CLEMENT BIDDLE (of Philadelphia) December 5, 1786 



The day after his letter to Peters, this was written to a 

 merchant of Philadelphia. These two letters were included 

 principally to show two traits of Washington s character 

 which must account in great measure for his success in life ; 

 namely, his persistence and his great fore-sight. He is still 

 in search of spring barley and clover seed. It is very evident 

 that he was not the man to &quot; put all of his eggs into one 

 basket.&quot; He was going to take no chances by depending on 

 one man. Therefore, in order to be on the safe side, he makes 

 another order for seed from Biddle. 



TO CLEMENT BIDDLE (OF PHILADELPHIA) 



Mount Vernon, 5 December, 1780. 

 Dear Sir, 



For your trouble in negotiating my certificate I thank you. 

 If it is necessary, in order that you may receive the half- 

 yearly interest thereon, I would wish you to keep it; if you 

 can draw this without, it may be returned to me. In the 

 mean time, inform me, if you please, if this certificate can be 

 converted into cash, and upon what terms ; that, if I should 

 have occasion to make any purchases in Philadelphia, I may 

 know the amount of this fund. The indents, to the amount 

 of eighty-four dollars, I have received, and note the credit 

 given me for the year and half interest. 



The curtain stuff and nails are at hand safe, and will an 

 swer very well. The uncertainty of getting good spring 



31 



