I received your favour with the Eight hundred dollars in Bank notes and am since honoured with yours of 2d inst.

I shall delay the forwarding the Linens ’til Mrs Washington arrives to choose them.

The Blankets and Ticklenburghs were not purchased of Mr Abel James or at the prices they then sold at out of Stores—Such Articles as those, which were in very great demand, tho’ other Goods were very plenty & cheap, seldom or ever came to the Vendues—I went to them several weeks without success supplied to Mr James who was an exceeding good Judge of Goods & who lived opposite the City vendue Store to watch for these Articles—he soon after informed me he had met with some of each kind that were offerd out the Vendue store tho’ limited and he engaged them for me—the Ticklenburghs were very good & lower than they could be imported, the Blankets were of a higher Cost than are usualy imported in Virginia & would now command 20 pct more than I paid for them and I believe the quality of both will give you full satisfaction.

The paints I have engaged—the Nails I have not met with to my mind—few have arrived from Bristol where they are purchased cheapest but a Vessel is hourly expected from thence.

Altho’ I heard of two ordinary Carpenters or house Joiners, I have not been able to find one that I think would answer as I suppose you want one that is capable of doing the inside work of buildings—I shall continue my Enquiries as each vessel arrives.

I shall forward the Letters to Col. Tilghman by the post if no private Conveyance offers before.

Mrs Biddle begs her Compliments may be made to Mrs Washington in which I beg leave to join. I am with great Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt and very humle servt