Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 6, 1775

Saw Pelatiah Webster, who at the instance of Mr Goodhue treats me civilly. Having had several intimations that my residence here would be unpleasant, if allowed at all, when it shall be known that I am what is called "an addresser;" besides, solicited to sign "a recantation," which may contain more than in conscience I can subscribe; and after all with the uncertainty whether it will answer the purpose, or should it barely, to live and die under the character of reproach and ignominy, which the outrageous fury of party may throw upon me, is a reflection too painful for a moment to support. I have, therefore, consulted the few friends I think it worth while to advise with, and on the result, am determined to proceed to London in the vessel in which I came here.

On the credit of Samuel Smith and Sons, I have with their assistance procured flour to freight a vessel.

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

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

Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 9, 1775

Dined with Stephen Collins; passed the evening at Joseph Reed's,¹ in company with Col. WASHINGTON, (a fine figure and of a most easy and agreeable address,) Richard Henry Lee, and Col. Harrison, three of the Virginia delegates. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Reed, were Mrs. Deberdt,² Dr. Shippen, and Thomas Smith. I staid till twelve o'clock, the conversation being chiefly on the most feasible and prudent method of stopping up the channel of the Delaware to prevent the coming up of any large ships to the city; I could not perceive the least disposition to accommodate matters.

Col. Caswell and Mr. Hewes, the North Carolina delegates, arrived this day, and are at our lodgings.

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¹ In July, 1774, this gentleman directed his correspondent at Boston, to pay £10 to the committee for the relief of sufferers by the Boston Port Bill.

² The mother of Mrs. Reed and widow of the Massachusetts Assembly agent to the British government.

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. 27-8

Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 10, 1775

Early in the morning a great number of persons rode out several miles, hearing that the eastern delegates were approaching, when about 11 o'clock the cavalcade appeared, (I being near the upper end of Fore street;) first two or three hundred gentlemen on horseback, preceded, however, by the newly chosen city military officers, two and two, with drawn swords, followed by John Hancock and Samuel Adams in a phaeton and pair, the former looking as if his journey and high living, or solicitude to support the dignity of the first man in Massachusetts, had impaired his health. Next came John Adams and Thomas Cushing in a single horse chaise; behind followed Robert Treat Paine, and after him the New York delegation, and some from the province of Connecticut, etc., etc. The rear was brought up by a hundred carriages, the streets crowded with people of all ages, sexes and ranks. The procession marched with a slow, solemn pace; on its entrance into the city all the bells were set to ringing and chiming, and every mark of respect that could be, was expressed:—not much I presume to the secret liking of their fellow delegates from the other colonies, who doubtless had to digest the distinction as easily as they could.

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. 28

Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 11, 1775

Col. Caswell was innoculated for the small pox. Mr. Lee again repeated his advice of my going to London. Dined with J. B. Smith; rode with him to his farm six miles out. Drank tea with Mr. Lee and Startin.

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. 28

Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 12, 1775

Sent my baggage on board the Lively—received a letter from Stephen Collins to Mr. Neat of London—paid my respects to Mrs. Deberdt, and received a letter to her son. Received my invoice of flour from Samuel Smith and Sons. Mr. Startin presented me with an open letter on Wilkinson and Co. Birmingham, and Mr. Reed and lady gave me letters to their brother, Dennis Deberdt, London. From post office took Rivington's two last newspapers, and received from the publishers all the present week's Philadelphia papers. Messrs. Lee and Webster took leave, and with my fellow passenger, Mr. Webster's son Pelatiah, I went on board the Lively.

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. 28-9

Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 16, 1775

Spoke Capt. Waterman in a schooner from Nantucket, who brought me a letter from Nathan Goodale, stating that his family, Mr. Pynchon's, and Mr. Orne's, had arrived there, to which I replied.

TO NATHAN GOODALE, ESQ.

 

In the Delaware, May 16, 1775.

DEAR SIR:

 

You can scarce conceive my joy at hearing that my neighbours, suffering in the same cause as myself, and for whom I sincerely profess a friendship, were in a secure retreat. Continue there by all means, safe from the alarms and dangers you have fled from.

 

Philadelphia is wholly American, strong friends to congressional measures; at least, no man is hardy enough to express a doubt of the feasibility of their projects. Mr. Joseph Lee leads a recluse life there. The inhabitants are displeased that the New Englanders make it their city of refuge. The new established post (instead of the old eastern one which is stopped,) admits no letters to pass but those franked; the contents of which must be known to one of the committee to be entitled to that benefit.

 

Yours truly,

SAML. CURWEN.

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

Samuel Curwen to Nathan Goodale, May 16, 1775

TO NATHAN GOODALE, ESQ.

In the Delaware, May 16, 1775.

DEAR SIR:

You can scarce conceive my joy at hearing that my neighbours, suffering in the same cause as myself, and for whom I sincerely profess a friendship, were in a secure retreat. Continue there by all means, safe from the alarms and dangers you have fled from.

Philadelphia is wholly American, strong friends to congressional measures; at least, no man is hardy enough to express a doubt of the feasibility of their projects. Mr. Joseph Lee leads a recluse life there. The inhabitants are displeased that the New Englanders make it their city of refuge. The new established post (instead of the old eastern one which is stopped,) admits no letters to pass but those franked; the contents of which must be known to one of the committee to be entitled to that benefit.

Yours truly,

SAML. CURWEN.

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. 29

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, May 27, 1776

After Capt. Marshall's company formed at the Cross Roads, Drumore township, Lancaster County, we all marched at 3 o'clock P. M., and arrived at Colonel Thompson's at 6, where we remained that night. Being necessitated to Lodge without a Bed, I passed the night without sleep,—it being the first night I ever was denied a bed.

SOURCE: “Diary of Lieutenant James McMichael,” William H. Egle, Editor, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XV: Journals and Diaries of the War of the Revolution with Lists of Officers and Soldiers, 1775-1783, p. 195

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, May 28, 1776

Marched from Col. Thompson's at 7 A. M., proceeding thro' Fagg's Manor and arrived at Welch's Tavern. Here I spent the night with my worthy friend Lieut. John Clark.

SOURCE: “Diary of Lieutenant James McMichael,” William H. Egle, Editor, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XV: Journals and Diaries of the War of the Revolution with Lists of Officers and Soldiers, 1775-1783, p. 195