The Adventures of Jonathan Roberts: The Union's Quaker Scout in Northern Virginia, 1861-1865

This engaging history provides a portrait of a principled and passionate man who put his life on the line to uphold his convictions and do his duty as he saw it.

In a time when brother was turning against brother, New Jersey Quaker Jonathan Roberts championed a message of peace and nonviolence. Despite his commitment to these ideals, Roberts would go on to play a vital part in the Union army's ultimate victory over the Confederates in northern Virginia.

Author Gregory P. Wilson has long been fascinated by the legacy left by his colorful ancestor. In his latest work, Wilson tackles the more controversial issues surrounding Roberts's work with the Union army and his idealistic motivations.

Roberts did not plan on joining the Union army, but he wasn't about to silence himself in deference to his secessionist-minded neighbors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In return, the rebels sent a lynching party after him and later put a price on his head. Roberts escaped with his life and believed he had a duty to fight the rebellion and slavery. He proceeded to volunteer for the Union army as a noncombatant scout. He also served as Fairfax County Sheriff during the war. Though he continued practicing pacifism in the face of extreme peril, his dedicated service made him a valuable contributor to the Union's cause and the U.S. Army's defense of Washington.