Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 November 1883 — The Queen and the Quakers. [ARTICLE]

The Queen and the Quakers.

In the autumn of 1818, her late Majesty, Queen Charlotte, visited Bath, accompanied by the Princess Elizabeth. The waters soon effected such a respite from pain in the royal patient that she proposed an excursion to a park of some celebrity in the neighborhood, the estate of a rich widow belonging to the Society of Friends. Notice was given of the Queen’s intention, and a message returned that she would be welcome. Our illustrious traveler had perhaps never before held any personal intercourse with a member of the persuasion whose votaries never voluntarily paid taxes to “the man George, called King by the vain ones.” The lady and gentleman who were to attend the august visitants had but feeble ideas of the reception to be expected. It was supposed that the Quaker would at least say thy Majesty, or thy Highness, or Madam. The royal carriage arrived at the lodge of the park, punctual to the appointed hour. No preparations appeared to have been made, no hostess nor domestics stood ready to greet the guests. The porter’s bell was rung; he stepped forth deliberately with his broad-brimmed beaver on and unbendingly accosted the Lord in waiting with, “What’s thy will, friend?” This was almost unanswerable. “Surety,” said the nobleman, “your lady is aware that her Majesty Go to your mistress and say the Queen is here.” “No, truly,” answered the man, “it needeth not; I have no mistress nor lady, but friend Rachel Mills expecteth things walk in.” The Queen and Princess were handed out and walked up the avenue. At the door of the house stood the plainly-attired Rachel, who, without even a courtsey, but with a cheerful nod, said: “How’s thee do, friend ? lam glad to see thee and thy daughter; I wish thee well! Rest and refresh thee and thy people before I show thee my grounds. ” What could be said to such a person ? Some condescensions were attempted, implying that her Majesty came not only to view the park, but to testify her esteem for the society to which Mistress Mills belonged. Cool and unawed, she answered, “Yea, thou art right there; the Friends are well thought of by most folk, but they need not the .praise of the world; for the rest, many strangers gratify their curiosity by going over this place, and it is my custom to conduct them myself; therefore, I shall do the like to thee, friend Charlotte; moreover, I think well of thee as a dutiful wife and mother. Thou hast had thy trials, and so had thy good partner. I wish thy grandchild well through hers” —she alluded to the Princess Charlotte. It was so very evident that the Friend meant kindly, nay, respectfully, that offense could not be taken. She escorted her guest through her estate. The Princess Elizabeth noticed in her henhouse a breed of poultry hitherto unknown to her, and expressed a wish to possess some of those rare fowls, imagining that Mrs. Mills would regard her wish as a law; but the Quakeress merely remarked, with characteristic evasion, “They are rare, as thou sayest; but if any are to be purchased, in this land or in other countries, I know few women likelier than thyself to procure them with ease.” Her Royal Highness more plainly expressed her desire to purchase some of those she now beheld. “I do not buy and sell,” answered Rachel Mills. “Perhaps you will give me a pair ?” persevered the Princess, with a conciliating smile. “Nay, verily,” replied Rachel, “I have refused many friends; and that which I denied to mine own kinswoman, Martha Ash, it becometh me not to grant to any. We have long had it to say that these birds belonged only to our own house, and I can make no exception in thy favor.”— Home Journal.