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[Page 3]
conscience was a degree of persecution totally repugnant to the constitution.
Soon after the Mileka Act passed, the lot fell upon several of our profession. [Indecipherable] was made, where there was property, and a substitute provided. In Cheshire the lot fell upon one honest poor man - a servant, who could neither bear Arms, nor could assets be found, (indeed he had them not) to hire a substitute. The officers not observing the distinction made committed the poor man to Chester Goal. The society was made acquainted with the circumstances, Counsels opinion was taken, who declared the officers had exceed the bounds of the authority, a supersedeas was granted & the man discharged. This is as much a paralel circumstance as can be adduced, and I rather think by parity of reasoning, a Habeus Corpus might be obtained - and a trial held which we do not wish for. We would, rather be obliged to the moderation of our Superiors than contest the point. I once more therefore request Lord Sandwich will be so obliging as to reflect that by compelling a man conscientious by refusing to bear arms at Sea, & continuing in the service is acting contrary to the Spirit of our Laws, and the principles of legislation.
I am very sorry to give so much trouble on this account. But I must answer for the