I find the drums beating, colours flying, and detachments of
newly raised militia parading the streets;—the whole country appears determined
to assume a military character, and this city, throwing off her pacific aspect,
is forming military companies, a plan being laid for thirty-three; composed of
all ranks and nations, uniting shoulder to shoulder, they form so many
patriotic bands to oppose like the invincible Macedonian phalanx, the progress
and increase of parliamentary authority. The Quakers, not to be behind in
manifesting their aversion, have obtained permission of the city committee to
make up two companies of Friends exclusively, and they are to
be commanded by Samuel Marshall and Thomas Mifflin,1 both of that
persuasion.
So powerful is the love of liberty, and so great the dread
of ministerial designs, that the strongest prejudices and habits have given way
and are controlled by the former.
The House this day having received a message from the
governor with Lord North's conciliatory plan, has on a full debate rejected it,
being resolved to adhere to the union.
Joseph Lee2 hearing I was in the city, came to
see me, and advised my going to London.
_______________
1 See Supplement.
2 See Supplement.
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. 26-7
