Journal of Samuel Curwen, June 1, 1775

At Sea. The Otter sloop-of-war, from Boston, brought us to at 9 o'clock, and informed us all was quiet when she left. The provincial forces, amounting to fifteen thousand men, were waiting the determination of the Congress; that forty-five transports with the three generals, had arrived there eight days ago; and that a great fire happened there, beginning at the barrack stores on the docks, and consuming all from thence to Kingstreet. She detained us two hours in order to send letters to England.

SOURCE: George Atkinson Ward, Journal and Letters of the Late Samuel Curwen, Judge of Admiralty, etc., An American Refugee in England from 1775 to 1784, pp. 29-30

Journal of Samuel Curwen, Sunday, May 7, 1775

Went with Mr. Smith to Archstreet meeting house; Mr. Sproat entertained us with a truly American patriotic sermon, pathetically lamenting the evils we are suffering from wicked and tyrannical ministers; exhorting us manfully to oppose them.

At 2 o'clock at the wharf, a large collection of people were waiting news from London, Capt. Robinson having just anchored. The only news was, that the restraining bill respecting New-England, and the other respecting the southern colonies, were passed.

Dr. Franklin arrived last night, which was announced by ringing of bells to the great joy of the city. I cannot but promise myself some good, as his knowledge and experience must have influence in the approaching Congress, which will I doubt not listen to his judgment. He is, it is said, to return to England again soon, at Lord Chatham's instance, who tells him he must be on the spot at the opening of Parliament.

SOURCE: George Atkinson Ward, Journal and Letters of the Late Samuel Curwen, Judge of Admiralty, etc., An American Refugee in England from 1775 to 1784, p. 27