From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 May 1783

Dear Sir,

Hd Qrs Newburgh 15th May 83

It is reported to us, that, Goods in Phila. are now selling below the prime cost—or below what formerly was the prime cost of like articles in England. Should this be the case, of which none can judge better than your self, it would suit me very well to procure for my Family the following articles.

1000 Ells of German Oszabgs or Ticklinburg

Sterlg—prime Cost

4	pr			of Linn	at abt	18d.
4	Do			Do		2/6
4	Do			Do		4/
2	Ps.			of Sheeting		3/6
a piece of fine Cambk
2	ps.			strong Check—wide kind
2	dozn			large Table Cloths
3	dozn			Napkins to suit Do
12	pr			largest, & best kind of Bed Blankets
200				(Dutch) Blankets for my Negros
1	Cask			of 4d. Nails
1	Cask			of 8d.
	Nails—flat points
		1	Cask of	8d.
		1	Do of	10d.
		1	Do of	20d.

4 Ct Weight of white Lead Gd in Oyl

1 Piece of Russd drilling

If the above Articles can be had at such low rates as we are informed I would thankfully allow the usual Commissions for purchasing of them. The Money shall be paid here upon demand or if it is necessary to deposit at the Sale, Mr Morris I perswade myself upon shewing him this Letter would advance it in Phila. & direct the application of the like sum in my hands which shall be paid to his order.

You will be pleased to observe that the purchase of these things depend absolutely upon the price; as I do not mean to buy them unless they are as low as they are reported to be.

The Blankets which I used to Import for my Negros came under the description of Dutch Blankets—abt 15 in a piece, striped large and of the best quality—such I now want.

In case of a purchase, I would have them sent to my House upon Potomack River consigned to Mr Lund Washington at Mt Vernon abt 10 Miles below Alexa. My Compliments to which Mrs Washingtons are joined are offered to Mrs Biddle & I am Dr Sir Yr Most obedt Servt

Go: Washington

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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