Spangenberg was ordered out with the others, but excused himself
on the ground of weakness from his recent illness,
and when the officials offered to depart from their custom,
and allow one of Zinzendorf's "servants" to take his place,
he explained that the Moravians did not understand English,
and knew nothing of military manoeuvres. During the first year
the question of military service was not sufficiently prominent
to cause real uneasiness, but Spangenberg foresaw trouble,
and wrote to Herrnhut, urging that the matter be given serious consideration.
When the Moravians passed through London they had fully explained
their position to Gen. Oglethorpe, who promised them exemption, but they had
no written order from the Trustees to show to the local officials,
and not even a copy of the letter in which reference to the subject was made.
As Count Zinzendorf's "servants" nine of them were ineligible,
but Spangenberg, as a free-holder, was expected to take part
in the weekly drill, which he quietly refused to do.
All free-holders were likewise expected to take their turn in the Watch,
composed of ten men, who patrolled the town by night and day.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113