Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, 1777–1778

Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, 1777–1778

In 1777, Congress labeled Quakers who would not take up arms in support of the War of Independence as “the most Dangerous Enemies America knows” and ordered Pennsylvania and Delaware to apprehend them. In response, Keystone State officials sent twenty men―seventeen of whom were Quakers―into exile, banishing them to Virginia, where they were held for a year. Prisoners of Congress reconstructs this moment in American history through the experiences of four families: the Drinkers, the Fishers, the Pembertons, and the Gilpins. Identifying them as the new nation’s first political prisoners, Norman E. Donoghue II relates how the Quakers, once the preeminent power in Pennsylvania and an integral constituency of the colonies and early republic, came to be reviled by patriots who saw refusal to fight the English as borderline sedition. Surprising, vital, and vividly told, this narrative of political and literal warfare waged by the United States against a pacifist religious group during the Revolutionary War era sheds new light on an essential aspect of American history. It will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about the nation’s founding. “[N]ever have the struggles of this early group of American political prisoners been so thoroughly documented, with extensive use of primary material. Donoghue argues persuasively that the then provisional government’s exile of the Quakers set a worrisome example for religious, racial, and political minorities, just as the young republic was being born.” ―Cameron McWhirter Friends Journal “Author Norman Donohue is a fine historian who brings life to this little-known story. . . . Prisoners of Congress brings to life an important and compelling event of the American Revolution. Read it. You’ll like it!” ―Kim Burdick Journal of the American Revolution “Norman E. Donoghue II’s exceptionally readable and richly sourced Prisoners of Congress is a long-needed scholarly treatment of the case of the “Virginia Exiles”. . . . Donoghue, an attorney-turned-historian, is especially well qualified to make the Exiles’ case, as he explores constitutional issues over freedom of conscience and the power of the state―which historians of the Revolution have largely ignored―with clarity and verve.” ―Dee E. Andrews Pennsylvania Heritage “[ Prisoners of Congress ] provides crucial information about a relatively unknown incident that took place in the early years of the Revolutionary War.” ―Al Holliday Pennsylvania Magazine “[A] detailed investigation of a little-known event in the history of both the Philadelphia Friends (Quakers) and the American Revolution.” ―M. R. Pukkila Choice “Donoghue has made a welcome contribution to Quaker history and broader studies of American politics during the Revolution.” ―Daniel Gorman, Jr. Journal of the Early Republic “Donoghue’s work is a truly comprehensive study of the experience of Pennsylvanian, particularly Philadelphian, Quakers during the American War of Independence. From the extraordinary and mundane experiences of Quakers in the occupied capital to the emotional and physical hardships of the exiled men in Virginia, Prisoners of Congress gives the reader insight into the experiences of a minority population at war.” ―Larry D. Herrold, Jr. Pennsylvania History “This book is full of intrigue, anguish and steadfastness to individuals’ beliefs. It is a study of careful observations, with a precisely controlled narrative of events, detailed references and an abundant bibliography. I would recommend it to any reader with an interest in colonial/revolutionary American history and those who simply enjoy a good page-turner.” ―Richard C. Allen Journal of the Friends Historical Society “For readers interested in Quaker history, the American Revolution, or the perennial struggle to maintain legal integrity during times of upheaval, Donoghue presents an evocative story that speaks to both historical conflicts and contemporary challenges. His work reminds us that even revolutions founded on noble principles must confront fundamental questions of pragmatism, principle, and power.” ―Nathaniel Shaw Hay Quaker History “ Prisoners of Congress is one of the best books I’ve read in ages. If history is traditionally dry, this book is an atmospheric river. The factual telling and interpreting of this little-known history is so vivid and character-based that it feels cinematic. It captures how our social values at the time history was made directed the actions of our ancestors―and in so doing set the foundations for so much of what was to come. This book is so cinematic I would not be surprised to see it on Netflix sooner rather than later.” ―Senator John Hickenlooper “Norman Donoghue's Prisoners of Congress brings to life one of the most important and compelling events of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. It is an untold story of national significance.” ―Patrick Spero, author of Frontier Rebels: The Fight for I