George Washington to Clement Biddle, June 11, 1783

Newburgh, June 11, 1783.

Dear Sir: Your favor of the 28th of May in answer to my Letter of the 15th. of the same Month, is at hand. I shall rely upon your care and attention for the purchase of the Articles mentioned in the lattr; Those most wanted, and which are most essential to me are the Blankets and Ticklinburg for my Negros, and these are not in immediate demand.

Apropos, did I not when the Army was leaving the Cantonment of Middle Brook, in June 1779, put a Theodilite into your care to be conveyed to Mr. Rittenhouse7 to receive some repairs? It is like a dream to me; You, or Mr. Irskine,8 I am not sure which undertook this business; and I have not heard since what was done with the Instrumt. Will you be so good as to enquire whether it ever reached Mr. Rittenhouse, and to prevail on him to afford it the necessary repairs without delay if he has it.

[Note 7: David Rittenhouse.]

[Note 8: Robert Erskine.]

My Complimts, in which Mrs. Washington joins, is offered to Mrs. Biddle, and I am etc.