Diary of Christopher Marshall, April 22, 1775

** Under the London head, Feb. 7th, it is said "The regiment of light-horse, destined for America, are all equipping with new accoutrements. On their caps is the following motto, Death or Glory, and a death's head likewise embroidered;" and it is farther said that "It is intended to put the refractory Colonies under military government, and to grant special charters and privileges to those of them who are obedient. This day, March the 7th, at noon, the two sheriffs and the hangman attended at the Royal Exchange, in order to burn a periodical paper, called The Crisis, No. 3,' and the pamphlet entitled The Present Crisis with respect to America.' As soon as the fire was lighted before the Exchange, it was immediately put out, and dead dogs and cats thrown at the officers. A fire was then made in Cornhill, and the pelting still continued." It is farther said, "There are at this time, between London Bridge and Lime House, more than three hundred vessels, with brooms at their mast-heads, as a token that they are for sale." Feb. 10—it is said "An eminent Quaker, at the meeting of the merchants declared, however lightly and contemptuously their petitions were treated, he was fully satisfied that the Americans would, to a man, die, if the act in his hand, which he held up, was not repealed:" to which add, in a paragraph of (a) letter from York, Feb. 13, it is said, "A certain celebrated lady amongst the body of Quakers, waited on the King to address him on the times, and after promising her an audience, he abruptly withdrew. * * * March 10th, it is said from London, that “Deputations are sent from hence to Boston, to try several persons in America,” and that "the twelve sail of frigates destined for Boston, have stores, and are completely victualled for twelve months. The Generals, MacKay, Howe, and Clinton, were to embark with the troops, the 12th of March. **

SOURCE: William Duane, Editor, Passages from the Diary of Christopher Marshall, Kept in Philadelphia and Lancaster during the American Revolution, Vol. 1, 1774-1777, pp. 18-9