George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1781

To Colonel Timothy Pickering

New Windsor, January 25, 1781.

Sir:

My horses, I am told, have not had a mouthful of long or short forage for three days. They have eaten up their mangers and are now (though wanted for immediate use) scarcely able to stand. I should be glad to know if there is any prospect of relief for them.1 I am etc.

Fitzpatrick, Writings description begins John C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745–1799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931–44. description ends , 21:141. A cover on which GW wrote “Colo. Pickering Qr Mastr Genl” is in DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 28379. Notations on the cover’s docket read: “His horses starving! Is there any prospect of relief? (Answd).” For Pickering’s reply, see his letter to GW of this date.

1For a shortage of wood at GW’s headquarters, see General Orders, 24 Jan., source note.

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