The Associated Loyalists [ 129 ] the British lines without observing the regulations would receive punishment "as disaffected Persons or Robbers!'33 Franklin returned Andre's plan early in November. He agreed to accept the command and render an accounting of all government disbursements, but he was plainly disenchanted by the tight regulations. He urged that the Refugee's plan "or something similar" be adopted. He stressed that the lack of faith the Refugees exhibited toward Clinton would nullify any effective command relationship the general might exercise. "Unless the Refugees and other Loyalists are regularly embodied, and put under the Command of a Person in whom they confide, and to whom they have an Attachment. . . they can answer no valuable purpose!'34 Clinton embarked on Christmas Day for a campaign in the South without acting on any of the proposals.35 It seemed he would do nothing to organize any type of loyalist association until forced to do so by a higher authority. Realizing this, the Refugees decided to appeal directly to their allies in Lord North's niinistry. In the late winter of 1780, George Leonard sailed to London bearing a memorial to Lord George Germain, the colonial secretary. Selected for his vigorous efforts in directing a party of New England loyalists in forays against Connecticut, Leonard presented his petition on behalf of "those who left their all to follow the Royal standard!' He described the success of his operations in bringing supplies to New York and in harassing outposts and commerce to such an extent that Massachusetts voted 50,000 dollars to suppress the raiders. Leonard had originally funded these activities from his own pocket. Now financially exhausted, and left without a base of operations when British troops evacuated Newport, he proposed that the ministry create and supply an organization to continue these activities. Leonard's memorial, endorsed by the Refugee Club, suggested a proposal based on the Franklin-Tryon plan of the previous June. A major difference in the two proposals, however, was the substitution of a board of directors to replace the single commander originally called for.86 88 Copy of a Plan delivered by Major Andre to Governor Franklin, October 1779, PROCO, 5/82, 50-51. s* William Franklin to Andre, November 10,1781 [sic., 1779], PROCO, 5/82, 52. 35 Mariboe, "Franklin" 499. 88 Memorial of George Leonard, Clinton Papers; Mariboe, "Franklin" 499-500.