[Philadelphia] Thursday 25 Jany. A Petition was read from Matthias Aspden for Permission to load a French Vessel with Produce, it was referred to a Comee... 10,000 Dollars voted on Account, to the Troops in North Carolina ー 2 or 3 Ships of War are fitting out there for our Service accordg to report. 2
1. Richard Smith's Diary, LC.
2. The three vessels were arming for defense of the North Carolina coast and not for Continental service.