the tanning business, but owing to some misunder-
standing about my learning the currying trade, I
did not continue with him more than two years.
Public affairs were in a very unsettled state, and
a great deal of bitterness and ill-will subsisted
amongst the people, which produced much division
and strife between families and near connexions,
who had heretofore lived in perfect peace and har-
mony. The science of government was little under-
stood, yet every bustling politician was a great man.
Many of the most respectable citizens were opposed
to a separation from Great Britain, yet all acknow-
ledged that the claims of the British Parliament
were severe and unjust. Those opposed to indepen-
dence conceived that more ought to have been done
to obtain redress of grievances in a peaceable way,
without having recourse to the shedding of blood.
Every one seemed to take a decided and warm part,
and was attached, and marked as belonging to one
or other of the two parties. It now appears very
clearly to my mind, that it would have been more
wise and consistent with the principles of Friends, if
they had more carefully avoided the intemperate
political zeal, then manifested by all parties. The
advice of George Fox, was for Friends to keep out
of all civil commotions, &c., as they are mostly car-
ried on in a temper very opposite to the meek and
quiet spirit of the Gospel. From the age of 16 to 20
years, my most particular and intimate friends were
Charles Mifflin

and William Savary, with whom I
daily associated. The former was well educated
and of a fine understanding, with sound principles
and a marked integrity. The latter was a most
valuable character, and a highly pleasing and enter-
taining companion. We were all fond of such sub-
jects and pursuits as were most likely to promote
mirth and pleasantry, yet the wise and excellent
sentiments communicated to us by Charles Mifflin
were one means of preserving us from much harm;