T H E
W I L L I AM L. C L E M E N T S
L I B R A R Y
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Lathrop Colgate Harper
L I T T. D.



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R E PL Y
SHAREES' Sºlºs,
* REVIEW of THE PORTRAITURE OF SHAKERISM,”
- witH. *
AN ACCOUNT OF THE SICKNESS AND DEATH
OF
BETsy over;
'. sketch of the journey of the Author.
º * •' ANI) .
TESTINYonres Faort saveRAL PEasons.
BY MARY M. DYER,
Author of the “Portraitore of Shakerism.”
* We both labor, and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living
God.”—I Tim. iv. 10.
•º OOC44-
GOINT GOEID 3
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,
º 1824.
k
PREFACE.
It is a thing unexpected for me, to appear
again in a publication of this kind. But the
old Pharaoh (or Shakers) will not let me
go. They have again produced a publica-
tion, the materials of which appear to have
been obtained through the greatest intrigue,
oppression and fallacy of any collection ever
heard of. It is strange to me, that people
will be so foolish as to fight against light
and truth, when their own conscience and
knowledge bears witness against them. It
is hard for them to kick against the truth ;
it is like fire-brands at the tails of the fºxes,
which caused the destruction of the Philis-
tine's corn. I hope the truth will prevent
their gathering so great a harvest among
the innocent youth as they have done. I
don’t wish to contend for any thing but
truth.
I make the following remarks, and leave
it with the public to judge.
M. M. D.
R E PL Y, & c.
In the Shaker book, called a Review, page 5, they
state, “Whereas, there is now before the public a
libellows publication, entitled a “Portraiture of Sha-
kerism,” published by Mary M. Dyer, the materials
of which she and her accomplices have been more than
six years in collecting.”
As to the time, places, and persons who assisted
me, I offer the following statement: .
In the year 1818, I petitioned the second time for
the liberty of my children, which, by fraud, were
kept among the Shakers. I found no redress. The
reasons offered by the Committee were, there was
need of more witnesses of the same nature—if those
could be produced there would be a law of protec-
tion. I was sensible such might be easily obtained,
as many people, who had left the Shakers, were
acquainted with similar circumstances. Being
willing to do all possible for redress, I moved for-
ward in my duty—which led me among strangers;
nothing but a mother’s dearest affections could in-
duce me.
My finding the Shakers a banditti, caused such a
dread, that at times l declined, when the weight of
the cause so rolled on my feelings, I was reduced
to a sick bed. After suffering days, with much
reasoning in my mind, I would again proceed. All
people were strangers, and I went where I was
recommended to go by christian friends ; and ever
requested the people to tell me the truth, and I
wanted nothing but the truth. I was not in the
presence of but three when the Justice gave to them
their oaths on all those attested, which were Joshua
4.
Stevens, Mehitable Pattee, and Clement Beck, as
follows:
I, Clement Beck, of Weare, do testify, that I am son of
Henry and Alice Beck, formerly of Concord, N. H.
They joined the Shakers when I was a child—moved
to Canterbury, N. H. where I lived with my parents a
short time ; then was placed in a family of Shakers,
under the care of Ezekiel Morrill. Here I began to
learn sorrow ; I worked in a blacksmith's shop, and
from eleven years old to fourteen, 1 not only worked
hard days, but worked many a time all night, heading
mails. If I declined, my master would swing his cane
over my head, and say, “I will beat you until the blood
runs down in streams.” I secretly sent to my father
that I wished to go away—he came after me. My el-
der told me I should certainly go to hell if I went away
—he talked so frightful, I dare not go. In anguish I
fell to the ground, where I cried myself to sleep—
through much fear I got away, and stayed in my father's
family about a year—then, by orders from the ministry,
I was placed in the church family to live. I had broth-
ers and sisters in the church, an equal share of my
father's property carried with us. This by order—ſ
was allotted to the blacksmith’s trade, where I worked
very hard. After I got the trade, a day's work for me
was to make eight hoes, or six scythes, or six axes in a
day. I worked seven years, and was not allowed, nei-
ther did I go forty-five rods from the shop ; then I
passed my bounds, went a few rods beyond a rise—
where I could have more prospect—for this I was pun-
ished, though I was twenty-two years old. In conse-
quence of hard work, I have been so decrepid and in
such pain, that I could not lay upon a bed; what sleep
I had, for three months at a time, was when setting in a
chair—meantime work hard days. They allow of no
indulgence—they teach their subjects that the more
work they do, the greater treasure they will lay up in
heaven—and such as will not work for this prize, are
punished to make them work. I lost no time, but work.
5
ed in this manner until I was thirty-eight years old—-
the last of the time I had the care of the shop—al-
though, for a trifling offence, they treated me so unrea-
sonable, I was glad to leave them. I was brought to
such distress, life was no object, if I could have died
suddenly—but to stay as 1 was, in such a lingering tor-
mented dying state. To go away, I thought would be
offensive to God—and I was in years, and ignorant of
education or information—nothing to help myself with
but my labor—and the best of my days for health were
gone. They would not allow me any thing for my work
—meantime said, I had done to the amount of two
thousand dollars worth, extra of my expense to them ;
neither would they let me have so much with interest
as I had of my father's property. The reason they
gave was, because I had signed their Covenant ; this
is required soon after we become of age. I knew noth-
ing about law, or the effect of the Covenant when I
signed it. The elder said it was the orders, and if I
did not sign it I should be out of union—and could not
be owned, and if I held back, God would hold my bless-
ing from me—but if I would sign l should come into
full union, and should have that heavenly treasure
which I had been laboring for. I believed and obeyed,
and endeavored to be as faithful to them as possible—-
but never found the blessing which was promised—but
found many grievous hours. Many of their subjects,
I think, would not stay there under such slavery and
bondage, if they thought there was any other way for
eternal happiness; but there is such absolute testimo-
nies against all other way C4 salvation, it weakens their
confidence in every thing else, and destroys the power
of mind to escape. At the time I offended them, they
falsely accused me of crimes, then requested me to
kneel before the Society and own it—I dare not, l knew
it was false, and believed they did it to sharne me be-
fore the Society; reason would teach that I was vexed
with abusing language in addition, all of which was
very distressing ; as 1 saw no relief, hard work in com-
parison was a pleasure to it j because I would not own
6
this scandal, I was sent forty miles to another Society,
among strangers.
I will name some circumstances of cruelty on others.
I was kept so recluse, I had but little opportunity to
know what passed on others ; and they are not allowed
to tell their troubles or punishments to each other. A
sister of mine, by the name of Hannah Beck, who lived
in the same family with me, was very industrious, be-
came sick, and was some deranged, but was gentle ;
she being ill, refused to work, as they said. They or-
dered me to make a chair, that they could confine her
to a spinning wheel ; and of sufficient length to spin on
the great wheel ; also to reach her couch, which lay
upon the floor, for her to sleep on. This was in cold
weather,” and the place she was confined in was a wash-
shop, in a chamber over the wash-room, and had a sin-
gle floor with open cracks, which made her uncom.
fortable. There was a small stove in the room, but
she was chained so far from it, that she could not reach
it, and was dependant on others for wood and fire, it
was an apartment separate from the men's concerns.
However, as I was passing there, I heard her crying
and lamenting. I went to the shop, and looked through
the cracks ; she saw me, and said, “do make me some
fire, and light my pipe.” She begged again and again;
my feelings were sensibly struck, and I attempted to go
in, but saw two of the sisters coming ; and knowing I
was out of my order, I stept a little aside, and heard
her continue in supplication, and think she got no re-
lief. Again I was passing there, heard contention and
hard talk; went to . Hannah's room, and there saw one
of the leading sisters, with a large stick in her hand,
threatening Hannah to make her work. My sister said,
“I am sick and cannot spin.” I saw the woman strike
her three times with the stick. It would not do for
me to interfere; I could not bear it, and went away.
l afterwards heard that they made her work, and that
they stripped her a number of times naked, and whip.
* It appears they got tired of watching her, as it was cold.--Author.
7.
ped her ; after that, they sent her to what they called
world; and she became better in health, and regular
in her faculties.
She again was induced to live with the Shakers, and
was placed in Enfield Society, in N. H. Just before I
left the Shakers, I was sent to Enfield, and lived in the
same family, and there saw her treated cruelly. She
was out of health, and much decrepid with the rheu-
matism, and her stomach bones and joints were much
drawn out of place in consequence. She worked in the
dairy to assist others, and brought water for this use
from a distance, as they were depending on water
brought artificially, which had become mostly dry, as
it was a dry season. She frequently passed the shop
where I worked, when I took her pails, and carried
her water for her. She was then so lame she could
scarcely walk,” and constantly attended with a pain in
her stomach. I left the Shakers the autumn following,
in September, 1815; have since heard of my sister’s
death, and was glad to hear she was removed from her
slavery. .
The beautiful appearance of the Shakers, and of
their villages, also their good deeds, have no need of
being spoken of, as they themselves endeavor to make
all these manifest. Another circumstance I minute,
that light and understanding may spring forth.
A girl by the name of Comfort Smith, who was with
them, I think was treated with such cruelty, that it
shortened her life. The reason they gave for this cru-
elty, they said she sinned against her order, which was
the ministry, as she lived in the meeting house with
them. They said she left the house at night, and talk-
ed with the man on the Watch, who was set to guard
the meeting-house. The girl was chastised different
ways, some I will mention. She was secluded or ab-
sent for a time—then a writing was drawn, which was
called her confession—many of the Shakers were col-
lected in a room, where she must kneel in the midst,
* I heard by one in the family, that Hannah died of consumption
sores.-Jºlwthor. . .
8
and hear the confession read. While they were read.
ing, she fainted as lifeless. I was not an eye witness,
being a youth, but was in a room underneath the cham-
ber where they were collected, and heard the noise
when she fell, as I was afterwards informed of the
whole circumstance by some who were then present.
A few weeks after this, a number of us were called in
where she lay expiring ; she was past speech—one
made a remark that she thought she did not understand
what they said. The head elder said, he a short time
before, had been chastising her, and had awakened her
senses. I was at a loss to know why it was so—he said
“ because she had sinned against so high an order*—if
* The follcwing statement is written by Mary Dyer—not knowing
as I should have any further information on the subject, I neglected get-
ing it then attested to. However, as I have learnt the foregoing state-
ment from Clement Beck, I repeat a statement on the same subject,
(and leave it for the present) which I received by the mouth of John
Heath, of Enfield, N. H. In May, I818, I was making some remark
on the Shakers, when Mr. Heath said, “I have reason to believe the
Shaker leaders do not live in that purity which they profess ; from cer-
tain circumstances which passed while I lived at Canterbury.” I was
anxious to hear—he stated, that “the Shaker father made me promise
before I left Canterbury, not to say any thing about it,” I told him he
ought to tell the truth—and that was all I wanted.” At the time I lived
at Canterbury, I was set at night to guard the village. After all was
still, Comfort Smith, who lived in the meeting-house, came to me and.
said, she wished me to assist her in going away. I asked her why she
should be discontented, knowing that was considered the most holy and
highest station among the people—she said her fears were such she dare
not stay, and that father (Job Bishop,) was rude with her—he would
claspher in his arms, hold her upon his lap, hug and kiss her—his treat-
ment to her was such, she felt in danger.” “I did not,” said Heath,
“ then think her in so great danger as perhaps I ought—was anxious to
have the rest of the Society know how the father managed, accordingly
reported the same to others—it soon got to the father's cars—I was call-
ed in question by him, and told him what Comfort said. Father owned
that she told the truth—“but,” said he, “I took such liberties, that she
might be contented, and not wish to go to the world;" and further said,
“you have broke your orders in hearing her complaint, she has also
broke her orders in speaking to you—now, if you will say nothing about
it, yºu shall be forgiven, and have your choice, to go to Enfield, or stay
here"—he knew I had previously desired to go to Enfield to live—by
which means I consented to his proposals, went to Enfield, and knew
no more about it.” Mr. Heath appears like a candid, steady man :
was he brought under oath, I think he would attest to the same, if not
word for word. Mr. Heath is some embarrassed with debt—and per-
haps the Shakers by means of, may try to obstruct the truth. But this:
9
she did not confess she could not die in peace ; it hath
caused such judgment of God upon her, it hath short-
ened her days.” Those judgments spoken of, are pun-
ishments from the head Shakers, as I shall hereafter
shew. There was four of the most sprightly females
who went one after the other into the meeting-house
to live with the ministry, and all died when adults, and
a short time after they were allotted to this situation.
Their names were Hannah Looge, Comfort Smith, Ma-
ry Chase, and Abigail Sanborn. There are two men,
and two women living together in the meeting house.
These give orders for the rest of the Society to obey—
which are called gifts from God ; at times, those gifts
come in severity, which are called the judgments of
God—other times they shew favor, which is called mer-
cies from God. The Shakers are so taught, that they
think their salvation, or damnation, is pending on their
superiors. Those give orders for such a man and wo-
man to be united as one in the church. They also state,
that these have arrived to such a state of perfection,
that they do not commit sin; there are many coupled
out in this manner. There are different grades among
them—those which are behind, are left ignorant of the
liberty of the forward ones—however, this we know,
they are more together, the different sexes. I have
seen Job Bishop with his arms around Hannah Good-
rich—he said it was no sin, as he had no desire. Those
were the father and mother of Canterbury and Enfield
Societies. They would punish others to extremes, for
putting their hand on the different sexes. The elders
and eldresses have their apartments wherein we must
not go, without liberty. They lodge in those rooms,
which are in upper lofts in the dining or dwelling house.
The father and mother sleep in the third loft in the
meeting-house, while their waiters, as they say, sleep
in the second loft. The common people in shops, some
I would have all remember, that there is a powerful God, who will not
hold any one guiltless, who seeks to cover the truth by falsehood. “Be-
cause there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with a stroke : then
a great ransom cannot deliver thee,” Job xxviii. 18.
10
in the dwelling-house. My education is poor ; when É
was a child and a youth, the Shakers did not allow, their
subjects to have learning—what I have, I obtained by
stealth, contrary to orders—since that the authority has
compelled them to give their children some learning—
and I desire that the authority would remove other of
their evils. I think it is wrong for their convenant to
have force in law ; when they compel their subjects, (in
their ignorance) to sign it, and thereby wrong them
out of their just rights.
The Shakers call themselves deceivers, and yet true
—they consider it a crime to speak against their way,
though it is true ; and any thing they could say, or do,
that appeared to be upholding their society, was right.
if they give you orders to do or say that which you
think is wrong and false, you must obey, and the sin
will fall on the one that orders you, as they say, there-
by they make their subjects do and say almost anything.
! have known them, when people were coming to in-
spect their schools, make some write composition—then
another copy it off better, and show the copy, saying it
was the former ones' writing. I have known others
make a mark on paper, then another write composition
on the same paper, and call it the person's writing who
Inade the mark. -
It is a common thing for the Shakers to refuse people
seeing their relations ; they have different ways of de- .
ceiving. I was one day with the Deacon, when some
people came and inquired after their relations desiring
to see them. Deacon Winkley spake out to me, said,
“Clement, go and tell such such and persons, that their
friends are here, and wish to see them ;” he stepped a
little one side,Spake low, and said, “ do you go out around
the shed, and stay there a little time, then come and
tell the people, their relations do not wish to see them;”
which I obeyed. Thus the strangers went away disap-
pointed in not seeing their relations. I have known
them do similar to this many times. They say these
things are deceiving satan, and true to God. They call
themselves the kingdom of peace; yet I have seen
# I
more contention among them in one year, than I have
among what they call world, since I have left the Sha-
kers, which is three years. I saw one man so mad with
another, that he seized him with his teeth, and bit him
so the wound had to be wrapped up. I afterwards heard
the biter say, he had committed no sin for twenty years.
They say the word of God is revealed by the word of
mouth, from the leaders. Some among them profess to
converse with departed spirits. I have heard Job Bish-
op say, speaking of himself, “I have seen the Apostles,
and they told me, my day was greater than theirs ; and
that I was before them in glory;” and further said, “The
spirit of Hannah Looge, came to me, the night she ex-
pired, and wished to gather with us, (the ministry,) but
I told her she must go to the family that was her order.”
She was dismissed from the meeting-house and ministry,
about three months before, because she was sick. This
is a skort sketch of the Shakers, being in haste.
CLEMENT BECK.
HII, LSBOROUGH, SS, Weare, Sept. 14, 1818.
State of JWew-Hampshire, ;
Attested before me,
ISRAEL PEASLEE, Just. Peace,
Clement Beck is a regular citizen. -
The Shakers made him deny some part of it, as
you will see by the following:
This certifies, that September 14, 1818, Clement.
Teck came to my house, where I gave him his oath to
an affidavit which l have since seen in a book called “A
Portraiture of Shakerism,” published by Mary M. Dyer.
As it was something new to me, I criticised him on the
subject : he was frank and told me the particulars. I
further state that I have seen much of it contradicted
by a statement in the N. H. Patriot, April 19, 1824.
Said Beck is a neighbor; I went to him, to know
how he could get along in denying it. He said the
Shakers said if he did not take some of it back they
would take all his property from him. He does not pre-
tend to deny any sentence named in the statement given
before me. I feel clear in my mind, that the Shakers,
12
by threatening, imposed on his ignorance. I consider
Beck a civil industrious citizen,but his being brought up
among the Shakers, caused that lack of information
which he had need of for protection.
ISRAEL PEASLEE, Jus. Peace,
Weare, July 9, 1824.
In October, 1818, I finished my task; returned
to Enfield among my friends ; began to prepare
clothes for winter—when my husband, to embar-
rass me, compelled me to go among strangers, un-
der a pretence of finding me a home, when pre-
viously he had refused me before the selectmen
and many other witnesses.
“I, Ruth Payne, wife of William Payne, of Lebanon,
N. H. do certify, that in October, 1818, Joseph Dyer,
of Enfield, N. H. engaged us to board his wife Mary.
She came in November. When she came, her health
was bad—she appeared to be oppressed with trouble—
he said he should find his wife work, and lay out the
benefit to his own profit. She said she had not provid-
ed any winter clothes, and he had taken her from her
employment”—said she was so far from her friends she
should suffer, if he did not get her some clothes. In
four weeks, he came again, but brought her no clothes.
She was sick, and I lent her clothes. I, with my hus-
band, talked to Mr. Dyer about it, and were dissatisfied
with him. After six weeks he brought her a few arti-
cles, which she said was the only clothing he had found
her in five years. He did not deny it. In my acquain-
tance with Mrs. Dyer, she appeared like a peaceable,
industrious woman, behaved herself with prudence, and
I esteem her piety. .
RUTH PAYNE,”
The Shakers finding Mr. Payne's family to con-
demn their proceedings, I was moved to a Mrs.
Flood's, who is a friend to every one's face. While
* In the fall and winter, I worked at tailoring.
I 3
at Mrs. Flood's, my husband came in my absence,
and took a number of pounds of my wool; he also
had the privilege of searching my trunk for my pa-
pers—but I had carelessly laid them in another
place. At another time I was out, when I saw my
husband go to my boarding house ; I went across
the field, went into one end of the house, while he
was in the other end. I caught my papers and went
to a neighbor’s. He sought every way possible
to embal pass me, but the Lord made for me friends.
When no other way would answer their evil minds,
my husband, by his authority as a husband, placed
me in confinement among the Shakers,” where, for
five weeks, I had not a change of garment; and I
was not permitted to writs a word to my relations,
who were at a distance from me. The Shakers
were unwilling to let me speak to any person sepa-
rate from them. I was shut in this place for the
purpose of obtaining my papers. [See Mary Willis
and Polly Clifford's statements—Portrailwre of Sha-
kerism, pp. 400, 401.]
*I, Rhoda Flood, do certify, there is a statement in the N. H. Patriot,
published in my name, wherein is some mistake : first, the wºiting
spoken. of,” which was brought the first time the Shakers came for Mrs.
Dyer's things, it was brought to my husband. Second,-the trunk,
spoken of was mine, with contents of Mrs. Dyer's ; this trunk, with its
contents, Pettingill, a Shaker, wished me to give up, and offered me
the money for, while she was shut up with them. This hath since oc-
curred to my mind. I thought Mrs. Dyer meant her trunk. I feel it a
duty to correct this mistake, that she shall not lay under this blame.
HODA FLOOD.
Attest,-NATHANIEL FLooD, husband to Rhoda,
MARCIA FI, oop. - ſº
Mrs. Flood also said, the Shakers betrayed her in another statement,
..making her deny one given in the Portraiture. When I shew her the
original, with her name signed, she said she remembered the circum-
stance, and told the particulars. This I leave, as it is of no conse-
quence. -
*=
* This was an order with my name signed to it, written and sent without
iny knuwledge.
* B
14
I, Joshua Stevens, of Enfield, N. H. do certify, that in
the year 1782, two men, Ebenezer Cooſey and Israel
Chancy, came to this town ; called themselves men of
God, and ministers of the gospel. They said Christ
had come the second time to judge the world ; had
made his second appearance in Ann Lee, and that she
was the woman spoken of in Rev. xii., clothed with the
sun, and that she was in the resurrection, judging the
world. They asserted, that in four years the earth
would lose its increase, and all that did not obey their
testimony would be swept off by war, famine and pes-
tilence They said they considered a lease of a farm
—for four years, as good as a deed; for they (the Shakers)
should live and reign a thousand years. They manifest.
ed great power, and told what was done at the mother
church ; that they restored broken bones, healed the
sick, &c. I exercised every mean possible, to know if
there ever was an instance of miraculous healing among
them; but have never learned an instance of the kind ;
instead of healing, they have brought on many deep
wounds. By their fair appearance, and severe testimo-
ny against sin, they cast a mist over the minds of most
of the people in this town, who fell in with their doc-
trine ; , some have since escaped. . Such havock was
made in families, as is past imagination to any, only
those who are acquainted with similar—husbands and
wives contending—mothers deprived of their children,
and brought into a forlorn state—there has heen more
or less such wounds until the present day. The sum-
mer of 1819, I heard they had a woman by the name
of Mary Dyer in confinement—went six miles to the
Shakers to know if it was true. I found her under strict
watch by her husband and another Shaker—she ap-
peared disheartened and out of health—she said it was
about four weeks since she had any clothes to change—
was desirous to have some clothes, if she could not have
her liberty. The appearance of her situation was aſ:
fecting. Knowing the Shakers’ despotic government, I
made many proposals for her release, I offered to be
i5
come bound to any annount that she should return, if
they would liberate her until she could get her clothes.
Her husband positively refused every proposal. I ask-
ed him why he was not willing to let her go He said,
“ it is not my pleasure.” I gave them to understand if
they did not treat her better, they would have trouble.
—l further state that there ought to be a provision made
by law for women and their offspring, in case the hus-
band becomes duped to the Shaker principles. Their
deception is such, men of abilities are liable to be ru-
ined by them. A man of my acquaintance (John San-
born) was sprightly, well educated ; yet he became du-
ped to the Shakers, was fully of their faith, believed
they had power to save or damn the souls of men. Af.
ter much faithful servitude, they sentenced him to hell!!
He endured this sentence a number of months, found no
remission, but condemning him more and more ; great-
er and greater torments were threatened—he became
discouraged—hanged himself—left a wife and family of
children. [I saw him just after he was taken down.]
t JOSHUA STEVENS,
statºir, Lyme, Jan. 9, 1820.
Then personally appeared the above-nāmed Joshua Stevens, and
made solemn oath that the above, by him subscribed, is just and true.
Before me, JONATHAN FRANKLIN, Just, Peace.
My husband even said, I should never escape, wr-
less I would give up my papers. I had no liberty in
my feelings to give them up, though I perished
there. When I had been there more than three
weeks, the Shakers asked me, if I did not wish to
see my children 7 l told them, “No;” and for these
reasions : when I was in a condition suitable to see
them, I was prohibited ; now when I am dirty and
almost disheartened, you want me to see them,
that you can mock at them, saying, “there see your
old dirty world’s mother, full of trouble, and you
wif, i.e just like her, if you go to the world.” The
children were soon conducted in. I soun found that
f6
the children had been told that I was there of
choice. After the children came in, the number of
persons in the room were eleven. There was but
three chairs, a shaving horse and shavings, where
my husband shaved wheel-stuff, and a number of
large handspikes, which were kept as weapons to
defend with, in case any should come to relieve
me. I had previously told them, I thought they
did not hold to fighting. They said they had a
right to fight “dogs and sorcerers; and all without
the gate are dogs and sorcerers.” When I began
to talk with my children, I felt very much overcome
—I told them I was ever glad to see them, but did
not wish to see them as I was placed, but I was kept
there, and could not help myself. My daughter at-
tempted to sooth my grief; she said, “if you don’t
think you are confined, you will not feel so bad—
I don’t think of that, and I do not feel confined—
and your clothes do not look bad.” I saw tears
fall from some of my children's eyes. Ah! poor
captives, they left the room. Awful to consider,
that any mother is as liable to be parted from their
children as I was. The only difference in protec-
tion is, the information which hath been produced
by the most severe sufferings and cruelty, which I
have endured ; still some are short sighted enough
to look on me with derision, because I am reproach-
cd by Shakers and their cruel advocates—not even
consider that they will strive to injure me all in
their power, without any regard to truth or inno-
C & O Ces *
After the children went out, grief so seized me,
it set me puking, until it seeméd insupportable. My
husband said he thought I could not live, while I
was kept in this place. A number of persons came
for my relief, when my husband said he would fight
I7
as long as he had strength, and then he would take
them into the law, if they offered to touch me. I
was held in this condition until a friendly stranger
helped me away. A defenceless woman, or a duped
man, the Shakers encroach on their rights as they
please. I sorrow in my heart that I was ever the
mother of a child to suffer. My health was so re-
duced in this prison, that after my escape, I was not
able to attend to my writing for two years.
Nov. 1820, I came to Concord, N. H. to have the
work published. I shew the work to Mr. Moore,
and requested his assistance in arranging the work,
as it was in a promiscuous position. He looked
over the sheets, said if he could find leisure to at-
tend to the work himself, he could do it from those
sheets without being transcribed. Shortly he said
he was so pressed with business, he could not at-
tend to it, and advised me to have the work care-
fully examined and re-written. I then applied to
Judge Gale, of Gilmanton. He is a literary man,.
and a good judge of law. I requested him to ex-
amine the depositions, and see if the Shakers could
get the advantage of those who gave them.” He
read the whole work, assisted in arranging it, and
in numbering the pages. After which, I applied to
Judge Philbrick’s family at Weare, N. H. for board,
who himself assisted me in drawing the work over.
I was of ill health, and could do but little writing
in a day. -
Here I pause, and bless Providence for my inabil.
ity at this time, which caused those three men, and . .
these only, to have perfect knowledge of my prê š.
ceedings, and whose characters for good morals are
not exceeded by any. These are the persons whom
the Shakers call my “accomplices.” I asked their
Advice in the geºgonfidence. I shall be heartily
2
2.
I8
glad to have them say freely whether they ever
saw any attempt of mine to alter any statement,
making it more unfavorable to the Shakers.
I met with obstructions in printing. In February,
1822, it was sent to the press of Mr. Goss, at Haver-
hill—and was ready for sale, June, 1823.
I have related the time and manner I was em-
ployed, and the persons who assisted me. If the
Shakers had not confined me, the work would have
been accomplished in eighteen months. What I
have done, hath been with a real desire to convince
the Shakers of their errors, and give the public at
large a knowledge of the foundation of Shakerism.
And when on a sick bed, I have desired to see the
work accomplished, (fearing it would be neglected)
that after I was gone it might save thousands from
suffering. The Shakers discover the manner of
spirit they are of, by their bitter manner of expres-
sions. . If they could prove against me what they
pretend, they would rejoice to devour me. The
truth hath so far bruised them, they cannot devour;
and further, there are so many who know those
statements in the Portraiture to be correct, it is im-
possible for them to be erased, though the Shakers
endeavor to cover them with falsehood—imposing
mostly on the unlearned, who have been disciplined
by their terror, as you can see when reading their
book, by their statements and their crosses, >4 sign-
ed with their names | Those are the statements
produced, which the Shakers say, “may serve assa
master-key to all the rest,” when there is more
... than thirty other witnesses attested under oath, now
in the Portraiture, standing against them; and those
statements given by persons whom they have since
imposed-on. I consider them perfectly according
to truth, and may be relied on as such, the same as
H9
those whom you could not frighten nor deceive,
They gave their statements candidly, without threat-
enings, and nothing to compel them to vary. I hope
the Lord will have mercy on their ignorance, and
forgive them in what they have done by your im-
position.
You, Shakers, have made these deny facts which
were generally known. If my pamphlet and Por-
traiture were not true, why are you afraid to let
your subjects read them? which they are absolute-
ly forbid, as I have been credibly informed. Your
young subjects don't know all of it to be true; but
they know so much of it, that it leads the mind into
the whole. You can bray and make a great noise ;
still the rational reader can see as much fallacy in
this last attempt of yours, as any thing yet pro-
duced. . . .
By reading the following statements, a person
can see that you were governed in this, by the same
wicked principle which causeth you to tantalize your
subjects. - .
I, Miriam Dickey, of Wilmot, N. H. depose, and say,
that I am wife of Robert Dickey, who was always a
kind husband, until he joined the Shakers, and we were
in easy circumstances. He was a professor of religion,
and a teacher to the people, prior to his joining them.
At a time he was out on business, (as he afterwards sta-
ted) he fell in with the Shakers in Enfield, N. H. and
believed their principles to be right. He joined them
and set up their ceremonies in our family. The Sha-
kers said the duty of a wife was to obey her husband—
1 had always been willing to obey, while he used %
Teason ; but now I must come into all the Shaker's c
emonies and wear a Shaker cap. My mind was distress-
ed, I did not believe with the Shakers, and the separa-
tion in my family was a great trouble, without being
obliged to conform to their ceremonies. I was not sufi
º -
20
&
ficiently acquainted with them to know their practice,
but I could not believe in the first another, or Ann Lee,
as a Savior to the lost world; from the best informa-
tion I could get, I believed her vile. Soon there was
a proposal for my húsband to sell his farm and have his
property united with theirs. I observed I was willing
he should be a Shaker, if he would keep his interest,
and let me take the care of the children. I told the
justice, as my husband was a Shaker, they would wrong
him out of his property ; 1 shall be left to suffer. The
justice thought it proper that l should have a reasona-
ble part of it secured to me. My husband was not will-
ing, but said I should not be wronged. He conveyed
his farm away, and gave the security which he receiv-
ed for it, to a Shaker.” I was wounded, 1 went home
sorrowful ; I think I realized the deplorable situation
we were about to be plunged into. Shortly my hus-
band appeared against me ; I felt dejected and alone,
§ was in circumstances.) They soon began to strip the
arm. We had a large family of children. I felt as
though we should be left destitute of a living shortly.
Soon there was orders for us to move into another
house not so good as ours, where were three families.
This was distressing in my situation, to be away from
home, among a people continually condemning me with
their awful denunciations. A few weeks before my
confinement, Thomas Ward, an old elder, in the time
of meeting, came to me with his fist doubled; he put it
in my face, stamped and said I should go to hell ! that
he could see the devil in my face; he appeared in a
rage, and I thought he would have struck me ; I was so
frightened I could scarce stand on my feet; my husband
smiled to see him treat me thus. My husband frequent-
ly told me he must hate me, and strive against me ; I
* thought I had as much trouble as I could live in, by be-
ing separated from my dependence, deprived of my
.*When a man joins the Shakers, he must first give up his wife, next
his property, then his children; then he must be a slave through life, if
he abides with them,

- 21
*
hºme in my difficult situation, without such treatment.
I looked around and saw that my family was undone ;
they all joined in their meetings but myself; they sung,
danced, stamped, doubled their fists, and ran at each oth-
er, spit at one another, screamed and screeched and
jumped so as to split the floor boards. I thought I
should lose my reason. (I was confined.) When my
child was three weeks old, my husband removed me to
an open shop, where, the rain came down through the
roof; there was not a place dry to keep my bed, I was
distressed about myself and children, (as I was brought
up tenderly) and always treated so by my husband, un-
til he gave his right hand and reason to the Shakers.
To add to my affliction in this miserable situation, a wo-
man was put to our house, to order me in my work, and
to govern my children, by the name of Betty Dockum.
Soon, other Shakers were put into our family, in con-
sequence of which, I had to suffer. Isometimes thought
I had better destroy myself, to get out of trouble. We
had now removed to another house, where they contin-
ued to treat me ill; if I made any objections, it was the
devil in me. Now I had the cooking to do for a large
family, and my mistress to order me—she would tie
my children, hang them up, tie their hands be-
hind them, then tie them into the chair, tie flem to the
doors ; this with menacing language. Any thing that
was requested of the children by this mistress, if they
disobeyed, they were sure to be punished. Thus
exasperated, I found I could not endure—I went to a
brother of mine, told him my difficulty—he offered me
a home, as I could be no comfort to my children, and
wasting in torment, I concluded tº leave the Shakers. I
returned to tell them I could not stay and live, my broth-
er would take care of me. They gave me a bed, with
a small part of my furniture, and made me give an ac-
quittance to my husband’s property. Then my brother
with a compassionate heart, moved me to his home.
It was every way distressing to leave my children, but
to see them treated cruelly and be treated so myself,
22
; : #...,
was insupportable. Had not my friends assisted me, I
must have perished with the Shakers. I lived with my
brother a few months, when my husband came for me
to go back. Ptold him I could not, and have him fol-
low the Shakers, and keep them Shaker women there—
he said the Shaker women made our daughters do alſ
the hard work, and he thought it injured them—and his
trouble was such, he could not live as he was,
and he could but die, if he left the Shakers. I con
sented to go back. He turned the Shaker women
away, and I once more was restored to my family in
peace. We were now very poor—but poverty was no
trouble compared with my past affliction. It appeared
like a new world, that I could have the care of my dear
babes. In eight or nine months, the Shakers came and
again persuaded my husband to believe that they were
the only accepted people of God, that he couid never
find redemption but by them, and without obedience to
their principles, he must go to hell ! They got such
hold of his mind, it appeared as though he would lose
his senses—he could neither eat nor sleep—was in ab-
solute agony. He joined them again. Shortly after,
there was orders for him to carry his family to the Sha-
kers in Canterbury, upwards of sixty miles. This was
dreadful tº me; I was racked with trouble. I expect-
ed shortly to be confined. He took six of our children,
left our two oldest daughters—I was distressed to part
with my little babes. I soon began to consider on my
situation—the house I was left in, was not my husband's,
our property was all gone;” the only consolation was,
that I had the best of neighbors, and my two oldest daugh-
ters with me. After my husband carried the little child-
ren, he was sent immediately back for the other two—
he said it was the orders, and they must go. My eld-
est daughter wept and said, “ Mother will die, if we
leave her alone.” She wept as though she would break
her heart, until she went out ot sight. Oh my sorrows,
I did not know as I should ever see any of my children
* He was a wheelwright by trade, which supported us.
23
Rºn ; consider, reader, my situation—was left in a
#ange house aloše—was distressed and sick—pen can-
#not describe my sensations, (I cannot realize it without
“tears.) I walked around the house—ločked around, no
husband to protect me in sickness—no children—no
home; grief rushed upon my mind. I endeavored to
nurse myself, by taking some herb tea. Esq. Buck of
Norwich, Vt. came in to see me—said, “I could not have
thought your husband would have treated you so ;” he
shew pity, and offered me a home at his house. My
kind neighbors took care of me through my sickness.
JAfter I was better, my husband came and said to me,
“If you will go to Canterbury, I will provide for you a
good home, and you shall live with your children.” For
their sake, I went, but all in vain ; he afterwards left
the Shakers—has four times joined and left the Shakers;
and I have passed through scenes of disappointment too
lengthy to mention. It is my desire and prayer, for a
protection for helpless women and children. My hus-
band, and myself, and part of my children, are now sep-
arate from the Shakers. Providence, so favored us,
that though we were made destitute of property, we are
now comfortable for support. My husband is now hav-
ing his testimony written, shewing the manner of the
Shakers’ compulsion, which caused him to treat his fam-
ily as he did. MIRIAM DICKEY.
I, Miriam Dickey, testify and state, that a short time
since, John Lyon, a Shaker Elder, and another Shaker
man, from Enfield, N. H. came to my house, in Wilmot
—there tried, by every exertion, to make me deny my
statement, now published in a book entitled, “A Por-
traiture of Shakerism,” published by Mary M. Dyer,
I told them it was the truth,and I could not, in conscience,
deny it.—They stayed and contended with me, from
dusk until two o'clock at night—and against threats and
cavils, I still contended that it was the truth. And
now, I still say, that it is truth ; and more wicked and
base things I could state.—They requested me to state
the names of those to whom our property was given.


24
*:
#
*I did. They then said, those were not Shakers. iºn-
ténded that they were ; and many &f the same number
are now with the Shakers—some of them, years after-
wards, left them. They then requested me to sign my
name te a paper, that such and such were the persons
who were the ones since left them. I was unwilling to
do any thing about it, fearing I should do wrong. They,
with my husband, contended against me (he is of their
principle) saying, “you shall prove your statement, if
you do not, we will make it worse for you, as your
statement is not attested.” I then consented to sign my
name that such and such were the names ; and
this was all that I signed to, that I have knowledge of,
and this did not contradict my former statement. Since
I saw their publications in the Patriot, of April 19, 1824,
I feel glad of a privilege to affirm to this, and that al-
so.-I surely consider the Shakers the most treacher-
ous people I ever knew. They had some writing on a
paper when they came to our house, and they wrote
more while there ; but what it was, I do not know.
her i
MIRIAM × DICKEY.
mark.
Attest, WILLIAM GAy,
MARGARET GAY.
State of JNew-Hampshire, & e
MERRIMACK, SS. ; Wilmot, April 21, 1824.
Then personally appeared, the within named Miriam Dickey, and
made solemn affirmation, that the within statement, by her subscribed,
contains the truth, and nothing but the truth ; likewise, her statement
in a book entitled, “A Portraiture of Shakerism.”
Before me, JABEZ YOUNG MAN, Just. Peace.
* *
This certifies, that we, the undersigned, have been
personally acquainted with the within named Miriam
Dickey, for ten years last past, and consider her to be
a woman of truth, and strict veracity.
JABEZ YOUNGMAN,
WILLIAM GAY;
* MARGARET GAY,
NANCY KIMBALL,
ANNA GAY,
Wilmot, April 21, 1824.
25
jº - [ExTRACT.]
I, Martha Stanley, have seen a statement in the N. H.
Patriot, of April 26, over my signature, the most of
which I deny ever stating or hearing read. The first
part, I utterly deny ; also, the last—much of the rest of
it, is false—and the face of the whole is changed.—I
was at the Shaker Village at a certain time, when they
questioned me to know how those things were—read
some in the Portraiture—some sayings were a little dif.
ferent from my understanding as to words merely, but
the meaning amounts to the same.—As to the writing I
signed, I was at the Shakers when four of the elders .
and their father, Job Bishop, all contended against me,
because of the variations above stated, saying, Mary
Dyer made me a liar ; they said much, and shew tem-
per, because I told them the truth. At length, they
appeared more pleasant, and said, sign, (shewing those
variations) we will be satisfied. They wrote and read
something frivolous, that was of no consequence. This
I signed. Those men that witnessed, never read it, and
I could not read writing.—After I saw their statement
in the Patriot, I was dissatisfied—was desirous to have
something written shewing their fraud.—I further state
that I have seen in meetings (when there were no specta-
tors) between men and women, readers and people, the
most bestial conduct—too bad, to name—and all was
called gifts of God to mortify I thought rum produc-
ed this effect. I further state, that the statement given
by Sarah Meacham, published in the Portraiture, was
made in my presence. I went with Mrs. Dyer to shew
her the way—which statement Sarah has commonly re-
ported. - -
'... her
MARTHA > STANLEY.
mark.
Attest, J. A. I*IscoM,
CATHARINE PAYNE,
April 30, 1824. “..,
C
26
We, the undersigners, do state, that we were present
and heard Mrs. Stanley give the above statement. We
have reason to believe her conscientious in it ; she
thinks it wrong to take an oath, because the Scripture
forbids it. We believe her a pious woman.
RUTH PAYNE,
CATHARINE PAYNE,
LUCY PAYNE.
1, Joseph Stanley, of Enfield, N. H. do testify and say,
that the Shakers have tried to make me deny my state-
ment, published in the Portraiture of Shakerism, by
Mary M. Dyer. I would not ; it is a fact.
JOSEPH STANLEY.
April 26, 1324.
I, J.cmucl Dow, of Hanover, in the county of Grafton,
State of New-Hampshire, of lawful age, testify and
say, I have been informed, that the Shakers are report-
ing, that a letter in the Portraiture of Shakerism, pub-
lished by Mary M. Dyer, which was sent to her from
Sarah Curtis, is forged, endeavoring to throw scandal
on Mrs. Dyer; as I was personally acquainted with the
circumstances, I feel it a duty to make the following
Statement :
Sarah Curtis, who had lived with the Shakers, (when
she left them) came to my house, and made it her home
for more than two years, and we considered her an in-
nocent but deluded girl. She said, she was shamefully
used by the Shakers, when she went to see them, and
visit her brothers and sisters. Still she believed on
them, as being a good people, until she read the Sha-
ker's book, the title of which is “ Dyer’s Narrative”;
which was calculated to injure Mrs. Dyer. Sarah's
reading this seemed to convince her of their fallacy
she appeared much dissatisfied about the statement, to
which her name was affixed. She hearing that Mrs.
Dyer was living with Mrs. Flood, lo-f Lebanon, she took
my horse and sleigh, and conveyed Mrs. Dyer to my
house ; she appeared desirous to make some compen-
s
tº-'
27
sation to Mrs. Dyer, for the injuries in posed on her by
the Shakers, in the statement with her name attached ;
and another with her sister Susanna's name attached.
Mrs. Dyer questioned her with regard to the propriety
of some things in her affidavit, in Mr. Dyer's bºok.
Sarah said, she did not understand it so at that time ;
but she was sensible now of the injury done Mrs. Dy-
er ; and concluded to write her a letter, that Mrs. Dyer
might publish it in her book, that she was about pub-
lishing, to do away the stigma of her affidavit, as pub-
lished in Mr. Dyer's book. Sarah made the attempt,
but could not answer her own mind. She then inform-
ed me of what had transpired, requested me to write
for her, accordingly I did ; and after I completed the
letter, I read it to her, she examined it, and signed it,
and further saith not. -
LEMUEL DOW.
Tryphena Dow, wife of Lemuel Dow, testify and say,
that I can attest to the truth of the foregoing, with the
following addition : that Sarah said she had given Mrs.
Dyer a good letter, and appeared to be relieved in her
mind; this was the first time she had seen Mrs. Dyer
after she had left the Shakers, (as she said.)
- TRYPHENA DOW.
State of JWew-Hampshire,
GRAFToM, ss. - April 27, 1824.
Lemuel Dow made solemn oath, that the foregoing affidavit, by him
subscribed, is just and true. Before me,
TIMOTHY OWEN, jun. Jus. Peace.
Whereas I have lately heard a statement read in the
& N. H. Patriot, with my signature annexed to it, which
is calculated to contradict some statements made in my
affidavit and letters, published in the Portraiture of
Shakerism, by Mary M. Dyer, I now fee it my duty to
state the particulars to the public. A short time since,
two Shakers came to my house, and read to me the
aforesaid affidavit and letter, and criticised me on the
subject. I then observed before them and others, that
I recollected every sentence, except the dragging Mrs.
Beck down stairs, which are correct, and I think that
28
was fresh in my mind at the time of writing said affida-
wit, for she was often treated with great severity. I
have of late had a severe sickness, which has wholly
deprived me of my sight, and greatly impaired my
memory, and every faculty and power of mind, and I
am now in the eighty-fifth year of my age. And now if
my name is annexed to such a statement as has been
published in the N. H. Patriot, I did not understand
what it contained. My affidavit doth not state the man-
ner in which I was separated from my wife and chil.
dren, or by which I lost my property. -
I was asked by the above Shakers whether 1 parted
with my property or my children without my consent.
I answered them that it was the orders; and whilst
we were Shakers, we must consent to the orders or
gifts. As to wilful falsehood spoken of, there is no
such thing named in my affidavit ; but this I am sure,
that they made many false statements, and I still believe
them deceived and deceiving others as 1 espects their
religious principles.
EBENEZER KIMBALL.
Attest, JonATHAN FRANKLMN,
D. C. CHURCHILL.
Lyme, May 7, 1824. -
The above named Esq. Franklin was the justice who
took Mr. Kimball's first deposition.
Haverhill, N. H. May 20, 1824.
This certifies, that I the subscriber, printer of the
Portraiture of Shakerism, did publish in said Portraiture
a correct copy of the original affidavit signed by Ebene-
zer Kimball, of Lyme, N. H., which original copy be-
ing lost or mislaid, is the cause of this certificate.
SYLVESTER. T. GOSS.
The following is a copy of a letter addressed to the
editor of the Patriot, by Obadiah Mooney, Esq.
To Isaac Hill, Esq.
DEAR SIR-In seeing those statements in the N. H.
Patriot, of April 19th and 26th, 1824, treating on the
29
subject of the Portraiture of Shakerism, published by
Mary M. Dyer, I consider those statements produced by
treachery and falsehood, imposing on the public and
individual persons, l, being a justice of the peace,
make the following remarks :
The statements of Sarah Tibbets, Joshua Fletcher,
Betsy Looge, Josiah Watson, Noah Wiggin, I adminis.
tered to them the oath ; and also to others that have
not appeared in the Patriot. And each of those depo-
sitions was done without partiality, or deception. After
those depositions were written, I read each of them to
the persons, when they signed the same, and I gave
them their oaths. Since those statements’ were pub-
lished, denying some part of those statements in the
Portraiture, I have examined and compared with some
of the original affidavits and copies, which I have now
in possession, and find the Portraiture correct, except
the statement of Josiah Watson, the most vulgar of
which is omitted, being published in the Portraiture.
The said Watson wrote his affidavit with his own hand,
(as he said) and brought it to me, at Canterbury, and
inade oath to the same. I, therefore, request the prin-
ters, who have printed for the Shakers, to publish this,
for 1 consider myself injured in my own feelings, and in
the eye of the public. Whenever I transact any busi-
ness as a magistrate, I consider myself under oath. -
* Respectfully yours,
t OBADIAH MOONEY, Jus. Peace.
Stewartstown, May 10, 1824.
- - .Worthfield, June 1st, 1824.
This certifies, that in August 1818, I gave Sarah M.
L. Sewell her oath to an affidavit, which I have seen in a
book, called a Portraiture of Shakerism, by Mary M.
Dyer. I further state, that I read the affidavit, above
alluded to, in her presence, and asked her, if she could
safely att's t to it. She answered “ yes.” And I fur-
ther recollect, in reading the affidavit, when l came to
the passage where she stated about the improper con-
duct shewn to her, by one of the brethren, l stopped,
o
gº
30
and asked her if it was possible it could be true. She
answered, “yes, it was.” Then I proceeded, and read
the remainder of the affidavit ; and according to the
best of my recollection, I think that the affidavit, in said
book, contains the same which she gave oath to, before
II, 6.
CHARLES GLIDDEN, Just. Peace.
This may certify, that I was present when Esq. Glid-
den read the above named affidavit to Sarah M. L. Sew-
ell—saw her sign her name, and give her oath, and can
witness to the above recollection stated; and that Mrs.
Dyer was not present at the time of taking said affida-
wit.
JOHN LY FORD, Just. Peace.
This may shew, that the fifth day of June, I called at
Thomas Sewell's, brother to Sarah L. Sewell, where I
had some talk with his wife. I asked her how the Sha-
kers got their statement with Sarah's name to it. She
said, “Sarah was here, when they came, and asked her
about her statement published in the Portraiture. She
told them it was the truth, (and I had before heard Sa-
rah tell all the particulars—and that Stephen Merrill, a
Shaker leader, was the one who compelled her to his
passion) the Shakers appeared in a rage, and frightened
her to sign. When they read their statement, (which
was written when they came*) I told them before the
justice, that Sarah could not take a safe oath, to what
they had written. I found they were determined to make
her comply, and I left the room. After they were gone,
Sarah said she was so frightened she did not know what
she signed her name to—and she appeared almost dis-
tracted; she is a poor weak, disheartened creature, and
had no power of mind to defend herself.” I told her
to tell Sarah, from me, that the truth would clear her
now, and the way that was true ; to be sure to say, at
* I learnt at Meredith, that the Shakerswook the Portraiture into a shop,
where they prepared the statement to their mind, before they went to
Mr. Sewell's, -
31
all times, when she said any thing about it, for 1 was sure
there was no comfort for her in this life, and I hoped
she would not destroy her soul, if she had her body.
They said, they wished I could see her. I told them I
thought I should not know her, as I had never seen her
but a short time once.—Mrs. Sewell said I might state
the above. .
MARY M. DYER.
At Meredith Bridge, I saw two receipts, belonging to
a couple of merchants, which were previously given to
Israel Sanborn, a Shaker deacon, when those receipts
were returned for settlement ; on one, the figures were
altered in two places, and the other in one—favoring the
deacon in the price. If any doubt the truth of this as-
sertion, the receipts and witnesses can be produced.
If the Shakers take the advantage of those who have
been their subjects, I hope other people will find power
to detect them.
MARY M. DYER.
I, Josiah Watson, would inform the public, that the
Shakers came to my house to make me give them some
statement, to contradict my statement, published in the
Portraiture of Shakerism. 1st. They questioned me to
know if it was worded just as I worded it ; I told them
not exactly, but was the same in essence. This I still
say, only the worst was omitted, because of immodesty.
2d. They wrote their statement, published in the Patri-
ot, and equivocated about some things like this, of the
Bible not being read. Our Leaders said, the Bible was
of no use more than an old almanack, for it was an old
back dispensation, and wished there was not a Bible in
the world. 3d. They have stated as though Dolly
M’Horn was all the one that kneeled to Ann Lee, when
at a distarce. But I have seen and heard Elder Joseph
Meacham say in meeting, that he felt to kneel down
before Mother and Elder William, and he kneeled down,
and all the rest, which was near three years after their
death.
32
Their third statement I deny. I told them that
'among all their professions, they did live in whoredom.
Some of their improper conduct was done by orders,
and some by gifts. - -
4th. The child being carried to the woods, anothe
hung out of the chamber window, I was informed of was
orders, and believe it to be true. 5th. The women
nursing the men, was a gift of Edmund” and James
Lougee, which I saw. 6th. My deposition doth not
state the way I had my information how the minister
attempted to heal a sick man, but one of his own brothers
told me. 7th. The girl who was stripped and whipped
so unmercifully, and then put out of the window naked,
was done by orders, as l heard. 8th. It is not in my
deposition, that Abraham Blodgett was an Elder. I never
said, nor stated to Mary M. Dyer, any thing contained
in my deposition, for I wrote it myself, and this I also
write. And I have now a pamphlet of sixty pages,
which I wrote for my own satisfaction. Let the truth
reign.
= . JOSIAH WATSQN.
Attest, MARY WATson,
John LY FoRD.
Northfield, June 3, 1824.
I have of late heard, that the Shakers have said,
that the unseemly conduct among them was conducted
by me. I utterly deny it ; and further state, that if the
Shakers don’t let me alone, I will expose their filthy
abominations, which hath not yet been exposed.
JOSIA H WATSON.
Northfield, June 7, 1824.
I wish the printers to publish what this contains.
Betsy Foster had previously given a statement to
the Shakcrg, on the promise she made before she
left them, to speak well of them. See her testimony in
the Portraiture, p. 210.
* Who died when an Elder among them,
33
l, James Foster, of Canterbury, N. H. do state, that I
am husband of Betsy Foster, wi.o hath her statement
published in the Portraiture of Shakerism, which is
true, as far as I had any knowledge of the circumstance.
By attending the Shaker's meeting, conversing with
them, seeing their neatness and regularity, I was per-
suaded to believe them the only true church of God,
and that I could find salvation no other way but that.
In 1801, I set out in obedience to their orders, which
is the first requirement. After a time, by this obedi-
ence, I gave up my family and property—this in 1807.
Soon after I moved into their family—they requested
me to sign their Covenant—which if I did not, they
could not own any union with me, (or fellowship) which
would shut me from their salvation, which I believed
would make me miserable here and hereafter—I sign-
ed. Next, I must be rid of natural affections; and in
case my children were sick or in trouhle, I was not al-
lowed to take any notice of them. I had to sign a bond,
to bind myself not to have any care or controul over
them in any condition while with them, or to molest in
their work, government, or faith in principles. When
I moved in with them, I carried to them about seven
hundred dollars, free from expense. This, with inter-
est, and twelve years and a half of hard work, which
I have done for them, they have got ; except about two
hundred dollars which I have since paid out for my
family. The most for a sick son, who came from the
Shakers, and who afterwards died at MIR. Kimball's, in
Concord, N. H. And since I left them, I have request-
ed of them to let me have my just rights in property—
they said they were under no obligation to pay me any,
as I had signed their Covenant ; but if I would give
them a receipt in full, they would do something. They
have let me have in all, by much interceding, what they
called about three hundred dollars’ worth—some in old
furniture. . All I had could not be called of more value
than two hundred dollars in money, which is all I can
obtain.
34
i left them in 1820–am now fifty-eight years old.
All persons who unite with them, must be in obedience
to their orders or gifts. The last reason for my leav.
ing them was, old people are neglected, and I was also
neglected, and found l must take care of myself, or not
be took care of. This, with other things, shew me
that their religion was vain.
It is now my humble prayer, that the authority
would do something to protect the families of such men
as should be deceived by the Shakers; and that they
should have no more power to hold a man's property,
or profit of his labor, than any other people. This I
humbly pray. -
State of JNew-H JAMES FOSTER.
*J O ‘gory- *
º June 8, 1824.
Then came the above mained James Foster, and made solemn oath,
that the above statement, by him subscribed, is just and true.
Before me, SAMUEL FORREST, Jus. Peace.
l, .ſlsa Pattee, of Canaan, do testify, that some time
h the month of March, 1824, the Shakers sent for me
and my wife, to come and see them. They came and
carried us over very kind, saying, to see my wife’s broth-
er among them. When we got there, they contended
for two days. Their chief discourse was to make me
counteract the statement given by me, in the Portrai-
ture of Shakerism, published by Mary M. Dyer. I ut-
terly refused, for it is truth ; and as I before stated, on-
ly Scine sentences are put more modest, than I before
stated. The Shakers handed forth a paper with writ-
ing on it, which they wished me to sign, (shewing this
variation.) I told them the statement published, was
not so bad as they had conducted—iſ they would let me
give a statement in full, I would sign it. They then
were willing to withdraw their paper— It would be a
real satisfaction to me, to have the privilege of relating
to the General Court, by word of mouth, these facts.
I feel as though the Shakers are trying to injure Mrs.
35
Dyer by stating falsehood, as I have seen their state-
ments in the Patriot.
ASA PATTEE,
Attest, Thomas MINER, - -
AMos MINER,
dpril 26, 1824.
The following is stated by Colonel Pattee, son to the
above.
l, Daniel Pattee, of Canaan; state of New-Hampshire,
state, that I have heard that the Shakers havº denied
my statement, published in the Portraiture of Shakerism,
published by Mary M. Dyer. I now state, that the state-
ment is a fact ; and such conduct was common in Ann
Lee's day; and it was not called, by them, indecent or
improper.
- • DANIEI, PATTEE.
Attest, JAMES PATTEE,
Moses D. PATTEE.
Jīpril 26, 1824.
I, Alice Beck, of Canterbury, N. H. state, that I was
born in Greenland, N. H., near District of Maine, certify,
that a few months since, two Shakers (Francis Winkley
and John Whicher) came to my house very plausible.
They handed forth a book, (the Portraiture of Shaker-
ism) began to read a statement published, which I had
given. As they read, they questioned me. I told them
it was true—this again and again. They disputed me.
I told them it was certainly true. They shut their book,
appeared in anger—tried to beat me down, that it was
a lie. I felt to confirm it in such a way, they ceased
their imposition on me for that time. After a few weeks,
they sent for two of my sons (Henry and Charles) who
iive with, and by me, to come and see them. When
they went, the Shakers had a writing drawn up for them
to sign, which if they would not, the Shakers threatened,
saying, they could and would take the advantage of them
*In some land, in consequence of the bounds being lost,
36.
My sons read the writing—found it not according te:
truth, and calculated to cut some part of my statement,
published in the Portraiture. Henry said, he A. not
sign any such thing—he would lose all his land first.
He returned, home and related to me the above. They
afterwards came with some of our townsmen, and a sur-
veyor—pretended they could take some of our land ;
but if my sons would sign the writing, they would do
nothing about it. Henry said it made his title no better
by his signing their writing—if it would be his then, it
was now—that his father felt himself injured in the
thing until his death—but he wished for no quarrel, and
would do nothing about it—if they wanted a quarrel,
they might begin as soon as pleased. He hath since
found a writing, showing the particulars, which was
then mislaid. Thus they equivocate, to cover the truth.
And my distressed son, at Weare, N. H. (Clement Beck)
who lived with the Shakers until he was thirty eight
years old—and since he came from them, he has been
very diligent accumulating some property—thus he was
entirely ignorant of law. In their condition, as 1 un-
derstood, they went to him to make him sign to a state-
ment denying the truth, which was also published in the
above-named book. I have since learnt, that when they
could not make him deny it with fair reasoning, they
threatened him, saying, if he did not sign to satisfy them,
they had power to take from him his property, and put.
him in the State Prison; and that lawyer Webster told
them so. After staying four hours parlying with him,
he signed their statement. They wished him, to attest
to it. He said he would be drawn in quarters first.
They could get none to witness, only one of themselves,
and a man deaf, and almost blind ; and who never had
common abilities. This son's statement was written in
my presence and is what he has stated among the neigh-
bors, (the same published in the Portraiture) and they
believing him an honest man hath caused to be more dis-
satisfied v, ith the Shakers for their last treatment to
Clement, than any thing before done, I feel to reflect,
37
that I was any way the cause of having my children plac-
ed where those of good natural abilities are brought up
so ignorant of the auShority and protection as to be thus
imposed on. Since my son left the Shakers, he has ac-
cumulated a pretty property—hath enjoyed himself ve-
ry well, until this last imposition of the Shakers, which,
I learn, hath much affected him in mind and health—l
hope it will be a warning to all others. Great in the
insinuation of the Shakers, I feel hurt seeing the Bap-
tist professors’ names attached to statements denying
some part of their statements, published in the Portrai-
ture, which I know they have frequently stated. I also
know, that the same was thought and practised among
the Shakers. I have seen children taken out of bed
(by our elder brothers) and put into water, to punish
them ; and we were taught, that scriptures were of no
use—we must know our duty, by our elders, and be in
strict obedience to their ordeſs, whether right or wrong
to us. It has been frequently, the case, that people
were forbid seeing their children and relations. Any
one that has been acquainted with the Shakers, know
these things are true. Threats and bribes are frequent.
- ALSCE BECK.
Attest, ISRAEL DAVIs, Isaiah CHASE.
State of JNew-Hampshire,
MERRIMACK, ss. July 14, 1824.
Personally appearing, the within named Alice Beck, and made sol-
emn affirmation that the within affidavit, by her subscribed, contains
the truth. Before me, THOMAS BROWN, Just. Peace.
We, the undersigners, have heard it suggested, that
the Shakens have stated that Alice Beck is a person de-
ranged in her mental faculties. We state that we have
been acquainted with her for years, and consider her of
a sound mind and understanding, and a person of uncom-
mon good abilities. THOMAS BROWN,
NANCY BROWN,
ISRAEL DAVIS,
* A. E. THOMPSON,
y PHILIP BRowN,
JOSIAH SARGENT.
See the testimony of *f; Beck, Portraiture p, 141 to 17%
38
Are not those sufficient to shew how the Shakers
got their statements In the Shaker book, pages
7, 8, I am challenged to prove one instance of abuse
or immoral conduct whatever, transacted or patron-
ized by any true member of the Society. I refer
you to the Portraiture, where are many attested
witnesses. I inscrt the following, they being short.
I, Moses Jones, of Enfield, N. H. do testify, that I once
was a member of the Shaker society; and in the time
I was an eye-witness of many surprizing scenes—some
I will mention. When they were gathered in a meet-
ing, they clenched a female of their Society with sever-
ity, tore off her cap, pulled her hair, threw her down,
kicked her, pushed her, dragged her around the room
by her hair, jammed and beat her to that degree, that
it was with difficulty that she got her breath. They
left her on the floor; and from her appearance she was
almost lifeless. I was surprized, and asked the Elder
why they treated her so—he answered, “ because she
had testified in public, as a duty, that Ann Lee was
lecherous, and cohabited with the Elders.” I see them
attempt to cast out devils, heal the sick, but to no ef-
fect. A woman whom I was acquaisted with from a
youth, who was a regular steady person, until she, with
her husband, joined the Shakers ; after that, she be-
came crazy, and continued so until her death. This
woman was a subject of their pretensions in healing.
This, with drunkenness, and other conduct too indecent
to pen, caused me to believe them deceivers, and I left
them. MOSES JONES.
State of JWew-Hampshire,
gº Enfield, May 30, 1818.
Attested before me, JESSE.J. FOGG, Jws. Peace.
I, the subscriber, certify that Moses Jonês is a man of
respectability, and is a deacon in regular standing in
the church in Enfield. º, JESSE J. FOGG.
* I have since learnt that the woman who attested against Aan Jee.
was a second, or waiter to Ann,
39
I, Daniel Pattee, of Canaan, county of Grafton, State
of New-Hampshire, do testify, that when I was nineteen
years of age, I joined (and my father's family) a society
of Shakers in Enfield, N. H.-continued with them
about two years, when I went to the State of New-York,
to visit the Elect Lady, and the Elders of the church.
They assembled at their house of worship, in which
were about fifty persons; there I saw Ann Lee locked
in the arm of a naked man; they placed themselves in
the centre of the company. One man asked Ann Lee if
he might strip off his clothes—answer, “yes, you may
all strip,” and likewise all of the men stripped off their
clothes 1 and continued in that situation dancing and
carousing for the space of three or four hours. I fur-
ther state, this and cther conduct caused me to leave
them, as this was the conduct of the church and leaders
of the Society. DANIEL PATTEE.
GRAFTon, ss. - - Canaan, May 27, 1818.
Attested before me,
JESSE J. FOGG, Jus. Peact.
[See Daniel Pattee's statement, page 35.]
1, Betty Morse, of Salisbury, N. H. do state, that in the
first days of the Shakers’ doctrine being preached at
Loudon and Canterbury, N. H. 1 was present, was soon
induced to believe they were a good people, and joined
them, (I was twenty-one years of age); which joining
was to confess my sins, and be in obedience to their
commands. We were ordered not to read the Scrip-
tures ; my being a professor of religion previous, it
caused me to shade my windows at night to read, and at
times have read the Bible the most of the night through.
They prophesied, that the world should stand but four
years—their assertions were such, they frightened many
to join them. . After I joined them, my friends were
dissatisfied, and threatened taking me away, when I was
conveyed to. Enfield for concealment, where I was
astonished at a circumstance, viz. Lydia Williams, wife
of William Williams, who was a woman esteemed
...' * the Shakers, one evening, she having great

40
signs and operations, prophesied to the family, that the
world would be destroyed that night, sat them in great
terror and horror. She then fell on the floor in agita-
tion ; John Johnson, uniting with her in the prophesy,
also fell, when they rolled at times together, other
times apart. After awhile all ceased, the judgment pas-
sed, and the world still remained. At this time I was
an unbeliever of the prophesy, and I was ordered to
fall to the floor and lick the dust, which I did. Soon
after I joined them I was promoted to ride with the min-
istry from place to place, which caused me to become
acquainted with many singular circumstances. Some I
will name. Once when I was going with Ebenezer
Cooley and James Jewet, they pretended that they
had a suffering to bear for one of the Society, which had
confessed a sin. Cooley said he would not bear it,
when Jewet, to prepare himself, stripped part of his
garments off, so as to set bear in the water, which he
did for sometime. When night came, rum was the an-
tidote, when our Elder was dead drunk, and he puked
shamefully. In the morning he wished me to start a
journey with him to the eastward—I refused going—
then he gave orders to have all the Shakers reject me
—this for a punishment. -
After this, I, with three of the head Elders, started
a journey to the Mother Church, at New-York. When
we came to a spring or brook of good water, they would
say, here is a good tavern, when we stopped, [they
kept the best of spirits,) we were ordered to drink half
a pint of rum each. I took mine, instead of drinking it,
I poured it over my shoulder, and dipped water, and
drank—thus deceived them. While with them I have
spilled gallons of spirit in this way—thus keep sober,
while they have been so drunk they were not able to
ride, and have gone into the thick woods and lay for
hours, before they could ride. When we got to the
church, I found it the common practice to drink hard,
and I believe rum was the cause of the death of Ann
Lee, William Lee, and James Whitaker. Ann Lee died
while I was at the church, and buried. ..
41
While at the church, Love Meacham, neice of Jo"
seph Meacham, a young woman, said she thought the
Mother was drunk—then she was reprimanded for false
judging the Mother—after much reproving her, she
confessed she was wrong ; then, for her punishment,
she was stripped naked, and walked between two rows
of the brethren, when each one struck her a blow,
then followed her and whipped her further.
They had a custom at the church of stripping the
females and putting them in a creek of water, which
practice was continued while the Mother lived. I saw
a man, by the name of Joseph Bennet, when he asked
the Mother if he might put Rhoda Chace into the
creek 7 the Mother said, “ Yea, Joseph”—when he
stripped and the girl was stripped, and he took her into
the water—she cried all the time. She was ever con-
sidered a clever girl. All those females who were
not willing to go in, she would order to it, to humble
them and mortify their pride.
When at Niskeuna, I saw Hannah Kendall, [after-
wards Mother of Harvard and Shirley Society..] When
living with Ann Lee, came to the Elder's room naked,
and talked with them. This I think was done in obe-
dience to the order of Ann, first Mother. 4
One night, there was many men and women stripped
naked, and danced together—I was in another room,
but heard them, and saw seven of them when they came
out to dress, while others went another way. The de-
scription of Ann Lee was, shortish, thick set, of a har-
dy countenance; she was vulgar in her conversation,
she wore a strap cap, with a chip hat, she had a large
scar on her forehead—William Lee was a large boned
man, Sandy complexion—James Whitaker was a mid-
dling sized man, dark hair, well looking—Ocknal was
shortish, thick set—Partenton was also shortish, all of
which were foreigners. -
Ann Lee professed to be the second appearing of
Christ, and her followers must believe the same ; she
said she knew º: minds of all men, and that she con-
- 2
42
versed with angels and departed spirits; and that Moses
and Elias, the Apostles, and all the ancient saints, come
and confessed their sins to her and the Elders, and that
they could find no salvation, until this confession of sin
to them ; they professed to have the only power to for-
give sin, or save lost men. We were compelled to obey
every order from our superiors, otherwise we were
sentenced to judgments, which sometimes had a pow-
erful effect upon us. I found them fallacious in many
things—was not at all times willing to obey their or-
ders, for which I was chastened. Once a judgment was
sentenced on me, I was bound in a condition helpless,
for hours; we were ordered to kneel to our leaders
and worship them—we were forbid speaking of any dis-
satisfaction or discontent, and positively forbid saying
any thing against that way, though it was truth, for
that was the way of God.
As to children, none were permitted to live with
their parents. I have taken some from the water pit,
when put in by orders from the one who had the care
Of them. This was practiced, till I told them I would
enter a complaint to the selectmen of the town. When
children eight years old were stinted to knit a feeting
a day, bearly for turning their head from their work,
I have seen this mistress wring their nose until the
blood run. I have seen children kept on their knees
through the day, knitting, only when they went to eat;
if they attempted to rise, be further punished. I was
with them twelve years, six years trying to find my
salvation by this obedience, then six years in trying to
get confidence to leave them. Their threatenings were
such, I thought I must go to hell if I left them—their
conduct was such, I was in trouble among them. At
length a brother came, and assisted me in getting away.
After which, I was so terrified for fear they would come
after me, or that they had power to make me miserable,
that I could not rest for a considerable time. There is
certainly great infatuation on all who believe on them.
During the time I was with them they made me pass
43
receipts every year—When I left them I had not clothe
decent to wear. -
This is but a short sketch of the many scenes I have
seen and passed through while with them, written ac-
cording to the best of my memory.
- BETTY MORSE.
state of JNew-Hampshire, 6)
ty MERRIMACK, SS. : May 24, 1824.
Personally appeared the above named Betty Morse, and solemnly
affirmed the above named deposition, by her signed, was just and true,
according to the best of her remembrance. Before me,
BENJAMIN LITTLE, Jus. Peace.
The above named Betty Morse is a member in
regular standing in the Congregational church, in
Salisbury, N. H.
Taken from the mouth of Leavit Clough, of Can-
terbury, N. H. in September, 1818 :—
I was once a member of the Shakers’ society. I left
the Baptists and joined them, believing them a more god-
ly people. Their outward appearance always is fair.
I continued among them, until I found bad practices
among the leaders. In the time I went to the State of
New-York to see the first Mother and her Elders. When
I arrived there, the Shakers said she was under great
sufferings, and could not be seen—I waited a number of
days—at length I told them I should not leave until I had
seen her, as it was a great distance I had come—they
consented. I had much anxiety, with fears, concerning
her. I had heard so much of her greatness and power,
my apprehensions were, that the rays of God's glory
shone so about her, that my eyes could not behold her
for the dazzle.—But alas, when I entered the room, my
disappointment was great. She appeared like a drunk-
en woman—the smell of her breath was like the smell
of a rum hogshead opened. She ordered me to sit be-
fore her—she attempted to talk, but her sentences were
broken. She appeared unable to walk. I believed her
intoxicated—(this was Ann Lee.) At another time there
was a report in Canterbury of a mob arising against the
44
Shakers. 1 went immediately to the Eiders’ room to
acquaint them—run up stairs, and pushed in, without lib-
erty. The first Elder sat in a chair, to appearance so
drunk, that he was unable to arise—a bottle of tum
stood near, by his side, on the table. The assistant El-
der, with a woman, sprang from the bed—they appear-
ed frightened—the man's clothes were not natural—the
woman had her cap off, and her hair was much tang-
led—the bed had the like appearance-–this Elder, as
soon as convenient, flew to the bottle of rum—brough?
it to me—urged me to drink. The Elders' names were
Ebenezer Cooley and Israel Chancey.” At another time
I saw Deacon Zadock Wright raging with temper—he
swore, and called some of the Shakers damn’d devils
and bitch whores-–a married man had seduced the girls
to his will. Their abuse to children, breaking up fam-
ilies, turning off their poor, l think is wrong.
Stated by LEAVIT CLOUGH.
The reasons that Mr. Clough's testimony was not
attested by a magistrate, were, he said it was true,
and he had told all the neighbors of it now, and
there was no need of his giving his oath to it. He
is considered a very pious man,and I thought it would
appear as though I doubted his veracity if I insist-
ed on it. The Shakers have been to him, as I un-
derstand, trying their influence, but they cannot
move him. Among thirty or forty depositions of
this nature, it is not impossible that the Shakers, by
their threats and importunity, catching at words,
should decoy some of those injured persons, who
had once been duped by them. The Shakers have
no conscience of truth or error, only to carry their
point. . .
Page 11, the Shakers ask why their accusers do
not bring them to justice 7 I answer—The manner
*They both continued with the Shakers.
45
of your proceedings is thus : Orders are given out;
(obedience is always required) that when perform-
ed, produces cruelty and injustice. If this is borne
with, all is well—If it gives uneasiness—is likely to
bring disgrace or loss of numbers, the serpent will
twist about, the orders are denied, the one who in
obedience must bbey his orders to save his soul,
and avoid punishment—must now take the blame
on himself, and perhaps be punished as for a 'fault,
to screen the head or church from blame. You
know this is truth. .
The sufferings of Comfort Smith are proveable by
witnesses, who have appeared since the Portraiture
was published, (which are reserved.) I ask, who
shall be taken for the crime? The orders of course
were from the head “Bishop,” spitting his venom
on her, because she exposed him, but it was those
ordered who put her in the horse-barn ; then she
was cruelized according to further orders. She
died ' ' Now, in case any one could be convicted
of any of this cruelty, the reply would be, “All this
would not have been allowed of, if the ministry”
had known it ;” when in truth all those orders are
from the head Shakers; and my husband said he
must obey his orders, keeping me imprisoned, if my
grief was such as to cause my death. A person
might as well go to the infernal regions and convict
old Beelzebub of his crimes, by his tormented sub-
jects, as to convict those head Shakers, while théir
subjects think they ought to support them in all their
orders and acts, and even take a fault on them-
selves to screen their leaders from blame—which
my husband said was his faith, and must be mine,
or I could not be a good Shaker. This was ap-
* The ministry are Job Bishop and others, residing in the meeting
house,
46
plauded by the elders, who were then present-
and I told them then, “It was enough for me to
bear my own faults; other folks might bear theirs.”
They were then trying to make me take a fault, as
I have above described. The day is soon coming,
when all will see as they are seen by Omnipotence,
and know as they are known by ºm. -
Page 12, the Shakers refer all to read their publi-
cation, “ Christ’s second appearing,” or Shaker Bi-
ble, to learn their principles. Your second edition,
in places which most expose you, are altered from
your first. This work condemns all other people,
whatever, because no others have Ann Lee for a Sa-
viour. If any person or people, are disposed to up-
hold them, against all others in life—and particular-
ly against those who have suffered by them, worse
than a common death—1 desire such to come under
her institution, and taste a little of the bitterness
which her subjects partake of, or otherwise be hon-
est, and act for the liberty of others, that yourselves
would like to possess.
Page 13, they “challenge Mary M. Dyer, or any
other person, to substantiate the abominable princi-
ples and conduct which she has slanderously palm-
cd on us.” As to your principles and conduct, they
are abominable; but as to your being slandered, K
deny it. That which is stated, is effectually proved
by the most substantial evidence; and you say, page
6, “But if the foundation of any theory is proved
false, what truth can be expected from that which
is built thereon 7” I apply this to yourselves—see
Ann Lee and her elders—a drunken set of robbers.
Not only robbing people of their properties and ſam-
ilies, but their characters, if possible. Indecº you
possess such a filthy spirit and disposition, that none
can touch you with the least confidence in your prin.
47
ciples, without being blackened as with indelible
ink—unless it can be forgotten that they ever knew
you. I never even thought, that I could be repro
down by your cruel, ovt rbearing spirit. This you
know, and tremble. Now, Shakers, as you know
those things published in the Portraiture are correct,
why do you urge me to expose you further ? I was
in hopes you would cease in your wickedness. But
you are determined to cover the truth with false-
hood—break up families—horde up the property of
others—make slaves and monsters of other people's
children. Better for you to have your own lawful
children—this might prevent the destroying young
females from off the earth ! My family are perish-
ing and dying among you, and those who have as-
sisted the Shakers in their power to hold my chil-
dren, may consider themselves as assisting in holding
my daughter in those flames which have consumed
her | | She was my only daughter and darling child
—and admired by all who saw her. She is gone—
she is no more | | I now plead for my sons, and a
law of protection for mothers and children when
the father joins the Shakers. My sons are of some
bigness; yet the sooner they are away the better.
I wish their escape before they get the capitals of
Ann Lee stamped upon them ; and as they are not
learning any trades, when they are of age, they will
have nothing to help themselves with:
A letter from Mary Crain, wife of Robert Crain.
Dalton, July 17, 1818.
Dear Friend—I now embrace an opportunity of writ-
ing to you, as like circumstances have been our lot. As
you were acquainted with my circumstances while with
#$.
ed, until my husband ſell in with your principfés #
and what hath passed since, God knows, and will
judge in his own time. You have crushed hundreds
A.
* .

43
the Shakers, you must needs know what my troubles
were and now are. Mary, I have waded through scenes
of trouble since I saw you. Through the influence of
the Shakers, my family have been broken up, and my
dear children torn from my arms I lived there after-
wards, five months, and only saw them once, that the
Shakers knew of, except at meeting. My poor little
Mary Ann was taken from me—she went like a lamb to
the slaughter | She went to meeting the next sabbath;
so did I. The poor child sat crying and sobbing, as
though she would break her heart ; but I was not al-
lowed to speak to her. Oh, the distress I was in. I
could not eat, sleep nor work. Eldress Molly Mills
told me, under this weight of trouble and distress, if Mary
Ann would not stay where the place was provided for
her, we must bind her to the world. Such a healing
balm I had for my wounded heart, when they would not
let me have the care of her. I found my health wast-
ing fast—I knew not what to do. To go any further
from my children, I thought I could not ; but l found I
could not stay in such a condition—I was almost distract-
ed. Their influence over me was so piercing it capti-
wated my reason, brought me into a delirium. A great
part of the time after they took my children, I was in-
capable of any work.
I long to see you and converse with you. I was not
allowed to speak to my husband, nor look towards him ;
if I did, I broke orders—we were faithfully watched.
I am not writing to one who is a stranger to such cus-
toms. After I moved to the North house, where you
used to live, I found things very different from what I
ever had seen, or was taught. The testimony to me
had been, all peace and union, without one single jar.
All faces wore a solemn cheerfulness when I saw them
formerly ; but when I became one of the family, I found
contention, sisters with brothers contending ; brothers
with brothers, sisters with sisters. They said I might
contend, but not as the world contended. Oh, the de-
ceitfulness of this people. I believe if one half of our
49
leading men knew as much about the Shakers as I do,
they would not be suffered to go on in their unfeeling,
unnatural, deceitful way. Of all people they have the
mpst deceit covered. I believe the Lord will search
them out. You know their gathering gifts, and sifting
gifts. O Lord, let their deceit be laid open to the world
of understanding. Must parents and children, husbands
and wives, brothers and sisters, be torn asunder 7 I am
almost overcome with grief, while I write. Please to
excuse my writing ; my mind is so pressed with grief,
which causeth it to be scattered. Mary, I am anxious
to obtain my children in some way, but know not how
to accomplish it. I am in hopes to see you when I come
down in September. I subscribe myself your affection-
ate friend, MARY CRAIN.
JMrs. Mary M. Dyer.
N. B. One thing I mention, hearing so much said
about it, that is—John Lyon, in the presence of Robert
Crain, Louisa Childs and myself, said, that what he said,
was the same as though God Almighty spoke, or Jesus
Christ, his Son. John Lyon was then an Elder.
Page 23, is Samuel Winkley's statement. He is
son to Francis Winkley, a ruler at Canterbury So-
ciety. If Samuel is a dupe, of course he will sign
what his father requests of him ; and I find his fa-.
ther has been as officious in this last attempt, as any
in the society. His very looks belie his professions.
If Samuel hath common sense, he had better be hon-
est, for he has got out of the reach of Ann Lee, or
Job Bishop, to pardon his sins ! If the Shakers so
far excel all other people in goodness, holiness, ten-
derness and indulgence, as you have stated, why do
you leave them, and live among “ the nasty, filthy
world, anti-christians”—Shaker style.
Page 33, Doct. Chadbourne, hath again shewn
himself with the Shakers. As to what you deny, I
can prove that Sarah Sewell stated to me, that you
*
50
made that remark concerning her sickness. I do
not doubt, but the sisters told a good story to clear
themselves. As to her recovery, her health has
been desperate ever since ; and though she has been
wished dead, she still lives, and I think, in the mem-
ory of some, in eternity:#See Esq. Glidden, and
JMrs. Sewell's statement, p. 29.] I think it very dan-
gerous, for females in particular, if it changes their
constitution as Sarah's was ; i. e. Mores feminorum
totatis mutantis.” I think something more than hon-
or caused you to unake your first statement, favoring
the Shakers. Your proceedings were every way
opposed by the General Court committee referred to,
who gave their testimony against you and others of
the craft;i and your statements on the subject shew
to any able physician, fallacy or weakness.
Page 35, is Thomas Ward's statement, denying
the following statement of his son Andrew, who is
since dead.
1, Andrew Ward, of lawful age, depose and say, I was
son of Thomas Ward, when a lad my father joined the
Shakers; my mother did not believe in all their prin-
ciples. Some of the Shakers were gathered into our
family. My father and a Shaker woman, who was put
in mistress, governed the family. My mother, when in
a feeble state, would have her orders from this mis-"
tress, to do such and snch work. She must obey or my
father would be offended, and treat her cruelly—she was
ever afraid of my father. They obliged her to stand at
the wheel and spin, when so ill, she ought to have been
in bed. What this woman said, we must obey as the
word of God. I observed that my mother constantly
shed tears, My father said he intended to overcome
natural affections—sometimes he said he had overcome
them, which caused the following conduct, and similar,
I had a younger brother, who, for a trifling offence, my
* Portraiture, p. 349. + Portraiture, p. 383. p
51
father called to this mistress to hand him a string ; she
handed him some linen thrumbs ; with these he tied the
child's hands together around the wrists—by it hung
him upon a tree, from the ground, and left him—he
screamed a considerable time. I went to him—his
hands were turned black—I pulled the limb down so
that his feet could touch, the ground—the limb split
from the tree, and my brother ceased screaming. My
father came to know the cause ; began to reprimand
my brother for breaking the limb, and my brother told
him it was Andrew ; for which my father tied me up in
the same maaner. I hung until the pain exceeded all
I had ever experienced. I screeched according to my
pain—my father took pitch, and stuck upon leather,
and put it on my mouth, so I could make no noise. A
man by the name of Brown took me down. I was tied
up in different ways, and punished to that degree, I
thought I could not live. Once I was tied and hºung up
in this manner so long, I lost the natural feelings in my
hands for three years. I had brothers and sisters treat-
ed as cruel as I was, and by my father and this Shaker
mistress. My sisters appear to have their natural ca-
pacity much injured—I think by no other cause. I left
the Shakers, and had brothers and sisters, who also left
them. My sisters have suffered much for the want of a
home ; as their capacity was not sufficient to be in an
unprotected state. My father had a good interest when
he joined the Shakers, but none of us have been favor-
ed with any of it. My father, for many years, has been
an elder with the Shakers. -
My mother lived a number of years after I left the
Shakers ; and I think pined away through grief. A
short time before her death, she sent for me to come
and see her ; I went—the Shakers would not let me
see her—I entreated of them, with tears in my eyes, to
let me go into her room—they would not. I stayed a
number of hours, used every argument possible to see
her, but in vain ; they peremptorily refused. I knew
their cruelty, and my impressions were, that she was
52
in trouble, in addition to her sickness ; my heart was
wounded in pity towards a tender mother—she was
ever kind to her children, when it was in her power;
naturally kind hearted. My distress was great, but I
must depart. My father has continued with the Sha-
kers, and ever has treated me like a brute, until since
the trial of Mary M. Dyer, in 1818. I called to see
him, he treated me like a child. Since I left the Sha-
kers, fortune has so favored me, that I have property
sufficient to live upon the interest of my money, though
my health is poor. -
ANDREW WARD.
State of JWew-Hampshire, Northfield, Sept. 10, 1818.
RocKINGHAM, ss.
Attested before me,
OBADIAH MOONEY, Jus. Peace.
A man cruel enough to treat his family as Ward
did, is wicked enough to deny it, and bear down the
name of the dead; and his being a Shaker, he must
of course. There are persons now who, at that
time, lived so near Ward's house, as to get water
from his well, eye and ear witnesses of the cruelty.
Their being neighbors to the Shakers, I leave their
names until a time of necessity.
Sarah Meacham’s statement, the Shakers can
harp upon, as they please. She hath since moved
to N. Y. state. Now you can form what you please
and get her husband's consent—for he was before
bribed by you to prevent her statement being attest-
ed, as I understood by Esq. Fogg, when he returned,
after he went to see.her; but her willingness to have
it known, and her being a very smart, woman, I
thought it duty to publish it. See the following.
I, Jacob Sibley, of Hopkinton, N. H. do certify and
say, that I lived a neighbor to Jonathan Basford's fam-
ily, when he and his family joined the Shakers. Many
families joined and moved into Basford's family. I was
once in company with a number of the town officers
53
there, to get a child from them for its mother, who
was in great distress about it. The Shakers resisted
for a time, when one of the town officers seized the
child, and took it from their hands. Another day in the
morning, a very cold day in winter, I went there for
blacksmith work. When I had been there about half
an hour, I saw a boy coming from the barn, (I should
judge he was nine or ten years old) entirely naked—
he ran for the house—appeared in great agony ; his
flesh appeared frozen in places, (he was put into the
barn before I went there.) I asked the blacksmith why
they treated him so 2 He said, for his wickedness. Still
he never named any thing of offence. I shew resent-
ment—I expected to see him drove back again—I had
made up my mind to fight for his protection ; but I saw
him no more at that time. Afterwards he was at my
house, when I spoke to him about it. The lad said he
was treated worse at another time—He was gagged,
then burned in the face with a coal in the tongs. From
what I have frequently heard, they treat the children
among them the most cruel and abominable that crea-
tures could invent. This evidence is true.
JACOB SIBLEY.
Attest, HENRY MURDough,
ANNA SIBLEY.
I, JMary Paige, of Weare, N. H. have been well ac-
uainted with Jonathan Basford’s family, before and af.
ter they joined the Shakers, and I was very near joining
them ; until, by their cruelty, I was convinced of their
delusion. There was many gathered into Mr. Basford's
family, where I went to meeting, and there saw a child
laying in a sog, its flesh much bruised, and black and
blue, and much swollen. I asked the reason—when the
mother said, God told her to kill it, and bring it to life
again, and she had done it. I then said, your god is the
devil—then a number came towards me, said—shew,
shew you devil shew, shew l also heard, that Jon-
athan Basford whipped Sarah, his daughter, near to
E 2
54
death, to make her own that she had been unlawfully
with another man. This I certify.
de * MARY PAIGE.
Attest, TRISTRAM B. PAIGE,
DAvid PAIGE. -
Mary Paige is the widow of Samuel Paige, Esq. late
of Weare.
This Basford was Sarah Meacham’s father; and
this was the place and family, where Sarah and oth-
ers were treated as her statement describes. [See
Portraiture, p. 129 ; also, JMarthg Stanley's statement
in this book, page 25.]
Page 42, is Nathaniel Smith's statement, favoring
the Shakers—when it is proveable that he has
confessed his fault to Mr. Beck’s folks, for mak-
ing a false statement against Mr. Beck, favoring the
Shakers—which statemeni, was the evidence he
speaks of, which gave satisfaction to the committee
referred to, at Canterbury. The money spoken of,
was for the purpose of purchasing the lot with the
Shakers equally, as was the agreement between Mr.
Beck and them; and Mr. Beck was to purchase it;
but they neither waited for Mr. Beck to purchase,
nor would they let him have his part, after it was
purchased. But instead of his having 50 acres atº
five dollars per acre, as they agreed, they said, “you
may have ten acres, if you will give twenty dollars
an acre; and the Shakers still hold the land ; and
to make their side appear fair, they, by some means,
got this Smith to make a false oath, to screen them.
See the following.
I, Josiah Sargent, of lawſul age, do testify and say, that
I heard Alice Beck ask Nathaniel Smith how he could
make a false statement to the Shakers, concerning a
piece of land in dispute between them and her husband,
59
Said Smith replied, that he was wrong in what he said,
to the Shakers, (or before the committee.)
JOSIAH SARGENT.
Thomas BRown,
lsº AEL DAVIS.
State of JWew-Hampshire, - Loudon, July 14, 1824.
MERRIMACK, SS.
Personally appearing, the above named Josiah Sargent, and made
solemn oath to the above affidavit, by him subscribed.
Before me, THOMAS BROWN, Jus Peace,
There is in the Shaker book two statements more
from persons (by the name of Clough) on the same
subject, who were references at the time above
spoken of, the whole business was determined by
Smith's statement at that time ; but it is no matter
what the Shakers get to carry their point, whether
a knave or a fool. Persons acquainted with Mr.
Smith may judge for themselves what sort of a per-
son he is ; still a man's evidence is good, until he is
convicted of perjury. The Shakers will crawl in-
to their holes, cover themselves with rotten wood,
mulch or stones, to screen from the face of justice.
But the day will come, when the heavens shall roll
together like a scroll, and the earth shall melt with
fervent heat, and the wicked shall call for the rocks
and mountains to fall on them and cover them from
*the face of the Almighty; they will find that false-
hood and deception will vanish ; while innocent and
injured persons, who have possessed their souls in
patience, shall come forth standing on the sea of
glass mingled with fire.
I, Henry Beck, of Canterbury, of lawful age, do testi-
fy and say, that I am son of Alice Beck, who has given
a statement, published in the Portraiture of Shakerism,
and a brother of Clement Beck, of Weare, N. H. My
mother lives with me. My being a neighbor to the
Shakers has caused me to be willing to bear wrongs
rather than to enter inte a controversy with them; and
;
5ö
ave hitherto declined to make any statement concern.
ing them. But their imposition is such, I feel it, a duty
to make the following remarks.
One evening when I was absent from home, (as I was
informed,) two Shakers came to my house, and talked
very hard to my mother, to make her deny her state-
ment published in the said Portraiture ; but they had no
influence over her mind. After which they sent for me
and my brother Charles to go to their dwellings. I
think it was about the last of May, 1824. When we
came there, they had a writing formed for us to sign,
which was calculated (in my opinion,) to destroy my
mother's statement, endeavouring to shew that my fa-
ther was satisfied with a settlement about some land,
which I knew he never was, he spoke of his dissatisfac-
tion a few hours before his death. I told them l should
not sign ; it was incorrect. They then laid claim to
some of our land, and said if we did not sign, they
could, and would take it from us. I told them I should
not, if they took all my land. This land we had enjoy-
ed in quiet possession about twenty years, and the rea-
son why they attempted to make the imposition, is be-
cause the irounds have been destroyed by the Shakers
crowding the road on us. I returned home; the next
day three Shakers with Ezekiel Morrill, Esq. who was
surveyor, John Kezar, Esq. and Miles Hodgedon, came
to my house, notified me to attend to the business. I
told them I wished for no quarrel, and would do nothing'
about it. They said if I would sign their writing, they
would settle, and never trouble me about it. I said
that I considered that signing their writing, would make
my title no better, if it would be mine then, it was now,
and I should do nothing about it; if they wanted a quar-
rel, they might begin as soon as they please. After
Inuch threatening they left me. HENRY BECK.
Attest, PHILIP BRown, Jr. LEvi BRown.
Personally appearing, the within named Henry Beck, and made sol-
emn oath to the truth of the within affidavit by lim subscribed.
Before me, TiOMAS BROWN, Jus. Peace,
*
57
About five pages in the Shaker book are cover-
ed with deception, endeavoring to disprove the cru-
elty to John Oncal and wife. Dr. Plastridge was
her physician, who attended her day and night.
The thing was not done in a corner, it was well
known to the neighbors, as this family of Shakers
lived a little out from their village. Oncal, Stanley
and Delano all gave their statement at one time,
about the same cruelty, at Col. Delano's, in Leba-
non, N. H., Feb. 24, 1819, before Jesse J. Fogg,
justice peace, who is since dead.
The Shakers make much handle about some ty-
pographical errors, as the printer hath made a
number, and mostly in figüres, some where I have
referred to other books. Their catching at such
frivolous things, and making such ado about it, is a
sure evidence of the general truth of the thing. Was
it not for making the work bulky, and the expºnse
larger, I could produce evidence to shew their fal-
lacy in every particular of their book. Still their
breath is so strong, in their expressions of writing,
that it is like the fluid of a distillery, which will
fuddle those who are not accustomed to it, though
they partake of none of the liquor.
Next, there is about five pages covered with a
statement from my eldest son, Caleb Marshall Dy-
er. I desire the God of Jacob to have mercy on
him, and the rest of my children, who all have their
names signed to statements in the Shaker book.
Their statements appear to be signed in the same
manner that a person would be compelled to drink
poison that would destroy them. Not long since,
my daughter's name was to one similar, but they
cannot compel her to sign any thing more. If my
children are not all personally destroyed, yet their
abilities will be, if they continue with Shakers,
58
Though my eldest son expresses that he has no
feeling of tenderness towards me, still he is my
child, he was a son of my youth, and the one who
first drew the tender cords of a mother’s love from
imy heart, which are stronger than the love of life.
I have ever been willing to risk my life for the pro-
tection of my children, and have been made willing
to give my life, if it would relieve them from the
Shakers; but this would not do it. My children
are all dear to me. As to my eldest son, he is
made a sort of an leader amóng the Shakers, and,
without doubt, his affections are fixed on some one,
as this is the last cord they attempt to bind with ; of
course, he must do something to bring honor to the
church, or he will be put down—then he must lose
his union in this attachment, which his ignorance
thinks to be an attachment in Christ, because the
leaders have consented to it. Here the affections
are given up to the greatest pitch, and the ignorant
youth imagine themselves near to heaven, when, in
truth, it is nothing but perishable, and will decay
with that which perisheth. The old Shaker leaders
must know this, (which causeth some of them to be
deists) still they hold their young subjects, and
some weak minded men like my husband, in this
way, which is the greatest weapon they have for
many. If the subject is unwilling to comply with
orders, the old leaders will threaten them, that
they can break their union to God, and make them
feel the judgments of hell—this is often done, and
the youth loses his confidence; the same affections,
which were once justified, are now condemned, and
the subject feels as though he was rejected of God,
and despised by the brethren—he is like a love-
sick heart-broken creature. Many of both sexes
are imposed on in this way, and have no opportu-
59
mity for knowledge of this deception, why it is, or
what it is—thus go down to ruin. Let the mind of
any youth be chopped up in this way, it will destroy
the most capable faculties. The word is, “If you
will do something to bring honor to the church, the
church will honor you, otherwise you must be dis-
honored.” By such means the Shakers’ testimonies
are generally produced—truth is not consulted.
I here observe that though I do not give heed to
dreams, particularly, still I name a circumstance
which did assist my mind to bear with those new
aggravations. Perhaps three nights before I saw
this Shaker book, I dreamed that I saw my daugh-
ter laying quietly dead. As I looked at her, I
thought I saw Mary Stevens (a Shakeress) with a
cup of new rum, and something more fiery, mixing
with it. When stirred, she with my husband, pri-
ed her teeth open, and poured it down her throat.
My daughter moved. Still she appeared dead.
As she stirred, I thought my husband attempted to
croud out her eyes. I begged of them to let her
alone. They continued, and she arose from the
bed, and came towards me. They followed her
with aggravations. . She looked ghastly, and I
thought she was dead—I plead with them to let her
alone, and awoke with agitation, when it seemed as
though by some means she was to be brought to
view in an aggravated sense, which is certainly the
case. I told my dream the next morning, and I
think Mary Stevens and my husband are the cause.
Mary Stevens was her nurse; she prepared the cup
of mixture, which my husband assisted in giving to
Betsy, inflaming her mind against me, at the time
she was sick; then the attempt to put out the eyes
of her understanding. Her coming towards me was
60
her confidence, gaining in me as her friend, which
I will show in the sequel.
In page 57, is a statement from Dr. Muzzey,
which brings my sufferings up afresh. I saw the
doctor but once to know him, and I should have
thought the condition he lound me in, and the con-
versation which then passed, would have been suf-
ficient to have taught him better than to have ag-
gravated me with such an imposition. You must
know for years l had been deprived of all oppor-
tunity to be acquainted with my children, and the
Shakers continually trying to set their minds against
me; and now when you saw me she was in a death
like position, and I was willing to be in a retired
room, where you saw me, rather than give any oc-
casion for controversy, as it was what the Shakers
sought for, by every possible means, because they
said that when I was with her, I got her affections,
which should not be done. I told you the circum-
stances as they had occurred, and in the presence
of the Shakers, so that it is impossible but you
must know their cruelty and oppression. If you
think my past sufferings for my children, and the
then aggravated situation of my dear daughter
was not sufficient to try a mother's feelings, I hope
God will make you sensible by self-experience, in
some way similar. I don't wish your children
among Shakers, nor your wiſe to be your enemy;
but I desire God to deal with you in some way un-
til you have better feelings, 3. to be willing to
aggravate the deepest wounds; I note the following,
and leave the reader to judge:
I first heard of my daughter's sickness, by a son
of Abel Hutchins, of Concord, N. H., when he re-
turned from commencement at Dartmouth College,
the 20th day of August, 1823. He said it was not
61
expected that she was then alive. . I went immedi-
ately to Enfield—when I arrived in town it was
thought she was dead. This was the first informa-
tion for about four years. Only a few months pre-
vious I heard she was calculated by Shakers for a
Deaceness. I then told a number of persons that
her health would be reduced to a skeleton—as I
knew it was the case with all young females who
were selected Eldresses or Deaconesses. My heart
is big with sorrows, and my eyes full of tears, when
I realize what I know of Shakers. Oh that God
would deal with them according to their deserts, is
my desire and prayer. Many an inoffensive female
hath been made a prey of among them. Who but
a God can know my feelings! The Shakers cannot
go unpunished, for their wickedness and lies.
When I left the stage, I asked the inhabitants if
they thought the Shakers would shut me up, if I
went among them. The people said, “if they
shew you any misdemeanor, they shall be taken of:
and your daughter's sickness is so well known they
dare not insult you ;” and further said, that people
had said so much to them since her sickness, they
had sent for me. I then said it was only to take
away the reproach, or speech of people. I went
with a female, where I found my daughter helpless,
as pale as death; she manifested gladness, and tri-
ed to tell me how she was. I found she had bled at
the lungs four days successively—which was abated
by bleeding in the arm, and giving her sugar of lead
which was ordered by Dr. Mussey. This bleeding at
the lungs I consider was in consequence of an unnatu-
ral change in the constitution or habits, as she had
go cough, only at times a little hack. I asked my
daughter if she was not started at my first coming
—she said, “nay, expected you.” I told her I
sº
62
was glad she was so comfortable; from what I
heard, I did not expect to see her alive. She said,
“I am glad you have come; I always knew you
was a good nurse.” After this I saw her no more
while in town. The female who went with me,
asked if I should return with her. I said, I wish to
stay and watch with Betsy to-night, and wish some
of my friends to come after me in the morning.
*y daughter could not then lift her head from the
...'.ow. Soon as the woman was gone, my husband
-***e in, urging me to leave the house. I told him
# a bad spirit—I wished not to contend. I
wºš tº in such distress, it seemed as though I
cºd not contain myself; my daughter looked like
death, and my husband sent in to scold me. He
continued to urge me away; I asked him what he
meant, as they said the Shakers had sent for me to
come and see Betsy. He said “that I might come
and look at her, and go away, as other folks did.”
He urged me to go to the office. . My feelings were
much injured, and I dared not shed a tear in sight
of my daughter. I said if I could lie down in this
house, I should be glad to—he urged me out. My
daughter said, “there is a bed in this chamber over
head, which she might lay on as well as not.” Ma-
ry Stevens then consented. As I write, I am ready
to meet my enemies at the day of judgment, and my
absent daughter as a witness. After retirement I
walked out; when I returned, my husband, with
three Shaker women, were in the room with Betsy.
Soon as I entered, they began to contend about my
going away. ... I asked them why they were so in-
'consistent; they need not fear, I could not carry
her away, if they were ever so willing, she was not
able to be moved; and as to principles it was no
time for that; I wished for her health, and if there
‘. .” *S
i
63
was a blessing for her, I wished she might be bet-
ter. I requested of them to keep a still spirit, as
much as possible, and she might get better. I took
hold of her, and assisted her in turning; this of
fended. -My husband said he could see the devil
in me, trying to get her affections; he further said
he would not leave the room until I did—that he
was a going to watch. This was a very warm day,
and six in a small room, I thought Betsy could not
et her breath among so many. Oh, I thought,
what shall I do 2 I arose from my chair and said,
“I am sure the number in the room makes it diffi-
cult for Betsy, she is so distressed at the lungs, I
will go out if you will”—(this to my husband.)
My daughter then spoke against my going out.
When I took my seat beside her, my husband stay-
cd in the room until nine o’clock, and said no more
that time, then left. Three women kept in the
room with me until one o'clock, when I went to bed.
The weakness of my daughter was such, she must
be awaked once in 8 or 10 minutes; when I put
my hand to her’s she would squeeze ºrig, she
derness—she rested quietly, m; morning iii, I'e-
said she had.ºgg|*With elder Chase-hºlesired to
(Ugniffy daughter, but was refused ; he said, “I
hope you will let her mother see her.” I went to
the house where my daughter was—they appeared
very cross; my husband came in and said, “We
did not expect you again so soon.” I asked my
daughter, how she was—she appeared dejected,
looked miserable. I told him he could not expect
# " I should wish to stay with her what I could un-
âtil some alteration. When I spoke to Mary Ste-
rºl, ~
# vens, she would not answer, but looked surly. My
:*
*feelings were so pressed I was faint. I went to the
64
outer door, for air—I attempted to return—the door
was, fastened against me—I heard stepping and
strange voices within—I went around to another
door, where I entered—found my husband with
some of the leaders persuading my daughter that
my spirit was so against the Shakers, it was the
cause of her sickness, and if they could not keep
me away she would certainly die; here they were
pouring down their mixture. I told them I had
natural affections, and I wished to have, and they
felt very tender now ; and I was sure that could not
hurt her nor any other, and epecially when I had
not seen her for so long time. They urged this on
my child, and said the Governors had been there;
were sensible of it, and spake of it. I asked them
what Governors ? They said, Gov. Woodbury and
Gov. Eustis. I then told them that Gov. Eustis said
at the tavern below, that Betsy could not live if
she was not moved from there; and that he told
- True Heath,” a deacon, the same thing, and urged
afterº. They utterly denied it... My husband
Governor never ºf ath would take his oath that the
will see, in the sequel, the state, him about it: You
ernor made concerning it; I saw and ºbg Gov-
him myself. I mourned with distress, but still kept
my tears. I asked him what he thought my feel:
ings were to keep me so long from my children, and
now to see the condition of my daughter, and you
trying to irritate her feelings, thus to press me from
her. I was conducted into a room with a glimmer-
ing lamp—you could only discern that there Werº
people. Here were my sons : 1 found their minº.
lad been irritated in the same manner—from whº
* This Heath was all the one of the name that belonged to the Sošič
ty in that place. * * º º


65
I discovered from looks and actions, I should as
soon thought they had been other people's children
as mine. The scene through so preyed on my
health, that I was miserable. My husband said,
if he had thought Betsy would have lived until I
could have got there, they would not have sent for
me ! and intimated to her and the other children, as
though I would willingly do something to end her
days, if I could not get her from the Shakers any
other way.” When in truth they were afraid I
* Friendly reader, you may think there was some uncommon cause
for this conduct, and that they would not have treated any other so
cruel, but they certainly do. I had personal knowledge of their treating
a mother equally as cruel when I lived wi.h them, as you may read.
A family moved from the country of my acquaintance. The woman
•was not so strong a Shaker as her husband. After a time, her youngest
child was sick, when a number of days had past, the old Eldress came
into my room, looking very grave, with a drawn down face, she said,
“Mary, I have something to say to you ; Daniel's folks have got a
very sick child, they want you should go up and see it, and advise them
about it ; they sent before for you to come up, but we thought Benja-
min had better go, he could doctor it so as to answer, but they have
sent again, and perhaps you had better go, if you feel to.” Yes, be
sure, and I would have gone before if I had known it, why did not you
tell me * Oh, we thought it want best, but you may go in-Nelly is
going with you, (she was for a watch, to see and hear what was said.)
When I went in, (as I was in a shop,) Mr. Aldrich said, “Daniel's folks
are very anxious to have you come—said they knew you so well, that
they were sure you would come and see them, if you knew the child
was sick, and that they wished you to come.” I said, I had not heard
of it before. He then said, “ Daniel told me not to leave the place
until I saw you myself.” The Shakers looked beat. Nelly and I fitted
off. When we got there, (which was three and a half miles) the child
was dead and laid out, I told them how it was—Daniel said mothing
had shaken his faith like this. He said, if I had come when they first
sent for me, he thought the child would have been better. It appear-
ed to have had a bad cold, and I think was choked with worms, from
what they said. When we returned, and told the circuinstance, this
sanctimonious hypocrite, (Eldress) said, “Weil, it is no loss, the child
hindered its mother more than it would ever be profit.” The child was
two years old, yet it needed some care. The next day the child was
brought to this house for the funeral—When this old Eldress said, “I
wish to have the funeral conducted as people of the world do.theirs,”
and asked me the custom. I told her, and as far as she liked,it was con-
ducted so, but there was little similarity. Just before we went into the
room, where the corpse was, this eldress came to me and said, “ Mary,
*
t
º .º
i.sº
66
should become acquainted with her and her com-
plaint. I told my husband the Shakers could not be
blessed in such cruelty towards ine. Oh, I thought,
how can I endure I retired early. Was I as fuli
of falsehood and wickedness as the Shakers pretend,
I should certainly destroy some of them : as to my
life, I should not value it a straw, to see my children
in such a condition. It is only the fear of offending
Omnipotence, that makes me endure those awful
I don't know but you may think strange, but we are going to take this
9pportunity to deal with Lucy, (the mother of the child) we think now
is a good time—her mind is tender, and may be easily subdued,” (he
broken, she might have said.) I pitied the mother, but said not a word.
They had Lucy up stairs dealing with her a time—then we all went in-
to the room where the corpse was—when Lucy was set back into the
world's place, (as they call it) to humble her. They stood in ranks
and sung ; then the Elder said something about their being in obedience
to God in the leaders—but no prayers. I never heard a prayer from
one of them while I lived there, nor never heard of a vocal prayer
among them—but whey must think of Mother and the Elders. After
those few words from the Elder, the coffin was opened, when the Elders
first looked in—the mother must stand behind in derision, and was the
last who came to see the corpse. The grave was near to the house.
When they went to the grave, she went behind, bore her burden alone
—inhuman . . They appeared to aggravate her feelings as much as pos-
sible—I pitied the woman, but must not say a word to her—I thought
what would be the case if one of my children should die,
I was now promoted next to the Elders, and was all the time I was
there, until aſter I made it manifest that I meant to leave them. I nev-
er left the Shakers because they did not applaud me; for they did ; antil
I thought were much pleased with me, but I left them because their
principles were not honest—and they lived in an adulterous spirit, and
cruelised all whom they pleased, whether innocent or guilty—to break
their spirits down, and submit them, to any obedience. And now when
my daughter was sick, they thought it a good time to break my spirits,
and make me believe, my spirit against them was the cause of her sick-
ness, and would be her death. This, to make me deny the One God,
and believe on them. But God is light, and in him is no darkness nor
variableness of changing, which hath ever helped me to see their fal-
lacy—and it is He alone, who knows what contradictions I have endur-
ed by Shakers. May He ever protect me in my sincere desire.--I was
never at another funeral while with them—they do not manage all alike;
such as are ordered to attend, do ; others pay no attention. There has
been a custom among them, for the man to bury his own wife—to put
the dirt on, to shew his dislike to natural affections ; and for old travel-
lers among them. The parents must take no notice, when their child.
ren are buried—-nor children of their parents. For a person to cross
67
aggravations in patience; common murder is not
more cruel. Still, I never attempted to injure them
in the least thing, no further than to expose them in
the truth; and this I did in mercy to leaders and
people, in hopes of reformation, and consider it no
injury. But they never will cease, in their abuse
until they are compelled to, although I am by their
means accused of all manner of evil : still I defy
them or any other, to produce a person who knows
me guilty of any immorality. . As to my inveterate
spirit, as they term it, I think I have had enough to
try me; and it is not my Rear of them or any other
person, or of death, that has prevented me from re-
venge, if that had been my object. They even pre-
tend that I would set fire to them; (I suppose they
mean their buildings.) This I could do with all
ease if I wished; but this would not remove the
cause of my complaint. I have sometimes thought
I would give up my life in defence of my children.
Scripture says, “No greater love can any man have,
than to give up his life for his friend.” As to life
here, it is nothing, to be imposed on as I am. If I
once disbelieved in a God of rewards and punish-e
their matural affections, as the Shakers do, makes them worse than the
brute; and I think the meanest reptile might teach the Shakers wis-
dom. Almighty God, make thy power known, and awfully shake their
rotten foundation. At another time, when I lived with the Shakers, my
Elders requested me to go to one of their new families, and assist in lay-
ing out a child which they said, had been some hours dying. When I
got there, I found life was in it, though you could not perceive it bleathe.
I asked them some questions about it, when a thought struck me that it
might be brought to. I sent all out of the room but its parents, then
I applied some liquid nutriment to its mouth, the father thought it pre-
sumptuous—I told him it could do no hurt, if it did no good. I drop-
ped a drop or two into its mouth, until some ran down its throat; a
Seeond time the child stirred—it revived, and afterwards got well.
Now when Betsy was sick, (after they had talked so hard to me) five
of them were taken down with a fever, the Shakers wished me to go
in and see them—and I don’t doubt would have been glad to have had
my advice-(but my own child I should kill.) : I refused going in,
Reader, what do you think of such things :
68
ments, the Shakers would not dare to treat me as
they do : whatever I feel to be right, I shall certain-
ly do; and I feel at times as though I had endured
nearly enough. To think we should have a law for
a woman to be subjected to a husband, and by this
subjection must have a family of children, then, by
the same law, have her children taken from her
and placed where they are taught to treat her with
barbarity, and that she is a monster in the world, is
too much to be borne with. It would be better that
there never was a woman, or that the men should
never have one, unless they will make a law for
their protection, with their children.
After my early retirement, the next morning I
found my daughter very ill; she lay in a sog with
her eyes fast closed the most of the day—she looked
like death. My husband was in, placed himself at
the foreside of the bed as a defiance to me. I sat at
the other part of the room—said nothing until about
eleven, when I said, we sisall not have her long.
His feelings seemed a little moved, when he spake
to one of the sisters to take his place, and left the
room. Just before night, I seated myself at the foot
of the bed where I could look in her face; I raised
my desires to God in her behalf, that he would drive
back this power of death, which then was preying
upon her. She soon opened her eyes, and saw and
spake to me, when I gave her some information
about our relations in the country, which was the
first information she had had from them since she
was eleven years old; she was now twenty-one—
she appeared satisfied in hearing from them. She
was never again in such a death-like posiure while
I continued in the neighborhood, which was five
weeks. I returned to my boarding place that night,
which was a mile and a half—returned the next
69
morning, when all looked with sourness; my daugh-
ter appeared afraid of me—was very ill; I suppose
she had had another lecturing about me. I soon
told them, if I could assist or advise in any thing
for her comfort I was willing; otherwise, I would
retire to the chamber, as I wished to be near her
until some alteration. They refused all assistance,
and were not even willing that I should brush the
flies from off her. I withdrew to my chamber, where
in my feelings, I buried my daughter: she looked
as though every hour would be her last. I kneeled
and desired the eternal power to assist me, and have
mercy on the soul of my poor distressed child.
The scene was so aggravating that I felt the need
of divine assistance to bear my spirits up.
In the afternoon, Doctor Mussey was escorted in-
to the chambcr by my husband, when I was intro-
duced to him; other Shakers stood in the spaceway
through the door. I was glad to see the Doctor—
was thankful he had some charge of my daughter.
I soon learned, from an observation my husband
made, that they had been trying to sour the mind
of the Doctor against me; I then told him the par-
ticulars as I have above, named, which must have
shewn to the Doctor why my daughter made such
an observation, which l do not doubt she did, if she
saï.” tºy thing which her father or the Elders
previously the šiakº, ſº ºf me ººº
standing of sickness of any amuing thrum, and ini-
mated abroad (as I have since learned) that I had
the healing power, which was in consequence of my
being favored in nursing; but now I was of the
World.), My hushand said in an aggravating way,
that l said I knew what ailed my daughter and what
would cure her, as though I knew more than the
70
Doctor; but that was not the case. It was this:—
When Betsy told me how she was, I told her I un-
derstood her case well; I had been similar myself,
while I was with the Shakers, and it is a wonder I
am alive. I did not bleed at the lungs as she did;
the reason was, my blood was very low, but hers was
full. I had bled some at the lungs, and was other-
wise affected as she was, and the same that helped
me, I thought would her. One of the Shaker women
said then, “Betsy and her mother are very much
alike every way.” -
Had not my daughter been intended for the Dea-
con's Office, she might have been well now. That
Office, a den of abominations, your union and rela-
tions produced by what you call “first mother's
spirit,” you old Shakers must know it is the cssence
of adultery; but your ignorant children and youth
what can they know, only as you teach them 2
How can I endure this imposition on my family (I
desire the lord to teach them by his wisdom in the
stillness of their minds.) If you old Shakers are
pleased to call this fire or flame the fire of the Holy
Ghost, how shall they know the difference While
the delicate constitution is soon devoured, I desire
Jehovah to interfere in behalf of the innocent—to
display that light which shall discover all false re-
ligion. cytº"
I conversed with the Pºpº 1. 5
si. . . . … *
* - e º
when my hushands-ºf tº SS º , of
fºr 3 ºr gift. Marshall my son, to go with me to
my boarding place, and that he should carry and
fetch me at any time. Oh, this intriguing deception
to make a fair appearance, when previously he had
been as cruel as possible! I did not refuse the of.
fer, though I could see it was to blind the eyes of
strangers. This was the last opportunity I had
-:
71
with my son; they had got the good name, and ac-
complished their cruelty. After this, I saw my
daughter only once in four or ‘five days. When I
had been in town two weeks Betsy was still feeble;
her flesh wore off, and she grew more faint. I ask-
ed her if she took any thing to nourish her ; she
said nothing but the water of boiled wheat, barley,
thin gruel, &c., with frequent cathartics. I found
the Doctor did not come to see her now, and those
drinks appeared to sicken her. I was sure she could
not endure in this way, and in my absence I
had got some courage. Now, for the first time, I
interfered in the nursing; I told them to let her
have something to eat. “Nay,” said they, “we
must obey the Doctor’s directions.” I said the
{}octor did not visit her now, and she could not live
as she was; if they would let her have somethin
nourishing to eat and it hurt her, I would bear the
blame; otherwise, she would die at any rate. I
soon returned; the second day after, I went again—
she was more comfortable. Ruth, her cook, said
she gave her some victuals the day before, and more
that day; it relished well, and she was better.
After this, she got better very fast, and her attacn-
ment was towards me from that time; she tried to
shew me favor in every possible thing. The nurses
were more pleasant, and I think if I had stood more
for my right, they would not have dared to treat me
so bad before. The next time I went to see her,
she sat up some ; she asked why it was that our
family was there and I away, and why this contro-
versy. I told her she was not able to talk nor hear
me talk, if she was I would tell her; she then said,
if ever I am able, come and tell me; I told her I
would—all this before the Shakers. They would
not let me see her one minute alone.
72
I stayed in the neighborhood three weeks after
she began to eat food, and she gained as fast as I
ever saw one from so low a state. I concluded that
in a few weeks more she would be able to leave, if
it was her choice, and then I would tell her my
history of the family being there, and why the con-
troversy ; and she knowing so many circumstances,
it would help to explain the rest, which would con-
vince her so as to break those bands of ignorance
which now held her mind. This I intended before
I left town. I soon found, that by the Shakers’ in-
trigue, I was compelled to take a journey. The
day before I left, I called to see my daughter; she
had left her room, was sitting up, and did all the
time I was with her—said she eat her food well—
was comfortable—thought she should soon be about
—she had no cough—said if she should never be as
rugged as formerly, she was as likely to live years
as any one. I told her I was under the necessity of
going away, but hoped l should hear from her, and
that she would be well when l returned. I further
said, if you are dealt with as other children are
when their parents are away, you will be told all
manner of evil about me; but let you hear what
you will, you always remember that I try to live
every day so as to be accepted by that God who
sees me at all times. She said, “what I see and
know, I know, but I shall not believe every re-
port* I was sorry she said this, as the Shakers
were present, and if they thought she had any con-
fidence in me, and would he likely to leave them,
they would rather she would die; and this could be
easily accomplished—and I do not feel as though
she was fairly dealt by in the first place, nor in the
last. It makes my heart ache when I think of it.
s This was in the presence of Elder Chase's wiſe, who went with me...
73
I bid her farewell, with as much expectation of seeing
her again, and relieving her from that place, as I
ever expected to return.
I now sketch my journey. I returned to Con-
cord, forty miles, by stage, the last of September.
From thence took a number of hundred books, by
stage went to an uncle's of mine in Hampstead.
The 10th of October, my uncle went with me to
Newburyport, Mass. He left me at Maj. Swett's.
I found my feelings brought to a critical place—
among strangers, on business the most unexpected
to me. This was the first view I ever had of a sea-
port—people were very humane. I told them the
necessity of my feelings to have the public know
the Shaker principles, that they might avoid suffer-
ing by their deception. I also informed people
how the Shakers had managed to obstruct the sale
of my books. I felt the presence of the Lord with
me at all times, which bore my spirits up. After
two weeks in this excellent family, and the sale of
a number of books, I went by stage to Ipswich,
Mass., where I stayed one day, and sold many
books. From thence to Essex, where were my an-
cestors—(where I found my Marshall name de-
scended from the Scotch.) Here I stayed some
days—held thanksgiving with them—sold many
books. In all places I made calls on ministers, and
persons in authority, that the information might be
of use for protection in a temporal and spiritual
sense. The next I went to Manchester, where I
was received very cordially by the Rev. Mr. Em-
erson and wife, and by many other worthy people,
one who is designated by the title of the good Mrs.
Martha Lee. Here I made a short tarry—sold
many books. From thence I went to Beverly
farms, to a relation, Timothy Marshall. Providence
74.
is bountiful in wealth to this family. Of one of his
son's wives I had a beautiful mahogany work box
for my daughter, it contained every convenience.
John Marshall, son of this Timothy, commanded the
vessel which conveyed Harriet Newell, with her
husband, to the East-Indies, the first missionaries
from America. I enjoyed myself so well in this
place, I should like to have stayed months, would
my business allowed of it. I passed from this to
Windham, where I made a call on Deacon Dodge ;
here I enjoyed religious conversation. Called on
Mr. Sperry, the minister; he appeared a pleasant
man, of delicate feelings—I thought he would hard-
ly endure the task Providence had allotted to him ;
but we are all fitted to our condition. From thence
I went to Danvers, Beverly town, and the edge of
Salem, where I stayed three weeks, sold out my
books, sent for more, sold them. In those towns are
various denominations of professors, and I think
good people in all. My being a stranger, gave me
opportunity to prove the charity or humanity of all;
and I have reason to render gratitude to professor
and non-professor, as far as I had any acquaintance.
The last of December I. returned to Concord,
N. H., where I expected to hear from my sick
daughter, as I had sent particular word for them
to write, if there was any alteration. I found no
letter; therefore concluded she was mending. I
was much agitated in my sleep about her, and
thought her discontented, which I often observed
while on my journey—and further said, if I lived
to finish my task, I would relieve her from that
place, or die myself, (that was if she was alive.)
The 3d day of January I took the remainder of
my books, went to Salem, Mass., from thence to
Lynn, where I had many pleasant visits with people
75.
of various sects and denominations, and among all,
are those who may be designated Friends, accord-
ing to Scripture, which says, “Ye are my friends,
if you do whatsoever I command you,” that is,
friends to the Lord. It is not any particular sect,
referred to, as friends, but they who do the com-
mands of God, some of which I think may be found
among professors and non-professors. The Lord
looks at the heart or intent of the mind. My busi-
ness of selling books, introduced me to many peo-
ple, also to religious principles; and I shall have
reason continually to praise God, and the people,
for the many blessings and favors shewn me in my
singular journey. At Lynn, I soon found myself
with those I formerly boarded with at Concord,
N. H., and those who helped me to bear my afflic-
tions at that awful time when first I petitioned for
my childrens' release, in 1817. At that time I was
with my brother; still I was such a stranger in the
world, it seemed more than I could endure. Had
there then been made a law of protection, it would
have saved my family from much trouble, my friends
from anxiety, and my daughter's life.*
There hath been many arguments against a peti-
ion of this nature, and by Shakers. One is, taking
up the time of the Court, which is a great expense
to the State—When there are frivolous things dwelt
upon, such as altering persons names from John to
Peter, “ something similar, such as a tax on some
non-resident land, for a road which will never be
travelled, and if granted, only a road bushed out ;
* You will begin to think I am not a predestinarian—I am so far as
this, I believe it is predestinated, that a large quantity of poison will
kill a man if he takes it, and to cut a man's throat he will bleed to
death, or to stop his breath he will die, &c.; but the case is here, we
have discretion sufficient to teach us these things, and that we ought to
avoid it, otherwise we are accountable, which brings the judgment
llèal'.
76
which is all done by some jockey who wants the
job, to draw a booty from some land holder in
New-York, or get his land at vendue. This all goes
well; but when a mother is pleading for the life and
safety of her children, her dearest self, the expense
of the State is sounded, or the Constitution is in
danger. Although this is the case, I don’t mean to
reflect, for I believe every candid person, who had
an understanding, would have been glad to have
had a law of redress in such cases. But we know
that courts and laws are governed by few persons,
and these govern the community; and the Shakers
are subtle enough to use all the intrigue possible to
blind the minds and get influence over this few. If
the larum of expense, or the danger of the Consti-
tution does not answer, they will begin to cry down
the petitioner—send their hounds out, who, for a
ham, a cheese, a keg of butter, or a little cash, will
misrepresent and calumniate with serpents' stings;
and surely they must be faithful to insinuate as
much as possible in the minds of those strangers,
who sit at the head of business, and soon there is
such a mist cast over the mind, that it will look
like a disgrace to meddle with any thing for such a
character, though of ever so great consequence to
thousands.
My friends, I think this circumstance pleads for
itself: was I guilty of any ilamorality. as they and
their advocates attempt to insinuate, they "ould re-
joice to devour me. No earthly wealth would be
that gratification to the Shakers, that it would to get
any real occasion against me. ... I defy them to do
it; I am willing my character should be searched.
Was it more known as it is in reality, it would be
better for me. I am not only calumniated in print,
but persons, (or a person) who call themselves hon-
77
orable, (to favor the Shakers) have in large assem-
blies reported defamation against me, which I can
prove has not the least color of truth. Such things
are not to be borne with, and such persons, if they
do not desist, I shall call them by name, and they
shall prove their assertions, or I will prove them
guilty of falsehood. For a man to contend with
men of equal rights, would be more of a conquest,
than to contend with a defenceless woman whe hath
a husband, and a banditti of Shakers against her.
One Shaker in other men's clothes, are worse than
ten with a broad-rimmed hat and a drab coat–those
people know where to look for them. That God
who searches all hearts, knows I am not guilty of
any foul conduct. I do not say this for promotion
in life; I have nothing to live for but to wait God's
time and do his will: why I say it is, because it is
truth and for truth’s sake. It is unpleasant to speak
in favor of one’s self, but in this case the truth ought
to be defended as well as in any other.
, If this session should pass, and no redress, af.
ter all the exertions made and sufferings endured,
I do not know what other woman would dare to
make an attempt for relief, though they suffer ever
so much : we might as well die by the Shakers’ cru-
elty, as by the unfeeling disposition of others. I
was but thirty years old when my husband entered
into their base principles. We were growing in
property, had a pleasant family, and lived in chris-
tian harmony. Age had not cast a frown upon me.
Since then, what a destruction hath taken place'
my family destroyed—property gone—health injur-
ed—constitution wrecked, which is caused by un-
just cruelty in consequence of the Shakers. The
thoughts of those injuries are bowing me, as a worm
at the root of a well grown branch ; it withers and
G 2
78
falls by means unseen. I am willing to meet all my
adversaries at that day, when all are brought before
a righteous tribunal.
I return to my journey.—After being in Lynn
some weeks, I was invited to a Quaker family, near
Harvard and Shirley Shakers. I thought it duty
to scatter my books as much as possible, for infor-
mation. I went by stage through Boston, Charles-
town, Cambridge, and other towns, to Marlborough,
Stow, Bolton, Shirley and Harvard. When in Har-
vard town, I heard that my daughter was dead; it
shocked me very much, as I had not heard any thing
from her, and so far expected her that I purchased
a number of articles of clothing for her. The news
so shocked me as to take away my strength: my
disappointment was such, I felt unable to attend to
my business. After selling a few books, I returned
to Marlborough, where I stayed a few weeks and
sold about seventy dollars worth of books. I re-
turned to Brighton, where 1 sold—and in Medford
and Cambridge, many more. From thence I went
to Roxbury, where I called on Governor Eustis ; a
lady from town went with me. I first sent a line to
him, when he sent for me in ; when he said, “Is this
Mrs. Dyer ?” I answered it is ; he said, “I am
glad to see you; how does your daughter do?” I
told him she was dead; he then related to me the
following circumstances, and requested Mrs. Hawes
to give me a statement of the same, which I here
insert.
Rorbury, Massachusetts.
This may certify, that this 12th day of March, 1824,
I went in company with Mrs. Mary M. Dyer to the house
of Governor Eustis, of this State, who related to her in
presence of the Attorney-General and myself, the follow-
ing circumstance respecting her daughter (Betsy Dyer)
79
whom he saw with the Shakers at Enfield, N. H., when
on his journey to Hanover, to Commencement. That
he attended their worship on Sabbath in August last, and
without any information, his attention was drawn to this
daughter—that he requested to know who she was, and
wished to see her, and that she came in with an old lady. ,
Then he spake with emphasis : “Never did I behold a
more interesting countenance on a female than hers”—
said he conversed some with her; found her health bad.
He left and went to Hanover. Shortly after, Heath, a
Shaker, came to Hanover to fetch some articles to him
of their manufacture which he had previously purchas-
ed: then said he, “I asked after this young woman;
Heath said she was worse, and that he had come for
Doctor Muzzey. I told him if he should get all the
physicians in the country, she will be no better, unless
she be taken out of that family: then said he made ma-
my proposals for this purpose, but to no effect. Heath
insisted she must be there ; then he with resolution ob-
served, “What, not to save life, won't you let her go?
not to save life ſ” Heath then hesitated and said, “we
wiki think of it, but there are many difficulties which at-
tend it.” Mrs. Dyer said, “No wonder he was not wil-
ling to let her go, she was calculated for his spiritual
companion.” The Attorney-General spoke and said,
“what is this you say?” Mrs. Dyer observed; “every
leading man in the Society hath a spiritual companion.”
He said, “I ever considered them a deluded, but inno-
cent people.” The Governor then said, “there are no
greater villains (in my opinion) on earth, than these
head Shakers.” He said his feelings were such, that
he talked with Governor Woodbury on the subject, and
also said “there ought to be a law of protection.” He
also requested me to give Mrs. Dyer this statement.
MARY HAWES.
I learnt that Governor Eustis was a regular bred
physician, and Governor Brooks” also, whom I cal-
* He purchased a book, as did the other.
80
ied to see, with one of his acquaintance. These
two men feel for the liberty of their countrymen,
women, and children. My time was every where
spent more agreeably than I expected. In Cam-
bridge, a merchant lady (Mrs. Fanewell) made me
a present of a mourning Bonnet; in Lynn, Capt.
Bachelder's wife, a pair of mourning Beaver Gloves;
at Boston, Mrs. Sutherlin took a ring from her fin-
ger, placed it on mine, said that was friendship. Bos-
ton was the last place of my selling books: I had
but a few with me. I went in town Saturday, left
Tuesday for Concord, N. H. When I went to Bol-
ton, I stayed a few days in Boston—left some books
at the Book-stores. Now and then, I found ac-
quaintance, with a number of very respectable peo-
ple—Mrs. Willis and family, Dr. Baldwin and fami-
ly, where I visited. Elder Lindsey, Elder Hedden,
and wives, where I had an invitation to visit, which
would have been very pleasant, but I was otherwise
engaged; I had a pleasant visit at Mrs. Boidens.
I was made acquainted with Dr. Jarvis, and a num-
ber of ladies of respectability. Instead of finding
people with a haughty aspect, they were every way
pleasant, humane, and of tender feelings. I was de-
lighted with their affability; I often thought, this is
the perfection of good manners. I was sure, though
I was country born, I should be happy in such so-
ciety as this. Those who are independent in Bos-
ton, are not seeking to attain some popular standing
or dignity, like some wºo have not attained—afraid
to speak or stir, lest they shall lose some of their
preferment. Those have already attained, and it
appears to be their delight to treat people with po-
liteness.
When I found the time of my daughter's death,
I thought by the condition I was brought to at that
8]
time, I had sympathy with her in her distress. Some
may think strange at this remark; but the Apostle
Paul said, “though absent in body, yet present in
spirit.” I relate as follows:—from some time in
December 1 was much worried about her; if I had
any retirement, she was present in my mind more
than any of the family ever was. This I often men-
tioned to the friends wherever I kept. The week
she died my rest left me; l felt unfit to see compa-
ny : but I was now at Lynn with my old acquaint-
ance, and for many days we met for religious visits.
The day of her death, many were invited to Sylva-
nus Newel’s, my feelings were such I thought I
could not attend, yet there appeared no proper ex-
cuse. I went, and at dusk 1 went out—was distres-
sed in my feelings about my family. There were
as many as thirty people in the room when I came
in ; I began to speak my feelings. I was affected
with a tremor, so that I felt almost helpless, (as I did
afterwards, when I heard of her death.) I kneeled,
prayed for myself, for those present, for my family,
and for my poor daughter: and I recollect uttering
these words: “ ( ) Father, thou knowest our condi-
tion, and that I cannot be with her nor help her;
but thou, O God, art every where present : wilt
thou have mercy, and reach thy hand down and
take her.” (the hand of his power.) I was so dis-
tressed it was manifest to all in the room, and I think
they had sympathy with me. This was about six
o'clock, which I afterwards learnt was her dying
hour. Had I heen with her I could not have felt
more ; but I should have had an opportunity of tel-
ling them the cause of her death; which, if it was
my last and dying words, I believe it was by unfair
means produced by those leaders, which they must
know ; and when those subjects get their death
82
wound, by their Mother's fiery gospel, they will
sometimes send out for a physician; and when they
come, it is difficult knowing the cause of their com-
plaint. The reason is, they cannot imagine, as
things are. If they knew your gifts for the fire of
your Holy Ghost, and gifts for Mother's love, then
for your gospel union and relation—if they under-
stood this, they could understand that those youth
could not exist, with Betty Andress Draper, and
True Heath in the Office. They are so immersed
into that power that brought death into the world,
that their very spirit preys on the delicate constitu-
tion, by being constantly with them, if they are not
guilty of such wicked acts. I should think reason
would teach them, that such a fire as you possess,
is that which is unquenchable. Won't you have
mercy on yourselves, nor your subjects No! not
so long as you are governed by your desires. If
those old monsters knew half of their subjects would
die similar, they would not cease in their (I don't
know what to call it) for they could come to the
world, and supply their stock, as they say.
There are many among them who live years in
a sort of dying state, like a dim taper; whose con-
stitutions have been previously destroyed by their
Mother's Gospel. And those selected ones will no
more cease in this wickedness, than fire will cease
consuming fuel, unless Omnipotence should interfere
by some means of protection. The old Shakers
can understand what I mean, but l do not know as
other people can. I leave it after observing, that
to doctor one of those sick, and they continue with
the Shakers, is like throwing water on a person who
stands scorching by a fire; if you would stop the
disease, you must take them from the Shakers, or
remove the first cause. • *
83
After I heard of my daughter's death, I delayed
my journey. I went to Enfield in April, where I
inquired of the neighbors about Betsy. They said
they understood she grew worse soon after I left
town in the fall; and that the Shaker women said
she was very anxious to live, and for four weeks
before her death, they did not expect her life from
one day to another. After her death, my husband
came into the neighborhood, and said, some of the
young sisters shed tears when they heard she was
dead, but he did not, they had not travelled so far
as he had. It seems he had travelled farther than
Jesus; when he was at the grave of Lazarus, he
wept. But now the travel is, to overcome natural
affections, hardened in tyranny. I went to the Sha.
kers with Elder Chase and wife; my eldest son soon
came in, he spoke of Betsy's reconciliation to
death—I thought of what I heard by the neighbors,
I asked if she had her senses when she died, he
said she had. I asked if he saw her when she died.
he said, “Nay, I was at supper, but heard by the
sisters.” I asked the hour of her death, he said
“ about six in the evening.” I could not learn tha.
one of the family was with her. Oh, if I could bul
have rested her dying head ! but no—I desire the
spirit of Omnipotence to bear my spirit up. If she
was so happy, why was not the family with her
The nurses of course must tell a good story, to com:
tent the rest of the children and their infatuated
father.
I carried each of my sons an orange, which I
suppose was the first my three youngest ever saw—
I offered to the youngest son first, he reached his
hand towards it, then drew it back. I then said,
I did not know as you would dare take it for fear
of being pestered. My eldest son said, “ Nay,
84
we are not so afraid of being pestered as you think
for, take it.” He then took it. As I before observ-
ed, my eldest son is a sort of an overseer, or waiter
to the higher deacons, when he consented, it would
do. This I tell, to see the strictness of the orders.
The Shakers brought forth my husband's name
in public to vindicate their cause, until his bitter-
ness hath been a disgrace to them. Now my chil-
dren's names are made use of. My youngest child
was but three years old, the next five, when the
Shakers stole them from me, when I knew nothing
of it, nor expected it, no more than I did their
death, and I knew not where they were '•r weeks.
Next my daughter was taken in the same way. Now
they are duped or compelled to sign a writing
against me. The Shakers had rather every child
of mine would die in an hour, than to leave this de-
ception—indeed, they would be glad never to have
one leave the Society, if they would die as soon as
they become useless or unprofitable ; but when
they don’t, they sometimes drive them off.
My second son boasts of his stature. Watts meas.
ures a man by his mind. However, my children
were of good natural abilities; but, their talents
will be metamorphosed and spoiled if they stay with
Shakers. Some people blame me for ever consent-
ing to go to the Shakers with my husband. Ignor-
ance was my weakness; had people been faithful
in circulating knowledge, the Shakers would never
have got me there alive ; for this cause I have en-
deavored to be faithful. I asked Elder Stone, a
baptist, why his connections had not published
those facts about Shakers, that people might know,
as they were well acquainted with Shakerism, and
had suffered much by them He said, “ People
were afraid to publish, the Shakers’ enmity was so
85
violent.” I told him we had as good die one way
as another; and I could not rest to have people ex-
posed to such afflictions and not make it known; if
they killed me, I could not die but once.
The following is a short sketch, but correct:-1st,
I never had seen a Shaker, to my knowledge, until
the time my husband joined them. 2nd, I never
consented to unite with him in their ceremonies, un-
til my husband said, if I did not he would carry my
children to the Shakers, but if I would, I should
have the care of them. 3d, I never should have
consented to have removed in with them, had not
my husband first placed some of the children there
by deception, by which means they stole the rest.
After they got all of them, I was brought to distrac-
tion, at times. My husband then said I should go
and have the care of them. I went, but never had
the care of them; but lived in hopes nine months.
There has no promise been fulfilled, since my hus-
band joined the Shakers, for my safety. I asked
him what he had done with his promises; he said,
“I made them in the carnal mind; when I came here
the gift of God could not comply with it.” It is now
my sincere desire, that he might see the Shakers’
deception, understand their obscenity, and save his
soul. But if he hath an understanding, and makes
it his choice to worship Lucy Lyon, I am perfectly
willing he should; only I do not like for him to de-
stroy the children by holding them there; or other-
wise, he must be parted from his Lucy. The word
is, “ you must give all in your power, or be reject-
ed.”. It would be a mercy to any man, if he joins
the Shakers, not to have power over his family;
then if he was pleased to stay or leave, his children
are protected.
H
86
In the Shaker Book, are nine pages covered, try.
ing to disprove that Ann Lee was ever at Concord,
N. H. The same testimonies are published in the
N. H. Patriot, June 1823; when I made the follow-
ing reply:—
TO THE PUBLIC.
By the advice of some of the members of the
Legislature, and a request from the inhabitants of
Concord, and to do justice to my own feelings, I
publish the following.—In the N. H. Patriot of June
30, 1823, is brought to view statements from the
Shaker Society, endeavoring to prove that Ann Lee
and William Lee her brother, were never in New-
Hampshire. It appears that no one instance hath
been such an absolute witness to the people of Con-
cord, that the Shakers intend to cover truth with
error, as this circumstance. I here present affida-
vits, as specimens, from as respectable people for
truth and veracity as any in town. There are more
similar, who are ready to attest the same. You will
find in the Shaker Bible, first publication, page 30,
they have stated, that the Shakers were, after they
came to America, three years scattered for a living;
which, if they settled at Watervliet in 1776, as
you have stated in this Shaker Book, (called a re-
view) she must have come to America in 1773; but
according to the statement of Farnum and others,
they were in Concord in 1773 or 1774; and they
further say, that they were here in the fall of the
year. And one of those who have asserted in the
Patriot or Review, says she did not come from
England until the next year after Ann; but that
is of no consequence whether she ever saw her or
not; the very principle of the Shakers, is to testify
favoring their Church or Gospel, (as they call it.)
37
Why don't the Shakers bring some other witness
besides their own society, to prove that Ann Lee
was in New-York the time after she came over, un-
til she went to Watervliet. Mary Partington does
not say, that Ann Lee and William Lee were not in
Concord, N. H., but says—“ It looks very unlikely
that Mother and Elder William, should ever go to
New-Hampshire at any time; and I never heard of
it till this time.” She says she was with the Mother
continually. Why does she not tell the particulars,
as well before they went to Watervleit as after-
wards 2 They must be somewhere, and such sort
of people never went unnoticed. I think this very
woman was at Concord with Ann Lee.
Let people read the following statements of Far-
num and others: - - - -
We, the undersigners, do testify, that between 47 and
49 years ago, a number of people, four or five stran-
gers, and outlandish, came to Concord, New Hampshire
—made tarry of a number of months—the names of
those who appeared to be the head ones, were Ann Lee
and William Lee—their singularity caused many peo-
ple to call and see them. Ann was short, thick set—she
wore a strap cap, and a large flat straw hat. William
Lee was stout built, of a sandy complexion. They prov-
ed themselves a people of the most vulgar sort—they
lived near us—we often saw them—was acquainted
with much of their conduct. They pretended in telling
fortunes—also, where stolen or lost goods were. They
used ardent spirits to excess—they frequented Samuel
Farnum's house, a near neighbor, and at times stayed
all night—the family united with them in drinking, and
the report from the family was, that Ann Lee lodged
with Farnum, and William Lee with Farnum's wife.
Their conduct left with Farnum and wife a dirty com-
plaint. From many circumstances, it is an undeniable
fact, that those strangers were afflicted, and doctored
88
while here, for the v 1 disease. Those foreigners
appeared destitute of furniture—their lodging was boards
nailed together for a large stead, on which lay straw,
with their wearing clothes, this was said to be the
lodging for all of them. They practised singing, danc-
ing, gambling with cards, gaming and lounging about.
Ann told Samuel Farnum he had a pot of money hid un-
der earth, if he would give her and William each a
suit of good clothes, she would tell where the money
was. Farnum believed it, and got the clothes for
them. Ann then pretended to tell where the money
was—Farnum, with others, went to digging for the
money, but found none. Ann found the inhabitants
aroused against them—borrowed some outside gar-
ments, pretending to go to a neighbor's—and that night
fled. They were followed towards the State of New-
York, in hopes of recompense, but got none.
. . . -- – STEPHEN FARNUM.
I, Marther Farnum, wife to the above, testify, that
the above named persons were here, and that the fore-
going is a true statement of their character.
MARTHER FARNUM.
Also,
HENRY MARTIN, JOSEPH FARNUM,
ESTHER MARTIN, RUTH FARNUM.
State of JWew-Hampshire, ; Concord, Dec. 10, 1821.
RocKINGHAM, ss.
Attested before me, ISAAC DOW, Jus. Peace,
I hereby certify, that the above named persons are people of respec-
tability and truth. ISAAC DOW
l, Samuel Farrington, of Hopkinton, N. H.; do state,
that I was formerly a resident of Concord, N. H.; when
a young man I saw in that place a number of people
who were outlandish. They came there in 1774, in
the early part of the fall. I lived in the street when
they came to our house to tell fortunes—there were
two men and two women, who proved to be dissolute
characters. The conductors were Ann and Wm. Lee,
who she said was her brother. They went to West-
Parish, in Concord, where they made a tarry of some
89.
months. Soon after they were established there, Ann
left town, when it was said she went to the sea ports.
She returned the same fall, walking with a pack on her
back. It was a day of general muster when she came
in this manner to town—the report was, that she had
been among sailors—her appearance attracted the at-
tention of the people—When the men gathered around
her, she was very talkative and flippant among them.
She was a stout thick set woman. (We were often
called together for trainings, expecting a war with the
British, who were frequently sending in ships loaded
with soldiers and war accoutrements—we were under
the command of Col. Walker.) After the return of
Ann, the attention of the people was drawn to the
West-Parish, to those strangers. The report was, they
practised singing, fiddling, dancing and whirling, telling
fortunes, playing cards, drunkenness, with other conduct
too bad to write. Ann professed to have knowledge
of past, present and future events. She seemed to en-
chant some of the people. A number of people suffer-
ed loss by her. But the more particular were, Samuel
Farnum, Zephaniah Pattee, and Pompey, a black man,
belonging to Esq. Bradley, of Concord ; said Bradley
was a relation and neighbor of mine. She made Far-
num and Pattee believe they had hid treasures, which
she could assist them to find, if they would first supply
her request, and without she could not. By this in-
trigue, she caused those men such expense, as to com-
pel them beth to sell their farms in consequence of
poverty. They searched for hid treasures, but found
none. Pompey had three hundred dollars loaned to
Mr. Dimond, which he called in, and gave to her, when
in return she gave him such a complaint that he rotted
alive, as his master told me. It was said, she brought
this from the sailors, when she returned from the ship-
ping, for which she was doctored in Concord. Their
conduct was such, the inhabitants were enraged against
them. Those took borrowed garments and other things,
and absconded at night—this was in March, Pattee was
H 2
90
dissatisfied, and followed them, as he said, to North
river, where it crossed at Albany, New-York, in hopes
of recompense, but got none. . I afterwards made inqui-
ry about those foreigners, when I heard they settled a
few miles from Albany. Further saith not. 4.
SAMUEL FARRINGTON.
Merrimack, ss. Hopkinton, Aug. 2, 1824.
Solemnly attested before me,
NATHANIEL KNOWLTON, Jus. Peace.
I, Miriam Farrington, wife of the above named Sam-
uel Farrington, do state, that the above written testi.
mony is true. MiRIAM FARRINGTON.
The above named Samuel Farrington, and his wife
Miriam, are worthy members of the Congregational
church, in Hopkinton, N. H.
Compare those characters with Ann and her dis-
ciples, after they preached Shakerism. See the
testimonies in the preceding pages,
Let others trust what names they please,
Their Saints and Angels boast,
I have no such advocates as these,
Nor pray to the heavenly hosts.
Jesus alone, shall bear my cries,
Up to his Father's throne,
He, dearest Lord, perfumes my sighs
And sweetens every groan.
MARY M. DYER.
Truth bruises the head of the Serpent when appli-
ed; he cannot devour, though he bruises the heel.
The following statements are published in conse-
quence of a Shaker book, published, (called Dyer's
Narrative) which the Shakers drew up, and caused
my husband to sign his name to, in a gift. He has
since owned to me that he did not write it, neither
did he consider it truth, and asked me to forgive him
in what he had done.
91
We, the undersigned, testify and say, that we were
neighbors to Joseph and Mary Dyer, during their resi-
dence in Stewartstown, N. H. They were two of the
first five persons, baptized in the reformation in 1809;
were united with us in Christian fellowship, under the
administration of Elder Benjamin Putnam, a worthy
brother and faithful laborer while with us, which was but
a short time. Joseph and Mary walked worthy of the
vocation, where with they were called, and in real har-
mony together, until the circumstance of the introduc-
tion of the Shaker doctrine, which was as follows:—
We consider Mr. Dyer the first cause of the Shakers'
doctrine being introduced in this place. For years, he
was anxious to have the professors put their property in
one joint interest. After Mr. Crooker (a minister)came
here, he united with Mr. Dyer in this scheme. At a
time we furnished him with proper means to move his
family here, he went to the Shakers in Lebanon, N. Y.
(as he afterwards stated) made enquiry how to lay a found-
ation for a church in this way. When the Shakers in-
duced him to believe they were right in every sense.
Instead of fetching his family, he bought some Shaker
books and a writing from them, encºuraging others to
go to them; said he had joined them, and that they had
got a church established in gospel order, therefore it
would be unnecessary to attempt to establish again. We
were much disappointed and could not fellowship his
doctrine—we had highly esteemed him. He had been
but a short time in the place, and came as a stranger,
but was much favored as a preacher. He baptised up-
wards of thirty persons while here ; and the only of.
fence he gave while among us, was his joining the Shak-
ers. This brought a grief on us which was enlarged by
the said Dyer’s uniting with him in those principles.
Shortly after, Mr. Crooker left the place, and since has
not returned. After a few months we received a letter
from him in New-York, stating, that he had lived with
the Shakers until he found them deceivers, and that he
found himself in Babylon's darkness, and under the bond-
92 w
age of Egypt. And that the Lord bad again delivered
him, for which he was thankful; then desired us to over.
look his misstep in going to the Shakers; also, that he
was again living with his family.—We have seen Dyer's
Narrative, which appears to be written with an intent
to injure the innocent. We consider it without founda-
tion. From a constant acquaintance with the family; we
know much of it is false, and believe it all libellous. We
never heard the least intimation of any kind against
Mrs. Dyer's character, while she lived in this country.
She was from a respectable family; we ever considered
her a virtuous neighbor, faithful wife, and tender moth-
er. She never journeyed with any minister, only her
own husband. Mr. Dyer ever appeared to respect her,
and after he became religious it was considered, that
they lived in as great union mnd harmony as ever per-
sons did, until he joined the Shakers, which we think,
caused her great trouble. We have, since Mr. Dyer
moved his family to the Shakers, heard him, say “Mary
was very pious.” We consider her worthy to be com-
mended into any family or christian society. Elder
Putnam is a man with whom we have had some ac-
quaintance and information; his characterisirreproach-
able.
John James, Elizabeth James, Rebekah Morrison,
Rebekah Dennet, Hannah Weeks, Abagail Weeks, Ma-
ry Morril.
Canaan, Essex, ss. JMay 8th, 1819
Sworn before me, Moses Morril, Justice Peace. I the
subscriber, do testify that the above declaration is true,
MOSES MORRIL.
I Nathan Frizzle of Hanover, testify and say, that I
have been acquainted with Joseph Dyer and his wife, as
neighbors and christians. I was acquainted with Mrs.
Dyer from her youth; and that I never knew, or heard,
of the least blemish in her character. For several
years, I lived a near neighbor to her family in Stewarts-
town—was a religious professor with them—saw them
baptized August 1809, and in all, never knew or heard
93
of the least complaint on either side, but love and union
to God and each other, until June 1811, when the Sha-
ker doctrines entered the place : soon after that, Mr.
Dyer’s family was secluded among the Shakers. Yet I
have often since seen Mr. Dyer, as he was in the coun-
try on business; he always gave a good report of his
wife, said “she was a pious faithful woman, and much
favored of God.” She ever had more candor, than was
natural to him; lack of which I think, has caused her
great grief, since the difficulty arose between them on
the account of the Shakers. I have talked with Mr.
Dyer about certain accusations in Dyer’s Narrative, he
gave me to understand that he did not consider either of
those persons guilty of a crime, but “Mary had accus-
ed the Church of God, and that must be defended.”
And I certainly know that Mr. Dyer had, or appeared
to have great fellowship with each of those persons,
when they left the country at last. And as for Mrs. Dy-
er's ever journeying with a minister, or to preach, it is
certainly a mistake, unless with her own husband, who
used at times to preach, and she did sometimes journey
with him to their friends. I am some acquainted with
the Shakers, and do believe Mr. Dyer has crossed his
own mind, in defending their cause.
NATHAN FRIZZLE.
Grafton, ss. Hanover.
March 18th, 1819. Attested before me, SILASTEN-
NEY, Justice Peace.
Mr. Frizzle is now an Elder of the Baptist order in
Hanover, N. H.
Several gentlemen in the upper towns of Vermont,
hearing that I was soon to appear before the General
Court, from their charitable hearts, unknown to me, sent
the following. - -
Essex, ss. May 8th, 1818. ,
We the undersigned, have for a number of years been
well acquainted with Mrs. Mary M. Dyer, wife of Joseph
Dyer, and believe her reputation for truth and veracity
is irreproachable, and her character in every respect,
94
fair and unspotted. We therefore with pleasure re.
commend her to that support, countenance and encour-
agement, which a virtuous and unfortunate woman mer-
its, from a just, humane and enlightened community.
O, Ingham, Chief Judge. M. Rich, side Judge.
S. Gates, side Judge. J. Cushman, Judge Prob,
Z. Perkins, Jus. Peace. J. Berry, State's Attorney.
W. Gates, Clerk C. Court. R. Cutler, Justice Peace.
S. Cushman, Esq. John Dean, High Sheriff.
This may certify, that we the undersigned are per-
sonally acquainted with Mrs. Mary Dyer; she has
lived in our family, in Concord, and at Mr. Hazen Kim-
ball's, a door neighbor, for a considerable space of time,
and we have seen nothing in her deportment, but what
is agreeable to a profession of piety. We further state,
that we have seen her in the most aggravating affliction
and persecution, all of which she bore with patience
and fortitude to our astonishment, which must be by the
assistance of grace only. BENJAMIN KIMBALL,
ABIGAIL KIMBALL,
Sept. 6, 1822. ELIZA. R. KIMBALL,
- - MARY B. KIMBALL,
CLARISSA KIMBALL,
Letter to the Ministers of the United Society,” common-
ly called Shakers. 3'-"
BY R. l. CLARK.
In January, 1818, I called to see your Society in
Canterbury, N. H. and had some conversation with
your Elders, upon religious subjects. As they then
revealed their sentiments and doctrines, I fell in with
them. On my return home to Weare, the place of
my residence at that time, I conversed with my wife
about joining the Shakers. She had some fears about
moving to your village, because, if reports were
true, the time would come, when we should not be-
lieve in the Scriptures of truth, but should be induc-
ed to believe in your Bible, which you had written
among yourselves, and which condemned the scrip-
tures as being inferior to your testimony ; and that
we should hate each other, and become bitter ene-
mies. On seeing some of your Elders, they assur-
ed me, that such reports were false, and that such
* United Society–United in what? United in a belief, that Jesus is
not a sufficient Savior; united in deceiving the world to gain proselytes
to the faith in Ann Lee ; united in condemning the true Church of
Christ, which Christ had chosen out of the world; and said, that they
were no more of the world than he was of the world, and said, that
they were the Light of the world, as being inferior to themselves-
their language is, Stand off, for I am more holy than thou. United in
setting hushands and wives against each other, so as to cause them not
to love each other, nor provide for each other, neither in sickness mor
health. United in going forth in the dance, in direct opposition to the
precepts and examples of Jesus Christ, in obedience to the Ministry.
United in reproaching all that do leave their Society; united in saying,
that Ann Lee is the Lord our Righteousness, as much as the followers
of the Pope of Rome in styling him their Lord God the Pope, whose
friars the people were to confess their sins to. Therefore, let the peo-
ple behold them as a united company, who are without natural affec-
tions, and covenant breakers, except of the law revealed through Ann,
which is contrary to every manifestation of the dealings of God with
man; is calculated to break up families that live in love and peace, and
make them bitter enemies. This is done in deception, in a gift from
“ the lead."
96
fears were entirely groundless. Christ come, said
they, not to destroy the law, but to lulfil it; and that
love was the fulfilling of the law. No person could
be a true christian, who was not desirous of perform-
ing all his duties to his Creator and his fellow men.
We render to all, their dues; custom to whom cus-
tom, fear to whom fear, and honor to whom honor
is due ; and he that provided not for his own house-
hold or family, denied the faith, and is worse than
an infidel. If we joined their Society, all our civil
and religious obligations would be still in force; and
as we had promised in our marriage covenant, to
provide for, and take care of each other, until sep-
arated by death, agreeably to the civil law, we were
bound to perform our contract, as much as any du-
ty whatever. -
My wife and myself, confiding in these statements,
made up our minds to join your society; upon the
express agreement, however, between ourselves, that
we were to be as kind and attentive to each other as
we had ever been. Accordingly, we moved to Lou-
don, to a place near your village, and, as we were
treated kindly by your society, we afterwards, at
our own request, took up our residence in your vil-
lage. There were some sentiments in your testimo-
ny or bible which appeared to me at that time, to be
inconsistent with the scriptures of truth; but the El-
ders assured me, that such had been the opinion of
others among them, who were now firm believers ;
and that they would soon appear plain and clear to
my comprehension.
I read the remonstrance of the Society, addres:
sed to the Legislature and published in 1818, and
found you there said, (page 38). “We believe the
Holy Scriptures to be a record of divine truth; we
appeal to no other religious creed for the propriety
97
either of our faith or practice. We believe in one
true God, who is a spirit, the fountain of all good.
We believe in Jesus Christ, as the only Savior of
mankind. We teach no othcr doctrine than what
Jesus Christ and his Apostles taught, nor obey
any other than what is comprised in their words—
therefore we obey them that are over us in the
Lord ; doing service unto God, and not unto man.”
On the 84th page, your Deacons say: “Wherefore
we do not pretend to dissolve or disannul any thing
that either the law or gospel requires in this respect,
notwithstanding the statement of Mary Dyer and
others to the contrary; but on the other hand, we
counsel those that come in amongst us, to fulfil all
that the law requires of them ; as well in regard to
the marriage coir ract as any thing else.” This I
expected to find true, because you had published it
as such to the world.
It was in July 1822, that I moved into one of your
ſamilies, with my wife and children, to live on trial:
not binding myself or family, or giving up my prop-
erty, only the use of it until I called for it. Soon
after this, you published a book, entitled “A sum-
mary View of the Millennial Church,” which con-
tained doctrines very different from those in the
above extracts, and the practice of the Society and
what we are taught in it, varied materially from
what you addressed to the Legislature. -
In this “Summary View,” page 9, concerning the
wonderful revelations to Ann Lee, it is stated, they
saw at once that the candle of the Lord was in her
hand, and that she was able by the light thereof, to
search every heart and try every soul among them.
From this time, she was received as the first visible
leader of the Church of God upon earth.”—This
looks more like blasphemy than it does like teach-
98
ing no other doctrine than that which Christ and the
Apostles taught.—Christ said he was the first and
the last, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end—leaving no place for Ann to be either the first
or the last. -
Your Society sing anthems and hymns, as much
in praise of Ann, as the Son of God! esteeming the
Bible and those whom God inspired to write it, infe-
rior to the doctrines and children of Ann? The
Elders do not appeal to the Scriptures for the rule
of their faith and practice, so much as they do to
the sayings of Ann and her first Elders.
In the Scriptures, we have no account of such a
March as you have instituted; when the singers
stand in the middle of the room, and the elder broth-
er and sister lead the dance followed by the men
and women in pairs. In these marches, and in
your separate union meetings it was so managed,
that I was not permitted to walk or meet with my
wife but once for more than a year before I left
your Society. My wife met in the same room with
me in the union meetings, until the Deacon came to
me with a gift, and said I had a greater privilege
than he had when he sat out; for he had then to
walk by faith and not by sight, but now we had the
old believers for an example; and in the days of
Christ's first appearing, the Apostles taught saying,
be ye followers of us, as we are followers of Christ.
Again, as you have us for an example, and it is the
gift in this day of Christ's second appearing, young
believers ought to pattern after the old believers,
and take them for an example. And he added,
when he moved into one of the large families, he
did not speak to his wife for two years, nor she to
him—to prove his hatred to his wife, and that he
had forsaken her. Soon after this, my wife left the
99
union meeting which I attended. I asked her to
return ; for I believed the law was a shadow of good
things to come ; and it never shadowed forth that a
man should be more in company with another man's
wife than his own. I only asked the same privilege
that the Ministers or Elders enjoyed in the society
of their spiritual mates; but this was denied me.
My wife informed me that she did as she was taught,
and must obey her leaders. On consulting your
Elders, they said, we do not come together to build
up this relation, but to destroy it. It was merely
flesh that induced a man to prefer his wife to any
body else; and this affection must be done away,
or we could not be admitted into the kingdom of
Heaven. I asked them if the Apostles were minis-
ters of satan, and taught this doctrine of the flesh
which precluded their followers from entering the
kingdom of Heaven. Peter writes to the believers,
(Chap. 2. Book 1.) and calls them a chosen genera-
tion, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar
people. And in the third Chapter, he gives the duty
of husbands and wives of this holy people, which,
so far from countenancing hatred or neglect between
them, urges them to be heirs together of the grace
of life, that their prayers be not hindered. This
does not look like encouraging meetings where the
husband and wife must be separated; or your HO-
LY MARCH where they are not permitted to travel
on together!
Again : St. Paul in his 2d chapter to Titus, says,
“But speak thou the things that become sound doc-
trine, that the aged men be sober, temperate, sound
in faith, in charity, in patience ; the aged women
likewise that they be inabehavior as becometh holi-
ness, not false accusers, not given to much wine,
teachers of good things; that they may teach the
100
young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to
love their children ; to be discreet, chaste, keepers
at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that
the word of God be not blasphemed.” Do you
teach this sound doctrine ! If you do, I never heard
it after I went in amongst you to live. If this be
sound, yours must be unsound.' '
But to return—In your remonstrance to the Le-
gislature, you say that you teach no other doctrine
than what Jesus Christ and the Apostles taught; and
in your “Summary View” published in 1823, page
219, you say, “Hence the image and likeness of
the Eternal Mother was formed in her, (Ann Lee)
as the first born Daughter, as really as the image
and likeness of the Eternal Father was formed in
the Lord Jesus, the first born son. Thus was she
constituted the second heir in the covenant of prom-
ise, and was placca in a correspondent connexion
with Jesus Christ, as the second pillar of the Church
of God in the new creation " Is not this teaching
another doctrine 2 The doctrine of the Bible is, that
it pleased the Father that in his Son all fulness
should dwell, and that salvation was complete in
him, and in no other, not even in Ann Lee. .
Your Society are verily guilty of prevarication
and falsehood, in telling ºne you counselled those
that come in among you to fulfil the marriage cove-
nant as much as any thing else; and after I moved
into one of your families, to teach another doctrine,
and practice upon other principles: and now to re-
fuse to pay me any thing for the labor of my wife,
to assist in supporting my children whom I could
not in conscience leave with you, to be brought up
to believe Ann Lee to be the WIFE of the SON OF
GOD ! and to be taught to hate their father, who
has watched over their infantile years, with that So-
i01
iicitude, anxiety and tenderness, which none but a
parent can fully comprehend; and you utterly re-
fuse to give me any obligation for her maintenance,
if she should live to be old and infirm. If she
should ever become like Jonathan Durgin and be
unable to labor, you would probably throw her up-
on the town, (as you have him) or me, for support.
I do not blame my wife for remaining with you.
She has become a believer in your doctrines and
follows your counsel, but I appeal to you. You say,
page 58, “The visible head of the Church of Christ
on earth, is vested in a Ministry, consisting of male
and female, not less than three, and generally foº"
in number, two of each sex P” The first in the mun-
istry stands as leading Elder of the Society. And
on the 59th page you say, “as faithful ambassadors
of Christ, they are invested with wisdom and autho-
rity, by the revelation of God, to guide, teach and
direct his Church on earth, in its spiritual travel,
and to counsel and advise in other matters of im-
portance, whether spiritual or temporal.” Now if
your Elders possess this power, I wish you would
counsel, advise and direct my wife, respecting her
duty to her children and husband; to fulfil her mar-
riage covenant; and as you have wisdom and au-
thority, to carry your advice into effect, and as I
have done nothing which can be a cause of divorce
according to Christ's Sermon on the Mount, I shall
hold you responsible for the course which she may
take. My wife believes in your testimony, and will
obey the gift ; she will therefore, now show to the
world by her conduct what she is taught.
You say in your last publication, that the believ-
ing wife is bound to live with her unbelieving hus-
band; to treat him with all christian kindness, and
to give him no justicause of offence. But your acts
I 2
102
are not conformable to your sayings; you do not
practice as you teach. You pretend to no new inven-
tions in church government; but your practices,
your MARCHES, are directly opposed to this declara-
tion. You profess to believe with the Holy Scrip-
tures, that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of man-
kind; yet you place beside him Ann Lee, a woman,
to say the least, of doubtful character, as a co-equal
and a co-worker with him in the mediatorial office
Why did you not tell the Legislature this? Why
did you say that you appealed to no other book
than the Bible, for the rule of your faith and prac-
tice, when in truth, you make no more use of it than
you think necessary to make people have faith in
you; and to induce your dependants to put their
trust in the Elders, and to follow them whithersoev-
er they choose to lead. Indeed it is to be regretted
that you paid so little regard to truth in the exhibi-
tion of your creed to the Legislature.
You appear fair to the world; your conduct in
public seems to be correct; your deportment meek;
your language simple, and apparently sincere. This
is your outside appearance; but alas! to my cost, I
have found you too much like “whited sepulchres.”
Had you not practised deception upon me and my
wife, we should never have joined your Society.
Your Elders condemned a Cochranite of Concord,
for walking from your meeting-house to the North-
house, before a large number of people, by the side
of a young woman. They said, let every man walk
with his own wife, and shun the very appearance of
evil; for we have no faith in a man who, under any
religious pretext whatever, chooses to walk or ride
about with another woman in preference to his own
wife. Such an inclination arises from the instiga-
tion of the devil, and is one of his deepest plots to
103
lead men astray. Yet, 1 found that you practised
the same thing, which you condemned in such point-
ed terms; in another. After I moved into one of
your large families, you, by degrees endeavoured
to prevent my associating with my wife, meeting
with her in the union meetings, or waking by her
side, in the marches you have instituted. Finding
you approved in yourselves, what you condemned
in others, and that you had given an untrue account
of your tenets and practices, I became dissatisfied.
Your Elders said I might leave them if I chose, but
they guessed I would have a struggle to get my wife.
Your words have proved too prophetic; the strug-
gle has indeed commenced, and you alone can tell
how long it will continue. Give me my wife, whom
you have not the shadow of right to retain, and the
struggle will end. -
You may reply, that you do not detain my wife;
that you use no restraint, or authority in keeping
her with you, but that she chooses of herself, to
stay. You may make the world believe such a
declaration, but you cannot deceive me. You know
my wife is a believer in your doctrines, and you
know that saying to her, that you shall not counsel
her to leave you, operates upon her, the same as a
positive command to stay. After this manner you
reason; if indecd reasoning it ought to be called.
The command under the law, thou shall observe all
my statutes, is no more positive and imperative than
the liberty which is granted in the first appearing
of Christ, “whosoever will come, may come.”
Therefore, when liberty is granted to do any thing,
every believer must consider it as a positive com-
mand to do it. Again: You say, Deity does not re-
veal himself to the people generally, but to chosen
, vessels, or the Elders. So that what the leaders
104
counsel their followers to do, they are in duty bound
to perform; and what they will not counsel them to
do, must not be done. Therefore, when you say to
my wife, you do not counsel her to go, you very well
know it has the same effect upon her, as a positive
command to stay. Such a course you take to de-
tain my wife, and yet avoid the penalties of the civil
law. An ingenious device to accomplish your un-
hallowed purposes. . . . • .
. On page 288, of your “Summary View,” you say,
that “many who profess great union and submission
to the spirit of Christ, and object to a visible LEAD-
ER in the Church, they are looking for Christ to
reveal himself as an invisible guide and teacher to
every individual in a separate capacity, without any
dependance on the union of the Body; and expect
to be guided by the invisible spirit of Christ in their
own souls, separately and independant of any visi-
ble LEADER. (Shakers' Answer.) But this doc-
trine is contrary to every manifestation of the deal-
ings of God with man, and is calculated to destroy
the union and harmony of the Church, by rendering
every individual independant of the Body.” From
the above extract, it is plain that a Society that be-
lieves in such a sentiment, has great strength in this
world with few members; because the obedience of
every faithful soul, is to centre to the Ministry and
Flders. Here you can prove by your obedient sub-
jects, who reject the inward teachings of the Spirit
in their own souls, as contrary to every, manifesta-
tion of the dealings of God with man, what you
feel a gift to. And we find that where husbands
and wives have lived in love and peace all of their
days, till they have set out to live with you, that
some have obeyed your pretended Gospel to that
degree, as to make void the law of God through
105
faith, and to scandalize their bosom companions as
much as they can, to prove their hatred to them;
when they have acknowledged that they always
have used each other well in every respect. The
public can see whether this Christ is a true Christ
or a false one, by your works; or whether Pope
has made his second appearing. -
You say that Ann Lee was willing to do any
thing for her husband, that cither reason, justice, or
humanity required; and you have said that Ann is
a pattern of righteousness to all women, as much as
Jesus Christ was to all men. Is this spirit gone
or has the stream rose higher than the ſountain 7
Perhaps you may say that this letter is written
to persecute you; and will say that all manner of
evil was to be spoken of the followers of Christ.
But this was to be falsely. Jaceb Osgood says,
that he has got the Gospel, and all mankind must
come to his Society and confess their sins, or be dam-
ned; and this is the sentiment of the Cochran So-
ciety: and for a proof of their statement, they say,
that all manner of evil is spoken of them falsely,
and that they have been actually to prison, as real-
ly as Ann Lee has, for their testimony against sin.
An answer to this is required, and I will write to
you again iſ my health is spared.
LETTER TO MARY H. CLARK.
- Canterbury, ſlugust 8, 1824.
Dearly beloved and respected companion—As I feel an
interest in your welfare, both here and hereafter, I wish
to inform you that I have not forgotten you, although
we are separated from each other's company at pres-
ent; but I hope the time will soon arrive when we shall
enjoy each other's company, and our little children the
care and attention of their mother, who they long to
106
see. I have hired them boarded in Sandwich, at Enoch
Hoag's, and give him fifty dollars a year for their board,
and I find their clothes. I have the privilege of see-
ing them every week. They often meet me, and ask
when you are coming to see them, and say'it is a great
while since they saw you; and will often burst into
tears, and say they are afraid that they shall never see
their mother. These babes are not without natural
affections ; they say that the people use them well
where they live, and that they do not want to come to
the Shakers to live ; but want you to come where they
are and live. I have provided a house for us to live
in, and I wish you would consent to believe in the Holy
Scriptures, instead of Ann Lee and her elders. I know
that you never received this sentiment of the Shakers
from the Bible, nor from any light of God revealed in
your own conscience to condemn the doctrine of the
Bible ; for God is an unchangeable Being, and has re-
vealed his law in Zion, according to the Apostle’s dec-
laration, for he says, “God who at sundry times and in
divers manners spake to our fathers by the prophets, hath
in these LAST days spoken unto us by his Son, whom
he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he
made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glo-
ry and the EXPRESS image of his person,” &c. It ap-
pears plain from the language of the Apostle, that Ann
Lee was not revealed to fill up the image of Deity, by
his saying that the Son of God was the express IMAGE
of his person; nor her Elders to send forth the law
from Zion in these last days, contrary to what the wòrd
of God revealed through the holy Apostles in these
last days. If Christ had meant that we were to forsake
all, even our lawful duties, to inherit eternal life,
he never would have told his followers to have render-
ed to all their dues, custom to whom custom, fear to
whom fear, honor to whom honor is due. It appears
plain from the Shakers’ writings, that Ann Lee was a
pattern of righteousness to all women, as much as Jesus
£hrist was to all men, and that she came to America in
*
107
1774, with her husband and a number of their follow-
ers; that her husband was a believer in Christ's second
appearing ; that soon after he fell away, and wished
her to live with him again as she used to live. Her
Ministry say, on the 16th page of their Summary View,
that Ann said she was willing to do any thing for him,
which justice, reason or humanity required. Is this the
increase of Ann's gospel to travel to that? They
are not willing to do any thing that justice, reason or
humanity requires, and is this the increase of light that
they can do so and feel no remorse of conscience
If in one thing a person can make void the law through
faith, they can in another, and feel contented, and by
being led by blind guides, will grow darker and darker,
so as to call good evil, and evil good—eall light dark-
ness, and darkness light, &c. If it be a sin for a person
to set out with you to that degree as to break the mar-
riage covenant, so as you can say the Lord’s prayer,
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, forgive
me this sin if you wish to be forgiven, I could not in
conscience leave my children to be brought up to hate
me, nor to forsake me in my old age ; nor to be taught
to believe it their duty to follow the Elders' counsel in
disbelieving the Bible, and to make no more use of it
than an old almanack, or a mere history of past events ;
and to believe that the Elders were endowed with great-
er light than the Apostles were, when filled with the
Holy Ghost.
If it is right for a man to forsake his wife and chil-
dren, and to give all his earnings to somebody else, or
to spend his time so that his family must suffer for want
of his kind attention, saying he is to forsake all for the
Gospel, and he shall take no thought for the morrow,
for whosoever Christ makes free is free indeed, even
from all of his lawful duties; then it is right for the
woman ; yea, even for you.
I do not wantoníy arraign you at the bar of the
public, but it is time to speak plainly in this case, as
I have suffered much in my mind when P look back to
tº s
108
see when we had each other's company and social affec-
tions, and the light of our own conscience was to make
each other happy and comfortable in this 6, and to
be prepared to leave this world for an everlasting eter-
nity. We believed in one God, and one Mediator be-
tween God and man, the man Christ Jesus. Whilst this
was our faith, we lived happy together, and strove to
provide for each other all that laid in our power ; but
being led astray by the Shakers to believe in them as
the true ministers of Christ, how soon the scene chang-
ed We were not allowed to let each other know our
trials after we went in amongst them to live, and the
greatest gift was to set husbands against their wives,
and wives against their husbands, and to forsake them,
and to be more distant there than any where else. Many
have proved this by their works and words, and said
that against their companions that was no love or rever-
ence in according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There-
fore, I wish you to hand this letter to your ministry,
and counsel them in future to take in none but those
that do hate their relations to that degree as to choose a
stranger rather than a relation ; as there are many now
that have not moved into their Society, that have travel-
ed out of natural affections, and have proved their hatred
by their works, and are more kind to those that the law
Or gospel does not require, than they are where it does
require it—Such ones could say, Mother's gospel or
yoke is easy, and her burden is light. And now, that
they will not do any thing more for them, so that all
mankind shall know that they believe in the Elders
and obey them, and loathe their husbands and children,
and will not live with them, nor work for them. "--, -
It is true I am no Shaker, but I do not feel to hate you
or to scandalize you in the least degree. I have own-
ed before those evidences that I took to the Shakers,
and you, that we always lived in love and peace togeth-
er, and you owned the same, and that I always used you
well in every respect. I do not expect you will ever
contradict this, unless you are taught to by your Elders,
who you have agreed to obey. -
Had I requested you to come and live with me and
the children, and to live under a mistress, I should not
have expected you to have come ; but this is not the
case : I wish you to come and fulfil your lawful duties,
and no longer make void the law through faith in Ann
Lee. From your loving companion, .
R. I. CLARK.
JMary H. Clark.
mºmeºw
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
We the subscribers hereby certify, that Robert I.
Clark resided in this town and vicinity, a number
of years, and while here, he was an industrious,
prudent, economical young man, and sustained an
irreproachable moral character; and after having
entered into the married state, always understood
he made ample provision for his family.
CHARLES WHITE, Town Clerk.
HDANIEL HOIT,
SAMUEL AMBROSE.
Sandwich, May 29, 1824. .
Strafford, ss. May 29, 1824.
Personally appearing Samuel Ambrose, and made
solemn oath, that the above declaration, by him
subscribed, is true. . . .
Before me, DANIEL HOIT, Jus. Peace.
PAUL WENTWORTH, Selectmen of
JOHNSON D. QUIMBY, } Sandwich.
. . . B. M. BEAN, Jus. Peace.
5ACOB MARSTON, Citizen of Meredith.
ASAHEL ADAMS, -
NEAL M'GAFFEY,
Representatives of Sandwich, JW. H.
The above named have been personally acquaint-
ed with R. H. Clark, from 1812 to this date, and for
about five years º in said town. -

I 10
JMeredith, June 22, 1824.
This may certify, that I lived in the Society of
Shakers fifteen or sixteen years, and when I went
among them they pretended to believe in the Scrip-
tures of truth, and that there was no other name
given under heaven nor amongst men whereby we
could be saved, but by the name of Jesus. But in
process of time, the Elders said that the Scriptures
was not the word of God, but a mere history of
past events, and that the word of God was in them,
and that a full salvation was not known till Ann Lee
revealed it, and obeying the Elders was obeying
God or Christ in his Second Appearing; that the
Apostles were not born again, and could not be, un-
til the Gospel was preached to them through Mother
and her Elders in the world of spirits. I have often
heard Mary H. Clark, who I believe to be an hon-
est woman, say that her husband, R. J. Clark, was
always very kind to her, and always used her well
in every respect; and l have heard the Elders say,
that Robert and Mary were two very honest per-
sons, and always understood that they bore this
character where they have lived. The Elders, in
their union meeting, generally meet together two
men and two women, which were examples for the
family, but they did not feel a gift for the rest of the
family to be so free together as they were ! and in
the march the Elder Brother walked with his spir-
itual Elder Sister, and taught us that we must hate
our natural relations, and prove it by our works.
I believed them to be a very hidden and deluded
people, and left them in May last; yet I believe
there are a number of conscientious people among
the Shakers, which live in obedience to what they
are taught by the Elders. -
- ANNA RUNDLET.
Witness; JonATHAN LADP, :* Laun.

11
Remarks on the Shakers’ principles of virgin purity, in
their Summary View, published in 1823, pages 274
. . and 275. . . .
- Besides the fanaticism,mysticism and blasphemy,
in making Ann Lee superior to Jesus Christ, gener-
ally through the book, in these pages there are prin-
ciples called moral virtues, which sap and destroy
the foundation of all social affection and civil
government. We must absolutely hate all our
natural relations. Not merely love them less than
God, but hate and despise and forsake them as the
worst of enemies, to be a Shaker. This must be
proved by our works. Men must hate their wives
—wives their husbands—parents their children, and
children their parents. This hatred must be mani-
fested by all their words, signs, gestures and actions,
by which we show our hatred to our worst and bit-
terest enemies. Passing over the blasphemous sneer
of the note in page 275, which reaches to our Sa-
viour in the garden and on the cross, who had
something to submit at the last hour to his Father;
what civil government on earth can subsist, counte-
nancing such principles and works 7 Suppose all
the Legislators on earth should combine to enact
laws, that parents should hate their children and
forsake them, and so of the rest of their relations,
could their laws be maintained or executed, unless
under the dominion of Ann Lee ? What a Millen-
ium indeed, if all the kingdoms of the earth should
enlist under Ann Lee, and hate every one his father,
mother, wife and children | What a spectacle ! If it.
shocks us to the very soul, why should a Society.
be tolerated in the bosom of the best and most en-
lightened civil government on the globe—a Society
which does, by profession and practice in open day,
tear and rend the dearest relations on earth from

| 12
one another, and teach them to hate each other,
and separate and abuse each other, under the idea
of worshipping God in Ann Lee and her ministry.
,hts of conscience can extend no farther than the
me 2 worship of that God who formed all the en-
dearing ties of nature, and ordained civil govern-
ment for the benefit of man. A family was the first
society that ever was formed on earth, and is the
origin of all other societies, civil or sacred ; and can
it be for the benefit of civil society to indulge a body
of people, whose principles and practices tend to
subvert and destroy the first principles of all social
felicity ? Our legislators have a right, and are
bound by their oath and the Constitution, to protect
all in the enjoyments of their civil and natural privi-
leges; but they are not bound to allow robbery and
deception in regard to the dearest enjoyments of
life, though it may come from the authority of
Mother Ann.
To enlightened minds, all the talk of voluntary
action in their dedication, (see pages 54 and 56)
amounts to nothing, when it is recollected what arts,
sophistry and perversion of the Bible is practised
to obtain this voluntary consent. We may type
and figure the Bible into as many shapes as there
are in a Shaker dance, and after all this, we can
never have authority to violate our previous obliga-
tions to obey the laws of nature, civil society, or
God. SAMUEL HIDDEN,
The Rev. Samuel Hidden is a worthy minister,
settled in Tamworth, N. H. -

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