To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 August 1799
From Timothy Pickering
Philadelphia Augt 22. 1799.
Sir,
The inclosed I have cut from a New-York paper.1 It reminds me of what I have repeatedly proposed to different citizens of Philadelphia— That in order to avoid the impurities of docks partly uncovered at low water, and to preserve a sufficient depth of water for vessels to enter, & even lie afloat, the wharfing of the city should be newly arranged. For this end, fixing a curve line which should embrace the most valuable of the existing wharf-improvements, the general abutment on the river should have one regular sweep; and in deep water. If from this one line there were to be no projections, it is plain that the current of the river would always keep the depth of water: But to make more room for shipping, as well as to defend the vessels from driving Ice (which in the Delaware would soon cut them through) wharfs must be run off, nearly at right angles with the general abutment. If, however, a wide passage be left, next the curve, in its whole length, the current will still sweep all clean. This crude sketch will explain my meaning, and save more words:2
Instead of perfectly solid piers, from bottom to top, they may, after a close, solid foundation is laid⟨,⟩ be built with cross-logs, so as to give a passage to the water; and be made solid only so far from the top downward, as to give firmness to the piers.
If the Delaware, at the site of Philadelphia now washed a plain shore, as when Mr Penn founded the city, there would be no question of the utility of the plan I have intimated. The city of Washington is now in such a situation; and therefore I trouble you with these hints. Economy as well as utility, recommend such an improvement: for being once made, all below the surface of the water will last forever. Otherwise, as the original docks fill up, the proprietors must extend their wharves, at fresh expences; at the same time probably injuring their neighbours’ prior improvements, for want of a uniform, well concerted plan at the outset.3 I am very respectfully sir, your most obt servt
Timothy Pickering
P.S. The Eastern Branch of Potowmack wanting a large head of water, will require extraordinary precautions to preserve its depth.
ALS (letterpress copy), MHi: Pickering Papers; copy, DNA: RG 42, General Records, Letters Received, 1791–1867. Written on the DNA copy: “The original of this letter was returned to Genl Washington.”
1. A “Communication” in the New York Daily Advertiser on 19 Aug. 1799 from Civis begins: “It is contemplated, we understand, to alter totally the wharves on the East River.” Civis goes on to set out in great detail the plan Pickering describes here.
2. The small “crude sketch” that Pickering made here shows wharves jutting out from the curving “Shore of the river Delaware” with a “Free Water course” under the wharves along the shore and another parallel one farther out in the river.
3. After receiving Pickering’s letter, GW on 28 Aug. forwarded it to the District of Columbia commissioners: “Gentlemen, Monday’s Mail, brought me the enclosed letter of the 22d instant from Colo. Pickering. As it is more in your line than in mine, to give it the consideration which so interesting a subject merits; and as the field (hitherto so little cultivated) is now open to the adoption of any plan which wisdom, sound policy & foresight may dictate, I take the liberty of transmitting it for your perusal; being persuaded that the thoughts of any intelligent and well disposed person on a point of such importance to the well being of a City which is designated to be the Seat of Empire, cannot be illy received by you. With great esteem and regard I am Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Servt Go: Washington” (ALS, ViMtvL; letterpress copy, NN: Washington Papers). See also William Thornton to GW, 1 September. The commissioners, Gustavus Scott, William Thornton, and Alexander White, replied on 2 Sept.: “We received your favor of the 28th Ulto, enclosing a Letter from Colonel Pickering, of which we have taken a copy, and return the original. The Subject is truly deserving of consideration, and we thank you for this mark of Attention” (DLC:GW). See also GW to Pickering, 8 September.