Whereas, the late Continental Congress, in the fourth article of their Association for themselves and their constituents, agreed that the earnest desire they had, not to injure their fellow subjects in Great Britain, Ireland and the West Indies, induced them to suspend a non-exportation, until the 10th day of September, 1775; at which time, if the said acts and parts of acts of the British Parliament thereinafter mentioned, should not be repealed; they would not directly or indirectly export any any commodity whatsoever, to Great Britian, Ireland or the West Indies, except rice to Europe. And, whereas, information hath been made to the committee, that several merchants and traders, in the town of Wilmington, understand the said article, in this sense, that is to say, that if any ship or vessel should, before the said 10th day of Sept., begin to load, time and liberty would be allowed to complete the loading, at any time, however extended, after the said 10th day of September, which would be a flagrant infraction of the said Association.

Resolved, therefore, That no ship or vessel, on any pretence whatever, shall take on board any merchandises or commodities from and after the 10th day of September next; nor shall any person or persons presume to ship any goods, wares, or merchandises, on board of any ship or vessel, from and after the said 10th day of September, on pain of the displeasure of the public.