![WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("Go:Washington") AS PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, to [Colonel Clement Biddle], n.p. [Philadelphia], n.d. [May-September 1787]. 1 page, 8vo, integral address leaf in Washington's hand reading "Col. Biddle," docketed on verso (by Biddle?): "Memorandum from General Washington to purchase Goods for him while his Excellency was at the Federal Convention began on the 14th May and ended the 17th. September 1787."](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2000/NYR/2000_NYR_09364_0148_000(011318).jpg?w=1)
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WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("Go:Washington") AS PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, to [Colonel Clement Biddle], n.p. [Philadelphia], n.d. [May-September 1787]. 1 page, 8vo, integral address leaf in Washington's hand reading "Col. Biddle," docketed on verso (by Biddle?): "Memorandum from General Washington to purchase Goods for him while his Excellency was at the Federal Convention began on the 14th May and ended the 17th. September 1787."
WASHINGTON ORDERS SEALING WAX DURING THE FEDERAL CONVENTION OF 1787
A brief note from Washington, but of considerable interest since it was penned--according to Biddle's explanatory note--during the critical period when Washington served as President of the Convention charged with the drafting of a new plan of government. Washington had originally decided against attending the Federal Convention, but in the end acceded to the urgings of many who believed that no plan would be approved without his endorsement. Here, during these historic deliberations, Washington writes to his agent to procure supplies: "If you can procure the Books mentioned in the enclosed Mem. [not present], and send them by the Vessel, I would thank you. Let them be neatly bound." And in a postscript he adds: "Please to send me a ¼ pound lb. of the best dutch sealing wax -- red."
Colonel Clement Biddle (1740-1814), was active in the patriot movements in Philadelphia, served in the Continental Army (he was aide-de-Camp to N. Greene until 1780). A successful merchant in Philadelphia after the Revolution, he acted as agent for Washington with whom he was in frequent correspondence. In 1789, Washington appointed him United States marshal of Pennsylvania, a position he held until 1793. Not in Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick.
WASHINGTON ORDERS SEALING WAX DURING THE FEDERAL CONVENTION OF 1787
A brief note from Washington, but of considerable interest since it was penned--according to Biddle's explanatory note--during the critical period when Washington served as President of the Convention charged with the drafting of a new plan of government. Washington had originally decided against attending the Federal Convention, but in the end acceded to the urgings of many who believed that no plan would be approved without his endorsement. Here, during these historic deliberations, Washington writes to his agent to procure supplies: "If you can procure the Books mentioned in the enclosed Mem. [not present], and send them by the Vessel, I would thank you. Let them be neatly bound." And in a postscript he adds: "Please to send me a ¼ pound lb. of the best dutch sealing wax -- red."
Colonel Clement Biddle (1740-1814), was active in the patriot movements in Philadelphia, served in the Continental Army (he was aide-de-Camp to N. Greene until 1780). A successful merchant in Philadelphia after the Revolution, he acted as agent for Washington with whom he was in frequent correspondence. In 1789, Washington appointed him United States marshal of Pennsylvania, a position he held until 1793. Not in Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick.