We, the shopkeepers of Philadelphia, and places adjacent, whose names are hereunto subscribed, labouring under many and great difficulties in the present languishing conditions of trade in this city, partly owing to the unrestrained liberties of vendues, have found it necessary and expedient to come into an agreement not to purchase any goods so exposed to publick sale, but under the following regulations, which we think most conducive to the general good : ... N.B. The above agreement to take place April 9th, 1770.