To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire President of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania The Petition of George Bickham and Thomas Wistar of Philadelphia Merchants—on behalf of themselves—and others Creditors of John McClelan of the Town and County of York Merchant and Trader. Respectfully Sheweth That Whereas the said John McClelan—using and exercising the Trade of Merchant and Trader by way of bargaining, exchange, rechange and Bartry under the firm of John McClelan—seeking his Trade and living by buying and selling did on or about the Fourth day of September instant become a Bankrupt within the meaning of the Act of Assembly of this Commonwealth lately passed, entitled “An Act for the regulation of Bankruptcy.” In tender Consideration whereof May it please your Excellency to grant unto your Petitioners a Commission under the great Seal of the said Commonwealth to be directed to such and so many, Wise, Honest and Discreet Persons as to your Excellency shall seem meet, authorising them thereby, not only concerning the said Bankrupt, his Body Lands and Tenements Goods Debts and other things whatsoever, but also concerning all other Persons who by concealment Claim or otherwise do or shall offend touching the Premises or any part thereof contrary to the true Intent and meaning of the said Act of Assembly, To do and execute all and every thing and things whatsoever as well for and towards satisfaction and payment of his Creditors as for and towards all other Intents and purposes according to the Ordinance and Provision of the said Act of Assembly for the regulation of Bankruptcy. And your Petitioners shall ever pray