Account Current of Capt. Charles Biddle

Account Current of Capt. Charles Biddle

Philadelphia : 1783 May 27

1 sheet ; 19 cm x 32 cm

MSS L2024M29

The first entry in the Account Current reads "July 19th, 1782 To premium on the Ship Friendship Captain Collins from Baltimore to Cape Francois, £300 50 pct & policy." In his autobiography Biddle describes this incident and the ship Friendship in great detail (pp. 160-180), how he did not want the ship, hired a crew, then dismissed them because "when, instead of orders to sail, the owners wrote me that two ships commanded by Curwin and Earl, that had sailed but a few days before from Baltimore, were taken, and that the coast was so full of cruisers." Soon he did sail and described the Friendship thus: "I believe there never was a vessel sailed worse than the Friendship." The second entry on the Account, dated October 15th notes: "St. Patrick.. £500, 45 pct." Biddle continues in his Autobiography: "After the Friendship sailed, I purchased a brig built in Philadelphia, called the St. Patrick. When I purchased her, she was under Danish colors. Of this brig Mr. Smith took one-half, I held a quarter, and Mr. Ceromo held the other quarter. Not being able to get a commission as an American, in order to arm 'her, I was obliged to get a French commission as a letter of marque. This there was no difficulty in obtaining. We sent on board eight iron and six wooden guns, and loaded her with molasses and rum for Baltimore."

Account details from July 19th, 1782 to February 19, 1783. Line items include pay outs, ship cargo, and assorted fees. During this period of time, Captain Charles Clement was engaged in the West Indies trade and the shipment of molasses, working with his cousin, Clement Biddle, who had resigned from the Army in 1780.

MSS L2024M029

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