1From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 October 1786 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Clement Biddle, 28 Oct. 1786. On 5 Nov. Biddle wrote GW : “I have your Esteemed favour of 28th ulto.”
2From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your favor of the 17th. I am sorry Mr Morris did not pay the money at the time and in the manner I expected—Inclosed I send you Eight Hundred Dollars in Bank Notes, & will write to you more fully in a day or two; business prevents me from doing it at this moment. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
3From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 9 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Clement Biddle, 9 Sept. 1790. On Tuesday, 14 Sept. 1790, Biddle mentioned in a letter to Tobias Lear that he “had a few Lines from the President at Baltimore dated on Thursday.” GW’s letter to Biddle probably covered his 9 Sept. 1790 letter to David & Francis Clark (see Tobias Lear to GW, 26 Sept. 1790, n.7 ).
4George Washington to Colonel Clement Biddle, 20 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 20, 1778 . Orders Biddle to impress forage for troops. LS , in writing of H, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Biddle was commissary general of forage.
5From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 February 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Clement Biddle, 28 Feb. 1798. On 3 Mar. GW wrote to Biddle of “writing to you on the 27th & 28th Ulto.”
6From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
Genl Washington prests his Compliments to Colo. Biddle & would be glad to know if the Vessel for Alexandria is gone. The lowest price the best dutch (striped) Blankets sell at, by the piece. and how his acct stands since the late purchases made by him as he has expectations that the business of the Convention will be brought to a close, or nearly so this day. AL , PHi : Washington-Biddle...
7From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
Gen: Washington’s Complimts to Colo. Biddle—Begs to know if the Vessel for Alexandria will Sail today—and whether Colo. Biddle has procured the Articles required. If more money is wanted Colo. Biddle will please to name the Sum—and the Genl would be glad to receive the Acct. PHi : Washington-Biddle Correspondence.
8From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
The articles which you shipped on my Acct on board of the Charming Polly have arrived safe & in good order. As I am under the necessity of purchasing, every year, a quantity of coarse Linen, Blanketings &ca for the clothing of my negroes, and sundry other articles for various purposes, and Goods of every kind being sold in Alexandria at a high advance, I am desireous of knowing if I could not...
9From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 26th of May, 13th of June and 7th instt are before me; and I believe unacknowledged—The several Articles sent by the Packet came safe, except one of the Wheels belonging to the harrows which was not landed by Captn Ellwood who dropped them at my landing as he passed by in the Night returning. Whether the omission was in him or in putting them on board in Philadelphia I know...
10From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 27 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your letters of the 16th & 26th of October and 16th of November. The articles sent by Captn Ellwood arrived in good order and agreeable to the Invoice. Captn Ingraham has not yet arrived but is hourly expected. I think the Irish Linen @ 8/2 is very high, and as there has been a late importation of Linens into Alexandria I will endeavour to supply myself at that place; if I...
11From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 7 August 1787 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the articles contained in the Memo. given to you some time since, I pray you to procure, and send by Captn Steward the following. A Wimble bit—compleat. Pickled Walnuts & India Mangoes none were sent before. Thompsons Seasons and Gutheries Geography and the Art of Speaking. Some Pamphlets which have been sent to me since I came to Town; and Books purchased for my amusement...
12From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 16 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Whereas by the sudden Movement of the Army to winter quarters it will be difficult to procure the necessary Supplies of Forage, which by your representation Cannot be furnishd unless you are Authorised to impress the same, therefore you are hereby Authorised where Forage & pasture Cannot otherwise be procured, by yourself or Assistants & Forage Masters to impress the Necessary Forage for the...
13From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 16 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have your letters of the 24th Ulto & the 5th inst. now before me. The articles sent by Captn Ellwood arrived safe and agreeable to the invoice. If you have not already purchased the Winter Barley I would not wish you to do it, for I think it is very probable that I may be able to get the quantity which I shall want of the Brewer in Alexandria in exchange for Spring Barley, or if I should be...
14From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed ought to have accompanied my last letter to you but in the hurry of making up my dispatches by the mail it was omitted. I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt P.S. If the Black India Paduasoy’s are strong and lasting, Mrs Washington begs you will send her as much (of that which is good) as will make her a Gown without a Petticoat. ALS , CSmH ; LB , DLC:GW . See GW to Biddle, 13 Oct. 1788 ....
15From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 30 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 23d Inst. and am in hopes that the Buckwheat will arrive in season. I will thank you to send me, by the first post after this reaches you, fourteen yards of Livery lace agreeably to the enclosed pattern; and let it be directed to me, or, in my absence, to Major George Augne Washington at this place. With great regard, I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt...
16From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 20th and 27th Ulto are both before me. The Barley & other things by the Dolphin are arrived—and by the return of this Vessel I consign you, as per bill enclosed, 45 Barrls of Herrings, which you will be pleased to dispose of to the best advantage, and place the proceeds to my credit. It is hardly necessary to add that, the sooner these fish are disposed of the higher the...
17From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 11 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
As we are now on the verge of the middle of Feby and the season is fast approaching when the ground should be in readiness to receive spring grain, permit me to remind you of the Barley you were so obliging as to procure for me—and beg (as I have been disappointed in another expectation) that the 50 bushels may be encreased to one hundred, if in your power to do it conveniently. At any rate...
18From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 13th Inst. has been duly received. It would oblige me very much if you could procure, and send ⟨me⟩ by the first opportunity which may offer, one bushel of English, or blue grass seeds, Fresh & good —without which, or if it be defective, or foul, my purpose—which is to sow a Lawn before my door, would not be answered. If Blue grass-seeds cannot be obtained, send white clover...
19From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 22 August 1787 (Washington Papers)
Since I came to this City, if I recollect rightly, you asked me if I now had, or could put up, a quantity of Herrings next season, for Sale. Having revolved the matter in my mind, I wish in turn to be informed, if there is any responsible character who would enter into a contract for a number, to be delivered next Season? What number of Barrls he would contract for?—and at what price; to be...
20From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 11th Ulto was received in the usual course of the Post. That the City of Phila. should again be visited by that dreadful malignant fever which has made such impressions upon it heretofore, is matter of sore regret and that it should baffle more & more the skill of the Physicians adds poignancy to the misfortune. The only intention of giving you the trouble to receive a...
21From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 30 January 1786 (Washington Papers)
I embrace the good & safe oppertunity afforded me by Colo. Grayson to send you Ten half Johan[ne]s—the application of which shall be the subject of a Letter by the Post, when I have more leizure to write—not being able to mention the purposes for which they are intended at this time —With much truth I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Hble Servt ALS , PHi : Washington-Biddle Correspondence. The letter was...
22From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
The business I shall have to transact in Philadelphia will, more than probable, be of so piddling & trifling a nature, as to produce more trouble, than profit from the Commission, to whomsoever undertakes it. Notwithstanding (this being premised) as it has always been done by you, while I was not myself in Philadelphia as a Resident [,] I could not think of applying to another without first...
23From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 6 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ult. was received by the last Post. As the Encyclopædia might be useful, to have by me (though wanting the last Volume or two) I would if the binding business goes on as usual, request Mr Dobson to have all that are published, neatly bound and sent to me, except the last vole which may be retained as a sample to bind the remainder by. I do not recollect, but suppose the...
24From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Should this letter get to your hands in time for the Sailing of Captn Ellwood—and you can readily procure 25 bushls of the best kind of Winter Barley I beg you to send it by him that I may try the success of it—The continual rains destroyed my Crop of spring Barley this year—but, if it had been otherwise, the Barley which you sent me the year before was so mixed with Oats (a circumstance I did...
25From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 24 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
A considerable time ago, in consequence of some applications from Officers of Cavalry, to know in what manner they were to draw pay, I wrote to the Secretary of War on the Subject; & received for answer—that as no Pay master was appointed to that Corps, they were to draw on the Pay master General. Mr Custis (cornet in the Light Dragoons) being one of those alluded to, above, drew an order, as...
26From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 21 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on the 14th Inst. I have received your letter of the 12 th with the cost of the Picture frames and Glasses; to receive which soon would be convenient and agreeable to me. The large Plated wine cooler reserved from sale in my last, I pray you to have carefully packed up and sent with the letter enclosed by a safe conveyance to Colo. Hamilton of New York. I am in want of an...
27From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 26 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have but just time to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th Inst.—to inform you that the Vessel on board of which the Clover seed was shipped has not yet arrived, and as the River is shut up it is uncertain when she will reach Alexa. —and to beg the favor of you to forward the enclosed to Mr Smith—It is a duplicate of one which I committed to your care in Septr last and as the...
28From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 21 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 21st of March and 11th instant are both before me. By the first, it appears that you had shipped by Captn Hand for Alexandria, on my a/c, 12 lbs. of white Clover Seed and the like quantity of Lucerne; but none has been delivered by him at the Custom house, or elsewhere that I can discover, which is a considerable disappointment to me; for depending thereon I enquired for no...
29From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 12 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
Genl Washington’s Complimts to Colo. Biddle and would thank him for sending the Upholsterer—Davis—to him as he is desirous of having one of the Venetian blinds made as soon as may be. AL , PHi : Washington-Biddle Correspondence. Written after “Thursday,” in another hand, is the date “July 12. 1787.” On 15 July GW wrote George Augustine Washington that he was having a Venetian blind made to...
30From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 27 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
From the opinion I entertained of your services I was sorry to hear in the first instance when the matter was communicated to me, that You were about to leave the Army & had actually resigned your Commission to the Quarter Master General. An event is soon to take place which will still encrease my concern on this head. We have every reason to expect, that an Armament composed of Land & Sea...
31From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 21 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of my last—It is so long since it was dispatched (without an acknowledgment of it) that I begin to fear some accident must happened, altho’ it was sent to the Post Office in Alexandria by a very safe hand. Should this be the case, I pray you to notify the Office of the loss of the Certificate which was enclosed, that neither principal nor interest may be paid to the bearer...
32From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 2 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th of last month, I wrote you a few lines, & send therewith Eight hundred Dollars in Bank Notes, which (tho’ I have heard nothing from you since) I hope got safe to hand. Such articles of the Linen kind as yet remain unpurchased (of the Invoice transmitted to you the 15th of May last) I wish to have postponed ’till Mrs Washington comes to Philada, which will be in a few days, that she...
33From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 6 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 18th & 21st Ulto have been duly received. In reply to them, so far as it respects the raking machines, I agree perfectly with Mr J. Williams, that they will not answr on Stoney, stumpy, or rough land of any kind, for the reason he has assigned; but I am equally well persuaded, that on level & smooth land (which for the most part my fields are) they would be found useful...
34From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 3 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 23d of Septr & 15th of Novr came duly to hand. You may inform Mr Haines that my Barley, this year, shared the same fate with my other crops. The drought during the summer was so excessive that I cannot form any just opinion of what it might produce in a seasonable year; it yielded about 14 bushls to the acre which was a proportionate crop to any other kind of Grain which I...
35From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 24 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you on the 3d Ulto and as I have not received any answer to my letter of that date, I am led to suspect that it never reached your hands; I therefore enclose you a duplicate of it. My reason for requesting you to pay Mr Pettit £18.5s.1d. (as mentioned in the enclosed duplicate) when I was not certain of your having money of mine in your hands to that amount, was in consequence of...
36From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 5 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
On the 8th of last month I wrote to you for 70 yards of Livery Lace, of which I was in immediate want, and requested to have it sent by the Post to Alexandria—As there is some reason to believe the Post has hardly gone through, yet, I beg leave to repeat my want of it, & to pray it may be sent as soon as possible—The lace should be red & white, Inch, or 3/4 of an Inch wide, or any where...
37From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 2 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
The Writer of the inclosed letter, in person & character, is entirely unknown to me. I have been at a loss therefore to determine what notice to take of it—at length I concluded to write the answer which is also enclosed; and to request the favor of you to send it to him, or return it to me, as you should just best from the result of your enquiries; or from your own knowledge of the author, or...
38From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 16 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
I stand indebted to you for your several favors of the 7th of March, and 12th & 19th of April. Believe me, Sir, the first was not productive of more surprize than real concern. The acct of your failure was as much regretted, as it was unexpected by me; and I feel for the causes of it—and for your present situation. You are sensible that my Commissions have been more troublesome than profitable...
39From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your letters of the 16th Ulto & the 5th & 8th Inst. Mrs Washington’s Slippers and Clogs have come safe to hand, the latter, however, are not such as she wished to have—she intended to have had leathern Gloshoes made, and will, by the first convenient opportunity, return the Clogs to Mr Palmer and get a pair of Gloshoes. I am very sorry that you did not get the quantity of...
40From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 8 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the Power of Attorney (you sent me) executed before, and authenticated by a Notary public in Alexandria. Let me request ⟨the favor⟩ of you to inform Mr A⟨itkens Cabinet⟩ maker in Chestnut Street, ⟨that no Key⟩ came for the upper part of ⟨the Secreta⟩ry (writing desk) he sent me⟨; and that⟩ part of one of the side Tables ⟨also⟩ wanted a key. Whether it is in his power now to remedy...
41From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 7 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
The man who at present lives with me in the capacity of a Housekeeper, or Household Steward, will leave me in a day or two; which (until his place can be supplied) will throw a great additional weight on Mrs Washington. I therefore beg, if you, or Mr Moyston, should have met with a person whom you think would answer my purposes (as described in my former letters) that you would engage him (or...
42From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
By leaving the enclosed letter to Mr Kitt (who was my household Steward in Philadelphia) open for your perusal, it supercedes the necessity of my saying more on the subject than to beg your attention to, and aid in the measure which is requested therein. Mr Kitt lives, I believe, at the United States Bank, and if not, Mr Wolcot, I am persuaded can inform you of the place of his residence. Pray...
43From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed you will receive my Power of Attorney to sell the sum of three thousand four hundred and ninety four dollars and thirty one cents, Six pr Cent stock of the United States, which stands in my name on the Books in Philadelphia, and also the certificate of sd Stock. This ⟨stock⟩ is loaned by me for the use of the Potomack Company, and in the application thereof you ⟨will be⟩ pleased to...
44From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Since last post I have received the Lace & two-pole chain, accompanied by your favors of the 22d & 29th ulto for which I thank you. From what you have written concerning the Sieves, it is to be feared I did not sufficiently explain myself in speaking to the sizes of the meshes —You say, “the largest is of iron wire, as there was none of brass so coarse in Town”—& again, “the second & third are...
45From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 February 1786 (Washington Papers)
A hasty letter which I wrote to you by Colo. Grayson was accompanied with ten half Johans.—the application of which I informed you shd be directed in a subsequent letter. Let me now request the favour of you to send me the following articles if to be had. A pair of Boots, and two pair of Shoes, to be made by Mr Star (who has my measure) agreeably to the enclosed Memo. Young’s Six Months tour...
46From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 28th ulto has been received, and I sincerely regret the continuance of the malady which afflicts the City of Philadelphia, and other Seaport Towns; but hope the frosts which we have lately had, & the approaching cold, will eradicate the disorder. The Season rendering the Room for which I wanted a stove in a manner useless for the purpose it was designed without one, I have...
47From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 12 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 29 of April & 4th of May. Since my application to you for the prices of Linen & Blankets I have had an opportunity of supplying myself with both, upon pretty reasonable terms, but am no less obliged to you for the trouble of your inquiries respecting them. The Philadelphia Packet has not yet arrived, but if she sailed at the time you mention she may be...
48From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 13 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Upon my return from a Tour to the Northern & Western parts of this State I found your Letter of the 23d Ulto but not in time to give you an acknowledgement by the last Post, and to thank you for your attention to my Commission—I now do it—& by this opportunity have requested the Superintendent of Finance to repay you the Sums which you have advanced for my use; with a Commission thereon. but...
49From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 1 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th Ulto was received last Night. As the whole quantity of Blue-grass seed was purchased before my last letter to you got to hand, it may be sent on without diminution. Let it be accompanied, if to be had fresh and good, with twelve pounds of White clover seed; and the like quantity of Lucern. You will remark how pointed I am with respect to the goodness & quality of the...
50From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 8 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our prospects, with regard to Grain Forage, are so very alarming, that I think it incumbent upon me to transmit the substance of the Reports of your different deputies to Congress—You will therefore be pleased to furnish me with such Extracts from the inclosed, as relate directly to the scarcity of Forage and the means which seem principally to occasion the want —I shall issue a general order...