1[From Alexander Hamilton to William Bradford, Timothy Pickering, Edmund Randolph, and Oliver Wolcott, Junior], [28 July … (Hamilton Papers)
Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of Alexander Hamilton, a History of the Republic of the United States of America (Boston, 1879). , VI, 243. John Church Hamilton states that H wrote to members of George Washington’s cabinet on this date. No further evidence of this correspondence, however, has been found.
2From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In the Estimate laid before Congress at their last Sessions, I included as an Anticipation of the late Superintendant of Finance the Amount of a draft issued by him in your favor on the late Receiver of Taxes for the State of New York for Fifty thousand Dollars no part of which appears to have been paid. The circumstances attending this Anticipation not being sufficiently known by the...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [5 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by The General to inform you in confidence, that the army will march from its present ground as soon as the weather permits. You will make your arrangements accordingly. When the weather clears, if you will call at Head Quarters, you will be informed of the particular disposition. I am D Sir Yr. Obed ser ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Pickering had succeeded Major...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [21 July 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I communicated your letter to Mr. Jay & now give you our joint sense. Considering the nature of the transaction and what must necessarily have been presumed to be the intent, & that the authority is on a public subject & between two nations, we think that a decision by two out of three commissioners must be sufficient. We know nothing but an immediate personal interest in property which may be...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Be so good as to urge the bringing forward the boats; there is no time to be lost. They ought to be with the others by Wednesday evening, if possible. Yr. very hum serv I think I mentioned to you in my first note, that the boats would be by this time at Dobbes ferry. ’Tis there the teams must go. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 13 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You no doubt have seen my pamphlet respecting the conduct and character of President Adams. The press teems with replies, and I may finally think it expedient to publish a second time. In this case I shall reinforce my charges by new anecdotes. My friends will no doubt be disposed to aid me. You probably possess some which are unknown to me. Pray let me have them without delay. You will...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 23 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 23, 1791. On August 26, 1791, Pickering wrote to Hamilton : “I have received … your letter of the 23d instant.” Letter not found. ] Pickering had been appointed Postmaster General on August 12, 1791.
8From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 29, 1777. Sends extract from General Orders of June 18, 1777, stating that “Timothy Pickering Esquire is appointed Adjutant General in the Armies of the United States of America.” ADS , Pickering Foundation, Salem, Massachusetts. Before his appointment as adjutant general, Timothy Pickering had served as colonel of a Massachusetts militia regiment.
9From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [25 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will have the boats at Dodd’s and those now with the army, properly furnished with oars, transported by horses for the sake of expedition—brought to the Notch, tomorrow evening precisely at five O Clock (i e half an hour before sunset) where they will receive further orders. You will have with each set a confidential person on whom you can absolutely rely for punctuality to a moment. The...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Some time since Mr. McCormick spoke to me about the case of his Kinsman Mr. Pitcairn whom Mr. Monroe had prevented from exercising the functions of Consul. I can, in justice, inform you that this Gentleman is well considered in our City and that his political principles have been understood to be very friendly to the French Revolution; nor have we any doubt that his sentiments towards our own...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [10 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
If I recollect right, Chancellor Livingston while Secy for foreign Affairs reported a censure upon Our Commissioners who made the peace with G Britain for not obeying their instructions with regard to France. Will you favour me in confidence with the real state of this business? I was at the time a member of Congress. It was immediately on the arrival of the provisional articles. I trust my...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [9 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The bad condition of my horses and the scarcity of forage in Camp induced me to leave them at Saratoga to recruit against the Campaign. I am shortly to make a journey with the General to Rhode Island for which I shall want horses. I therefore request the favour of you to furnish me with a couple of the best Continental horses that can be found. One for myself—the other for my portmanteau. The...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [14 May 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive that you as well as McHenry are quitting the Administration. I am not informed how all this has been, though I conjecture. Allow me to suggest, that you ought to take with you copies and extracts of all such documents as will enable you to explain both Jefferson & Adams . You are aware of a very curious journal of the latter when he was in Europe, a tissue of weakness and vanity....
14From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 15 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this, Mr. DuPont, formerly Consul at Charles Town, is personally known to you. He comes with the rest of his family to establish themselves in the United States. They are desirous of being favourably viewed by our Government and my intervention for this purpose has been requested. Inclosed is a letter from General Pinckney which speaks for itself. All that has come to my...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [3 September 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
As I imagine you are acquainted with the Inhabitants of Wilkesburgh or Wilksborough in Pensylvania & the neighbouring Country, I take the liberty to request information of some trusty, intelligent, active young lawyer in that quarter to be entrusted with the management of some land concerns of importance in which my Brother in law Mr Church is interested. You will of course suppose that in...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The additional boats must take the same route with the others; when they arrive they must be muffled. The impress if possible ought to be deferred ’till after the point of execution. But if you pass by to day and will call in, we can best speak of this. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H,...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [21 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The Marquis expects a letter here which he has left his servant to bring him to Smiths Clove, with some little articles. His servant has no horse. Will you be so good as to furnish him with one? If you have none at hand, please to have one impressed. The horse will return tomorrow. Yr. humble servant ALS , Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City.
18From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [9 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has anticipated the subject of your letter of this day, by ordering the greater part of the Jersey troops to Morris Town to occupy the huts there. He nevertheless continues in the desire that that place may not be the depositary of any large quantity of stores. The situation of the two artificers can only be pitied not redressed. The families of men in the service cannot be the...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
A working party of fifty men is ordered to parade tomorrow morning eight oClock at your quarters to take your orders. The object is to repair the road & briges for the march of the army to New Windsor by Pompton, Ringwood &c. A party of Artificers must accompany—A special charge to do the business well. Yr hum serv ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These preparations were...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [11 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
There are probably a good many dispatches for Head Quarters in the Post office at Fish Kill, some of which it may be of great importance should not be delayed. The General therefore desires (as he takes it for granted the ferry at New burgh is not practicable) that you will send a trusty person to pass the river at the nearest place above and go to Fish Kill for the letters and return as soon...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 16 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I will make no apology for my delay in answering your inquiry some time since made, because I could offer none which would satisfy myself. I pray you only to believe that it proceeded from any thing rather than want of respect or regard. I shall now comply with your request. The highest toned propositions, which I made in the Convention, were for a President, Senate and Judges during good...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [24 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
My servant informs me, that the saddle he rides has met with an accident that renders it unfit for use. As there are none here to be purchased, I should be glad it could be exchanged. I suppose it may be repaired and made serviceable again; however if like indulgencies are not allowed to other officers, I do not wish it for me. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obed ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [11 May 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
On my return here I found your letter of the 29th . The sitting of a Court of Chancery and important business there have unavoidably delayed a reply. Now, it must be much more cursory than I could wish. As to the mission, in some shape or other, the more I have reflected upon it, the more has it appeared to me indispensable. To accomplish, with certainty, a principal object of it—the silencing...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [7 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In the necessaries delivered for my corps, two days since, there were only two wall tents which were the number mentioned and required for the company officers. The field officers therefore are unprovided for. Will you be so good as to give an explicit order for two more? We also want a Regimental orderly book and some regimental paper. Will you be pleased to include these articles in your...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 7 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I this day received your letter of the 20th. of August. Mr. Morris has advised me of the Bills you desired and directed my purchasing them together with his notes and the bank notes with what money shall come in to my hands on public account. They are now beginning to collect the tax imposed for the use of the United States though I can as yet form no judgment with what success or expedition....
26From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 17 March 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I make no apology for offering you my opinion on the present state of our affairs. I look upon the Question before the Public as nothing less than whether we shall maintain our Independence and I am prepared to do it in every event and at every hazard. I am therefore of opinion that our Executive should come forth on this basis. I wish to see a temperate , but grave solemn and firm...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [23 January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I remember that very early in the day & prior to any act of Great Britain the French passed a decree violating with regard to all the neutral powers the principle of free ships free goods & I think making provisions liable to seizure. This decree was afterwards rescinded as to America—then again revived & then again revoked. I want copies of these decrees for a particular purpose useful to the...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [15 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General directs you will send off the inclosed dispatch for Count De Rochambeau very early in the morning with the most positive directions concerning expedition. It is of great importance that it should arrive to him as quick as possible. He wishes you also to write to the Qr. Master at the station of your last express and desire him in case Sheldon should not have taken up the chain...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [23 March 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I understand that the Senate have called upon the President for papers. Nothing certainly can be more proper; and such is the universal opinion here. And it appears to me essential that so much, as possibly can, be communicated. Confidence will otherwise be wanting—and criticism will ensue which it will be difficult to repel. The observation is that Congress are called upon to discharge the...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [24–25 April 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the paragraph of a News Paper just published. I hope it is an Electioneering lie—but as it is likely to do mischief I will thank you by return of Post to inform me whether you have any thing to confirm or refute & particularly whether you have heared of the list with which Commodore Truxton’s name is connected. Yrs. truly ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. The enclosure...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 4 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I observe by the Boston papers, that some dispatches have been lately found on board a vessel from this port which was carried into Gibralter. The late consul here, Mr. Rosier, has just been with me and suggested that the dispatches are probably from him and allude (but without naming me) to some conversations with me relating to his being received as Consul General some time last Winter....
32From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 2 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department , January 2, 1795. This letter is essentially the same as that which Hamilton wrote to Edmund Randolph on the same date. Copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. On January 2, 1795, Pickering succeeded Henry Knox as Secretary of War ( Executive Journal , I Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate (Washington, 1828), I. , 168–69). For the differences between...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
There are five boats ordered from Kings ferry to Dobbes ferry, which The General directs you will immediately send a proper number of carriages for, and bring them to where the other boats are. Let no delay attend it, if you please. Have you had the four which were already there brought on? Your most obedient serv ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives; also ADfS , George...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 9 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your letter of the 9th instant. I shall immediately reflect on the most important point & tomorrow give you the result. The provision in the law is ample. But in this My Dear Sir, as in every thing else we must unite caution with decision. The UStates must not be committed on the Independence of St Domingo—no guarantee no formal treaty—nothing that can rise up in...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 12 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the communication which you made to me with respect to a a part of the contingent expences of the general post office, and on comparing the sum you mention with the charges for similar objects, which have been necessarily sustained in this department, and in the public service in general I cannot perceive any thing in the arrangement you propose, but what appears consistent...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [10 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter which I will thank you to hand to its destination. While I have my pen in my hand, give me leave to mention a particular subject to you. Mr. Pinckney, it is said, desires to return to the U States. In this case a successor will be wanted. If we had power to make a man for the purpose, we could not imagine a fitter than Mr. King . He is tired of the Senate & I fear will...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of yesterday brought me your letter of the day before. I regret that the idea of a Commission extraordinary appears of doubtful propriety. For after very mature reflection I am intirely convinced of its expediency. I do not understand the passage you cite as excluding the reception of a special extraordinary Minister but of an ordinary resident Minister. It seems impossible that the...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your friendly letters of the 21. 22 & 23 of August have been duly received. I feel myself at once much flattered and truly indebted for the very favourable opinion of me which you manifest. The good estimation of men of sense and virtue is an ample consolation for the censure & malice of those of a different character. While the expression of your sentiments has all the value which a well...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [6 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 23 of Jany with its inclosure, for which I am much obliged to you. I have read it with great pleasure. It is a substantial satisfactory paper will do good in this Country & as to France I presume events will govern there. Is it not proper to call upon the Merchants to furnish your Department with statements & proofs of the spoliations which we have suffered...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [21 January 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General approves of your allowing a ration per individual to the Capt and crews of the dismissed craft not to the families, to be charged as you mention in a settlement of accounts. He thinks the middle of May will be the proper period for rendezvousing the ox-teams for the next campaign. Yrs. with sincere regard ALS , RG 93 , Miscellaneous Records, National Archives; LC , Hugh Hughes...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 21 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The multiplicity of my avocations joined to imperfect health has delayed the communication you desired respecting St Domingo. And what is worse it has prevented my bestowing sufficient thought to offer at present any thing worth having. No regular system of Liberty will at present suit St Domingo. The Government if independent must be military—partaking of the feodal system. A hereditary Chief...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [13 May 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The offer of your service as successor to Mr. Duer reached me in due time. I can with truth assure you, that you were one of a very small number who held a competition in my judgment and that had personal considerations alone influenced me, I could with difficulty have preferred another. Reasons of a peculiar nature, however, have determined my choice towards Mr. Tench Coxe, who to great...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [7 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
As McHenry will probably have left Philadelphia, before this reaches that place, I take the liberty to address the subject of it to you. I have received a letter from Capt Van Rensselaer, in which he informs me that he is a candidate for a Commission on board of our navy, and requests my recommendation of it. As a connexion of our family —I cannot refuse it as far as truth & propriety will...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [8 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Though I scarcely think it possible that the British Administration can have given the orders which accounts from various quarters attribute to them —yet the circumstance of these accounts coming from different quarters and the conduct of so correct a man as Capt Cochran make me apprehensive. I take the liberty to express to you my opinion that it is of the true policy as well as of the...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [17 July 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your friendly letter by the Post. I had contemplated the possibility that Knox might come into service & was content to be second to him, if thought indispensable. Pinckney , if placed over me puts me a grade lower. I dont believe it to be necessary. I am far from certain that he will not be content to serve under me—but I am willing that the affair should be so managed as that...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
There are five more boats will be at Dobbes ferry, say the Slote, thursday night. Endeavour if possible to have teams there for them by that time. You will receive further instructions in the mean time. Let us hear from you on this article. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6,...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 19 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your letter of this day. The estimate of the sum requisite for the Jersey Militia greatly exceeds what I had supposed to be necessary. There are two dangers attending so considerable advances on account without adequate data to guide—One that a good deal more money may be issued from the Treasury than is necessary with the inconvenience of a difficult & perhaps dilatory after...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The Boats are not under present circumstances to go to the Notch till tomorrow as you will see by the letter herewith. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6, 1780, note 1 .
49From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 26 December 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Cutting has given to me a perusal of his papers, respecting his agency in revealing our seamen from British impress. He wished my opinion professionally respecting the validity of his claim, which I declined to give, because it would contradict certain maxims I have prescribed to myself with regard to public questions pending while I was part of the administration. But there are reasons...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 12 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] April 12, 1781 . States that “the General has ordered the block house in the Clove to be continued.” ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.