596 FRIENDS’
subsequently he was appointed one of the Keepers
of the seal of the Supreme Court. April 4th
1765, he was appointed Clerk and Register in
Chancery, (then distinct offices), which posts he
resigned October 10th, 1772. In 1765 he was
also appointed by Gov. Franklin “ Solicitor and
Counsellor, to appear in all his Majesty’s Courts
of Law and Equity.” In all his legal practice
he never aaderage an unjust cause, or lent his
talents for the advocacy of wrong. From this
course of uprightness no fee or inducement could
divert him, And more than this, when he was
applied to to act in cases where litigation would
be unwise and inexpedient he used his utmost
persuasions, with both parties, to have the mat-
ter amicably adjusted. From many thankful
hearts he received, in life and after death,
benisons as a peace-maker. He admired, and
in the preface to his “ Laws,’ he advocated,
a custom practised by the wise and good founder
of Pennsylvania during his residence in that
province. ‘In order,’ says he, ‘‘to prevent
lawsuits, three Peace-Makers were chosen by
every county court, in the nature of common
arbitrators, to hear and end differences between
man and man.’ <A gentleman who knew the
meritorious characters of Kinsey and Allinson
as lawyers without reproach, soliloquized as he
entered dear old Burlington,

‘“ Strange things will happen now and then,
Here live two lawyers, and both honest men !”

Of the latter, it is believed, that in all his pro-
fessional career he never lost a case. Nor is
this matter of great surprise, when it is remem-
bered that he always had right on his side, and
that judges and jurymen had reason to confide
in his legal accuracy and his unswerving vera-
city. On the 3d of 6th month, 1806, at the
North Meeting, Philadelphia, fifteen years after
the death of Samuel Allinson, Nicholas Waln
bore public testimony to the steadfast virtues
of his friend and colleague in the legal profes-
‘sion ; referring to the pecuniary sacrifices they
had both made for the truth’s sake.

DAVID COOPER TO SAMUEL ALLINSON.
Woodbury, 1st mo. 22d, 1777.

Loving. Son,—I have just returned from a
visit to our State prisoners, Mark Miller and
Thomas Redman, the news of which may have
reached you before your receipt of this. The
letter was sent for on Second-day, and examined
by the same as before; John Tatum was with
him. A. Senick, Anthony Taylor, brother
Robert, and others were present, and Thomas
tells me they were entertained nearly an hour
with a history of the Meeting for Sufferings,
how obtained, who opposed it, &c.; that that
meeting (or Friends) were chargeable with all
the blood spilt in America, &. Thomas said
but little, refused to take the test or give securi-
ty. His mittimus was written and he given in
charge toa military officer to take to prison,

 

REVIEW.

who, after they got out, cheerfully gave him
liberty to go home and return by oie
next day. In the morning sentence was passed
on Mark, and both were sent together. Even
the jailor seemed much affected. Gwin Sparks
came and would send them a bed. In the night
the Sheriff came home, and, rather against their
wills, would have them to his house. After
breakfast they returned. I. Morris and some
others were with them when I went in. Morris
came to get them released, urging many reasons
to induce them to give security. They were
very calm, and signified that they were bound to
good behaviour more strongly than bonds could
do it. The Sheriff went with me to the prison
to take them to dinner. I left them in a sweet
disposition, their only fear being that some one,
without their knowledge, and out of intended
kindness, may give security.
This is the beginning of imprisoning Quakers
in West Jersey. Whether it will go as far as
it did in England, is only known to Him who
governs all things. .
Weare in health. Fines are collecting. Be
not surprised if you hear that more Woodbury
people are sent to accompany the above Friends,
where I doubt not they will be more happy on
their beds of straw, than those who send them
are upon their beds of down. In near affection
I am your loving father, ,
Davip Cooper.
“In the year 1777, Friends suffered much
in their persoas and property from the militia,
who generally broke into our meeting houses
and used them for barracks. This was the case
at Woodbury, but we were allowed to hold our
meetings as usual, till the 10th and 11th months
of this year, when General Varnham, with about
three thousand troops, being stationed at. Wood-
bury, our meeting house, by his orders, was
used as a hospital for the sick and wounded from
the forts at Mud Island and Red Bank, which
wholly deprived us from using it. We set the
benches close to one end, and there held our
meetings, subjected to the scoffs and mockery of
the soldiers,and appeared indeed as sheep among
wolves. But in this humble situation we were
not forgotten by Him who hath promised to be
with them that meet in his name. Friends
thinking it expedient to remonstrate against
such usage, a committee of six were appointed,
who drew up the following remonstrance and
presented it to the General. He was said to be
an eminent lawyer from New England. He
appeared in great state, having his room filled
with officers to receive us. The remonstrance
was read to him; he undertook to justify their
using our house; on which considerable dis-
course ensued, until his countenance fell, and
he appeared confused, fixing his eyes on the
floor, and desired us to leave the address and he
would send us an answer in writing, which we
did, but received no answer, though we under-