Good works by the Moravians

1781 were days of darkness and terror for Moravian towns in North Carolina. In that year American army and militia units repeatedly passed through Salem committing the familiar excesses and seizures of property and supplies.

The British and American armies collided at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse (in present day Greensboro) on 15 March 1781. 

Following the relatively short but important battle the Moravians were called to send rags to be used as bandages for the wounded of both the British and American armies. Their friend, the American Major John Armstrong, was concerned to hear reports that the Moravians were aiding the British. As he heard more on their good deeds he approved this act of compassion and was relieved to learn that all they had done was sent bandages.

The Moravians in Salem received several Virginia soldiers wounded in the fighting in Guilford County. Brother Peter gave this summary account:

"The good care taken of them and the sympathy shown, and the successful, even remarkable service given to them by Brother Bonn, Salem's physician, together with the good treatment given to troops quartered in Salem, in January, finally, through God's leading, gave us a good reputation with the officers of the Continental Army, which counteracted the prejudice against us..."

In 1781 a number of Virginia soldiers wrote letters of appreciation for the ministrations of Salem and it's physician Brother Bonn.