George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/06-01-02-0279

From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 23 August 1797

To Clement Biddle

Mount Vernon 23rd Augt 1797

Dear Sir,

I am extremely sorry to find by your letter of the 17th instant, and the Philadelphia Gazetters of that date, that the Yellow fever has again made its appearance; and devoutly wish that it may soon be removed, from your City.1

Your motive for delaying the sale of my Table furniture is not only good as it respects the yellow fever, but if you think any advantage would result from the measure, it might be delayed until the Assembling of Congress in Philadelphia; as some of the members might incline to become purchasers, if the articles are retailed. Be so good as to ask Mr Simmons what he has done with my old Coach, & make the most you can of it.2 I will await the publication of all the vols. of the Encyclopædia before the sett intended for my use is bound; but could wish to know when this may be expected, as I no longer possess the sett which are in boards.3 With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

ALS, NNC; LB, DLC:GW.

1Letter not found.

2For GW’s “Table furniture,” see GW to Biddle, 14 Aug., n.2. For the refurbishing of GW’s “old Coach” for GW’s official use as president, see GW to Tobias Lear, 5 Sept. 1790, n.9, and David & Francis Clark to GW, 13 Sept. 1790, and notes. GW continued to press for some disposal of the coach until it was sold on 25 July 1798 for £50 “at 1 month credit” (Clement Biddle’s Account, Washington-Biddle correspondence, PHi; see also GW to Clement Biddle, 28 Nov. 1797, 29 Jan., 3 Mar., 17 June, and 29 July 1798). James Simmonds was a Philadelphia coachmaker.

3For the volumes of an encyclopedia that GW was seeking, see GW to Biddle, 14 Aug., n.3.

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