First City Trooper

The Revolutionary War was a difficult time for members of the Religious Society of Friends because of their traditional peace testimony. Forbidden by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to participate in the war in any way - including paving war taxes or even accepting currency from the Continentals for goods and Services - Pennsylvania Quakers were looked upon by many patriots as little more than traitors. Young man who enlisted to fight were “read out of Meeting." A few joined the First City Troop, the oldest military unit still extant in the United States Army. At the time of their formation they described themselves as a “unit of armed and mounted gentlemen.” They were famous in the Revolutionary war as the personal escort for General Washington. Their uniform was a modification of the foxhunting clothes of the day. Today, the ceremonial uniforms of the troopers go back to the late 19th century. After the war for independence many "Fighting Quakers” made amends and returned to their meeting, but more did not. Currently, the Quaker peace testimony is a treasured part of mainstream Quakerism; however the ultimate decision to serve, or not, in the military is left to the individual. The artist’s first Quaker friend In Pennsylvania, George C., had served as a Marine In Vietnam and was a First City Trooper. In the painting he is a sergeant In 19th century ceremonial uniform.