‘Woolman’s response to the tentacles of war thrashing around near his home reveals a great deal about his cast of mind.’ Photo: Drawing of John Woolman, most likely a memory sketch by Robert Smith III, c1770
For conscience’s sake: Simon Webb recounts an early episode in the life of John Woolman
‘Woolman found this time of trial a positive experience.’
by John Woolman
31st May 2024
War gatecrashed the journal of the US Quaker John Woolman on the ninth of August 1757.
As part of the French and Indian war that was raging at the time, the French commander Louis-Joseph de Montcalm marched on the British-held Fort William Henry in the province of New York at the end of July that year, with a force of over 8,000 men. In and around the fort, the British could only boast about a third of that number.
