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George Washington Decorates Mt. Vernon's Dining Room

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
George Washington Decorates Mt. Vernon's Dining Room
George Washington Decorates Mt. Vernon's Dining Room (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States (1789-1797); Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army. Autograph letter signed ("G:o Washington"), 1 page plus integral, free franked address leaf, 9 x 7 1/6", Mount Vernon, Aug. 18, 1786. To Col. Clement Biddle (1740-1814) who, at the time of this letter, worked at his family's import-export business in Philadelphia. During the Revolution, he served as Deputy Quartermaster General and as Washington's Commissary General at Valley Forge.

Washington writes: "This letter serves to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 13th inst. and to inform you that I have, this day, sent a small box to Alexandria to go either by the Packet. or some other conveyance to Philadelphia to your address. It contains two window curtains which I pray you to get new dyed of the same colour (green) and return them to me as soon as may be. I am obliged by your care of my letters; and thank you for the attention paid to the other requests of my former letter. The price of Mr. Howells leather is not cheaper than it is sold for in Alexandria; and the freight would make it come higher. I am Dr. Sir yr. most obed.t Hbl Ser. G:o Washington."

The curtains were undoubtedly for Mount Vernon's first floor dining room, whose plaster ornamentation and green color were selected by Washington himself. The largest room in Mount Vernon, it was within the walls of that room that Washington was informed that he had been elected the first President of the United States and in that same room that his body would lie in state following his death.

The letter is beautifully penned and signed, with normal age toning. The address leaf is free franked "Free G:o Washington" at lower left of address panel and the address is written in Washington's hand: "Col.o Clemt Biddle / Philadelpa" Toning and soiling to address leaf. Seal tear at upper margin affects nothing; remnants of red wax seal on docket. Contemporary figures at top and bottom, possibly Biddle figuring the cost of dyeing the curtains! A most historic letter.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.

Our item number 150892