Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Sim Lee, September 18, 1780

Passy, Sept. 18. 1780.

Sir,

The foregoing is a Copy of my last: 9 since which I have received a Letter from the Trustees of the Maryland Funds in London, and the Opinions of Counsel they have consulted, Copies of which I send enclos’d. 1 As the Trustees refuse to do any act by which they may be divested of those funds, I do not see that my Appointment, of a Person to do the Business, can have any effect. I have nevertheless offerd the Appointment to M. Joshua Johnson, 2 if he should think any thing can be done in the affair, as possibly may be by persuasion, and offering them private Security. I shall embrace with pleasure every Opportunity that may be afforded me, of being Serviceable to your State; and am, with great Respect. Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.

His Excellency Thos. Lee Esqe. Governor of Maryland.