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Archiver > QUAKER-ROOTS > 1998-10 > 0907968141


From: Miriam Bertelson <>
Subject: Re: QUAKER-ROOTS-D Digest V98 #436
Date: Fri, 09 Oct 1998 14:22:21 -0700


For Mary Alice, et al;

I am glad you used your soap-box! One of the most interesting aspects of
Quaker research for me has been the "careful" participation in politics,
or "cautious", but firm, support of patriotic activities by my
ancestors. They used rational means to bring freedom and promote good
government. Some were forced to withdraw from public office or war-like
measures on account of principles held by Friends, and that is very
important in really understanding them.Often they were dis. by mtgs. for
expressing their preferences publicly or "taking up arms" during
wartime.
One of my ancestors, William Shattuck, was elected to public office, but
withdrew from that office because of his decision not to take the
reqiored oath. During the revolution, it was quite a serious dilemna for
the Friends to support the cause of freedom, yet stay within the bounds
of their beliefs.

Miriam

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