Nicholas Biddle Letters for the years 1807 thru 1844

London, ENG - 6 July 1807

About to enter on a scene where I may not be permitted long to remain merely a spectator, & in which all my success will be influenced by my first steps

Philadelphia, PA - 21 June 1809

My young friend Mr Walsh whom you may recollect in London has just returned in the Pacific.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 January 1819

I have received by this day's mail your letter of the 29th announcing your having nominated me one of the Directors of the Bank of the U.S.

Andalusia, PA - 8 October 1820

You will I am sure feel some interest in the inclosed paper which I have thought it advisable to publish in order to correct some deeply rooted prejudices against some of the measures of the last war.

Andalusia, PA - 29 October 1822

If the Bank were in a prosperous situation with an efficient Direction & a full complement of experienced officers the President might, be as so many Presidents, are, a gentle man of high character to do the honors

Philadelphia, PA - 16 December 1822

if I am called to share in the administration of the Bank, I shall bring to its service at least a laborious & zealous devotion to its interests.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 February 1823

Our mutual friend Mr. Colt has already apprized me of the advantage which I might expect from your confidential communication, & your letter satisfies me that he has not overrated the value of them.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 February 1823

We have had enough & more than enough of banking in the interior. We have been crippled & almost destroyed by it.

Philadelphia, PA - 5 January 1824

Since the Presidency of the Office at Boston has passed out of the political family where it has been so long, there has been a feeling of disquiet at the circumstance

Philadelphia, PA - 15 March 1825

Since my connection with the Bank I have been obliged to make it an invariable rule not to be a borrower from the Bank itself and not to be an indorser on notes

Philadelphia, PA - 22 April 1825

Allow me again to invite your attention to the subject of turning the balances with the State Banks, in your favor by bringing your discounts within your income.

Philadelphia, PA - 12 May 1825

Our first duty is to take care of the Bank

Philadelphia, PA - 24 June 1825

The truth is simply this. The Bank is doing very well.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 January 1826

If there be any one principle upon which we have acted, with the most fastidious care, it is, to treat the State authorities with the greatest respect

Philadelphia, PA - 16 February 1826

I have no doubt that we could at once give to the Southern & Western sections of the country two or three millions of sound & useful circulating medium

Philadelphia, PA - 14 March 1826

It was thus that West the Cashier of New Orleans was enabled to defraud the Bank of $20,000

Philadelphia, PA - 23 November 1826

In regard to the establishment of a Branch at Portland nothing is as yet decided

Philadelphia, PA - 7 May 1827

The salary of the Officers on their first entrance into the Bank is seven hundred dollars ($700) a year.

Philadelphia, PA - 29 June 1827

In regard to the appointment of Mr it is well known here that he is in embarrassed circumstances and his notes now in the Bank are considered discounted on one name

Philadelphia, PA - 27 November 1827

I thank you for the suggestion in regard to the political character of the Board

Philadelphia, PA - 16 December 1827

I wish Mr. arbour had introduced his motion at some other time for just now it is particularly inconvenient.

Philadelphia, PA - 26 December 1827

Whilst the resolution of Mr Barbour was under consideration I forbore to intrude on you with any observation in regard to it

Philadelphia, PA - 7 January 1828

after the recent proceedings in Congress to have the air of straining our profits for the sake of appearances

Philadelphia, PA - 30 May 1828

I began by ascertaining from the records of the Bank the accuracy of your statement

Philadelphia, PA - 14 August 1828

You know that the Parent Board indicated their preference of a President by placing him at the head of the list and this is usually decisive

Philadelphia, PA - 25 November 1828

I am very much obliged to you for the intimation of your purpose of mentioning the Bank in your next report.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 December 1828

I have, indeed we all have, very favorable dispositions towards Mr Gales, & would gladly assist him if it could be done with propriety.

Philadelphia, PA - 22 December 1828

I should think that no administration would venture to set the monied concerns of the country afloat as they once were.

Philadelphia, PA - 29 December 1828

There is no one principle better understood by every officer in the Bank, than that, he must abstain from politics

Philadelphia, PA - 0 January 1829

Our theory is, that the Bank should studiously abstain from all interference in politics

Philadelphia, PA - 5 January 1829

I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 2d inst, in which you mention your being about to make a favorable report on the nomination of Directors of the B. U. S.

Philadelphia, PA - 9 January 1829

The annexed list has been sent to me from Washington, as containing the views of several members of Congress from Kentucky in regard to a proper direction for your Office.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 January 1829

The truth is, that almost all the misfortunes of the Bank of the United States, are traceable, directly or indirectly, to politics.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 June 1829

With Washington, in its character as the seat of Gov , the Bank has no concern. It has in fact nothing to do with the Gov, except that in administering the national finances

Philadelphia, PA - 6 July 1829

The Office at Portsmouth had got into a very bad way and great losses will be sustained there.

Steam Boat Off Point Judith, RI - 1 August 1829

I can now say with the utmost confidence that the whole is a paltry intrigue got up by a combination of small bankrupts & smaller Demagogues

Philadelphia, PA - 3 September 1829

I regret, my dear Sir, this controversy as much as you can & would gladly have shunned it, but believing that it is safer for the country to have no Bank than to have it subject to political influences

Philadelphia, PA - 16 September 1829

I cannot go to Washington at present. I find here a state of things which I really think I had no reason to anticipate.

Philadelphia, PA - 0 October 1829

the views of the President were in perfect accordance with those of the Bank in regard to the exclusion of party feelings from its administration.

Washington, MD - 22 November 1829

The best feelings are entertained toward the bank by those whose opinions are most valuable and most useful.

Philadelphia, PA - 12 December 1829

My impression is that these opinions expressed by the President are entirely & exclusively his own

Philadelphia, PA - 15 December 1829

But it is better to try to repair it than to regret it and I am not sure whether it may not on the whole do good by satisfying the country of the usefulness of the institution

Philadelphia, PA - 17 December 1829

But seriously, I do not feel the least anxiety about this sortie of the President, who with, I am sure, the best intentions, has erred from want of information

Philadelphia, PA -

No man can now fail to perceive that the remarks on the Bank in the President's Message were unfortunate, & have tended to make many sober men uneasy about the stability of our finances

Philadelphia, PA - 2 January 1830

The expressions in the message were the President's own not dictated nor suggested by any body else

Philadelphia, PA - 9 January 1830

In our conversation yesterday, you expressed a wish to know the situation in which the Bank stands with regard to Mess rs . Gales & Seaton of Washington.

Philadelphia, PA - 18 January 1830

You ask my opinion about the fate of the Bank. I will tell you very frankly.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 May 1830

I have thought very anxiously about a subject which I mentioned to you, I mean the present disposition of the President towards the Bank.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 October 1830

It seems that out of 9 there are 4 gentlemen friendly to the administration. This is accidental, but I am glad of it

Philadelphia, PA - 3 November 1830

I am now satisfied, that it would be inexpedient to apply at present for the renewal of the charter.

Philadelphia, PA - 14 December 1830

I take the earliest opportunity which my occupations have permitted to consult you on the subject of attempting the renewal of the Charter during the present session of Congress.

Philadelphia, PA - 20 December 1830

In respect to Gen'l Jackson & Mr Van Buren I have not the slightest fear of either of them, or both of them.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 February 1831

It is obvious that a great effort will be made to array the influence of the Executive & all his party against the Bank.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 February 1831

I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 8th : inst. inclosing a letter from Mr. Green, expressing his wish to borrow from the Bank twenty thousand dollars.

Philadelphia, PA - 28 February 1831

It is deeply to be regretted that the President has taken this course, and we must endeavor as much as possible to counteract its effect.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 March 1831

I believe that nine tenths of the errors of men arise from their ignorance and that the great security of all our institutions is in the power, the irresistible power, of truth.

Philadelphia, PA - 4 May 1831

The President has undertaken to say of the Bank that which is wholly without foundation & to denounce the institution.

Philadelphia, PA - 29 June 1831

I have heard various accounts of Mr. Blairs connection with the Office, such as his being indebted & settling his ac count by paying ten per cent of the principal

Philadelphia, PA - 19 October 1831

He had come to Phil'a principally for the purpose of conversing with me after he had seen the President.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 November 1831

As we have already claimed your services whenever we could obtain them, & I hope we will long continue to enjoy them

Philadelphia, PA - 1 December 1831

It is much fitter for a President's message than the President's message itself & I wish with all my heart that the writer of it was President.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 December 1831

I inclose a paper of which I have no other copy which therefore you will have the goodness to send back

Philadelphia, PA - 24 December 1831

If Mr. McDuffie could insure a reference to the Committee of Ways & Means, & a favorable report of that Committee, I would not hesitate to try it

Philadelphia, PA - 4 January 1832

You will hear, I am afraid with regret, tho not with surprize, that we have determined on applying to the present Congress for a renewal of the Charter of the Bank

Philadelphia, PA - 16 January 1832

The Bank having after great consideration presented a memorial for the renewal of the charter

Philadelphia, PA - 25 January 1832

In regard to the bonus for a renewal of the Charter my views are these

Philadelphia, PA - 6 February 1832

It seems to me, his position is precisely this - He wishes to be the Pennsylvania candidate for the Vice Presidency

Philadelphia, PA - 6 February 1832

Let them go forward, and mediate between the President and the Bank, make him name his modifications

Philadelphia, PA - 10 February 1832

I cannot doubt, whatever may be the result, that we have done well in applying at the present session.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 February 1832

Here am I, who have taken a fancy to this Bank & having built it up with infinite care am striving to keep it I from being destroyed to the infinite wrong

Philadelphia, PA - 13 February 1832

The President himself has no hostile feeling towards the Bank, he is dis posed to agree to its renewal with certain modifications

Philadelphia, PA - 26 February 1832

I yesterday wrote a hasty letter explaining my views in regard to the modifications suggested of the Charter of the Bank.

Philadelphia, PA - 0 May 1832

The press is the channel of communication between the Bank & the Country, and I have no more difficulty about remunerating privately for the work done on account of the Bank

Washington, MD - 30 May 1832

On my arrival I began with a full and frank conversation with Mr. McLane on the subject of the Bank and at his suggestion saw Mr. Livingston

Washington, MD - 5 June 1832

It has been a week of hard work anxiety & alternating hopes & fears, but I think that we may now rely with confidence in a favorable result.

Washington, MD - 3 July 1832

The Senate immediately agreed to the amendment so that the Bill has finally passed.

Philadelphia, PA - 13 July 1832

The Bank is fairly before the country and large majorities of both houses of Congress have decided in its favor.

Philadelphia, PA - 1 August 1832

You ask what is the effect of the Veto. My impression is that it is working as well as the friends of the Bank and of the country could desire.

Philadelphia, PA - 26 September 1832

It is desirable that these should be circulated so as to counter act the injurious impressions which the message was destined to make against the Institution.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 November 1832

The Bank does not mean to commence any systematic reduction of its loans with a view to winding up its affairs.

Philadelphia, PA -

Altho we do not feel anxious as to the result of the movements at Washington touching the Bank, still it is thought prudent to prepare for any adverse event

Philadelphia, PA - 8 April 1833

I have no information of the intended removal of the deposits, though my opinion is that they will not dare to remove them.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 April 1833

The whole question of peace or war lies in the matter of the deposits.

Philadelphia, PA - 13 April 1833

You need not be informed of the hostility of the Administration to the Institution over which you preside, but the following items must prove interesting.

Philadelphia, PA - 16 April 1833

The fact is that the real sin of the Bank in the eyes of the Executive is, that it is refractory & unmanageable.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 May 1833

From that moment they despared of turning the Bank to their political purposes, and have been intent on breaking it down to substitute some machinery more flexible.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 July 1833

What should be deeply impressed on the minds of the Southern gentleman is, I think, this that the administration people mean to unite in an outcry against any Bank

Philadelphia, PA - 30 July 1833

The gamblers are doing every thing in their power to bend Mr. Duane to their purposes. But he knows them and will not yield an inch.

Philadelphia, PA - 30 July 1833

A friend of mine and Mr Duane's asked me two days ago if there was any body in New York to whom I could recommend Mr. Duane, so that he might not be deceived and see things with his own eyes.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 July 1833

He had been a little time in Office when he was required to concurr in the schemes of Jackson and the Kitchen Cabinet against the Bank by withdrawing the deposits.

Philadelphia, PA - 16 August 1833

This I know is their design.

Philadelphia, PA - 1 October 1833

After a great deal of reflection, we are all satisfied that the best thing to be done is to do as little as possible.

unknown - 27 January 1834

Our only safety is in pursuing a steady course of firm restriction and I have no doubt that such a course will ultimately lead to restoration of the currency and the recharter of the Bank.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 February 1834

What will happen in the Country unless Congress interposes, is but too manifest the whole future is full of gloom and confusion.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 February 1834

The relief, to be useful or permanent, must come from Congress & from Congress alone.

Philadelphia, PA - 1 March 1834

It will prolong the distress now existing without effecting any good object

Philadelphia, PA - 11 March 1834

Situated as the Bank has been for some time past, its first object was necessarily its own protection, for in its safety the whole ultimate security of the currency must be found.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 March 1834

If we can get a permanent charter, let us do so if not, let us take the temporary & make it permanent hereafter.

unknown - 2 April 1834

The Bank of the United States has been compelled in self defence to diminish its business and call upon its debtors, and refuse to make loans to a very considerable amount.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 April 1834

The Bank has been obliged to day to decline the same kind of assistance to a Bank in Baltimore.

Philadelphia, PA - 9 May 1834

Now the mere deposit of accruing revenue in the Bank would not of itself justify any immediate expansion of the loans, unless taken as an evidence of a change of opinions or of feelings toward the Bank

Phil A - 4 June 1834

Believing as we do that the whole support of the currency must devolve on the B.U.S. and seeing as we think we do, that the disorders and troubles are but beginning

Philadelphia, PA - 12 June 1834

Since the Bank has ceased to be the depository of the public revenue, the indulgence formerly given to the State Banks could scarcely be expected as it would be unreasonable and unjust to the Stockholders

Philadelphia, PA - 14 June 1834

I regret very much the decision of the House on Mr Clay's resolutions : for its effect will I fear be to render the state of the country much more embarrassing during the summer.

Phil - 4 July 1834

The Board have deemed it inexpedient to change the course of the Bank during the session of Congress

Philadelphia, PA - 9 July 1834

We have waited for the adjournment of Congress before taking any final course in regard to the Bank

Philadelphia, PA - 30 October 1834

On the subject of aid from this quarter the fact is, I under stand, that the contributions fall on a very narrow circle of not wealthy people

Philadelphia, PA - 13 May 1835

In closing the concerns of the Bank, my great anxiety is to take care of its faithful Officers, and any thing which I can do to serve them, I will do most promptly and willingly.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 August 1835

We are now making arrangements with several of the new Banks to purchase the whole establishment of the Office near them banking house, debts & all.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 August 1835

My theory in regard to the present condition of the country is in a few words this. For the last few years the Executive power of the Govt. has been weilded by a mere gang of banditte.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 January 1836

They have not asked for this charter and certainly could not accept it on terms which might be construed into a reproach on their past administration of its affairs

Philadelphia, PA - 15 January 1836

Unless therefore these ideas be totally abandoned, I wish the question of the Bank withdrawn, as it seems useless to prolong a negociation which must be abortive.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 January 1836

Since writing to you this afternoon, I have heard some matters about the Bill which have changed my views

Philadelphia, PA - 20 March 1837

it is not our interest to prop people who must fall and therefore I shall not be inclined to advance a dollar further for anybody

Philadelphia, PA - 8 May 1837

I have always thought that the best thing which Mr Van Buren could do in reference to himself personally, as well as to his political party, would be to make peace with the Bank

Philadelphia, PA - 8 May 1837

it now remains only to do what we can to diminish the sufferings of the country, and for this I shall certainly work as hard as if I had caused them.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 May 1837

I have suggested a measure which I think would be a brilliant stroke of policy, & give immediate confidence to the country.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 May 1837

I thank you for your approbation of my public conduct, which, whatever may be the result, has been dictated by a very honest desire to protect the great interests of the country.

Philadelphia, PA - 14 July 1837

You ask my views about the mode in which the Bank of the U.S. could assist in restoring the currency. I will tell you in a few words.

Philadelphia, PA - 24 August 1837

[I] immediately hasten to perform the sacred duty of defending the character of an honest man from the reptiles who avenge themselves for his superiority while living, by crawling over his dead body.

Philadelphia, PA - 25 August 1837

I have now furnished all the materials within my reach, but I shall follow the subject with great interest

Philadelphia, PA - 7 September 1837

I had last night the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 4th inst.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 September 1837

I have already written to Mr King requesting its publication in the American

Philadelphia, PA - 15 September 1837

he expressed a wish that his correspondence on the subject of Chief Justice Marshall which you will find in the Richmond Whig should be republished in the American.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 November 1837

As you asked my opinion, I deem it right to Say that I think that neither your Bank nor any other Bank Should take the loan and that it would be very hazardous

Philadelphia, PA - 3 February 1838

You may readily suppose that we are not idle while this insane Sub Treasury scheme is urged forward

Philadelphia, PA - 30 April 1838

The Bank of the U. States owes about six millions of dollars to the Gov't payable by instalments

Philadelphia, PA - 31 May 1838

The tide now has begun to turn, and the Bank has received to day a triumph such as it never enjoyed in any part of its career.

Philadelphia, PA - 9 June 1838

I am not surprized that the echo in London of all the trash circulated here has annoyed you.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 June 1838

We are doing some little matters about the Sub Treasury bill, which, from all I can understand, will not pass.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 June 1838

I think now we are approaching the end of our war. The repeal of the Specie Circular was an actual surrender by the Administration

Philadelphia, PA - 29 June 1838

The repeal of the Specie Circular has been followed by a fresh defeat in the rejection of the Sub-Treasury. Mr Buchanan has renewed the matter of the special deposit, but it will fail.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 July 1838

You are a magician greater than Van Buren, & with all your professions against Masonry, you are an absolute right worshipful Grand Master.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 July 1838

Mr Kimble of the House of Representatives called upon me today and expressed to me a wish on your part to know whether the bonds of the Bank could be made available for the use of your Department.

Philadelphia, PA - 13 July 1838

You have seen that during this late tempest I took a deliberate stand against the administration determined to do nothing until they were defeated

Philadelphia, PA - 31 July 1838

I will thank you to take charge of a little matter which may become important unless wisely managed.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 August 1838

I shall employ the only few moments of leisure I can command before the sailing of the Steamship, to say two or three things which may interest you.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 August 1838

Our arrangements with the Govt. are in very satisfactory progress. We have placed to their credit the proceeds of the two first bonds

Philadelphia, PA - 6 September 1838

I stated to you, last year, my views in regard to Texas

Philadelphia, PA - 7 September 1838

Your introduction of Mr Burnley, Commissioner of Texas, makes it not unnatural to confer with you on the subject of the loan which he is endeavoring to negotiate.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 October 1838

Mr Poinsett took occasion to speak to Blair in the presence of Mr Van Beuren, about the Bank; and that the President desired Blair not to attack the Bank or myself any more.

Philadelphia, PA - 27 November 1838

I have been wanting for some days past to go and talk with you; but I presume that I must pay the penalty of my notoriety by abstaining from being in Washington just now

Philadelphia, PA - 13 December 1840

The impression which I have that the coming administration will be in fact your administration : one which I can honorably support & be connected with has revived a project

Philadelphia, PA - 30 December 1840

I have received a visit of many hours from a friend who has just returned after passing several weeks in the midst of the most confidential circle of the President Elect

unknown - 2 February 1841

a gentleman has arrived from Cin who states that he heard the inaugural read and that it speaks of the necessity of a national Bank

Andalusia, PA - 19 August 1842

In my quiet seclusion I watch with great anxiety the progress of things at Washington and as lookers on at the game sometimes see a move which may escape the busy players

Andalusia, PA - 27 February 1843

I beg you to listen to the following oracular sentences which if they have no other inspiration are dictated by a public regard for you & for the Country.

Andalusia, PA - 4 March 1843

The subject most canvassed at present is the retirement of Mr Webster a question of much importance to the country & of great interest to yourself.

Andalusia, PA - 24 April 1843

Knowing how anxious you are [to] serve the country it strikes me that you might be useful now.

Andalusia, PA - 9 January 1844

When I had the pleasure of seeing you here we conversed about the benefit which might accrue to the Country from the union of Mr Clay & Mr Webster & their respective friends

Andalusia, PA - 9 January 1844

I have written to day as I said I would to Mr Gales my present purpose as far as You are concerned is to avoid all scism between You & Mr Clay.