have been wrong;
+but as we find we do too much fill the places of soldiers (L.M.M.'s
+fellow fireman has just left for the field, and I am to take his place,
+for instance), and are clearly doing military service, we are
+continually oppressed by a sense of guilt, that makes our struggles
+earnest.</p>
+
+<p><i>21st.</i>&mdash;I.N. has not called yet; our situation is becoming almost
+intolerable. I query <!-- Page 90 --><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>if patience is justified under the circumstances.
+My distress of mind may be enhanced by my feeble condition of health,
+for today I am confined to my bed, almost too weak to get downstairs.
+This is owing to exposure after being heated over the furnaces.</p>
+
+<p><i>26th.</i>&mdash;Though a week has gone by, and my cold has left me, I find I am
+no better, and that I am reduced very low in strength and flesh by the
+sickness and pain I am experiencing. Yet I still persist in going below
+once a day. The food I am able to get is not such as is proper.</p>
+
+<p><i>11th</i> mo., <i>5th.</i>&mdash;I spend most of my time on my bed, much of it alone.
+And very precious to me is the nearness unto the Master I am favoured to
+attain to. Notwithstanding my situation and state, I am happy in the
+enjoyment of His consolations. Lately my confidence has been strong, and
+I think I begin to feel that our patience is soon to be re<!-- Page 91 --><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>warded with
+relief; insomuch that a little while ago, when dear P.D. was almost
+overcome with sorrow, I felt bold to comfort him with the assurance of
+my belief, that it would not be long so. My mind is too weak to allow of
+my reading much; and, though I enjoy the company of my companions a part
+of the time, especially in the evening, I am much alone; which affords
+me abundant time for meditation and waiting upon God. The fruits of this
+are sweet, and a recompense for affliction.</p>
+
+<p><i>6th.</i>&mdash;Last evening E.W.H. saw I.N. particularly on my behalf, I
+suppose. He left at once for the President. This morning he called to
+inform us of his interview at the White House. The President was moved
+to sympathy in my behalf, when I.N. gave him a letter from one of our
+Friends in New York. After its perusal he exclaimed to our friend, "I
+want you to go and tell Stanton <!-- Page 92 --><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>that it is my wish all those young men
+be sent home at once." He was on his way to the Secretary this morning
+as he called.</p>
+
+<p>Later. I.N. has just called again informing us in joy that we are free.
+At the War Office he was urging the Secretary to consent to our paroles,
+when the President entered. "It is my urgent wish," said he. The
+Secretary yielded; the order was given, and we were released. What we
+had waited for so many weeks was accomplished in a few moments by a
+Providential ordering of circumstances.</p>
+
+<p><i>7th.</i>&mdash;I.N. came again last evening bringing our paroles. The
+preliminary arrangements are being made, and we are to start this
+afternoon for New York.</p>
+
+<p><i>Note.</i> Rising from my sick-bed to undertake this journey, which lasted
+through the night, its fatigues overcame me, and upon my arrival in New
+York I was seized with de<!-- Page 93 --><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>lirium from which I only recovered after many
+weeks, through the mercy and favour of Him, who in all this trial had
+been our guide and strength and comfort.</p>
+
+
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<h2><span class="smcap">the end</span></h2>
+
+
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+<div><br /></div>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">printed in the united states of america</span></h5>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p>
+<!-- Page 94 -->
+<a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>
+<!-- Page 95 -->
+<a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a></p>
+<h4>The following pages contain advertisements of a few of the Macmillan
+books on kindred subjects</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><!-- Page 96 --><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a></p><p><!-- Page 97 --><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a></p>
+<div style="margin-left: 25%; margin-right: 25%;">
+<p><big><b>The Heart of the Puritan</b></big></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By ELIZABETH DEERING HANSCOM</span></p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>$1.50</i></p>
+
+<p>The purpose of this volume is stated by the editor in these words: "I
+determined to bring together in one place in a convenient compendium, as
+it were, some gleanings from many and dusty tomes, some fragments of
+reality, in the hope that from them might radiate for others, as for me,
+shafts of light to penetrate the past." The result is unique in the
+revelation afforded in the Puritans' own words of their daily walk and
+conversation and of that inner temper which governed their public acts.
+The range is from orders for clothes and directions for an Atlantic
+voyage to the soul searchings of Cotton Mather and the spiritual
+ecstasies of Mrs. Jonathan Edwards.</p>
+
+<p>The idea is a happy one, and Miss Hanscom carries it through with great
+tact and deftness.</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center">Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><!-- Page 98 --><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a></p>
+<p><big><b>The Tree of Heaven</b></big></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By MAY SINCLAIR</span></p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>Cloth, $1.60</i></p>
+
+<p>A singularly penetrating story of modern life, written in the author's
+very best manner. The scheme, the root motive of the book, may be said
+to be a vindication of the present generation&mdash;the generation that was
+condemned as neurotic and decadent by common consent a little more than
+three years ago, but is now enduring the ordeal of the war with great
+singleness of heart. This theme, in Miss Sinclair's hands, assumes big
+proportions and gives her at the same time ample opportunity for
+character analysis, in which art she is equalled by few contemporary
+writers.</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center">Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><!-- Page 99 --><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a></p>
+<p><big><b>Fairhope: The Annals of a Country Church</b></big></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By EDGAR DEWITT JONES</span></p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>Cloth, 12mo., $1.25</i></p>
+
+<p>Fairhope meeting-house is in the northermost country of Kentucky, in the
+midst of a populous farming community. In this book Mr. Jones, a
+life-long member of the community, tells the story of Fairhope
+meeting-house. The book is a remarkably sympathetic and appealing
+account of a phase of American rural life at a time when religion was
+always the uppermost topic in people's minds.</p>
+
+<p>"Simple narratives of our people, our preachers, and the lights and
+shadows of our rural religious life"&mdash;is the author's modest description
+of his work. But this gives no hint of the book's peculiar charm. Those
+who love birds and stretches of green meadow, glimpses of lordly and
+high hills, the soil and the sincere life lived on it, will find here a
+genuine delight.</p>
+
+<p>Above all is the interest in the preachers themselves. "There were
+giants in those days, and for the most part our ministers were good and
+noble men. Of their goodness and sincerity these annals bear witness!"</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center">Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><!-- Page 100 --><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a></p>
+<p><big><b>Christine</b></big></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By ALICE CHOLMONDELEY</span></p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>Cloth, 12mo., $1.25</i></p>
+
+<p>"A book which is true in essentials&mdash;so real that one is tempted to
+doubt whether it is fiction at all&mdash;doubly welcome and doubly
+important.... It would be difficult indeed to find a book in which the
+state of mind of the German people is pictured so cleverly, with so much
+understanding and convincing detail.... Intelligent, generous,
+sweet-natured, broadminded, quick to see and to appreciate all that is
+beautiful either in nature or in art, rejoicing humbly over her own
+great gift, endowed with a keen sense of humour, Christine's is a
+thoroughly wholesome and lovable character. But charming as Christine's
+personality and her literary style both are, the main value of the book
+lies in its admirably lucid analysis of the German mind."&mdash;<i>New York
+Times.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Absolutely different from preceding books of the war. Its very freedom
+and girlishness of expression, its very simplicity and open-heartedness,
+prove the truth of its pictures."&mdash;<i>New York World.</i></p>
+
+<p>"A luminous story of a sensitive and generous nature, the spontaneous
+expression of one spirited, affectionate, ardently ambitious, and
+blessed with a sense of humour."&mdash;<i>Boston Herald.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The next time some sentimental old lady of either sex, who 'can't see
+why we have to send our boys abroad,' comes into your vision, and you
+know they are too unintelligent (they usually are) to understand a
+serious essay, try to trap them into reading 'Christine.' If you succeed
+we know it will do them good."&mdash;<i>Town and Country.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p>
+
+<p class="center">Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York</p>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Record of a Quaker Conscience,
+Cyrus Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RECORD OF A QUAKER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 16088-h.htm or 16088-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/0/8/16088/
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/16088-h/images/logo.png b/16088-h/images/logo.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3defe9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088-h/images/logo.png
diff --git a/16088.txt b/16088.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6ab58b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,1866 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus
+Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus Pringle's Diary
+       With an Introduction by Rufus M. Jones
+
+Author: Cyrus Pringle
+
+Commentator: Rufus M. Jones
+
+Release Date: June 18, 2005 [EBook #16088]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RECORD OF A QUAKER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading
+
+
+
+
+
+THE RECORD OF A
+QUAKER CONSCIENCE
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Macmillan Logo]
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+NEW YORK . BOSTON . CHICAGO . DALLAS
+ATLANTA . SAN FRANCISCO
+
+
+MACMILLAN & CO., Limited
+
+LONDON . BOMBAY . CALCUTTA
+MELBOURNE
+
+
+THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd.
+TORONTO
+
+
+
+
+THE RECORD OF A
+QUAKER CONSCIENCE
+
+
+CYRUS PRINGLE'S DIARY
+
+
+WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
+RUFUS M. JONES
+
+
+New York
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+1918
+
+_All rights reserved_
+
+
+
+
+Copyright, 1913
+BY THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY COMPANY
+
+
+Copyright, 1918
+By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Set up and printed. Published, February, 1918
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note:
+
+Several unusual spellings have been kept as in the original, including:
+northermost ("Fairhope meeting-house is in the northermost country") and
+comformable ("yet probably in a manner comformable to").
+
+In some cases, variant spellings of the same word are used, as in the
+case of "enrolment" and "enrollment", "therefor" and "therefore", "well
+meant" and "well-meant". These have been comfirmed with the original.
+
+In referring to God, there is also inconsistency in the use of "His"
+versus "his" and "Him" versus "him".]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+The body of this little book consists of the personal diary of a young
+Quaker named Cyrus Guernsey Pringle of Charlotte, Vermont. He was
+drafted for service in the Union Army, July 13th, 1863. Under the
+existing draft law a person who had religious scruples against engaging
+in war was given the privilege of paying a commutation fine of three
+hundred dollars. This commutation money Pringle's conscience would not
+allow him to pay. A prosperous uncle proposed to pay it surreptitiously
+for him, but the honest-minded youth discovered the plan and refused to
+accept the well meant kindness, since he believed, no doubt rightly,
+that this money would be used to pay for an army substitute in his
+place. The Diary relates in simple, naive style the experiences which
+befell the narrator as he followed his hard path of duty, and
+incidentally it reveals a fine and sensitive type of character, not
+unlike that which comes so beautifully to light in the Journal of John
+Woolman.
+
+This is plainly not the psychological moment to study the highly complex
+and delicate problem of conscience. The strain and tension of world
+issues disturb our judgment. We cannot if we would turn away from the
+events and movements that affect the destiny of nations to dwell calmly
+and securely upon our own inner, private actions. It is never easy, even
+when the world is most normal and peaceful, to mark off with sharp lines
+the area of individual freedom. No person ever lives unto himself or is
+sufficient to himself. He is inextricably woven into the tissue of the
+social group. His privileges, his responsibilities, his obligations are
+forever over-individual and come from beyond his narrow isolated life.
+If he is to be a rational being at all he must _relate_ his life to
+others and share in some measure their triumphs and their tragedies.
+
+But at the same time the most precious thing in the universe is that
+mysterious thing we call individual liberty and which even God himself
+guards and respects. Up to some point, difficult certainly to delimit, a
+man must be captain of his soul. He cannot be a _person_ if he does not
+have a sphere of power over his own act. To treat him as a puppet of
+external forces, or a mere cog in a vast social mechanism, is to wipe
+out the unique distinction between person and thing. Somewhere the free
+spirit must take its stand and claim its God-given distinction. If life
+is to be at all worth while there must be some boundary within which the
+soul holds its own august and ultimate tribunal. That Sanctuary domain
+within the soul the Quakers, ever since their origin in the period of
+the English Commonwealth, have always guarded as the most sacred
+possession a man can have.
+
+No grave difficulty, at least in the modern world, is involved in this
+faith, until it suddenly comes into conflict with the urgent
+requirements of social efficiency. When the social group is fused with
+emotion and moves almost as an undivided unit toward some end, then the
+claim of a right, on the ground of conscience, for the individual to
+deviate from the group and to pursue another or an opposite course
+appears serious if not positively insufferable. The abstract principle
+of individual liberty all modern persons grant; the strain comes when
+some one proposes to insist upon a concrete instance of it which
+involves implications that may endanger the ends which the intensified
+group is pursuing. A situation of this type confronts the Quakers
+whenever their country engages in war, since as a people they feel that
+they cannot fight or take any part in military operations.
+
+They do not find it an easy thing to give a completely rational ground
+for their opposition to war. Nor, as a matter of fact, is it any more
+easy for the militarist to rationalize his method of solving world
+difficulties. Both are evidently actuated by instinctive forces which
+lie far beneath the level of pure reason.
+
+The roots of the Quakers' opposition to war go deep down into the soil
+of the past. They are the outgrowth and culmination of a long spiritual
+movement. They carry along, in their ideas, emotions, habits and
+attitudes, tendencies which have been unconsciously sucked in with their
+mother's milk, and which, therefore, cannot be held up and analysed.
+The mystics, the humanists, the anabaptists, the spiritual reformers,
+are forerunners of the Quaker. They are a necessary part of his
+pedigree,--and they were all profoundly opposed to war. This attitude
+has become an integral part of the vital stock of truth by which the
+Quaker lives his spiritual life, and to violate it is for him to stop
+living "the way of truth," as the early Quakers quaintly called their
+religious faith.
+
+But the Quakers have never been champions of the negative. They do not
+take kindly to the role of being "antis." Their negations grow out of
+their insistent affirmations. If they are _against_ an established
+institution or custom it is because they are _for_ some other way of
+life which seems to them divinely right, and their first obligation is
+to incarnate that way of life. They cannot, therefore, stand apart in
+monastic seclusion and safely watch the swirl of forces which they
+silently disapprove. If in war-time they do not fight, they _do_
+something else. They accept and face the dangers incident to their way
+of life. They feel a compulsion to take up and in some measure to bear
+the burden of the world's suffering. They endeavour to exhibit, humbly
+and modestly, the power of sacrificial love, freely, joyously given, and
+they venture all that the brave can venture to carry their faith into
+life and action. In the American civil war, in the Franco-Prussian, the
+South African, the Balkan, the Russo-Japanese, small bands of Quakers
+revealed the same spirit of service and the same obliviousness to danger
+which have marked the larger groups that have manned the ambulance units
+and the war-victims' relief and reconstruction work of this world war.
+In this present crisis they have gone wherever they could go,--to
+Belgium, to France, to Russia, to Italy, to Serbia and Greece and Syria
+and Mesopotamia,--to carry into operation the forces of restoration and
+of reconstruction. They have not stood aloof as spectators of the
+world's tragedy. They have entered into it and shared it, and they have
+counted neither money nor life dear to themselves in their desire to
+reveal the power of redeeming and transforming love.
+
+Slowly the sincerity of the Quaker conviction about war has made itself
+felt and limited legislative provisions have been made, especially in
+England and America, to meet the claims of conscience. The problem which
+confronts the law-maker, even when he is sympathetic with the rights of
+conviction, is the grave difficulty of determining where to draw the
+line of special exception to general requirements and how to discover
+the sincerity of conscientious objection to war. The "slacker" is
+always a stern possibility. There must be no holes in the net for him to
+escape through. The makers of armies naturally want every man who can be
+spared from civilian life and can be utilized for military operations.
+It has consequently often seemed necessary for law-makers to be narrow
+and hard toward the obviously sincere for fear of being too easy and
+lenient with those suspected of having sham consciences.
+
+During the Civil War in America, President Lincoln, eager as he was to
+win the war, was always deeply in sympathy with the Quakers, and he
+stretched his administrative powers to their full limit to provide
+relief for conscientious convictions. In the early stages of the great
+conflict the President wrote the following kindly note in answer to a
+message from New England Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends:
+"Engaged as I am, in a great war, I fear it will be difficult for the
+world to understand how fully I appreciate the principles of peace
+inculcated in this letter [of yours] and every where by the Society of
+Friends."[1] Both he and Secretary Stanton made many positive efforts to
+find some way of providing for the tender consciences of Friends without
+being unfair to the rights of others. They even requested American
+Friends to call a conference to consider how to find a satisfactory
+solution of the problem. Such a conference was held in Baltimore,
+December 7th, 1863, and the Friends there assembled expressed great
+appreciation of "the kindness evinced at all times by the President and
+Secretary of War." A delegation from this conference visited Washington
+and, in co-operation with Secretary Stanton, succeeded in securing a
+clause in the enrolment bill, declaring Friends to be non-combatants,
+assigning all drafted Friends to hospital service or work among
+freedmen, and further providing for the entire exemption of Friends from
+military service on the payment of $300 into a fund for the relief of
+sick and wounded.[2]
+
+On several occasions Friends in larger or smaller groups went to
+Washington for times of prayer and spiritual communion with the great
+President. These times were deeply appreciated by the heavily burdened
+man. Tears ran down his cheeks, we are told, as he sat bowed in solemn
+silence or knelt as some moved Friend prayed for him to Almighty God.
+Writing of the visit of Isaac and Sarah Harvey of Clinton County, Ohio,
+in the autumn of 1862, Lincoln tenderly said: "May the Lord comfort them
+as they have sustained me." A letter written by the President in 1862 to
+Eliza P. Gurney, one of a small group of Friends who visited him and
+prayed with him in the autumn of that year, reveals forcibly how he
+regarded these occasions:
+
+     "I am glad of this interview, and glad to know that I have your
+     sympathy and prayers. We are indeed going through a great trial--a
+     fiery trial. In the very responsible position in which I happen to
+     be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly
+     Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out his great purposes,
+     I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to his
+     will, and that it might be so, I have sought his aid; but if, after
+     endeavouring to do my best in the light which he affords me, I find
+     my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to
+     me, his will is otherwise. If I had had my way, this war would
+     never have been commenced. If I had been allowed my way, this war
+     would have been ended before this; but we find it still continues,
+     and we must believe that he permits it for some wise purpose of
+     his own, mysterious and unknown to us; and though with our limited
+     understandings we may not be able to comprehend it, yet we cannot
+     but believe that he who made the world still governs it."
+
+Somewhat later President Lincoln wrote again to Eliza P. Gurney
+requesting her to exercise her freedom to write to him as he felt the
+need of spiritual help and reinforcement. Her letter of reply so closely
+touched him and spoke to his condition that he carried it about with him
+and it was found in his coat pocket at the time of his death, twenty
+months after it was written. In the autumn of 1864, President Lincoln,
+still impressed by the message which he had received, wrote a memorable
+letter to Eliza P. Gurney. It was as follows:
+
+     "I have not forgotten--probably never shall forget--the very
+     impressive occasion when yourself and friends visited me on a
+     Sabbath forenoon two years ago. Nor has your kind letter, written
+     nearly a year later, ever been forgotten. In all it has been your
+     purpose to strengthen my reliance on God. I am much indebted to the
+     good Christian people of the country for their constant prayers and
+     consolations; and to no one of them more than to yourself. The
+     purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we
+     erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance. We
+     hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before
+     this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet
+     acknowledge his wisdom, and our own error therein. Meanwhile we
+     must work earnestly in the best lights he gives us, trusting that
+     so working still conduces to the great ends he ordains. Surely he
+     intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no
+     mortal could make, and no mortal could stay. Your people, the
+     Friends, have had, and are having, a very great trial. On principle
+     and faith opposed to both war and oppression, they can only
+     practically oppose oppression by war. In this dilemma some have
+     chosen one horn and some the other. For those appealing to me on
+     conscientious grounds, I have done, and shall do, the best I could
+     and can, in my own conscience, under my oath to the law. That you
+     believe this I doubt not; and, believing it, I shall still receive
+     for our country and myself your earnest prayers to our Father in
+     heaven."
+
+It is, then, not surprising that President Lincoln was "moved with
+sympathy" when he heard the story of Pringle's suffering for conscience,
+or that he quietly said to the Secretary of War, "It is my urgent wish
+that this Friend be released."
+
+RUFUS M. JONES.
+
+Haverford, Pa.,
+December, 1917.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Nicolay and Hay: "Abraham Lincoln," Vol. VI, p. 328.
+
+[2] Secretary Stanton endeavoured to provide that this commutation money
+should be made into a fund for the care of freedmen. This suggestion
+was, however, not adopted by Congress.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECORD OF A QUAKER CONSCIENCE
+
+
+At Burlington, Vt., on the 13th of the seventh month, 1863, I was
+drafted. Pleasant are my recollections of the 14th. Much of that rainy
+day I spent in my chamber, as yet unaware of my fate; in writing and
+reading and in reflecting to compose my mind for any event. The day and
+the exercise, by the blessing of the Father, brought me precious
+reconciliation to the will of Providence.
+
+With ardent zeal for our Faith and the cause of our peaceable
+principles; and almost disgusted at the lukewarmness and unfaithfulness
+of very many who profess these; and considering how heavily slight
+crosses bore upon their shoulders, I felt to say, "Here am I, Father,
+for thy service. As thou will." May I trust it was He who called me and
+sent me forth with the consolation: "My grace is sufficient for thee."
+Deeply have I felt many times since that I am nothing without the
+companionship of the Spirit.
+
+I was to report on the 27th. Then, loyal to our country, Wm. Lindley
+Dean and I appeared before the Provost Marshal with a statement of our
+cases. We were ordered for a hearing on the 29th. On the afternoon of
+that day W.L.D. was rejected upon examination of the Surgeon, but my
+case not coming up, he remained with me,--much to my strength and
+comfort. Sweet was his converse and long to be remembered, as we lay
+together that warm summer night on the straw of the barracks. By his
+encouragement much was my mind strengthened; my desires for a pure life,
+and my resolutions for good. In him and those of whom he spoke I saw
+the abstract beauty of Quakerism. On the next morning came Joshua M.
+Dean to support me and plead my case before the Board of Enrollment. On
+the day after, the 31st, I came before the Board. Respectfully those men
+listened to the exposition of our principles; and, on our representing
+that we looked for some relief from the President, the marshal released
+me for twenty days. Meanwhile appeared Lindley M. Macomber and was
+likewise, by the kindness of the marshal, though they had received
+instructions from the Provost Marshal General to show such claims no
+partiality, released to appear on the 20th day of the eighth month.
+
+All these days we were urged by our acquaintances to pay our commutation
+money; by some through well-meant kindness and sympathy; by others
+through interest in the war; and by others still through a belief they
+entertained it was our duty. But we confess a higher duty than that to
+country; and, asking no military protection of our Government and
+grateful for none, deny any obligation to support so unlawful a system,
+as we hold a war to be even when waged in opposition to an evil and
+oppressive power and ostensibly in defence of liberty, virtue, and free
+institutions; and, though touched by the kind interest of friends, we
+could not relieve their distress by a means we held even more sinful
+than that of serving ourselves, as by supplying money to hire a
+substitute we would not only be responsible for the result, but be the
+agents in bringing others into evil. So looking to our Father alone for
+help, and remembering that "Whoso loseth his life for my sake shall find
+it; but whoso saveth it shall lose it," we presented ourselves again
+before the Board, as we had promised to do when released. Being offered
+four days more of time, we accepted it as affording opportunity to
+visit our friends; and moreover as there would be more probability of
+meeting Peter Dakin at Rutland.
+
+Sweet was the comfort and sympathy of our friends as we visited them.
+There was a deep comfort, as we left them, in the thought that so many
+pure and pious people follow us with their love and prayers. Appearing
+finally before the marshal on the 24th, suits and uniforms were selected
+for us, and we were called upon to give receipts for them. L.M.M. was on
+his guard, and, being first called upon, declared he could not do so, as
+that would imply acceptance. Failing to come to any agreement, the
+matter was postponed till next morning, when we certified to the fact
+that the articles were "with us." Here I must make record of the
+kindness of the marshal, Rolla Gleason, who treated us with respect and
+kindness. He had spoken with respect of our Society; had given me
+furloughs to the amount of twenty-four days, when the marshal at Rutland
+considered himself restricted by his oath and duty to six days; and here
+appeared in person to prevent any harsh treatment of us by his
+sergeants; and though much against his inclinations, assisted in putting
+on the uniform with his own hands. We bade him farewell with grateful
+feelings and expressions of fear that we should not fall into as tender
+hands again; and amid the rain in the early morning, as the town clock
+tolled the hour of seven, we were driven amongst the flock that was
+going forth to the slaughter, down the street and into the cars for
+Brattleboro. Dark was the day with murk and cloud and rain; and, as we
+rolled down through the narrow vales of eastern Vermont, somewhat of the
+shadow crept into our hearts and filled them with dark apprehensions of
+evil fortune ahead; of long, hopeless trials; of abuse from inferior
+officers; of contempt from common soldiers; of patient endurance (or an
+attempt at this), unto an end seen only by the eye of a strong faith.
+
+Herded into a car by ourselves, we conscripts, substitutes, and the
+rest, through the greater part of the day, swept over the fertile
+meadows along the banks of the White River and the Connecticut, through
+pleasant scenes that had little of delight for us. At Woodstock we were
+joined by the conscripts from the 1st District,--altogether an inferior
+company from those before with us, who were honest yeomen from the
+northern and mountainous towns, while these were many of them
+substitutes from the cities.
+
+At Brattleboro we were marched up to the camp; our knapsacks and persons
+searched; and any articles of citizen's dress taken from us; and then
+shut up in a rough board building under a guard. Here the prospect was
+dreary, and I felt some lack of confidence in our Father's arm, though
+but two days before I wrote to my dear friend, E.M.H.,--
+
+    I go tomorrow where the din
+    Of war is in the sulphurous air.
+    I go the Prince of Peace to serve,
+    His cross of suffering to bear.
+
+
+Brattleboro, _26th_, _8th_ month, 1863.--Twenty-five or thirty caged
+lions roam lazily to and fro through this building hour after hour
+through the day. On every side without, sentries pace their slow beat,
+bearing loaded muskets. Men are ranging through the grounds or hanging
+in synods about the doors of the different buildings, apparently without
+a purpose. Aimless is military life, except betimes its aim is deadly.
+Idle life blends with violent death-struggles till the man is unmade a
+man; and henceforth there is little of manhood about him. Of a man he is
+made a soldier, which is a man-destroying machine in two senses,--a
+thing for the prosecuting or repelling an invasion like the block of
+stone in the fortress or the plate of iron on the side of the Monitor.
+They are alike. I have tried in vain to define a difference, and I see
+only this. The iron-clad with its gun is the bigger soldier: the more
+formidable in attack, the less liable to destruction in a given time;
+the block the most capable of resistance; both are equally obedient to
+officers. Or the more perfect is the soldier, the more nearly he
+approaches these in this respect.
+
+Three times a day we are marched out to the mess houses for our rations.
+In our hands we carry a tin plate, whereon we bring back a piece of
+bread (sour and tough most likely), and a cup. Morning and noon a piece
+of meat, antique betimes, bears company with the bread. They who wish it
+receive in their cups two sorts of decoctions: in the morning burnt
+bread, or peas perhaps, steeped in water with some saccharine substance
+added (I dare not affirm it to be sugar). At night steeped tea extended
+by some other herbs probably and its pungency and acridity assuaged by
+the saccharine principle aforementioned. On this we have so far
+subsisted and, save some nauseating, comfortably. As we go out and
+return, on right and left and in front and rear go bayonets. Some
+substitutes heretofore have escaped and we are not to be neglected in
+our attendants. Hard beds are healthy, but I query cannot the result be
+defeated by the _degree_? Our mattresses are boards. Only the slight
+elasticity of our thin blankets breaks the fall of our flesh and bones
+thereon. Oh! now I praise the discipline I have received from uncarpeted
+floors through warm summer nights of my boyhood.
+
+The building resounds with petty talk; jokes and laughter and swearing.
+Something more than that. Many of the caged lions are engaged with
+cards, and money changes hands freely. Some of the caged lions read, and
+some sleep, and so the weary day goes by.
+
+L.M.M. and I addressed the following letter to Governor Holbrook and
+hired a corporal to forward it to him.
+
+BRATTLEBORO, VT., _26th_, _8th_ month, 1863.
+FREDERICK HOLBROOK,
+Governor of Vermont:--
+
+We, the undersigned members of the Society of Friends, beg leave to
+represent to thee, that we were lately drafted in the 3d Dist. of
+Vermont, have been forced into the army and reached the camp near this
+town yesterday.
+
+That in the language of the elders of our New York Yearly Meeting, "We
+love our country and acknowledge with gratitude to our Heavenly Father
+the many blessings we have been favoured with under the government; and
+can feel no sympathy with any who seek its overthrow."
+
+But that, true to well-known principles of our Society, we cannot
+violate our religious convictions either by complying with military
+requisitions or by the equivalents of this compliance,--the furnishing
+of a substitute or payment of commutation money. That, therefore, we are
+brought into suffering and exposed to insult and contempt from those who
+have us in charge, as well as to the penalties of insubordination,
+though liberty of conscience is granted us by the Constitution of
+Vermont as well as that of the United States.
+
+Therefore, we beg of thee as Governor of our State any assistance thou
+may be able to render, should it be no more than the influence of thy
+position interceding in our behalf.
+
+Truly Thy Friend,
+CYRUS G. PRINGLE.
+
+P.S.--We are informed we are to be sent to the vicinity of Boston
+tomorrow.
+
+_27th._--On board train to Boston. The long afternoon of yesterday
+passed slowly away. This morning passed by,--the time of our stay in
+Brattleboro, and we neither saw nor heard anything of our Governor. We
+suppose he could not or would not help us. So as we go down to our trial
+we have no arm to lean upon among all men; but why dost thou complain,
+oh, my Soul? Seek thou that faith that will prove a buckler to thy
+breast, and gain for thee the protection of an arm mightier than the
+arms of all men.
+
+_28th._ CAMP VERMONT: LONG ISLAND, BOSTON HARBOUR.--In the early morning
+damp and cool we marched down off the heights of Brattleboro to take
+train for this place. Once in the car the dashing young cavalry officer,
+who had us in charge, gave notice he had placed men through the cars,
+with loaded revolvers, who had orders to shoot any person attempting to
+escape, or jump from the window, and that any one would be shot if he
+even put his head out of the window. Down the beautiful valley of the
+Connecticut, all through its broad intervales, heavy with its crops of
+corn or tobacco, or shaven smooth by the summer harvest; over the hard
+and stony counties of northern Massachusetts, through its suburbs and
+under the shadow of Bunker Hill Monument we came into the City of
+Boston, "the Hub of the Universe." Out through street after street we
+were marched double guarded to the wharves, where we took a small
+steamer for the island some six miles out in the harbour. A circumstance
+connected with this march is worth mentioning for its singularity: at
+the head of this company, like convicts (and feeling very much like
+such), through the City of Boston walked, with heavy hearts and
+down-cast eyes, two Quakers.
+
+Here on this dry and pleasant island in the midst of the beautiful
+Massachusetts Bay, we have the liberty of the camp, the privilege of air
+and sunshine and hay beds to sleep upon. So we went to bed last night
+with somewhat of gladness elevating our depressed spirits.
+
+Here are many troops gathering daily from all the New England States
+except Connecticut and Rhode Island. Their white tents are dotting the
+green slopes and hilltops of the island and spreading wider and wider.
+This is the flow of military tide here just now. The ebb went out to sea
+in the shape of a great shipload just as we came in, and another load
+will be sent before many days. All is war here. We are surrounded by the
+pomp and circumstance of war, and enveloped in the cloud thereof. The
+cloud settles down over the minds and souls of all; they cannot see
+beyond, nor do they try; but with the clearer eye of Christian faith I
+try to look beyond all this error unto Truth and Holiness immaculate:
+and thanks to our Father, I am favoured with glimpses that are sweet
+consolation amid this darkness.
+
+This is one gratification: the men with us give us their sympathy. They
+seem to look upon us tenderly and pitifully, and their expressions of
+kind wishes are warm. Although we are relieved from duty and from drill,
+and may lie in our tents during rain and at night, we have heard of no
+complaint. This is the more worthy of note as there are so few in our
+little (Vermont) camp. Each man comes on guard half the days. It would
+probably be otherwise were their hearts in the service; but I have yet
+to find the man in any of these camps or at any service who does not
+wish himself at home. Substitutes say if they knew all they know now
+before leaving home they would not have enlisted; and they have been but
+a week from their homes and have endured no hardships. Yesterday L.M.M.
+and I appeared before the Captain commanding this camp with a statement
+of our cases. He listened to us respectfully and promised to refer us to
+the General commanding here, General Devens; and in the meantime
+released us from duty. In a short time afterward he passed us in our
+tent, asking our names. We have not heard from him, but do not drill or
+stand guard; so, we suppose, his release was confirmed. At that
+interview a young lieutenant sneeringly told us he thought we had better
+throw away our scruples and fight in the service of the country; and as
+we told the Captain we could not accept pay, he laughed mockingly, and
+said he would not stay here for $13.00 per month. He gets more than a
+hundred, I suppose.
+
+How beautiful seems the world on this glorious morning here by the
+seaside! Eastward and toward the sun, fair green isles with outlines of
+pure beauty are scattered over the blue bay. Along the far line of the
+mainland white hamlets and towns glisten in the morning sun; countless
+tiny waves dance in the wind that comes off shore and sparkle sunward
+like myriads of gems. Up the fair vault, flecked by scarcely a cloud,
+rolls the sun in glory. Though fair be the earth, it has come to be
+tainted and marred by him who was meant to be its crowning glory. Behind
+me on this island are crowded vile and wicked men, the murmur of whose
+ribaldry riseth continually like the smoke and fumes of a lower world.
+Oh! Father of Mercies, forgive the hard heartlessness and blindness and
+scarlet sins of my fellows, my brothers.
+
+
+PRISON EXPERIENCES FOR CONSCIENCE' SAKE--OUR PRISON
+
+_31st._, _8th_ month, 1863. IN GUARD HOUSE.--Yesterday morning L.M.M.
+and I were called upon to do fatigue duty. The day before we were asked
+to do some cleaning about camp and to bring water. We wished to be
+obliging, to appear willing to bear a hand toward that which would
+promote our own and our fellows' health and convenience; but as we
+worked we did not feel easy. Suspecting we had been assigned to such
+work, the more we discussed in our minds the subject, the more clearly
+the right way seemed opened to us; and we separately came to the
+judgment that we must not conform to this requirement. So when the
+sergeant bade us "Police the streets," we asked him if he had received
+instructions with regard to us, and he replied we had been assigned to
+"Fatigue Duty." L.M.M. answered him that we could not obey. He left us
+immediately for the Major (Jarvis of Weathersfield, Vt.). He came back
+and ordered us to the Major's tent. The latter met us outside and
+inquired concerning the complaint he had heard of us. Upon our statement
+of our position, he apparently undertook to argue our whimsies, as he
+probably looked upon our principles, out of our heads. We replied to his
+points as we had ability; but he soon turned to bullying us rather than
+arguing with us, and would hardly let us proceed with a whole sentence.
+"I make some pretension to religion myself," he said; and quoted the Old
+Testament freely in support of war. Our terms were, submission or the
+guard-house. We replied we could not obey.
+
+This island was formerly occupied by a company, who carried on the large
+farm it comprises and opened a great hotel as a summer resort.
+
+The subjects of all misdemeanours, grave and small, are here confined.
+Those who have deserted or attempted it; those who have insulted
+officers and those guilty of theft, fighting, drunkenness, etc. In
+_most_, as in the camps, there are traces yet of manhood and of the
+Divine Spark, but some are abandoned, dissolute. There are many here
+among the substitutes who were actors in the late New York riots. They
+show unmistakably the characteristics and sentiments of those rioters,
+and, especially, hatred to the blacks drafted and about camp, and
+exhibit this in foul and profane jeers heaped upon these unoffending men
+at every opportunity. In justice to the blacks I must say they are
+superior to the whites in all their behaviour.
+
+_31st._ P.M.--Several of us were a little time ago called out one by one
+to answer inquiries with regard to our offences. We replied we could not
+comply with military requisitions. P.D., being last, was asked if he
+would die first, and replied promptly but mildly, _Yes_.
+
+Here we are in prison in our own land for no crimes, no offence to God
+nor man; nay, more: we are here for obeying the commands of the Son of
+God and the influences of his Holy Spirit. I must look for patience in
+this dark day. I am troubled too much and excited and perplexed.
+
+_1st._, _9th_ month.--Oh, the horrors of the past night--I never before
+experienced such _sensations_ and fears; and never did I feel so clearly
+that I had nothing but the hand of our Father to shield me from evil.
+Last night we three lay down together on the floor of a lower room of
+which we had taken possession. The others were above. We had but one
+blanket between us and the floor, and one over us. The other one we had
+lent to a wretched deserter who had skulked into our room for _relief_,
+being without anything of his own. We had during the day gained the
+respect of the fellows, and they seemed disposed to let us occupy our
+room in peace. I cannot say in quiet, for these caged beasts are
+restless, and the resonant boards of this old building speak of bedlam.
+The thin board partitions, the light door fastened only by a pine stick
+thrust into a wooden loop on the casing, seemed small protection in case
+of assault; but we lay down to sleep in quiet trust. But we had scarcely
+fallen asleep before we were awakened by the demoniac howlings and
+yellings of a man just brought into the next room, and allowed the
+liberty of the whole house. He was drunk, and further seemed to be
+labouring under delirium tremens. He crashed about furiously, and all
+the more after the guard tramped heavily in and bound him with
+handcuffs, and chain and ball. Again and again they left, only to return
+to quiet him by threats or by crushing him down to the floor and gagging
+him. In a couple of hours he became quiet and we got considerable sleep.
+
+In the morning the fellow came into our room apologizing for the
+intrusion. He appeared a smart, fine-looking young man, restless and
+uneasy. P.D. has a way of disposing of intruders that is quite
+effectual. I have not entirely disposed of some misgivings with respect
+to the legitimacy of his use of the means, so he commenced reading aloud
+in the Bible. The fellow was impatient and noisy, but he soon settled
+down on the floor beside him. As he listened and talked with us the
+recollections of his father's house and his innocent childhood were
+awakened. He was the child of pious parents, taught in Sabbath School
+and under pure home influences till thirteen. Then he was drawn into bad
+company, soon after leaving home for the sea; and, since then, has
+served in the army and navy,--in the army in Wilson's and Hawkins's
+[brigades]. His was the old story of the total subjection of moral power
+and thralldom to evil habits and associates. He would get drunk,
+whenever it was in his power. It was wrong; but he could not help it.
+Though he was awakened and recollected his parents looking long and in
+vain for his return, he soon returned to camp, to his wallowing in the
+mire, and I fear to his path to certain perdition.
+
+_3d._ [9th month.]--A Massachusetts major, the officer of the day, in
+his inspection of the guard-house came into our room today. We were
+lying on the floor engaged in reading and writing. He was apparently
+surprised at this and inquired the name of our books; and finding the
+Bible and Thomas a Kempis's _Imitation of Christ_, observed that they
+were good books. I cannot say if he knew we were Friends, but he asked
+us why we were in here.
+
+Like all officers he proceeded to reason with us, and to advise us to
+serve, presenting no comfort if we still persisted in our course. He
+informed us of a young Friend, Edward W. Holway of Sandwich, Mass.,
+having been yesterday under punishment in the camp by his orders, who
+was today doing service about camp. He said he was not going to put his
+Quaker in the guard-house, but was going to bring him to work by
+punishment. We were filled with deep sympathy for him and desired to
+cheer him by kind words as well as by the knowledge of our similar
+situation. We obtained permission of the Major to write to him a letter
+open to his inspection. "You may be sure," said E.W.H. to us at W., "the
+Major did not allow it to leave his hands."
+
+This forenoon the Lieutenant of the Day came in and acted the same part,
+though he was not so cool, and left expressing the hope, if we would not
+serve our country like men, that God would curse us. Oh, the trials from
+these officers! One after another comes in to relieve himself upon us.
+Finding us firm and not lacking in words, they usually fly into a
+passion and end by bullying us. How can we reason with such men? They
+are utterly unable to comprehend the pure Christianity and spirituality
+of our principles. They have long stiffened their necks in their own
+strength. They have stopped their ears to the voice of the Spirit, and
+hardened their hearts to his influences. They see no duty higher than
+that to country. What shall we receive at their hands?
+
+This Major tells us we will not be tried here. Then we are to be sent
+into the field, and there who will deliver us but God? Ah, I have nursed
+in my heart a hope that I may be spared to return home. Must I cast it
+out and have no desire, but to do the will of my Master. It were better,
+even so. O, Lord, Thy will be done. Grant I may make it my chief delight
+and render true submission thereto.
+
+Yesterday a little service was required of our dear L.M.M., but he
+insisted he could not comply. A sergeant and two privates were engaged.
+They coaxed and threatened him by turns, and with a determination not to
+be baffled took him out to perform it. Though guns were loaded he still
+stood firm and was soon brought back. We are happy here in
+guard-house,--too happy, too much at ease. We should see more of the
+Comforter,--feel more strength,--if the trial were fiercer; but this is
+well. This is a trial of strength of patience.
+
+_6th._ [9th month.]--Yesterday we had officers again for visitors. Major
+J.B. Gould, 13th Massachusetts, came in with the determination of
+persuading us to consent to be transferred to the hospital here, he
+being the Provost Marshal of the island and having the power to make the
+transfer. He is different in being and bearing from those who have been
+here before. His motives were apparently those of pure kindness, and his
+demeanour was that of a gentleman. Though he talked with us more than an
+hour, he lost no part of his self-control or good humour. So by his
+eloquence and kindness he made more impression upon us than any before.
+As Congregationalist he well knew the courts of the temple, but the Holy
+of Holies he had never seen, and knew nothing of its secrets. He
+understood expediency; but is not the man to "lay down his life for my
+sake." He is sincere and seems to think what Major Gould believes cannot
+be far from right. After his attempt we remained as firm as ever. We
+must expect all means will be tried upon us, and no less persuasion than
+threats.
+
+AT THE HOSPITAL, _7th._ [9th month.]--Yesterday morning came to us Major
+Gould again, informing us that he had come to take us out of that dirty
+place, as he could not see such respectable men lying there, and was
+going to take us up to the hospital. We assured him we could not serve
+there, and asked him if he would not bring us back when we had there
+declared our purpose. He would not reply directly; but brought us here
+and left us. When the surgeon knew our determination, he was for haling
+us back at once; what he wanted, he said, was willing men. We sat on
+the sward without the hospital tents till nearly noon, for some one to
+take us back; when we were ordered to move into the tents and quarters
+assigned us in the mess-room. The Major must have interposed,
+demonstrating his kindness by his resolution that we should occupy and
+enjoy the pleasanter quarters of the hospital, certainly if serving; but
+none the less so if we declined. Later in the day L.M.M. and P.D. were
+sitting without, when he passed them and, laughing heartily, declared
+they were the strangest prisoners of war he ever saw. He stopped some
+time to talk with them and when they came in they declared him a kind
+and honest man.
+
+If we interpret aright his conduct, this dangerous trial is over, and we
+have escaped the perplexities that his kindness and determination threw
+about us.
+
+_13th._--Last night we received a letter from Henry Dickinson, stating
+that the President, though sympathizing with those in our situation,
+felt bound by the Conscription Act, and felt liberty, in view of his
+oath to execute the laws, to do no more than detail us from active
+service to hospital duty, or to the charge of the coloured refugees. For
+more than a week have we lain here, refusing to engage in hospital
+service; shall we retrace the steps of the past week? Or shall we go
+South as overseers of the blacks on the confiscated estates of the
+rebels, to act under military commanders and to report to such? What
+would become of our testimony and our determination to preserve
+ourselves clear of the guilt of this war?
+
+P.S. We have written back to Henry Dickinson that we cannot purchase
+life at cost of peace of soul.
+
+_14th._--We have been exceeding sorrowful since receiving advice--as we
+must call it--from H.D. to enter the hospital service or some similar
+situation. We did not look for that from him. It is not what our Friends
+sent us out for; nor is it what we came for. We shall feel desolate and
+dreary in our position, unless supported and cheered by the words of
+those who have at heart our best interests more than regard for our
+personal welfare. We walk as we feel guided by Best Wisdom. Oh, may we
+run and not err in the high path of Holiness.
+
+_16th._--Yesterday a son-in-law of N.B. of Lynn came to see us. He was
+going to get passes for one or two of the Lynn Friends, that they might
+come over to see us today. He informed us that the sentiment of the
+Friends hereabouts was that we might enter the hospital without
+compromising our principles; and he produced a letter from W.W. to S.B.
+to the same effect. W.W. expressed his opinion that we might do so
+without doing it in lieu of other service. How can we evade a fact?
+Does not the government both demand and accept it as in lieu of other
+service? Oh, the cruelest blow of all comes from our friends.
+
+_17th._--Although this trial was brought upon us by our friends, their
+intentions were well meant. Their regard for our personal welfare and
+safety too much absorbs the zeal they should possess for the maintenance
+of the principle of the peaceableness of our Master's kingdom. An
+unfaithfulness to this through meekness and timidity seems
+manifest,--too great a desire to avoid suffering at some sacrifice of
+principle, perhaps,--too little of placing of Faith and confidence upon
+the Rock of Eternal Truth.
+
+Our friends at home, with W.D. at their head, support us; and yesterday,
+at the opportune moment, just as we were most distressed by the
+solicitations of our visitors, kind and cheering words of Truth were
+sent us through dear C.M.P., whose love rushes out to us warm and living
+and just from an overflowing fountain.
+
+I must record another work of kind attention shown us by Major Gould.
+Before we embarked, he came to us for a friendly visit. As we passed him
+on our way to the wharf he bade us Farewell and expressed a hope we
+should not have so hard a time as we feared. And after we were aboard
+the steamer, as the result of his interference on our behalf, we must
+believe, we were singled out from the midst of the prisoners, among whom
+we had been placed previous to coming aboard, and allowed the liberty of
+the vessel. By this are we saved much suffering, as the other prisoners
+were kept under close guard in a corner on the outside of the boat.
+
+FOREST CITY UP THE POTOMAC. _22nd._ [9th month.]--It was near noon,
+yesterday, when we turned in from sea between Cape Charles and Henry;
+and, running thence down across the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, alongside
+Old Point Comfort, dropped anchor off Fortress Monroe. The scene around
+us was one of beauty, though many of its adornments were the results and
+means of wrong. The sunshine was brighter, the verdure greener to our
+eyes weary of the sea, and the calm was milder and more grateful that we
+had so long tossed in the storm.
+
+The anchor was soon drawn up again and the _Forest City_ steamed up the
+James River toward Newport News, and turning to the left between the
+low, pine-grown banks, passed Norfolk to leave the New Hampshire
+detachment at Portsmouth.
+
+Coming back to Fortress Monroe, some freight was landed; and in the calm
+clear light of the moon, we swung away from shore and dropping down the
+mouth of the river, rounded Old Point, and, going up the Chesapeake,
+entered the Potomac in the night-time.
+
+OFF SHORE, ALEXANDRIA. _23d._--Here we anchored last night after the
+main detachment was landed, and the Vermont and Massachusetts men
+remained on board another night. We hear we are to go right to the
+field, where active operations are going on. This seems hard. We have
+not till now given up the hope that we were not to go out into Virginia
+with the rest of the men, but were to be kept here at Washington.
+Fierce, indeed, are our trials. I am not discouraged entirely; but I am
+weak from want of food which I can eat, and from sickness. I do not know
+how I am going to live in such way, or get to the front.
+
+P.S. We have just landed; and I had the liberty to buy a pie of a woman
+hawking such things, that has strengthened me wonderfully.
+
+CAMP NEAR CULPEPER. _25th._--My distress is too great for words; but I
+must overcome my disinclination to write, or this record will remain
+unfinished. So, with aching head and heart, I proceed.
+
+Yesterday morning we were roused early for breakfast and for preparation
+for starting. After marching out of the barracks, we were first taken to
+the armory, where each man received a gun and its equipments and a piece
+of tent. We stood in line, waiting for our turn with apprehensions of
+coming trouble. Though we had felt free to keep with those among whom we
+had been placed, we could not consent to carry a gun, even though we did
+not intend to use it; and, from our previous experience, we knew it
+would go harder with us, if we took the first step in the wrong
+direction, though it might seem an unimportant one, and an easy and not
+very wrong way to avoid difficulty. So we felt decided we must decline
+receiving the guns. In the hurry and bustle of equipping a detachment
+of soldiers, one attempting to explain a position and the grounds
+therefor so peculiar as ours to junior, petty officers, possessing
+liberally the characteristics of these: pride, vanity, conceit, and an
+arbitrary spirit, impatience, profanity, and contempt for holy things,
+must needs find the opportunity a very unfavourable one.
+
+We succeeded in giving these young officers a slight idea of what we
+were; and endeavoured to answer their questions of why we did not pay
+our commutation, and avail ourselves of that provision made expressly
+for such; of why we had come as far as that place, etc. We realized then
+the unpleasant results of that practice, that had been employed with us
+by the successive officers into whose hands we had fallen,--of shirking
+any responsibility, and of passing us on to the next officer above.
+
+A council was soon holden to decide what to do with us. One proposed to
+place us under arrest, a sentiment we rather hoped might prevail, as it
+might prevent our being sent on to the front; but another, in some spite
+and impatience, insisted, as it was their duty to supply a gun to every
+man and forward him, that the guns should be put upon us, and we be made
+to carry them. Accordingly the equipment was buckled about us, and the
+straps of the guns being loosened, they were thrust over our heads and
+hung upon our shoulders. In this way we were urged forward through the
+streets of Alexandria; and, having been put upon a long train of dirt
+cars, were started for Culpeper. We came over a long stretch of
+desolated and deserted country, through battlefields of previous
+summers, and through many camps now lively with the work of this present
+campaign. Seeing, for the first time, a country made dreary by the
+war-blight, a country once adorned with groves and green pastures and
+meadows and fields of waving grain, and happy with a thousand homes, now
+laid with the ground, one realizes as he can in no other way something
+of the ruin that lies in the trail of a war. But upon these fields of
+Virginia, once so fair, there rests a two-fold blight, first that of
+slavery, now that of war. When one contrasts the face of this country
+with the smiling hillsides and vales of New England, he sees stamped
+upon it in characters so marked, none but a blind man can fail to read,
+the great irrefutable arguments against slavery and against war, too;
+and must be filled with loathing for these twin relics of barbarism, so
+awful in the potency of their consequences that they can change even the
+face of the country.
+
+Through the heat of this long ride, we felt our total lack of water and
+the meagreness of our supply of food. Our thirst became so oppressive
+as we were marched here from Culpeper, some four miles with scarcely a
+halt to rest, under our heavy loads, and through the heat and deep dust
+of the road, that we drank water and dipped in the brooks we passed,
+though it was discoloured with the soap the soldiers had used in
+washing. The guns interfered with our walking, and, slipping down,
+dragged with painful weight upon our shoulders. Poor P.D. fell out from
+exhaustion and did not come in till we had been some little time at the
+camp. We were taken to the 4th Vermont regiment and soon apportioned to
+companies. Though we waited upon the officer commanding the company in
+which we were placed, and endeavoured to explain our situation, we were
+required immediately after to be present at inspection of arms. We
+declined, but an attempt was made to force us to obedience, first, by
+the officers of the company, then, by those of the regiment; but,
+failing to exact obedience of us, we were ordered by the colonel to be
+tied, and, if we made outcry, to be gagged also, and to be kept so till
+he gave orders for our release. After two or three hours we were
+relieved and left under guard; lying down on the ground in the open air,
+and covering ourselves with our blankets, we soon fell asleep from
+exhaustion, and the fatigue of the day.
+
+This morning the officers told us we must yield. We must obey and serve.
+We were threatened great severities and even death. We seem perfectly at
+the mercy of the military power, and, more, in the hands of the inferior
+officers, who, from their being far removed from Washington, feel less
+restraint from those Regulations of the Army, which are for the
+protection of privates from personal abuse.
+
+_26th._ [_9th_ month.]--Yesterday my mind was much agitated: doubts and
+fears and forebodings seized me. I was alone, seeking a resting-place
+and finding none. It seemed as if God had forsaken me in this dark hour;
+and the Tempter whispered, that after all I might be only the victim of
+a delusion. My prayers for faith and strength seemed all in vain.
+
+But this morning I enjoy peace, and feel as though I could face
+anything. Though I am as a lamb in the shambles, yet do I cry, "Thy will
+be done," and can indeed say,--
+
+    Passive to His holy will
+    Trust I in my Master still
+    Even though he slay me.
+
+I mind me of the anxiety of our dear friends about home, and of their
+prayers for us.
+
+Oh, praise be to the Lord for the peace and love and resignation that
+has filled my soul today! Oh, the passing beauty of holiness! There is
+a holy life that is above fear; it is a close communion with Christ. I
+pray for this continually but am not free from the shadow and the
+tempter. There is ever present with us the thought that perhaps we shall
+serve the Lord the most effectually by our death, and desire, if that be
+the service He requires of us, that we may be ready and resigned.
+
+REGIMENTAL HOSPITAL, 4th Vermont. _29th._ [_9th_ month.]--On the evening
+of the 26th the Colonel came to us apologizing for the roughness with
+which he treated us at first, which was, as he insisted, through
+ignorance of our real character and position. He told us if we persisted
+in our course, death would probably follow; though at another time he
+confessed to P.D. that this would only be the extreme sentence of
+court-martial.
+
+He urged us to go into the hospital, stating that this course was
+advised by Friends about New York. We were too well aware of such a fact
+to make any denial, though it was a subject of surprise to us that he
+should be informed of it. He pleaded with us long and earnestly, urging
+us with many promises of indulgence and favour and attentions we found
+afterwards to be untrue. He gave us till the next morning to consider
+the question and report our decision. In our discussion of the subject
+among ourselves, we were very much perplexed. If all his statements
+concerning the ground taken by our Society were true, we seemed to be
+liable, if we persisted in the course which alone seemed to us to be in
+accordance with Truth, to be exposed to the charge of over-zeal and
+fanaticism even among our own brethren. Regarding the work to be done in
+hospital as one of mercy and benevolence, we asked if we had any right
+to refuse its performance; and questioned whether we could do more good
+by endeavouring to bear to the end a clear testimony against war, than
+by labouring by word and deed among the needy in the hospitals and
+camps. We saw around us a rich field for usefulness in which there were
+scarce any labourers, and toward whose work our hands had often started
+involuntarily and unbidden. At last we consented to a trial, at least
+till we could make inquiries concerning the Colonel's allegations, and
+ask the counsel of our friends, reserving the privilege of returning to
+our former position.
+
+At first a great load seemed rolled away from us; we rejoiced in the
+prospect of life again. But soon there prevailed a feeling of
+condemnation, as though we had sold our Master. And that first day was
+one of the bitterest I ever experienced. It was a time of stern conflict
+of soul. The voice that seemed to say, "Follow me," as I sought
+guidance the night before, kept pleading with me, convincing of sin,
+till I knew of a truth my feet had strayed from His path. The
+Scriptures, which the day before I could scarcely open without finding
+words of strength and comfort, seemed closed against me, till after a
+severe struggle alone in the wood to which I had retired, I consented to
+give up and retrace my steps in faith. But it was too late. L.M.M.
+wishing to make a fair, honest trial, we were brought here--P.D. being
+already here unwell. We feel we are erring; but scarce anything is
+required of us and we wait to hear from Friends.
+
+Of these days of going down into sin, I wish to make little mention. I
+would that my record of such degradation be brief. We wish to come to an
+understanding with our friends and the Society before we move, but it
+does not seem that we can repress the upheavings of Truth in our
+hearts. We are bruised by sin.
+
+It is with pleasure I record we have just waited upon the Colonel with
+an explanation of our distress of mind, requesting him to proceed with
+court-martial. We were kindly and tenderly received. "If you want a
+trial I can give it to you," he answered. The brigade has just marched
+out to join with the division for inspection. After that we are to have
+attention to our case.
+
+P.M. There is particular cause for congratulation in the consideration
+that we took this step this morning, when now we receive a letter from
+H.D. charging us to faithfulness.
+
+When lately I have seen dear L.M.M. in the thoroughness and patience of
+his trial to perform service in hospital, his uneasiness and the
+intensity of his struggle as manifested by his silence and disposition
+to avoid the company of his friends, and seen him fail and declare to
+us, "I cannot stay here," I have received a new proof, and to me a
+strong one, because it is from the experimental knowledge of an honest
+man, that no Friend, who is really such, desiring to keep himself clear
+of complicity with this system of war and to bear a perfect testimony
+against it, can lawfully perform service in the hospitals of the Army in
+lieu of bearing arms.
+
+_10th_ mo., _3d._--Today dawned fair and our Camp is dry again. I was
+asked to clean the gun I brought, and declining, was tied some two hours
+upon the ground.
+
+_6th._ AT WASHINGTON.--At first, after being informed of our declining
+to serve in his hospital, Colonel Foster did not appear altered in his
+kind regard for us. But his spleen soon became evident. At the time we
+asked for a trial by court-martial, and it was his duty to place us
+under arrest and proceed with the preferring of his charges against us.
+For a while he seemed to hesitate and consult his inferior officers, and
+among them his Chaplain. The result of the conference was our being
+ordered into our companies, that, separated, and with the force of the
+officers of a company bearing upon us, we might the more likely be
+subdued. Yet the Colonel assured L.M.M., interceding in my behalf, when
+the lieutenant commanding my company threatened force upon me, that he
+should not allow any personal injury. When we marched next day I was
+compelled to bear a gun and equipments. My associates were more
+fortunate, for, being asked if they would carry their guns, declined and
+saw no more trouble from them. The captain of the company in which P.D.
+was placed told him he did not believe he was ugly about it, and that he
+could only put him under arrest and prefer charges against him. He
+accordingly was taken under guard, where he lay till we left for here.
+
+The next morning the men were busy in burnishing their arms. When I
+looked toward the one I had borne, yellow with rust, I trembled in the
+weakness of the flesh at the trial I felt impending over me. Before the
+Colonel was up I knocked at his tent, but was told he was asleep,
+though, through the opening, I saw him lying gazing at me. Although I
+felt I should gain no relief from him, I applied again soon after. He
+admitted me and, lying on his bed, inquired with cold heartlessness what
+I wanted. I stated to him, that I could never consent to serve, and,
+being under the war-power, was resigned to suffer instead all the just
+penalties of the law. I begged of him release from the attempts by
+violence to compel my obedience and service, and a trial, though likely
+to be made by those having no sympathy with me, yet probably in a
+manner comformable to law.
+
+He replied that he had shown us all the favour he should; that he had,
+now, turned us over to the military power and was going to let that take
+its course; that is, henceforth we were to be at the mercy of the
+inferior officers, without appeal to law, justice, or mercy. He said he
+had placed us in a pleasant position, against which we could have no
+reasonable objection, and that we had failed to perform our agreement.
+He wished to deny that our consent was only temporary and conditional.
+He declared, furthermore, his belief, that a man who would not fight for
+his country did not deserve to live. I was glad to withdraw from his
+presence as soon as I could.
+
+I went back to my tent and lay down for a season of retirement,
+endeavouring to gain resignation to any event. I dreaded torture and
+desired strength of flesh and spirit. My trial soon came. The lieutenant
+called me out, and pointing to the gun that lay near by, asked if I was
+going to clean it. I replied to him, that I could not comply with
+military requisitions, and felt resigned to the consequences. "I do not
+ask about your feelings; I want to know if you are going to clean that
+gun?" "I cannot do it," was my answer. He went away, saying, "Very
+well," and I crawled into the tent again. Two sergeants soon called for
+me, and taking me a little aside, bid me lie down on my back, and
+stretching my limbs apart tied cords to my wrists and ankles and these
+to four stakes driven in the ground somewhat in the form of an X.
+
+I was very quiet in my mind as I lay there on the ground [soaked] with
+the rain of the previous day, exposed to the heat of the sun, and
+suffering keenly from the cords binding my wrists and straining my
+muscles. And, if I dared the presumption, I should say that I caught a
+glimpse of heavenly pity. I wept, not so much from my own suffering as
+from sorrow that such things should be in our own country, where Justice
+and Freedom and Liberty of Conscience have been the annual boast of
+Fourth-of-July orators so many years. It seemed that our forefathers in
+the faith had wrought and suffered in vain, when the privileges they so
+dearly bought were so soon set aside. And I was sad, that one
+endeavouring to follow our dear Master should be so generally regarded
+as a despicable and stubborn culprit.
+
+After something like an hour had passed, the lieutenant came with his
+orderly to ask me if I was ready to clean the gun. I replied to the
+orderly asking the question, that it could but give me pain to be asked
+or required to do anything I believed wrong. He repeated it to the
+lieutenant just behind him, who advanced and addressed me. I was
+favoured to improve the opportunity to say to him a few things I wished.
+He said little; and, when I had finished, he withdrew with the others
+who had gathered around. About the end of another hour his orderly came
+and released me.
+
+I arose and sat on the ground. I did not rise to go away. I had not
+where to go, nothing to do. As I sat there my heart swelled with joy
+from above. The consolation and sweet fruit of tribulation patiently
+endured. But I also grieved, that the world was so far gone astray, so
+cruel and blind. It seemed as if the gospel of Christ had never been
+preached upon earth, and the beautiful example of his life had been
+utterly lost sight of.
+
+Some of the men came about me, advising me to yield, and among them one
+of those who had tied me down, telling me what I had already suffered
+was nothing to what I must yet suffer unless I yielded; that human flesh
+could not endure what they would put upon me. I wondered if it could be
+that they could force me to obedience by torture, and examined myself
+closely to see if they had advanced as yet one step toward the
+accomplishment of their purposes. Though weaker in body, I believed I
+found myself, through divine strength, as firm in my resolution to
+maintain my allegiance to my Master.
+
+The relaxation of my nerves and muscles after having been so tensely
+strained left me that afternoon so weak that I could hardly walk or
+perform any mental exertion.
+
+I had not yet eaten the mean and scanty breakfast I had prepared, when I
+was ordered to pack up my things and report myself at the lieutenant's
+tent. I was accustomed to such orders and complied, little moved.
+
+The lieutenant received me politely with, "Good-morning, Mr. Pringle,"
+and desiring me to be seated, proceeded with the writing with which he
+was engaged. I sat down in some wonderment and sought to be quiet and
+prepared for any event.
+
+"You are ordered to report to Washington," said he; "I do not know what
+it is for." I assured him that neither did I know. We were gathered
+before the Major's tent for preparation for departure. The regimental
+officers were there manifesting surprise and chagrin; for they could not
+but show both as they looked upon us, whom the day before they were
+threatening to crush into submission, and attempting also to execute
+their threats that morning, standing out of their power and under orders
+from one superior to their Major Commanding E.M. As the bird uncaged,
+so were our hearts that morning. Short and uncertain at first were the
+flights of Hope. As the slave many times before us, leaving his yoke
+behind him, turned from the plantations of Virginia and set his face
+toward the far North, so we from out a grasp as close and as abundant in
+suffering and severity, and from without the line of bayonets that had
+so many weeks surrounded us, turned our backs upon the camp of the 4th
+Vermont and took our way over the turnpike that ran through the tented
+fields of Culpeper.
+
+At the War Office we were soon admitted to an audience with the Adjutant
+General, Colonel Townsend, whom we found to be a very fine man, mild and
+kind. He referred our cases to the Secretary of War, Stanton, by whom we
+were ordered to report for service to Surgeon General Hammond. Here we
+met Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Agriculture, waiting for our arrival,
+and James Austin of Nantucket, expecting his son, Charles L. Austin, and
+Edward W. Holway of Sandwich, Mass., conscripted Friends like ourselves,
+and ordered here from the 22nd Massachusetts.
+
+We understand it is through the influence of Isaac Newton that Friends
+have been able to approach the heads of Government in our behalf and to
+prevail with them to so great an extent. He explained to us the
+circumstance in which we are placed. That the Secretary of War and
+President sympathized with Friends in their present suffering, and would
+grant them full release, but that they felt themselves bound by their
+oaths that they would execute the laws, to carry out to its full extent
+the Conscription Act. That there appeared but one door of relief
+open,--that was to parole us and allow us to go home, but subject to
+their call again ostensibly, though this they neither wished nor
+proposed to do. That the fact of Friends in the Army and refusing
+service had attracted public attention so that it was not expedient to
+parole us at present. That, therefore, we were to be sent to one of the
+hospitals for a short time, where it was hoped and expressly requested
+that we would consent to remain quiet and acquiesce, if possible, in
+whatever might be required of us. That our work there would be quite
+free from objection, being for the direct relief of the sick; and that
+there we would release none for active service in the field, as the
+nurses were hired civilians.
+
+These requirements being so much less objectionable than we had feared,
+we felt relief, and consented to them. I.N. went with us himself to the
+Surgeon General's office, where he procured peculiar favours for us:
+that we should be sent to a hospital in the city, where he could see us
+often; and that orders should be given that nothing should interfere
+with our comfort, or our enjoyment of our consciences.
+
+Thence we were sent to Medical Purveyor Abbot, who assigned us to the
+best hospital in the city, the Douglas Hospital.
+
+The next day after our coming here Isaac Newton and James Austin came to
+add to our number E.W.H. and C.L.A., so now there are five of us instead
+of three. We are pleasantly situated in a room by ourselves in the upper
+or fourth story, and are enjoying our advantages of good quarters and
+tolerable food as no one can except he has been deprived of them.
+
+[_10th_ month] _8th._--Today we have a pass to go out to see the city.
+
+_9th._--We all went, thinking to do the whole city in a day, but before
+the time of our passes expired, we were glad to drag ourselves back to
+the rest and quiet of D.H. During the day we called upon our friend
+I.N. in the Patent Office. When he came to see us on the 7th, he stated
+he had called upon the President that afternoon to request him to
+release us and let us go home to our friends. The President promised to
+consider it over-night. Accordingly yesterday morning, as I.N. told us,
+he waited upon him again. He found there a woman in the greatest
+distress. Her son, only a boy of fifteen years and four months, having
+been enticed into the Army, had deserted and been sentenced to be shot
+the next day. As the clerks were telling her, the President was in the
+War Office and could not be seen, nor did they think he could attend to
+her case that day. I.N. found her almost wild with grief. "Do not
+despair, my good woman," said he, "I guess the President can be seen
+after a bit." He soon presented her case to the President, who exclaimed
+at once, "That must not be, I must look into that case, before they
+shoot that boy"; and telegraphed at once to have the order suspended.
+
+I.N. judged it was not a fit time to urge our case. We feel we can
+afford to wait, that a life may be saved. But we long for release. We do
+not feel easy to remain here.
+
+_11th._--Today we attended meeting held in the house of a Friend, Asa
+Arnold, living near here. There were but four persons beside ourselves.
+E.W.H. and C.L.A. showed their copy of the charges about to have been
+preferred against them in court-martial before they left their regiment,
+to a lawyer who attended the meeting. He laughed at the Specification of
+Mutiny, declaring such a charge could not have been lawfully sustained
+against them.
+
+The experiences of our new friends were similar to ours, except they
+fell among officers who usually showed them favour and rejoiced with
+them in their release.
+
+_13th._--L.M.M. had quite an adventure yesterday. He being fireman with
+another was in the furnace room among three or four others, when the
+officer of the day, one of the surgeons, passed around on inspection.
+"Stand up," he ordered them, wishing to be saluted. The others arose;
+but by no means L. The order was repeated for his benefit, but he sat
+with his cap on, telling the surgeon he had supposed he was excused from
+such things as he was one of the Friends. Thereat the officer flew at
+him, exclaiming, he would take the Quaker out of him. He snatched off
+his cap and seizing him by the collar tried to raise him to his feet;
+but finding his strength insufficient and that L. was not to be
+frightened, he changed his purpose in his wrath and calling for the
+corporal of the guard had him taken to the guard-house. This was about
+eleven A.M. and he lay there till about six P.M., when the surgeon in
+charge, arriving home and hearing of it, ordered the officer of the day
+to go and take him out, telling him never to put another man into the
+guard-house while he was in charge here without consulting him. The
+manner of his release was very satisfactory to us, and we waited for
+this rather than effect it by our own efforts. We are all getting uneasy
+about remaining here, and if our release do not come soon, we feel we
+must intercede with the authorities, even if the alternative be
+imprisonment.
+
+The privations I have endured since leaving home, the great tax upon my
+nervous strength, and my mind as well, since I have had charge of our
+extensive correspondence, are beginning to tell upon my health and I
+long for rest.
+
+_20th._ We begin to feel we shall have to decline service as
+heretofore, unless our position is changed. I shall not say but we
+submit too much in not declining at once, but it has seemed most prudent
+at least to make suit with Government rather than provoke the hostility
+of their subalterns. We were ordered here with little understanding of
+the true state of things as they really exist here; and were advised by
+Friends to come and make no objections, being assured it was but for a
+very brief time and only a matter of form. It might not have been wrong;
+but as we find we do too much fill the places of soldiers (L.M.M.'s
+fellow fireman has just left for the field, and I am to take his place,
+for instance), and are clearly doing military service, we are
+continually oppressed by a sense of guilt, that makes our struggles
+earnest.
+
+_21st._--I.N. has not called yet; our situation is becoming almost
+intolerable. I query if patience is justified under the circumstances.
+My distress of mind may be enhanced by my feeble condition of health,
+for today I am confined to my bed, almost too weak to get downstairs.
+This is owing to exposure after being heated over the furnaces.
+
+_26th._--Though a week has gone by, and my cold has left me, I find I am
+no better, and that I am reduced very low in strength and flesh by the
+sickness and pain I am experiencing. Yet I still persist in going below
+once a day. The food I am able to get is not such as is proper.
+
+_11th_ mo., _5th._--I spend most of my time on my bed, much of it alone.
+And very precious to me is the nearness unto the Master I am favoured to
+attain to. Notwithstanding my situation and state, I am happy in the
+enjoyment of His consolations. Lately my confidence has been strong, and
+I think I begin to feel that our patience is soon to be rewarded with
+relief; insomuch that a little while ago, when dear P.D. was almost
+overcome with sorrow, I felt bold to comfort him with the assurance of
+my belief, that it would not be long so. My mind is too weak to allow of
+my reading much; and, though I enjoy the company of my companions a part
+of the time, especially in the evening, I am much alone; which affords
+me abundant time for meditation and waiting upon God. The fruits of this
+are sweet, and a recompense for affliction.
+
+_6th._--Last evening E.W.H. saw I.N. particularly on my behalf, I
+suppose. He left at once for the President. This morning he called to
+inform us of his interview at the White House. The President was moved
+to sympathy in my behalf, when I.N. gave him a letter from one of our
+Friends in New York. After its perusal he exclaimed to our friend, "I
+want you to go and tell Stanton that it is my wish all those young men
+be sent home at once." He was on his way to the Secretary this morning
+as he called.
+
+Later. I.N. has just called again informing us in joy that we are free.
+At the War Office he was urging the Secretary to consent to our paroles,
+when the President entered. "It is my urgent wish," said he. The
+Secretary yielded; the order was given, and we were released. What we
+had waited for so many weeks was accomplished in a few moments by a
+Providential ordering of circumstances.
+
+_7th._--I.N. came again last evening bringing our paroles. The
+preliminary arrangements are being made, and we are to start this
+afternoon for New York.
+
+_Note._ Rising from my sick-bed to undertake this journey, which lasted
+through the night, its fatigues overcame me, and upon my arrival in New
+York I was seized with delirium from which I only recovered after many
+weeks, through the mercy and favour of Him, who in all this trial had
+been our guide and strength and comfort.
+
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+The following pages contain advertisements of a few of the Macmillan
+books on kindred subjects
+
+
+
+
+The Heart of the Puritan
+
+By ELIZABETH DEERING HANSCOM
+
+_$1.50_
+
+The purpose of this volume is stated by the editor in these words: "I
+determined to bring together in one place in a convenient compendium, as
+it were, some gleanings from many and dusty tomes, some fragments of
+reality, in the hope that from them might radiate for others, as for me,
+shafts of light to penetrate the past." The result is unique in the
+revelation afforded in the Puritans' own words of their daily walk and
+conversation and of that inner temper which governed their public acts.
+The range is from orders for clothes and directions for an Atlantic
+voyage to the soul searchings of Cotton Mather and the spiritual
+ecstasies of Mrs. Jonathan Edwards.
+
+The idea is a happy one, and Miss Hanscom carries it through with great
+tact and deftness.
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+The Tree of Heaven
+
+By MAY SINCLAIR
+
+_Cloth, $1.60_
+
+A singularly penetrating story of modern life, written in the author's
+very best manner. The scheme, the root motive of the book, may be said
+to be a vindication of the present generation--the generation that was
+condemned as neurotic and decadent by common consent a little more than
+three years ago, but is now enduring the ordeal of the war with great
+singleness of heart. This theme, in Miss Sinclair's hands, assumes big
+proportions and gives her at the same time ample opportunity for
+character analysis, in which art she is equalled by few contemporary
+writers.
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+Fairhope: The Annals of a Country Church
+
+By EDGAR DEWITT JONES
+
+_Cloth, 12mo., $1.25_
+
+Fairhope meeting-house is in the northermost country of Kentucky, in the
+midst of a populous farming community. In this book Mr. Jones, a
+life-long member of the community, tells the story of Fairhope
+meeting-house. The book is a remarkably sympathetic and appealing
+account of a phase of American rural life at a time when religion was
+always the uppermost topic in people's minds.
+
+"Simple narratives of our people, our preachers, and the lights and
+shadows of our rural religious life"--is the author's modest description
+of his work. But this gives no hint of the book's peculiar charm. Those
+who love birds and stretches of green meadow, glimpses of lordly and
+high hills, the soil and the sincere life lived on it, will find here a
+genuine delight.
+
+Above all is the interest in the preachers themselves. "There were
+giants in those days, and for the most part our ministers were good and
+noble men. Of their goodness and sincerity these annals bear witness!"
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+Christine
+
+By ALICE CHOLMONDELEY
+
+_Cloth, 12mo., $1.25_
+
+"A book which is true in essentials--so real that one is tempted to
+doubt whether it is fiction at all--doubly welcome and doubly
+important.... It would be difficult indeed to find a book in which the
+state of mind of the German people is pictured so cleverly, with so much
+understanding and convincing detail.... Intelligent, generous,
+sweet-natured, broadminded, quick to see and to appreciate all that is
+beautiful either in nature or in art, rejoicing humbly over her own
+great gift, endowed with a keen sense of humour, Christine's is a
+thoroughly wholesome and lovable character. But charming as Christine's
+personality and her literary style both are, the main value of the book
+lies in its admirably lucid analysis of the German mind."--_New York
+Times._
+
+"Absolutely different from preceding books of the war. Its very freedom
+and girlishness of expression, its very simplicity and open-heartedness,
+prove the truth of its pictures."--_New York World._
+
+"A luminous story of a sensitive and generous nature, the spontaneous
+expression of one spirited, affectionate, ardently ambitious, and
+blessed with a sense of humour."--_Boston Herald._
+
+"The next time some sentimental old lady of either sex, who 'can't see
+why we have to send our boys abroad,' comes into your vision, and you
+know they are too unintelligent (they usually are) to understand a
+serious essay, try to trap them into reading 'Christine.' If you succeed
+we know it will do them good."--_Town and Country._
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+
+Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Record of a Quaker Conscience,
+Cyrus Pringle's Diary, by Cyrus Pringle
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RECORD OF A QUAKER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 16088.txt or 16088.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/0/8/16088/
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/16088.zip b/16088.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55b96c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16088.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..28b4e06
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #16088 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16088)