578 FRIENDS’
Washington through the Jerseys to Trenton. In
the 12th month, many of the Hessian soldiers
were stationed in Burlington county, andsome of
them at Mount Holly. A force was collected
at Haddonfield, which, on the 22d, drove them
from thence ; on the 23d the Hessians returned
reinforced, and defeated the Americans, who,
with great surprise, returned to Haddonfield the
same evening, supposing they were pursued,
Things now looked extremely gloomy in respect
to America. Washington’s army was crumbled
away to almost nothing; Howe appeared to
have nothing to fear, and his business seemed
nearly accomplished. At this crisis he issued
a proclamation, offering a pardon to all who
should return to their allegiance by a specified
day,—which offer great numbers embraced. In
. the night of the 24th, (the day after the above
defeat,) Robert Frederick Price and Isaac
Mickle, the members of Assembly for Glouces-
ter county, came to my house with what their
saddle bags could contain, in search of some se-
cure retreat, supposing themselves in imminent
danger, as it was generally believed the English
would soon have possession of all the Jerseys.
They requested my advice whether they should
take the benefit of Howe’s pardon,or gointo Penn-
sylvania, thinking themselves unsafe and liable
to be betrayed in the county. I let them know
that although I sincerely wished them well, it
was a case in which I was not free to give them
counsel,—further than this, that I was well as-
sured a small part of the English army dare
not venture below Philadelphia, and I thought
there was hardly a man in the county who
would not sooner help to secure than to betray
them. If Jersey was likely to be wholly sub-
dued, they could then step across the river if
they chose to assist the American cause, or
otherwise take the benefit of the pardon; but
as to my own sentiments of this contest, al-
though things at present looked so unfavorable
for America, it did not alter the belief in which
my mind had been for some time fixed, that
Providence was bringing about some greater
event than only a scourge, and that, after he had
humbled the people, he would establish the free-
dom of America, and that she would never be
again in subordination to England. I told them
that although I had been careful in speaking
upon this subject, I had freedom to say thus
much to them: that I hoped they had used, and
during thesecommotions would so use, the power
they might have, as to secure peace to their own
minds: that I much desired each of us, in our
several stations, might be found doing the will
of Him who governs the universe. This would
give us fortitude to encounter every difficulty
and danger that may fall to our lots. They
- stayed till afternoon of next day, and appearing
- more composed, returned to Woodbury, and
- talked of going home and waiting to see a little
further how matters would turn. After they

 

REVIEW.

were gone, on reflecting upon what had passed,
I thought it might possibly be called in ques-
tion hereafter, and therefore noted down the
above.” se
What a view is here presented of the tranquil
assurance of the Christian patriot, who, whilst
he could not conscientiously implicate himself
in strife and bloodshed, yet loved his country,
wisely scanned the signs of the times, and read —
the gracious designs of Providence in connection
with the birth-struggles of a nation. Happy
had it been for the people of the United States
bad our National and State councils been con-
ducted, and the primary political movements
of the townships, &c., been watched and con-
trolled by men with mindsas clear and patriotism
as pure and unselfish as were found in David
Cooper ! re
In the letters of D. Cooper to his son-in-law,
Samuel Allinson, are found frequent passages of
more or less historical interest. In one bearing
date 12th mo. 9th, 1775, he says : ‘* These
times will try many, whether they are really, as
they profess, trusting wholly on that Arm which
the wind and seas obey. I fear very many will find
that they have greatly deceived them
and are not inhabitants of that holy m
where none can make afraid. I belie
wisdom in these trying times to labor a |!
quiet of mind wherein, only, the still small yoice
is to be heard. Herein we shall find an increase
of strength and confidence in fixing our trust
where it ought to be ; and may be directed what
is best for us to do. But if we look outward
either for advice, assistance or example, it will
increase weakness. The mind being turned to
a wrong object, no wonder if it is led amiss.
“Tf it should become necessary, my house will
be cheerfully open for yours and for you. I do
not feel a disposition to add much, but recom-—
mend a deep attention to lay aside every weight
and burthen, that so we may appear without
spot or wrinkle before Him to whom no diffi-
culty or distress can be too great to deliver his
dependant children from. fe,
Amos’ goods were all returned. He is at
a loss for the cause.” ne
From Moorestown, the next day, he again
writes toS. A. ‘On hearing yesterday of the
changeof matters, I was desirous of seeing you,
and came near Rancocas Ferry, where I met
James Kinsey, who told me you expected the
English in Burlington this night, that the ferry
boats would be moved to-day, that Pensaukin
Bridge is just burnt, and those over the Ranco-
cas are expected to be before night. I should
have proceeded notwithstanding the first account,
but concluded I should not be able to get back.
I am disappointed, but hope the pleasure of
seeing you will not be long withheld ; and al-
though the storm looks very threatening, He who
directs it can cause it to fall light or heavy,
when or where he pleases. May we lean