The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1863-09-12
WHOLE No. 800.
FRIENDS REFUSING TO FIGHT.

a correspondent Of the N. Y. Tribune,
writing from Philadelphia. August 9th,
says:
The leading particulars of one of the most
remarkable events of this war have lust been
communicated to me. You know that many
of the Society of Friends have long resided
in North Carolina. and that Fundamental
article OF their faith is refusal TO take up
arms under any circumstances whatever
la the early stages of the rebellion the rebel
powers of North Carolina, we'll knowing
their peaceful principles. permitted them 10
pass lunmolested, though known to be un-
conditional Union men. But as time went
on. disaster to the REBEL on succeeded to
disaster. men were captured, killed or diss-
bled TO so fearful an extent that every one
out of the army must be brought into it.
Early this year the CONSUMPTION fell upon
the Friends. In one neighborhood. some
twelve of them were drafted. In accord
ance with their we'll known principles, they
refused to join the army. But everywhere
the reign OF terror prevailed, and they were
forced into the ranks. Here muskets were
given to them. but every man of them re.
fused even 10 touch the weapons. Every
conceivable insult and outrage was heaped
uHon them; they were tied up. starved and
whipped. Sull they rem Sined firm 20 their
con @cientious convictions, and refused TO
fight. Finally. the muskets were actually
strapped - their bodies
One of these Friends was singled out as
especially obnoxious. aud was whipped IN.
merciiuly. The off ser r charge was law
less and brutal. and on one occasion ordered
him TO be shot as an example to the others.
He called out lie of men to shoot him.
While his executioners were drawn up be.
fore him, standing within twelve feet of
their victim, the latter. raising his eyes 10
heaven, and elevating his hands, cried out
in loud voice: Father. forgive them;
they know not what they do" Instantly
came the order 10 fire. But instead Of
obeying it, the men dropped their muskets
An refused. declaring that they could not
kill such man.
This refusal so enraged the officer that he
knocked his victim down in the road, and
taen slrove repeatedly to trample HIM to
death under his horses feet. Bat the AMI
NAL persistently refused to even step over
mis- prostrare body.
In the end they were marched with the
rebel army to Gettysburg. In that battle
they remained entirely passive, fred no
shot, and IN God alone trusted for preser-
vation. Very early in the action the officer
referred to was killed. The Friends, all un.
hurt. were taken prisoners and sent to Fort
Delaware Here by accident it became
known in this city that several Friends were
among the captured, and two members of
the 'ciety went down TO inquire into the
circumstances, but were refused permission
to see them. They went Immediately TO
Washington. and there obtained an order
for their discharge. conditioned on their
-aking an affirmation of allegiance. This
opened the prison door. The affirmation
made, these martyrs for conscience sake are
released and are now here.
It is probable that Riore minute and &C.
curate narrative of this case will be prepar-
ed by some of the Society.