101To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(private) Last evening, about nine o’clock, when sitting in my office, the Messenger brought me a letter from Mr Monroe. When going to open it, I found it had already been broken open, but the broken edges of the paper had been slightly fastened again by introducing some pieces of wafer. The original sealing, as usual with Colo. Monroe’s letters, was with wax. The wife of the Messenger went to...
102To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(private) I was honored with your confidential letter of the 13th and showed it to the other two secretaries. Last Friday Mr Dawson called on the Secretary of War, and mentioned his being on a journey to the eastward, to contract for the manufacturing of five thousand stand of arms for the State of Virginia; and requested his information where he might apply without interfering with any...
103To 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...
104To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your information a copy of the letter I sent this day to the Minister of the French Republic, in answer to his enquiry relative to the prohibition of the sale of prizes brought by French armed vessels into the ports of the United States. I presume the answer will preclude any reply; the rather because similar ideas have been formally reported to the council of...
105To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
As soon as you had decided on the expediency of substituting a consul in the place of Mr Parrish at Hamburg, I requested Mr FitzSimons at Philadelphia, and Mr King at New-York, to enquire for a suitable person to succeed him. I also wrote to Mr Cabot at Boston making the same request. The two former gentlemen informed me that they found no fit character in Philadelphia or New-York. Last Friday...
106To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received from the Minister of the French Republic an answer to my letter of the 1st instant, and have now the honor to inclose a translation of it. His entire ignorance of any new orders from his government relative to neutral vessels trading with the enemies of the French Republic, may authorize a conclusion, that none have been issued: and that the captures & appropriations (not...
107To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(Private) I saw Mr Vaughan last evening, whom I had desired to ascertain Mr Adet’s intentions relative to a journey to Mount Vernon. He had made some indirect enquiries, & is inclined to think the journey will be made, but suspended for four or five weeks. He will endeavour to reduce the matter to a certainty, & give me the earliest information. Last evening a Mr Bird, a London merchant, gave...
108To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
In your last dispatches were received two patents passed by the Attorney General for your signature, which I now return for that purpose. I have also the honor to inclose a duplicate commission for John Trumbull Esqr. The original went by Mr King; and to be with perfect respect, sir, your most obt servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 59, Domestic Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence...
109To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to the intimation in your letter respecting a surveyor general, I take the liberty to inclose the application of Israel Ludlow, with the certificates of recommendation which he has this morning delivered to me. He is about twenty nine years of age, of a good person and agreeable manners. I have thought it proper on this occasion to inclose the applications of Mr John Hall & Joseph...
110To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 1st and 4th instant. On the appointment of a superintendant of Indian Affairs in the room of Governor Blount—and on the running & marking the Cherokee boundary, I expect to be able to report to you on Monday next the opinion of the Heads of Departments. The Secretary of the treasury informs me that he directed the Comptroller...
111To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) I have the honor to inclose the concurrent opinions of the heads of departments on the points stated in your letter of the 24th ulto and I return the confidential copy of Colo. Hamilton’s letter, agreeably to your direction. The letter to Mr Adet was sent to him on Saturday. The paper inclosed by Mr Monroe in his letter to Dr Logan gave a very long detail about French affairs. In the...
112To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 29th ulto on Saturday. Mr Liston has promised the necessary letters for Colo. Talbot, & to deliver them to me by the ensuing Thursday; and about Friday he proposes to set out for Mount Vernon. The Chevalier de Freire told me ten days ago, that he should regulate his movements by those of Mr Liston, whose departure for Mount Vernon he waited. Mr Liston last evening...
113To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
In my last I mentioned the arrival of Mr DeWitt. On saturday afternoon he delivered me the inclosed letter, expressing his reason for not accepting the office of surveyor general. The same day, in the forenoon, I received the inclosed letter from Colo. Thomas Tinsley of Virginia, desiring the appointment of Register of the Continental Land-Office; by which he doubtless means the office of...
114To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a translation of Mr Adet’s letter relative to the capture of the ship Mount Vernon. It seems to be studiously reserved. Besides the case in question, my letter invited a frank & candid communication of any information on the subject. Whatever orders the Directory may have given to their new Commissioners gone to St Domingo, relative to neutrals trading with the...
115To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Reflecting on the proposed application to Mr Liston respecting our seamen impressed in the West Indies, I thought a more effectual mode than a conversation, would be to address him by letter. While in the country to-day, I draughted the inclosed for that purpose. I also sketched a letter to Mr Adet on the subject of the piratical privateer which has captured one of our ships, and in effect...
116To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I inclose draughts of instructions for Mr Trumbull and Colo. Talbot. The latter will not be able to sail for the West Indies until about the 20th of July. Reflecting on Mr Trumbull’s situation in England, and the nature of the service to be performed there, I have not a doubt but that 2500 dollars will be a satisfactory compensation. I mentioned to his brother Jonathan £500. Sterling, who did...
117To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has examined with as much attention as the time would permit, the several acts of the late session of Congress, & noted the points requiring the acts or directions of the President of the U. States, which notes are respectfully laid before him. The Secretary also presents the draught of instructions for the person who is to go to London to aid the Commissioners on...
118Enclosure: Acts Requiring Presidential Action, c.8 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Act may 17th 1796—empowers the President to appoint Superintendants of the Light house to be erected on Cape Cod. Act may 17th 1796—empowers the President to approve of the locations of certain lands granted to Ebenezer Zane. Act may 18th 1796, empowers the President to appoint a Surveyor General—also an agent to join in the direction of the sales of land to be made at Pittsburg—The President...
119To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed papers were sent to me by the Secretary of the Treasury. The wrapper, on which is written the opinion of Mr Harrison, the Auditor, gives a concise & just statement of the case on which John Skinner Esqr. late Marshall of North Carolina founds his claim of compensation. His demand is for 900 dollars, being a commission of three per cent on 30,000 dollars, the sum illegally taken...
120To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States a note from Mr Liston, his Britannic Majesty’s Minister plenipotentiary, with copies of two letters, one from Lord Dorchester, the other from the Sheriff of Montreal; and expresses his concurrence with Mr Liston in the opinion, That while the reciprocal delivery of murderers & forgers is expressly stipulated in...
121To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inclose a letter from our Consul at Cadiz, with one for the President. The secretary recollects a Colo. Tatem’s calling on him last summer. He said he had been formerly in the southwestern territory—talked about very valuable maps of the U. States or some of them which he had made and was making; but needed pecuniary aid to complete & publish his...
122To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States—the draught of A message to Congress on the subject of Genl St Clair’s letter— Message to the Senate naming a district attorney for Massachusetts— A letter to Mr Pinckney —and A letter to Mr Parrish, Consul of the U. States at Hamburg. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence...
123To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
A demand is presented to me for 1868 49/100 dollars for transcripts of proceedings on American Vessels in the Vice Admiralty Court of Dominica, & other expences connected therewith; and some other smaller demands are depending. I have on hand but 1612 26/100 dollars. I therefore request the Presidents order on the Treasury Department for One Thousand Dollars, to enable me to discharge the...
124To 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...
125To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully returns the papers from Newbern, with the draught of an answer which seemed to him pertinent to the occasion. Mr Smith thinks it would by no means suit Mr Izard to undertake the St Croix business. In conversing afterwards on the subject with Mr King, Mr Cabot & Mr Ames, and looking over all the States eastward of Pennsylvania, no character appeared so...
126To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States a list of names for public offices, in the form of a message to the Senate. The Secretary expected to have added to the list the name of a consul for Bremen: but his doubts as to the person among the candidates entitled to a preference not having been otherwise resolved, he had recourse to Mr R. Morris, who...
127To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
As far as I have been able, I have stated in the inclosed paper the objects which I conceived you wished to consider, as deducible from various letters from our ministers and consuls abroad. There are others of a subordinate nature, or which respect situations which do not demand instant decision; but which will be resumed & pursued as soon as I find relief from the present anguish of my...
128Enclosure: Report on Foreign Affairs, 12 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
Mr Pinckney having desired to relinquish his mission and return to America, there will be a vacancy for a minister at London. Mr King has intimated that it would be agreeable to him to succeed Mr Pinckney. At all events, without fixing on the time, Mr King contemplates a relinquishment of his seat in the Senate. A minister of his abilities & experience & law-knowledge would seem peculiarly...
129To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President a letter of March 29th from Governor Blount with the address to him from the General Assembly of Tennessee, which were handed to the Secretary this day by Mr Cocke, a Senator Elect from that government. When the Secretary told Mr Cocke that the letter with its inclosure should be laid before the President, Mr Cocke expressed...
130To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State begs leave to inform the President of the United States, that the patent for Benjamin Tyler is destined to be carried to him by Mr Strong, who will leave town to-morrow morning by three o’clock. If the President should find time to attend to it before this evening, the Secretary will then have the honor to receive it at the President’s house. ALS , DNA : RG 59,...
131To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States letters from Colo. Humphreys from No. 24. to No. 29th—the numbers 27. 28 & 29 with inclosures, the Secretary has not been able to examine and arrange till now—they were received yesterday. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. These letters...
132To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully requests the President of the United States to grant him an order on the Secretary of the Treasury for Two thousand dollars, to enable him to continue the payment of the expences attending the procuring of copies of the proceedings of the British Courts of Vice Admiralty in the cases of captures by the armed vessels of that nation. ALS , DNA : RG 59,...
133To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honour to lay before the President of the U. States, copies of the estimates relative to the treaties with Great Britain, Spain, Algiers & the Indian Tribes northwest of the river Ohio, and a copy of the letter from the Secretary to the President of the Senate & to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which accompanied those estimates, when he laid the...
134To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honour to lay before the President of the U. States letters from Mr Adams Colo. Monroe & Mr Bayard, some of which were recd this day. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The dispatches Pickering received from John Quincy Adams, U.S. minister to the Netherlands, and James Monroe, U.S....
135To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the U. States the result of his examination of Mr Livingston’s speech. He also returns the draught of the proposed answer to the House, in the 3d page of which he has restored the idea of the Senate being composed of few members, as a reason why they participated in the power of making treaties: for taking the thing at large,...
136To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have examined the cases mentioned in Mr Livingston’s speech, in which he affects to draw certain conclusions that the President has heretofore admitted, by the nature of his communications to the House of Representatives, that their interference is necessary to the due formation and binding force of treaties: but not one applies to the point. All the instances cited relate to communications...
137To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the U. States this day received from Mr Adams & Mr Deas. Mr Bond informs the Secretary, that neither Major Beckwith nor any other person is coming from Canada on the subject of the posts. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Pickering likely enclosed...
138To 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...
139To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States the draughts of two letters which the secretary proposes to send to Mr Adet to-morrow morning, if they meet the President’s approbation. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The drafts have not been identified. The two letters probably...
140To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States, lists of the names of such persons as his enquiries or personal knowledge induce him to think eligible for the respective objects prefixed to the lists. Theophilus Parsons Massachusetts Judge Hobart New-York Edward Tilghman } Pennsylvania Thomas FitzSimons Gunning Bedford (Judge) Delaware Christopher Gore...
141To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States the draught of instructions and a seperate letter for Mr Pinckney, relative to further negociations with Great Britain, the Secretary not supposing a formal commission would be necessary. Should he be mistaken, there will be time to prepare a commission, as the ship favourite will not sail till Tuesday. ALS ,...
142To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the great satisfaction to inform you that Mr Lear has purchased the lands at the junction of the Potowmac & Shenandoah, on the original terms. His letter, which I have just received, is inclosed. I take liberty to inclose also my letter to Mr Lear to make the purchase; and am with the greatest respect sir your obt servant ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s...
143To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Director of the Mint has presented the inclosed statement to show at what rate he can probably import ten tons of sheet copper for the mint. He can purchase no more here and all that has been purchased has been coined. The rate of exchange being extremely favourable at this moment, he wishes to obtain your approbation of his estimate to enable him to obtain from the Treasury the sum...
144To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully requests the President of the United States to grant his order on the Secretary of the Treasury, to pay to the Secretary of State fourteen hundred and ninety eight dollars and eighty four cents to enable him to take up a bill of exchange dated August 11th 1795, drawn by Fisher & Darrell of Antigua on Thomas Fitzsimons Esqr. Chairman of the Committee of...
145To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to request the approbation of the President of the United States, of the purchase of copper made by the Director of the mint, agreeably to the inclosed account, amounting to three thousand two hundred & fifty one dollars & seven cents—being nearly 2½ cents per pound cheaper than the preceeding purchase. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA :...
146To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States, the letter of resignation of Mr Benjamin Joy, late consul of the United States at Calcutta; and the recommendations of Mr William James Miller late of Philadelphia, now established at Calcutta, as a fit person to succeed Mr Joy in the Consulate. In addition to the testimonies inclosed in favour of Mr Miller,...
147To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President the translations of two letters from Mr Skjoldebrand at Algiers to Colo. Humphreys, part of the packet received with the treaty. Also the draught of a letter to Mrs Bradford, which if approved, the Secretary will send by to-morrow’s post. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His...
148To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President a letter & inclosure received to-day from the Governor of Virginia, by which it appears that he has given orders to detain the vessels destined to export the horses purchased by the British in Virginia. Seeing the Executive of that state entertains such erroneous ideas on the subject, it seemed to the Secretary expedient to transmit...
149To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
At the request of the Chairman of the Committee on the bill for regulating trade with the Indian Tribes, I furnished him with a copy of Governor Blount’s letter mentioning the intended intrusions on the Cherokee lands; and also with a copy of the Attorney General’s letter to me on that subject. The chairman called upon me last evening, and suggested, that if the President officially...
150To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
It being too late personally to wait on the President, Colonel Pickering respectfully informs That a Committee of Congress on the Military Establishment have wished a communication of the ideas of Colo. Pickering on that subject. The Comtee deemed it improper to ask those of the President; at the same time it seemed apparent that they would be glad to know them. The Committee proposed to meet...