George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 13 August 1798

To Clement Biddle

Mount Vernon 13th Augt 1798

Dear Sir,

Since my last to you I have received your letter of the 31st Ulto enclosing a Statement of the A/c betwn us—and have also received the Pictures and Books in good order.1

When I sent Doctr Bartons Note to you, I accompanied it with information, that there was no other way of dealing with him than to obtain security for payment of the money at a future day—for if I was to bestow the epithet on him which he deserves it would not be a mild one. It is not the value of the money I regard, but to be imposed upon in such a way by a man who was an utter stranger to me is somewhat vexatious.2

Some money being paid to Colo. Pickering by Judge Addison, for land I sold the decd Colo. Ritchie—I have requested Two hundred dollars thereof to be delivered to you, in discha: of my bal[anc]e3—I am—Dr Sir—Yr Obedt

Go: Washington

ALS, owned (1972) by Lloyd and Jeanne Raport, Silver Spring, Md.; ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.

1Letter not found, but for the “Pictures and Books,” see GW to Biddle, 29 July, GW’s “last” letter.

2For GW’s dealings with Benjamin Smith Barton, see GW to Biddle, 29 Jan. 1798, and note 6 of that document.

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