1To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 30 January 1795 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has instructed me to communicate, in confidence , to the Senate, the dispatches from Major General Wayne herewith transmitted, dated the 23d of December last, and which were received on the 28th instant. I have the honor to be, / Sir, / with great respect, / Your obedient Servt: DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
2To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 12 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
By the direction of the President of the United States, I have the honour to present herewith—No. 1. A Statement of the present military force of the United States; No. 2. A report of the measures which have been pursued to obtain proper sites for Arsenals; & No. 3. A report of the measures which have been taken to replenish the magazines with military stores; No. 4. A report of the measures...
3To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
Portland , in the District of Maine .—The works consist of a fort, a citadel, a battery for ten pieces of cannon, an artillery store, a guard house, an air furnace for heating shot, and a covered way from the fort to the battery. The works are substantially executed, excepting the covered way; to complete this, the earth on the spot being of a bad quality, with the necessary supports of stones...
4To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 2 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Senate were pleased, on the 22d. of December, to direct a statement to be laid before them of the military force actually employed against the insurgents in the four Western Counties of Pennsylvania, and an account of the expenditures in that expedition. I have now the honour to inform the Senate, that the expenditures were of various kinds, none of which, except merely for the pay of the...
5To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 31 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a report on the memorial and petition of William Somarfall & son & John Price, merchants of Charleston, South Carolina, yesterday referred to me by the Senate; and to be with perfect respect, / Sir, / Your most obedient servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
6To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 5 September 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 29th. ulto. enquiring about your son Thos. B. Adams at the Hague. On the day of the date of your letter I recd. one from him dated the 28th. of May, from which be pleased to receive the following extract, containing all the information I can give in answer to your enquiries, excepting that the latest letter from your eldest son is dated the 22d. of June...
7To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 September 1796 (Adams Papers)
The President set out early this morning for Mount Vernon; and soon after, his address to the people of the United States appeared in Claypoole’s news-paper. Of this public declaration, that he will not be a candidate for the office of President, at the ensuing election, I supposed it would be grateful to you to receive the earliest advice. The sentiments he has expressed on the occasion may...
8To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
By the direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor to inclose a report of the Director of the Mint, suggesting the expediency of some alterations in its establishment, to render it less expensive to the public, and more accommodating to depositors. The report is accompanied with statements of the gold, silver, and copper coins issued from the mint from its commencement to...
9To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 25 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I inclose the form of the summons by Mr. Jefferson on the former occasion, to the Senators to attend on the 4th of March, and that which would seem to me proper on the present occasion; and by the favour of you to make any alterations that shall appear best; also to fill the blank for the hour of assembling at the Senate Chamber. With great respect / your obt. servt MHi : Adams Papers.
10To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. a letter of the 6th ult. from Mr. Anspach, stating the necessity of his being furnished with two or three thousand dollars, to pay some arrears due to himself, Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Dill, & a few others who were employed in the late department of the Quarter Master General—that the payment of those arrears, particularly his, Mr. Wolfe’s & Mr. Dill’s will enable them to complete the...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day recd. your letter of the 19th. instant. It is in some sort anticipated by mine of last week. But the inclosed letter to Mr. Peter Anspach is to request him with Mr. Wolfe’s assistance to present you with a statement of the debts intended to have been provided for by the anticipation you mention, & which yet remain unsatisfied. The documents are in his hand. I remarked in my...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 6 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Last evening a gentleman called on me to inform me of Mr. Duer’s resignation; and to urge me to apply for the vacant office. Having since reflected on a variety of circumstances which would render the office eligible, I have concluded to make known to you my willingness to take it, if you, who know me perfectly well, think I can give you the aid you would wish for and expect in an assistant....
13To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Conveyances to and from this place rarely offer, which, I suppose, prevented my receiving your favor of May 13th until a few days past. In appointments to public employments, when I had such to make, I am not conscious that personal considerations ever influenced my choice. The same principle determines me to be satisfied, and, if you will allow the expression, to approve of your appointment...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter, I sent at its date from Wyoming by a private hand, in a packet addressed to Mr. Hodgdon to be forwarded to you: but to-day it came to hand, thro’ the post office. I find that Congress have been pleased to grant 40,000 dollars to discharge certain arrears due from my late department. Mr. Anspach has written to me on the subject. He states that the mode of paying the...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received and considered your letter of the 23rd instant, proposing that a credit should be given to the Supervisors of the Revenue for the postage of Letters, until their collections should render it convenient to make payment. I shall as you request instruct the Deputy Postmasters, at the places by you enumerated, to open accounts with the respective Supervisors, and to accommodate the...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 13 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I received your letter of the 13th of August, I did not consider it with the attention which would have been necessary if at that time I had attempted to answer the questions you propose. Now it appears to me impossible to do it, with any degree of precision. It then struck me that certain communications to the Society of Agriculture of this city would have furnished the principal...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 9 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
After much enquiry, I have found a house which would accommodate my numerous family, and at the same time give me office-room. The greatly extended business of the department, I think may be accomplished with the same help which has been used since the time of Mr. Osgoods appointment, to wit, an assistant and clerk. For these, with their necessary writing desks, table, boxes, cases & shelves,...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 8 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Indians of the Five Nations who lately visited Philadelphia, received their invitation from me , in the manner described in the inclosed copy of a letter to the President. Mr. Kirkland, the bearer of my message, received his instructions from the Secretary of War, to whom he from time to time transmitted information of his proceedings. Of this I was ignorant until after the arrival of the...
19Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to George Washington, 21 March 1792 (Hamilton 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...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just read a passage in your circular letter of June 25th to the Collectors of the Customs, putting on the 12th section of the Post-Office-Law a construction which I conceive to be erroneous & which will materially injure the revenue of the department. I recollect your dropping the same idea transiently when I last saw you. I then searched for but overlooked the clause which showed that...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 3 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Since the close of the last War with Great Britain the Mails for Canada, brought by the British Packets to New York have been transmitted to Albany by the carriers of the Mails of the United States; and from Albany by a Courier to Montreal. Mr Lansing the postmaster at Albany, was the agent in this business in behalf of the Deputy postmaster General for Canada. Mr Lansing made some...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 17 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose the papers before handed to you respecting Ichabod Grummans claim, and a new and more accurate statement of his income by which it appears that on the principal admitted in his case, he may ask an indemnification of nine hundred & thirty one dollars 78 cents for the loss which he sustained by the sickness which lately prevailed in Philadelphia. I am &c. LC , RG 28, Letter Books,...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 28 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
General Post Office, March 28, 1794. “I have reviewed my calculations respecting Ichabod Grumman’s claim for an allowance on Account of the loss he sustained in carrying the mail between Philadelphia and New York, by reason of the fatal sickness in the former city, during the last Autumn; and seeing no cause for alteration in the statement, I now request your approbation, in writing , as you...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 8 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 8, 1795. On January 20, 1795, Hamilton wrote to Pickering and referred to “your letter of the 8th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
25To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 19 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 19, 1795. On January 19, 1795, Hamilton wrote to Pickering : “I have recd. your letter of this day.” Letter not found. ]
26To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 17 November 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The interest you take in all public measures of importance, and the peculiar solicitude you must feel at this time of general agitation, when so many are busy apparently to undermine the government which you so effectually laboured to establish, and have so eminently contributed to maintain—induce me, with that sincerity which I trust has ever marked my character, and that frankness which an...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The printer of Mr. Randolph’s vindication advertises that it will be published next Friday. The translation of Fauchet’s letter will be in it. This translation was made by Mr. Taylor at Randolph’s request; but Mr. Taylor, who desired the use of mine, told me that he had made but few variations. Now if I have mistaken the sense in any material passages, it is highly probable that they will be...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 22 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The President is anxious to ascertain whether the gentlemen he has thought of for Commissioners under the 6th & 7th articles of the British treaty will accept of those employments. He has concluded to appoint Egbert Benson Esqr. one of the Commissioners for executing the 6th article, relative to the debts owing to British subjects—if he will accept of the employment. He is held in such high...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 16 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Howell, the Commissioner for settling the St. Croix boundary, has been here this week, & started the following questions. 1. “How far will it be proper for Mr. Howell to use his discretion in refusing to draw lots for the third Commissioner, in case the British Commissioner shall persist in proposing a gentleman on his part who may be, in Mr. Howell’s opinion, not an indifferent person?”...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 24 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 21st relative to Mr. Pitcairn. As soon as the President had determined to change our Minister at Paris, I considered it not less necessary to make a change in the Consulate; and Mr Pinckney will go thither with the requisite powers on this subject. I have mentioned to him Mr Pitcairn as the gentleman whom he may safely and advantageously employ in the...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 23 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 23, 1797. On February 6, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Pickering : “I duly received your letter of the 23 of Jany.” Letter not found. ]
32To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry to have so long delayed an answer to your letter of the 23d. but we have been unusually occupied, and the decrees you referred to were not readily found: that of the 28th of May 1793 I have now discovered in a printed volume of the proceedings of the Convention for that month. So I now inclose you copies— 1st of the decree of May 9th 1793, violating our treaty, by rendering neutral...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35Enclosure: 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...
36To 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...
37To 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,...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44Timothy 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 :...
45Timothy 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...
46Timothy 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...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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 .