[ Quakers and pacifism in the eighteenth century. ] Printed form ('No. 40.'), a warrant of distress for 'one of the people called quakers', who has failed to provide a substitute to serve in the militia.

1p., foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn laid paper, 1.5" closed tear. A printed form which has not been completed in manuscript. At top right: 'No. 40.', and the royal coat of arms at head. A rare and interesting piece of pacifist and Quaker ephemera, and a testament to nonviolent resistance. Addressed to 'deputy lieutenants and [blank] justices of the piece for the said [blank] To the high constable of [blank] within the said [blank] and to the petty constable of [blank] within the said [blank] and to each and every of them.' Reads: 'FORASMUCH as [blank] late of [blank] in the [blank] aforesaid [blank] being one of the people called quakers, hath been duly chosen by lot to serve in the militia of the said [blank], and after due notice given unto him hath neglected to appear and to take the oath in that behalf required, and to serve in the said militia, and hath also neglected to provide any fit person to serve for him as his substitute; and whereas we the said deputy lieutenants and justices as aforesaid have upon as reasonable terms as might be, namely, for the sum of [blank] provided and hired [blank] a fit person to serve in the said militia, as the substitute of him the said [blank] We do therefore hereby require you to levy the said sum of [blank] by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of him the said [blank] and to pay the same unto [blank] for the use of him the said [blank] rendring the overplus (if any shall be) unto him the said [blank] after deducting the charges of the said distress and sale. Given under our hands and seals the [blank] day of [blank] in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and [blank]'. Closely written on the reverse is part of a manuscript legal document, numbered '8' at the foot, and beginning: 'Same date – By sums. of this Date at. Francis Newbold & Hannah his wife & Baker Dawson & Jasper Hulley (the Gt-Grandson) (at the request & by the partar Direcn. & Appr. as well of sd. J Latham & Mary his Wife as of sd. Frances Davies (Spinster) & also sd J Latham & Mary his Wife & Frans Davies did surrender unto the hands of our Sovn. Lord the King as Ld. of afrd accordg to the Custom of the Manor & Forest afrd.' Newbold (b.1768), a Macclesfield surgeon, features in D. B. Smith's 'No Ordinary Surgeon: The Life and Times of William Binley Dickinson' (2017).