[Philadelphia] Tuesday 27 [February].
A Motion by E. Rutledge to countermand Gen Lee's Journey to Canada & send Him to command the Southern Colonies was discussed & postponed till Tomorrow ー An Order passed requestg the Jersey Convention to secure the ship and Cargo at Elizabeth Town 2 till further Direction ー Rob. Morris produced Letters just recd from Bristol with a Copy of the Ministerial Bill for seizing all American Ships which were read, One letter says their American Army will be about 25000 Strong, Part of it to be directed agt the Southern Colonies Part agt N.York, that the Whigs are under the Marquis of Rockingham and will desert Us if We aim at Independency, otherwise not, that Commissioners are certainly coming out to treat ... the Bill is very long & cruelー
1. Richard Smith's Diary, LC.
2. The ship Blue Mountain Valley.
