“By the First Ship from Salem:” The Voyage of the Schooner Quero, April 28, 1775.

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. They aimed 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.