at
you may be able to triumph in the good cause. That no effort may
be wanting, you shall have all the assistance which I can give or
procure. My occupations necessarily absorb so much of my time
that I can promise you little on my part, personally, but I have
already engaged two of our most active gentlemen familiar with
that subject, who will cheerfully and zealously contribute to
your support. The first fruit of their labor is the pamphlet
accompanying this letter. I have not had time to read it, as I am
anxious to forward it without delay, but I understand that it is
the latest and best work on the subject, and goes directly to the
question of the superiority of free over slave labor. Mrs. B. and
Mr. Craig are glad to hear of your prosperity, and desire to be
particularly remembered to you.

With great sincerity of regard,
yrs.,
N. BIDDLE.

EDWARD COLES, ESQ.,
Vandalia.

MR. BIDDLE TO GOVERNOR COLES

PHILADELPHIA, May 26, 1823.

_My Dear Sir:_ My present occupations necessarily engross so much
of my time that I can scarcely contribute more than my good
wishes to the great cause which so naturally and deeply interests
you. It gives me peculiar satisfaction, therefore, to procure for
you the correspondence of my friend, Mr. Roberts Vaux, to whom
this note is intended to serve as an introduction. Mr. Vaux is a
gentleman of education, talents, fortune, leisure and high
standing in the community. He feels sensibly all the
embarrassments of your situation; he perceives the deep
importance of defeating this first effort to extend to the
north-western country the misfortunes of the slave population and
he is disposed to co-operate warmly and zealously with you. I
know of no individual more calculated to render you the most
efficient service. He is worthy of all your confidence, and I
recommend to you to yield it to him implicitly, as I am sure it
will be repaid by every kindness and every service in his power.

With great esteem and regard,
yrs.,
N. BIDDLE.

EDWARD COLES, ESQ.,
Vandalia,
Illinois.

MR. BIDDLE TO GOVERNOR COLES