[Sound of seagulls crying, waves lapping, and lively fife and drum music plays]
Dockworker: Whoa! Give a man a hand with these barrels of flour, will you?
[Sound of a heavy object sliding]
This port never sleeps, especially not with the British Navy prowling the coast. Everyone's in a hurry today, either trying to get goods in or get themselves out. Aye, I saw the gentleman you're looking for. He was standing right here on the pier not long ago, staring out toward the bay.
Dockworker: He looked a right mess. Told me he'd just finished an 18-hour grueling journey on horseback through a massive thunderstorm and thick mud.
[Sound of heavy thunder and rain]
Delegate Voice: Just to arrive in time for that big vote on independence. I have come to the docks because this is the heart of the city's news.
Dockworker: He was anxious to see if any ships had arrived with letters from his home colony or reports on British ship movements in the Delaware Bay. But while he was talking, a massive gust of wind caught him off guard.
[Sound of a strong wind gust]
Dockworker: His hat flew right off his head, and I saw it plain as day: underneath that hat, he was wearing a powdered wig—all white and perfectly curled. As he reached up to pull his hat back on, his coat swung open slightly, and I caught the glimpse of a silver quill tucked safely in his pocket.
[Ding sound effect]
Dockworker: Shortly after he got the information he was looking for from the boats, he mentioned he had to find a seamstress. Said he had a very important bit of clothing that needed an expert touch. If you hurry, you'll find her shop just down the way. If I remember correctly, her name is Betsy.
[Ending musical flourish]