Biddle, NICHOLAS

Biddle, NICHOLAS, an American financier, born at Philadelphia, January 8, 1786, graduated at Princeton College, and became an energetic member of the legislature of Pennsylvania. In 1823 he was appointed president of the United States Bank, and held that post till 1836. He was next chosen president of the United States Bank of Pennsylvania, but resigned in 1839; two years later the bank became insolvent. He had conducted its affairs with great skill, integrity, and prudence, and he published a series of letters in vindication of his administration. A presentment was made against him for fraud, which was never followed up. Biddle had considerable literary taste, and for some time edited The Philadelphia Portfolio, contributing many articles to its pages. By request of the president of the United States, he compiled from the original papers a History of Lewis and Clarke's Expedition to the Pacific Ocean; also The Commercial Digest, a volume put forth by Congress. He died February 27, 1844.