From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1797
To Timothy Pickering
City of Washington 14th Mar. 1797.
Dear Sir,
The pressure of business in the last days of my administration, occasioned my dispatching the enclosed Instrument to the Commissioners of this City without the Seal of the United States (as certified); and I should not have known it wanted this evidence, had not those Gentlemen (upon my arrival here) informed me of the omission.
I now forward it for the purpose of having this defect remedied; and request the favor of you to return it to the Commissioners with the Seal annexed.1 with great & sincere regard, I am Your Affecte Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, MHi: Pickering Papers.
Failing to persuade several other men to accept appointment to the office of secretary of state after Edmund Randolph’s forced resignation in August 1795, GW nominated Timothy Pickering (1745–1829), who had become secretary of war in January 1795 after Henry Knox’s resignation. A close ally of Alexander Hamilton, Pickering remained in office under John Adams until Adams dismissed him in May 1800.
1. For the identity of the “enclosed Instrument,” see Pickering to GW, 21 March.