1From Timothy Pickering to David Cobb, 3 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have more than once conversed with you on the subject of the army’s moving below; and expressed my wishes, prompted by divers reasons, that such a movement might not take place. But perhaps it may be proper to commit those reasons, stating them more particularly, to writing. 1. The want of forage. The General has himself seen that the horses and oxen cannot subsist, unless turned out to...
2Timothy Pickering to George Washington Craik, 19 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
I will thank you to send me a letter to be addressed to Mr Adet, concerning some prizes sent into Charleston & Wilmington; if the President approves of the draught. Mr Adets last long note will be in Brown’s paper on Monday morning; & I wish to acknowledge its receipt before hand. yr obt ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. No reply to Pickering from either GW or Craik has been found. The...
3From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 30 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned to the President to-day the request of Mr Boudinot that the President would sign 50 diplomas for the New Jersey Cincinnati. The President thought he had signed that number during the late session of Congress. The inclosed papers will show that General Knox was to request it: but I suppose the blanks were never sent to the President. For I now find in this office one bundle...
4Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 14 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War prays Mr Dandridge to lay before the President, the reports No. 1. 2. 3 & 4, for the two Houses of Congress. No. 5, on the frigates I shall myself present to the President in perhaps half an hour. No. 6. on the fortifications will require a further examination; but will be ready to-morrow morning. The reports of the Directors of the mint will be ready to send in this...
5From 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...
6Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 26 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Pickering incloses the proceedings from Winchester, with the draught of an answer under the same cover, which Colo. Pickering wrote a number of days since & locked up in a closet at the office of state, where it lay unnoticed till this forenoon. Mr Dandridge will also find inclosed two letters received to day from Mr Monroe, which Mr D. will have the goodness to lay before the President....
7Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 20 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War received yesterday the inclosed letter from Mr Kinlock, desiring the extract from Mr Huger’s letter might be laid before the President: you will have the goodness to present it. Captain Kalteisen, who is an old officer now in the corps of artillery & who has been commanding at Fort Johnson, in Charleston Harbour, being in town, wishes very much to pay his respects to the...
8From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 20 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be pleased to lay before the President the inclosed letter from Mr Seagrove & the Newspaper which accompanied it. The Secretary of War has had copies made of the Talks of the Creek Chiefs, which he proposes to forward by post next Monday, to Governor Blount. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Neither the letter from Creek Indian agent James Seagrove nor the accompanying newspaper...
9Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 30 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Pickering incloses to Mr Dandridge a memorandum of the Director of the Mint, of copper he has purchased; for the payment of which Mr Dandridge will be so good as to make out an order in the usual form, & present it to the President for his approbation & signature. 6495 lbs. at 2/4 amount to Dollars 2020 67/100. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s...
10From 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; &...
11From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 9 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War requests Mr Dandridge to lay before the President the inclosed letter of John Parker Hale, lieutenant in the corps of artillerists and engineers, desiring to resign. From the information heretofore received by the Secretary, the resignation is not to be regretted. Mr Hale wishes to leave town to-morrow morning. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Also on this date John Harris,...
12Timothy 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...
13From 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...
14Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 22 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd from Mr Wolcott the inclosed letter to Mr Adet, which this morning I left at Mr Wolcott’s office for his perusal and remarks. He approves of it entirely. I called at Mr Lee’s in the morning for the like purpose, but he was not at home. However, his letter to me (also inclosed) which I received yesterday, shows a concurrence of his opinion in every principle advanced by...
15From 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...
16From 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...
17From 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...
18Timothy 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...
19From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 23 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
If the President should approve of the inclosed letter to the Governor of New-York, it will be transmitted, with the two papers therein referred to, by to-morrow’s post. Mr Dandridge will be so good as to lay them before the President. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . This letter and the accompanying papers have not been identified. On this day, Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., returned the draft of...
20Timothy 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 ;...
21Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 25 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed instructions to Mr Price, who is to manage the Indian trading store in Georgia, and to Captain Eaton who is to command the troops destined to St Mary’s river, I pray you to lay before the President for his inspection, and approbation or correction. I have this moment finished them. I will wait on the President to receive his orders concerning them either this evening or as early...
22Timothy 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...
23Timothy 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...
24From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 27 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge will be pleased, at a convenient time, to lay the inclosed letter before the President. The writer, David Campbell, of the southwestern territory, begged it might be presented; otherwise The Secretary of War would not have troubled the President with its perusal. It contains merely an eulogy on Governor Blount, as the writer says “in energetic strains.” He aims at the poetic...
25From Timothy Pickering to David Humphreys, 5 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
On hand fit for service—soldiers tents 35. wall tents 6 Expected daily from Connecticut 300. very old tents at Morristown repairing, probably will be rendered serviceable 80. As Colo. Hatch is disappointed in his expectations of exchanging heavy for light duck, on notice of it, July 27th I immediately desired him to make up into tents all the Russia duck that was tolerably light. This may...
26From Timothy Pickering to David Humphreys, 24 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
your favour of this date is just handed to me. The axes are all ground & part helved; the residue are helving. I have given directions to have grindstones fixed; and will attend to the means of transportation, agreeable to his Excellency’s wishes. I am yr most obedt servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
27From Timothy Pickering to David Humphreys, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Between the 5th & 13th inst. were loaded at Ringwood fifteen double teams & twenty nine single teams, with 124 barrels of flour 1 barrel of biscuit 33 barrels of beans 2 hogsheads of salt 6 tierces of ditto 23 barrels—do– according to the report of Mr Skidmore the deputy waggon master, who saw them loaded. On his return hither the 14th inst. he met 17 more single teams on their way to Ringwood...
28Enclosure: 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...
29Enclosure: 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...
30Enclosure 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...
31Enclosure: 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...
32Timothy 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...
33Timothy 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...
34Timothy 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 :...
35From Timothy Pickering to Tench Tilghman, 10 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of this date is just received—I know not who has the Direction of the shad fishery; & if I did have no authority to put the Business in a new train. The Pettiaugers I can order to be got ready to sail at a moment’s warning: and for the security of the fish against the accident you mention (which however can scarcely happen) each boat may take & keep on board a barrel or two of...
36From Timothy Pickering to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 10 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favour of this date just handed me, relative to the standards for the army, I have to inform you, that they came to the store at this place in a box with other articles, directed to Mr Frothingham field commissary of military stores, who opened the box & took out some of the articles, but left the standards, saying he would send for them: how ever, there they are yet. This is...
37From Timothy Pickering to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 29 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Previous to General Schuylers demand for nails, I have ordered from Pensylvania all that could be spared from the immediate services of the posts in that state; in consequence, Colo. Miles, my deputy there, sent from Philadelphia— 487 lbs. spikes and deck nails 1099 30d. nails 2081 24d. do 5813 20d. do 587 12d. do which were forwarded from Trenton June 22d by teams to go thro’ to Kings’ ferry.
38From Timothy Pickering to Benjamin Walker, 22 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the questions in your note of this date, you will be pleased to inform the commander in chief. That last May Saml Ogden Esqr. of Booneton contracted to make and deliver 1500 camp kettles in a very short time. From the 6th of July to the 23d of October he had delivered 1205—295 are still due, for which he has been importuned. On the 13th of February his Clerk wrote that they were...
39To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(private) This morning I received the inclosed letter from Mr Dayton, expressing fully his opinion of Mr Israel Ludlow, whose application for the office of Surveyor General I had the honor lately to transmit to you. While it must be acknowledged that Mr Dayton is perfectly competent to pronounce accurately on the character of a man so well known to him as Mr Ludlow must be, it is proper for me...
40To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully returns to the President his report on the claims of the Cohnawagas, or Seven Nations of Canada, with the draught of a letter which he thinks proper to go from the department of war, with the report, to the Governor of New-York. The Secretary also transmits a press copy of the report, to be lodged in the war-Office, which will enable the Secretary of War to...
41To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
General Hazen has applied to the secretary at war for the articles necessary to equip his regiment. For what regards my department, he is referred to me. I have no difficulty in ordering a supply of every article, tents excepted, which must be brought from the North river; nor should I hesitate about these, if the regiment were certainly to continue any length of time at Lancaster: for they...
42To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 7 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to receive your Excellency’s letter by Col. Lee, conferring upon me the office of adjutant general: And since, notwithstanding all my objections, ’tis your Excellency’s pleasure, I am happy to declare my acceptance of it. At the same time I am constrained, from my real feelings; again to express my fears that I shall fall short of your Excellency’s expectations. Few people are...
43To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
To the President of the United States, The Secretary of State respectfully makes the following brief representation of the affairs of the United States in relation to Algiers. When Colonel Humphreys left America in April 1795, he was accompanied by Joseph Donaldson Esqr. who had been appointed Consul for Tunis and Tripoli; and him Colo. Humphreys was authorized to employ in negociating a...
44To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Recollecting your anxiety that General Pinckney might [not] feel satisfied with the military arrangements of General officers proposed by you, I seize the first moment to relieve you from it. This morning Mr McHenry has received from Genl Hamilton a letter dated yesterday, in which is the following passage: After mentioning the arrival of General Pinckney, Genl Hamilton says— “You will learn...
45To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
An Estimate of public horses on hand in the states named below, and in the main army: In Massachusetts 60 Connecticut 60 New York 130 New Jersey 80 Pensylvania 120 Waggon Horses 450 Riding horses in the hands of officers of all ranks in the line & staff, at least 50
46To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr Paleski, the Prussian Consul being marked “duplicate,” I suppose the Original may have already fallen under your notice. I thought it proper however to lay it before you: at the same time it appears to be so clear a case, that I have written an answer to Mr Paleski, suggesting that the prolonging of a treaty is tantamou[n]t to the making of a treaty, in which the...
47To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
On the 16th instant I received from Governor Jay, an answer to my letter of the 3d relative to the intended negociations with the Onondagas, Cayugas & Oneidas for the purchase of their lands. In my letter was inclosed the opinion of the Attorney General, that those negociations could not lawfully be had without the intervention of the government of the United States. A copy of the Governor’s...
48To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States three papers of nominations. To that respecting the Spanish treaty he wished to have added a name for a commissioner for the spoliations: but is not satisfied about a suitable character. He has examined the Constitution of Pennsylvania & by that, the office of Mayor of Philadelphia, which comprehends the office of a...
49To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is now time to deposit at West-Point as much wood as will be necessary for the use of the garrison the ensuing winter. If it be practicable to determine, at this time, what shall be the strength of the garrison, and the number and ranks of the officers, I will lay in forage, as well as wood, in proportion, as soon as I am favoured with your Excellency’s decision thereon. The wood I propose...
50To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you the form of a pardon for Mitchell & Vigol, insurgents, for your signature. The petition inclosed for their pardon was received after you had decided to grant it. Some letters from Mr FitzSimons, & from me to Mr Deas are also inclosed for your information. I will wait on you to-morrow morning upon these subjects; and am most respectfully Sir Your obt servt...