Jany 11th 1780
My Dear Sir, Philadelphia
As I had not the pleasure of a line from you in answer to my last 1 I suppose you were oute of Town, I am affraid shall not be able to execute your order in Purchasing the Charret & Horses. Mr. Todd has been oute of Town. When he returns, shall apply to him. Mr. Dickinson has a very ellegant Coach for Sale which has been very little used. He is allso oute of Town: therefore can not let you know his terms. If they are any way reasonable, I shoud think it a better purchase than any thing of the kind I have seen in this place. I have been asked £5,000 for a Charret half worn, Youl please to give me your instructions on this head [on the return] of the post.
I find the Assembly was up before my resignation got down, as I am determind not to accept under the new Delegation I must begg you woud use your endeavours to get some of the Gentn to cum up, as soon as possable, as I shall be under the necessity if they dont cum, of leaving the State unrepresented,2 which I shoud be gratly concernd at, but my present business makes it absolutely necessary that I shoud be at home. I shoud be obliged if you woud send me the Bill for Confisscaation of British property. Inclosed you have the papers to which refer you for News,
And am, Dear Sir, Yours affectionately,
James Forbes
Receiverâs copy, Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 Forbes to Lee, December 30, 1779.
2 See ibid., note 1.