Many locals will be familiar with the connection to prisoners of war camps the Winchester area has had throughout history: the Hessian prisoners brought here during the Revolutionary War and the German prisoners during World War II.  Many may be unfamiliar with the story of a small group of 20 men from Philadelphia, PA exiled out of the commonwealth and sent to Winchester for months during the Revolutionary War.  Norman Donoghue’s new book Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778 examines that topic. 

After their refusal to contribute to the war for independence, the Pennsylvania government and the Continental Congress based in Philadelphia decided to banish 20 men from the city; men who were considered by some revolutionaries part of “the most Dangerous Enemies America knows.”  Most of these men were Quakers who, upon their religious beliefs, refused to take up arms and support the war effort.  These men were deemed a threat to the government and persons who aided the British.  They were not given a trail or even a public hearing; and with that removal of rights, the men were banished from Pennsylvania and sent to the colonial frontier of Winchester, Virginia.  Here they stayed for months, first in Philip Bush’s “The Golden Buck” Inn/Tavern and later with local Quaker families, all the while their relatives back in Pennsylvania worked to secure their return.    

The exile would last seven and half months, and two of the men would die while in banishment.  Eventually, the remaining men were able to make their way back home. 

To hear their story in more detail, come to the Robinson Auditorium on Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 pm and attend our author talk.  Mr. Donoghue will relay their tale and information from his book.  Sales of his book will be available, and following his presentation, Mr. Donoghue will do book signings.

This event is free and open to the public.  Registration is not required.  If you have any questions, please contact the Archives department at (540) 662-9041 Ext. 17 or by email at archives@handleyregional.org.