"By the First Ship from Salem: The Voyage of the Schooner Quero" Talk

Salem Maritime National Historic Site is telling the story of a key but lesser-known voyage across the Atlantic Ocean 250 years ago to deliver news of rebellion in Massachusetts.

In April 1775, after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the race was on to control the narrative of the rebellion. Leaving from Derby Wharf onboard the schooner "Quero," Salem patriot Captain John Derby and his crew set sail for England on April 28th, 1775. Onboard the ship were written accounts of the battle and sworn affidavits by participants. Their aim was to beat the British ship "Sukey," which was carrying the British military report of the battles back to England. Despite the "Sukey" leaving four days earlier, the nimble "Quero" arrived almost two weeks before the British vessel. The written accounts from the "Quero" were delivered to London, where they were quickly disseminated throughout England.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the voyage of the "Quero," Salem Maritime National Historic Site is hosting a free event at 7 pm on Monday, April 28, at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street). Titled "By the First Ship from Salem: The Voyage of the Schooner Quero,” curator Dr. Emily Murphy will highlight the historical significance of this race across the Atlantic. Living history practitioners will read the original accounts from the "Quero" and the "Sukey." Join us as we explore the tumultuous start of the American Revolution and how the news spread in 1775.

Image credit: "Chart of the Atlantic Ocean, with the British, French, & Spanish settlements in North America, and the West Indies." Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center.

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