1To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Generally speaking, no task could be imposed on me so ungrateful as that of applying for a public office. In the present instance, however, I feel little reluctance in doing it; because I know the application will be duly noticed, and the ultimate decision, whether for or against me, be governed by a just regard to the interests of the United States. By some of my friends I am informed that Mr...
2To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
The messenger to the Seneca nation set off this afternoon, with a letter addressed by me to their Sachems Chiefs & Warriors, informing them of my appointment from you to meet them under the authority of the United States; inviting the relations of the deceased Indians to come to Tioga on the 25th of October next; and expressing your desire that the chiefs of the Turtle tribe, & other Great Men...
3Enclosure: Estimate of the expense of necessaries for the meeting of the Seneca Indians at Tioga Octr 25. 1790., 25 … (Washington Papers)
4 barrels of Country rum 120 gall. @ at 3/. £ 18. 0.0 Provisions for 200 Indians 12 days, including the supplies they must receive when going home, viz. 3200 lbs. of beef @ 3 d. 40. 0.0 32 Cwts flour @ 15/. 24. . A silver gorget & other trinkets 10. . 1 Cwt of tobacco & pipes 2.10. 94.10.0 Provisions & necessaries for T. Pickering, & Colo. Wilson, agent for Pennsylvania, & for the...
4To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders I held a Conference with the Chiefs &c. of the Seneca nation of Indians at Tioga in this state. About 220 of all ages attended. The day of meeting proposed was the 25th of October: but they did not arrive until the 15th of November. Such delays, I am informed, are common with them; but in the present instance I believe are greatly to be attributed to the...
5To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders of the 4th of September last, I took the necessary steps for holding a conference with the Logstown Chiefs & warriors of the Seneca Nation of Indians; relative to the murders of two of their people at Pine Creek in Pennsylvania. I wrote to them by the express who at the same time carried a letter from the president of Pennsylvania. In my letter I informed them,...
6To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
Having been accidentally detained here longer than I expected, and a little leisure now presenting, I have thought it would not be misapplied in suggesting the means of introducing the art of husbandry, and civilization, among our Indian neighbours. In the treaty with the Creek Indians, I observe provision is made for furnishing them with domestic animals and instruments of husbandry, with a...
7To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have done myself the honour of waiting on you in person: but a letter may give you less trouble. General Knox informed me that it would be agreeable to you that I should undertake the superintendency of the northern Indians; I mean particularly the Six Nations. I answered, That by the new constitution of Pennsylvania, a Continental appointment was declared to be incompatible with...
8To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Duplicate) Sir, Philadelphia May 2d 1791. Of the measures pursuing by general Knox, relative to Indian affairs, he doubtless makes to you the necessary communications. In those communications, he may, perhaps, have mentioned my being here, preparatory to my undertaking another mission to the Indians of the Six Nations, for the purpose of confirming the peace and friendship subsisting between...
9To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honour to call at your house to-day, to speak with you: but you were engaged with Mr Jefferson. And the time not admitting another opportunity (as I wish to leave town on Monday morning) you will permit me to communicate what I had to say, in writing. As you thought it expedient, I went to New York, to converse with Mr Osgood on the business of the post-office. The contracts...
10To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Among the great duties of your high station, the selection of proper characters for public offices is not the least difficult, nor the least important. The multiplicity of applications, the diversity, and sometimes the contrariety of opinions, must often produce painful embarrassments: while a constant aim to provide for the public service, will frequently oblige you to disregard private...
11To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The manner in which I have been employed to effect the present visit of the Chiefs of the Five Nations, renders me peculiarly interested that the negociations with them should conform with the direct object of the invitation. This object is indelibly impressed on my mind; it having been the main argument offered by me, to convince them of the real friendship of the United States. I feel...
12Timothy Pickering to Tobias Lear, 3 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I inclose the information given me by Colo. Louis. The copy of the letter from his nation bears date the 24th of January. I sent to the war-office for the Original, which I found was dated Feby 24th. Bad travelling at the breaking up of winter and ten days sickness, Louis says have occasion so much delay in his journey. He is anxious to return. In great haste sincerely yours ALS , MHi :...
13Timothy Pickering to Tobias Lear, 31 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
Can you inform me of any of the facts or representations communicated to the president relative to news-papers, which led him to notice them in his speech, at the opening of the present session of Congress? It seemed generally to be understood to imply that obstructions to their transmission had arisen from the post office law. Were not the obstructions to the papers which should have passed...
14Timothy Pickering to Tobias Lear, 14 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Samuel Freeman Esqr. of Portland I should have presented long ago: but laying it by in my desk very safely, it has been overlooked. Perhaps it may now be of no consequence. Possibly you may know Mr Freeman. He has written to me in consequence of an acquaintance formed by his being the postmaster at Portland. I take him to be of a very respectable character there; and...
15To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The intelligence contained in the enclosed copy of a letter from Mr Storer, seemed to be of sufficient consequence to trouble you with; and I should have transmitted it a week ago; but the sickness in my family, and the death of a favourite son, have prevented me. To Governor Simcoe’s public professions of regret &c. at the issue of the treaty, a number of facts may be opposed. These with...
16To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of the 14th relatively to the fever which has raged so fatally in this city. “Accurate information” of its state it may be impossible to obtain. But I am warranted by Doctor Rush’s opinion, grounded on his own practice and the information of other physicians, that there is an abatement of it by at least one half. For a number of days preceeding the last...
17To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by Monday’s post. That afternoon I went to see Mr Peters; and had the pleasure to find that your accommodation and a suitable provision for Congress had engaged the attention of him and divers other citizens of Philadelphia who were scattered in the adjacent country. They have had some consultations on the subject; and will continue them until suitable provision shall be made; of...
18To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Since sealing my letter of this date, my servant has brought me an answer from the Mayor, which I enclose. I am surprized at the number of deaths from Oct. 11th to the 22d. I will continue to advise you of the state of the disease, as often as I can obtain any new information. very respectfully yr most obedt servt ALS , DLC:GW .
19To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the mortal fever which has raged in this city, is prodigiously reduced. A fortnight ago, from 10 to 14 were daily buried in Friends ’ burying ground: but in the last Five days only three in the whole have been buried there. Among the German Lutherans, the reduction appears by the following list— Oct. 22d buried 19 23 —— 10 24 —— 8
20Enclosure I: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 20 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday. Two or three hours before, two runners arrived from the Indian Council at Buffaloe Creek, with their answer to your invitation to meet me at Kanandaiguay for the purposes therein mentioned. They apologized for the delay in sending their answer, by saying that they had waited the arrival of the Chief (meaning Cornplanter) by whom their former speech on the subject had...
21Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 27 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th I wrote you, that two runners had arrived the day before from Buffaloe Creek with a message urging me to hold the treaty there, that I had answered them that I had no authority to remove the Council fire and that the Treaty must be held at Kanandaigua. That upon receiving this answer, the runners replied that they were directed by the Chiefs to inform me that if I could not go to...
22Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d Ulto I sent Horatio Jones the Interpreter to Buffaloe Creek to hasten the departure of the Indians and to give them any necessary assistance on the way. I thought also that he would be able to remove any little obstructions which the British Agents might continue to throw in the way. He went directly to their principal village, assembled the Chiefs and delivered my message. The...
23Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 28 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Various accidents have retarded the business of the treaty—among others, the death of two Oneida Chiefs—they were very old men. And the appearance of William Johnson, the British interpreter, occasioned the loss of two days. As the Chiefs told me that he had come at their request, it seemed necessary, besides mentioning my orders to suffer no British agent to intrude, to give some reasons for...
24Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 7 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed draught of a letter to the Governors of Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia & New York, you will be pleased to lay before the President for his approbation. I wish to send to Virginia & Maryland & New York by this day’s post. yr obt servt ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Pickering erroneously wrote 1794 on the ALS . The letter is endorsed as 1795, and the letter-book copy is...
25To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to submit to your perusal and orders the inclosed communication from Mr Dixon, and my observations thereon. The other paper is the draught of a message I proposed to send to the Chiefs of the Six Nations to notify them of the ratification of the treaty of Konondaigua. Genl Chapin’s son, who proposes to leave town to-morrow, can carry that message, if approved, and a similar one to...
26Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 22 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to hand the inclosed papers for the perusal of the President. I will do myself the honour to wait on him respecting them to-day—at any hour the President shall direct, if one will be more convenient to him than another. I am sir, your most obt servt I send the map which you said the President requested with the boundaries of the lands of the Six Nations marked on it. ALS , DLC:GW ;...
27To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inclose for your perusal a letter of the first instant from Captain Bruff of the corps of artillerists and engineers, at Baltimore, respecting the arrest and character of William B. Smith of the same corps; and a letter of the 27th ulto from Lieutenant Smith, asking to be removed to Norfolk, under pretence that Baltimore disagrees with his health, and declaring, “if he is not...
28To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary respectfully lays before the President of the United States a letter from Governor Blount this moment received by Express, with Genl Robertson’s letter of the 13th of January & the Governor’s answer. Genl Robertson’s letter of Jany 9th mentioned by the Governor in his answer to the General was not inclosed. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . James Robertson’s letter to William Blount...
29To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 17 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your note of this morning, and now inclose the draught of the message to accompany the Georgia acct and Govr Blount’s communications. In half an hour (unless you would choose to see me sooner) I will wait upon you at your room; and am, most respectfully your obt servt Copies are prepared for the Senate, as well as the House. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . GW’s note has...
30To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
General Knox has handed me the inclosed communications from General Wilkinson, deeming them proper to be seen by you. He desires me afterwards to return them. General Knox’s letter of the 4th of last December to General Wilkinson accompanies the communications of the latter, to render them intelligible. I am most respectfully sir, your obt servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Pickering...
31Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., February 1795 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Butler, who commands at Fort Pitt, has suggested that probably many good recruits might be enlisted from the militia under Genl Morgan’s command. There is little doubt of considerable success if the attempt be made. I intended to have taken the President’s direction on this point, when I waited on him to-day; but it escaped me. I presume there can be no hazard in lessening the...
32Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., February 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be pleased to hand the inclosed letter and papers from Genl Wayne to the President. The result of the Conference at Greenville between General Wayne & the Indians is this. That a general treaty shall be held at Greenville about the 15th of next June, with the Chippawas, Ottawas, Pattawatamies, Sakies and Miamis, to conclude on articles of peace; agreeably to preliminary...
33To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
A full and accurate investigation of the subject of the Georgia sale of lands, the extinguishment of the Indian rights to the same, and the predatory war on the frontiers of that State and of the South Western Territory, agreeably to the directions expressed in your letter of yesterday, cannot probably be completed until the forepart of next week. When I can ascertain the day on which a report...
34To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
Solicitous to retain in the public service so estimable an Officer as Captain Dale, I wished to place the indulgence he requests on such ground as might save that service from injury and afford a justification to the Executive of the United States in granting him a furlough. Captain Dale will undoubtedly return from China in full time to take command of the Frigate to which he has been...
35To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
As the carved work for the frigates should be relative to their names, and will require a length of time to accomplish—there being but a single Carver here competent to the work for the frigates building at Philadelphia, Baltimore and Norfolk—the Captains, with Mr Humphreys the Constructor at this place, have represented the necessity of an early designation of the names of the Frigates. To...
36To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the inclosed draught of a letter to Governor Blount. Mr Wolcott verbally expressed his approbation: Mr Bradford & Mr Randolph have subscribed theirs; the former suggesting a few alterations which he has noted with his pencil. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed draft has not been found. It probably was for...
37To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War in conformity with the expectation of the President of the United States has considered of the means of possessing and garrisoning a post at Presqu’ Isle and now respectfully reports, That having requested Major Denny, the Commandant of the State Troops of Pennsylvania to give information of their number and term of service and of other matters respecting the projected...
38To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have received letters from Kon-ondaigua, informing me of the death of General Chapin: and I take the liberty of inclosing letters from divers respectable inhabitants of that country, strongly recommending the General’s son, Israel Chapin, to succeed his father. What they say of him appears to me strictly just. He has been so much employed by his father in the affairs of the Six Nations, that...
39Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 31 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed draught of a letter to Mr Seagrove touches on points of such importance, I think it necessary to be submitted to the President’s inspection: and as it respects Mr Seagrove’s letter to the President, the submission is indispensable. The letter with its inclosures accompany my answer, as well as Mr Seagrove’s Talk, which has occasioned many of my observations: but which from its...
40To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Genl Wayne has just arrived at this office. Peace with the Indians seems no longer doubtful. The act of Congress correcting an error in a former act about the bounty to soldiers who should reinlist, was passed the 29th of January, and on the 31st I forwarded it with that to which it related, to General Wayne, for his information on the subject of recruiting. His letter...
41From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 13 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary has this moment received Mr Dandridge’s note of this morning, enquiring whether the Secretary had come to any resolution on Govr Mifflin’s letters &c. The answer is in the negative. The Secy received that letter &c. last Saturday evening; and to expedite the departure of Capt. DeButts, was yesterday engaged in draughting the form of a long treaty to aid General Wayne in his...
42From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 5 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
An express is going this morning with money to General Morgan’s army. I left with the President yesterday the copy of my letter of the 1st which went by last Saturday’s post to Genl Morgan. I would transmit that as a duplicate. And if the President thinks that a greater portion of the militia should be immediately discharged, or would give any other orders respecting them, I shall be happy to...
43To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
The subject of the letter dated March 18. 1795, from Harry Innes Esqr. of Kentuckey, to the President of the United States, with the letter of James Smiley inclosed therein, has been considered by the Secretary of War; who now respectfully reports to the President. That by the letters of the late Secretary of War, the accounts of the service of scouts were directed to be certified on oath, by...
44From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 15 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be pleased to lay before the President a letter & plans relating to the proposed arsenal for South-Carolina, received during the late absence of the President—and the letters from Govr Matthews and James Ross Esqr. lately recd. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The letter and plans for a South Carolina arsenal are not identified. In a letter dated 16 April, Georgia governor George...
45To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor St Clair was received yesterday by post. The proposed visit of the Chiefs of the Sioux, Puans &c. will be postponed of course, at least for one year— unless they come forward without an invitation or consent. Were it otherwise, I should doubt the expediency of the visit. All the means of attaching those numerous Indian nations to the United States it would...
46From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 22 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be so good as to lay the inclosed papers before the President; they were received to day by the mails. From General Wayne—letter dated Apl 7th with inclosures. From James Seagrove—May 7. 1795. with the proposals of J. C. Nightingale & Co. for the Indian trade. From General Morgan—May 15th The General has been precipitate in forming a corps for six months longer service; &...
47From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 26 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be pleased to present the inclosed letter from Mr Seagrove to the President. It contains the agreeable intelligence that the Creek Nation are coming in with prisoners & stolen property, and are determined to be at peace with every part of the United States. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . An extract of Creek Indian agent James Seagrove’s letter to GW of 12 May states: “I have...
48From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 5 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be pleased to lay the inclosed papers before the President. 1. A Letter of the 29th ulto from Genl Morgan. 2. do do from Colo. Butler. 3. Extract of a letter from Major Craig. 4. Copy of a letter to Govr Mifflin. The Secretary of War will wait on the President to-morrow morning to take his orders relative to General Morgan and any other matters referred to in the...
49To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War has the pleasure to report to the President of the United States, that on the 3d instant there sailed from Pittsburg, to reinforce General Wayne; commissioned officers 7 non commissioned officers and privates } 226 233 —and that Colo. Butler expected all the men who had been inoculated, would be able to proceed in eight days afterwards. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
50To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully presents to the President the name of Mr George Clymer for one of the Commissioners to hold the treaty with the Creek Indians. Mr Fitzsimons, it is understood, will contest Mr Swanwick’s election for the city of Philadelphia. Mr John D. Cox is highly esteemed for his integrity and candour—his law-knowledge and sound judgement: But he is thought to be slow in...