Person:Robert Walker (11)

In 1773, Robert Walker visited Friends in America, and while there foresaw the coming troubles and revolution. Finishing his religious labours in the early part of 1775, he embarked for England, but the wind being adverse he went ashore again, feeling called upon to seek an interview with Congress and speak to them, which was granted to him. With the exception of Secretary Matlock, they heard him attentively and patiently. He then returned on board the vessel, which put to sea, but owing to something he had said, his late lodging was surrounded before the next morning by soldiers sent by Matlock with orders for his arrest. Finding he had sailed, a cutter was sent in pursuit, but when it was about to overtake the ship, a thick cloud enveloped it, putting an end to the chase, and "thus by a direct interposition of Providence, Robert Walker escaped the hands of his enemies." [Incident recorded in 'History of Friends in America,' by James Bowden.]

There were two other children in the second marriage.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} England. Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837.
2.   Family Tree of Spence and some of the Branches arising therefrom.