Return to London

In 1718 the Schoharie Palatines frustration over not having title to the land they had settled for the past five years had reached an epoch and a division was developing within their community.  Some felt that it would be easier to pay the Seven Partners and live without fear of losing their farms, yet there were still those who refused to give in to Governor Hunter.  That group decided to send a delegation to London and appeal to the crown.

The three men chosen for this task were Johann Weiser, Wilhelm Scheff, and Gerhardt Walrath.  Choosing to stay out of the reach of Governor Hunter they avoided New York City and travelled to Philadelphia, where they set sail for London.  Once underway the ship was raided by pirates who robbed everyone on board.  The Palatine contingent managed to hide a small amount of their money from the pirates, but not enough to sustain them for long.

Once they arrived in London things got worse.  Their earlier benefactor, Queen Anne, had died and her husband had taken over the throne.  Unfortunately, King George showed no interest in hearing their case.  Gerhardt Walrath, realizing the situation was hopeless, decided to return to Schoharie but died on the voyage home.  Having run out of funds, Weiser and Scheff were thrown in debtors’ prison where they had to wait until the families in Schoharie could send more money.

Finally in 1720, two years after they arrived in London, Weiser and Scheff were able to petition the British Board of Trade to hear their case regarding the land in Schoharie which they felt rightfully belonged to the Palatines.  By this time Governor Hunter had arrived in London as well.

Reference:  

“Becoming German” by Phillip Otterness