Poughkeepsie Friends Quaker Meeting

The American Revolution was a dangerous time to be a Quaker. Because of their commitment to pacifism, most Quakers refused to support either side in the war. They would not serve in the military, donate war supplies, swear loyalty oaths, or use Continental currency, believing it had been issued to finance the war. Although Quakers opposed both the British and Patriot war efforts, many Americans viewed their pacifism as evidence of Loyalist sympathies.

In September 1777, as British troops approached Philadelphia, Congress ordered the arrest of a group of prominent Philadelphia Quakers, describing them as among "the most dangerous enemies America knows."

Twenty men were taken from their homes and sent into exile on the Virginia frontier. They were never formally charged with a crime, never convicted, and never granted a hearing to defend themselves. They were told they would be released if they pledged an oath to the American government, but they refused. Held far from home for more than seven months, they petitioned, wrote letters, and published pamphlets arguing for their release.

Back in Philadelphia, their wives and families endured the hardships of British occupation without the support and income of husbands, fathers, and sons. The Quaker women who were left behind organized for the prisoners’ release with the first political petition in American history written by women. Four of the Quaker women made the dangerous journey from British-controlled Philadelphia to Valley Forge to petition George Washington for the men's freedom.

The exiles were finally released in April 1778 after gaining public sympathy, though two had died during their confinement and two were publicly hanged for treason. The rest returned to Philadelphia where crowds of Friends and well-wishers gathered to welcome them.

This episode forced the new United States government to remember and reaffirm its commitment to the Revolutionary ideal of liberty.

Summer Sessions [email protected]/session/summer-sessions-2026

Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 4:00pm to Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 12:00pm

Join us for our Pride Fun Run! 🏳️‍🌈

June 28
9:00 a.m.
Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie

$15 from every race entry and 100% of all donations will go directly to the Dutchess Pride Center.

🔗 Link below to sign up!

https://runsignup.com/fleetfeetpoughkeepsiespridefunrun

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