Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Revolutionary patriot.

Army officer and merchant.

Biddle informs Wharm that he is going to advertise in Washington and Philadelphia newspapers for a missing letter he sent to Wharm containing two certificates of transfer to General Pinckney.

Clement Biddle (1740-1814) was a Quaker businessman in Philadelphia both before and after the American Revolution. He entered into his father's import/export firm at an early age, but from 1765 on pursued patriotic interests. In 1775 he helped to organize a Philadelphia volunteer regiment, the "Quaker Blues." Then in July 1776, he accepted a congressional appointment as deputy quartermaster-general in the Army with the rank of colonel. Serving under both General Washington and General Greene, Biddle participated in several battles. Biddle resumed life as a Philadelphia merchant in 1780, though he did also assume several government posts over the years. As a friend of Washington, he was a natural person to assist the General as his factor.