About

There were twenty visitors to Winchester in 1777, twelve of them among the wealthiest transatlantic merchants in Philadelphia, who were sent there by the Continental Congress. Pennsylvania militia brought them against their will in open wagons. They treated them like prisoners who had colluded with the British but there had been no trial and not even a public hearing. The majority were gentlemen who were used to riding in fancy carriages and owned second homes in the countryside. They stayed in the Winchester vicinity for 7-1/2 months— in Philip Bush’s Inn and in the homes of individual Quakers— and two of their men died there. They had a “guard” but walked around freely. Who were they and what circumstances brought them there? What caused them to be released?

Come and learn about this story. Author Norman E. "Ned" Donoghue II will speak about his new book, Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia's Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778. He will tell the story of these men and their connection to our local history. Following the talk, there will be book sales and signing.

About the Speaker: Norman E. “Ned” Donoghue II is an independent scholar educated at Williams College and Duke Law School. He practiced law for 34 years at an international firm in Philadelphia, then retired and joined the staff of The Philadelphia Orchestra as a fundraiser during their endowment campaign. As a volunteer professional, he served as a board member and officer of both We The People 200, Inc., the nonprofit which organized in 1987 the national celebration in Philadelphia of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution and also of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a leading sustainer of emerging talent in the performing arts. He served the latter for over 40 years until his retirement in June. His research is primarily in the field of pacifism in the mid-Atlantic states during the American Revolution.

This event is free to the public and requires no reservation. If you have any questions, please reach out to Archives (540) 662-9041 Ext. 17.