1From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice from Otis and Henley of Boston that they had, thro’ the interest of the State, procured upwards of forty teams which they had loaded and sent forward with Cloathing. They do not say how far the teams are to proceed, but, in all probability, no farther than Springfeild; at which place there is also a considerable quantity of Cloathing much wanted by the Army. The...
2George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for preparation of boats for the attack. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
3XIV. George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have been directed to furnish the Commanding Officer of the Boats with materials for muffling the Oars. to pay particular attention that they are in good order—well provided with oars—mounted on good Carriages and in such a manner that they cannot be injured—that the Horses are with them by Thursday 12 OClock—that they are then removed through the Notch below the Mountain, there to remain...
4George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 1 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 1, 1781 . Instructs Pickering to set up plan for replacement of lost military articles, to provide the necessary “provision of tents, camp kettles and other articles for the next campaign,” and to check into behavior of the corps of artificers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is misdated, as H did not return to...
5From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 1 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The tranquility of winter quarters and the important change about to take place in our Military establishment offer a favourable opportunity to introduce system and order into the Army: and to effect a reformation of the abuses, which may have imperceptably crept into the several departments. That our circumstances require parsimony in the distribution of public stores, and the strictest...
6From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 21 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I directed Col. Humphrys the day before yesterday, to request you to have the beef salted in bulk at the several places on the River immediately transported by water, or (if impracticable) by land, to West Point, the matter has become more urgent, and the delay every Moment more dangerous. You will therefore take such measures as will be effectual for the purpose; and also to keep up the...
7From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
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. I am etc. Fitzpatrick, Writings John C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources,...
8From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yours of this date is before me—When I wrote to Colo. Lutterloh I had no knowledge of your letter to Humphrey on the score of Forage. That which Roberts may get will, it is to be hoped serve till the farmers (enabled by the Snow) can bring in more—At any rate I cannot avail Myself of your private Stock. I shall be obliged to you for sending me by Eight oclock tomorrow Morning a Sleigh, pair of...
9From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have in contemplation a journey to Rhode Island, but previous to it, stand in need of a few articles from Philadelpa—which if obtained at all, must come soon. Is it in your power therefore, by the Morning, to provide me an Express on whose fidelity & dispatch I can absolutely depend? and can he, for the purpose of dispatch get fresh Horses on the communication? I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser....
10From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 5 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you a Copy of the Resolution of Congress of the 23d Janry on the subject of remounting the Regiments of Dragoons. It will be necessary to observe, that the Horses purchased for this service ought to be in size, strength, figure, & fleetness, capable of performing the duties for which they are designed. Otherwise the purchase Money will be thrown away, as has sometimes been the Case....
11George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 10, 1781 . Recapitulates verbal directions given Pickering concerning teams, wagons, and boats. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed instructions were begun though not completed at the time they are dated; but the disturbances in the Army withdrew my attention from them and prevented their delivery ’till this time. For your satisfaction I shall here recapitulate the verbal directions given you in answer to your letter of the 14th of January—If my memory should fail me in any article which may affect your...
13George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 14, 1781 . Is going to Rhode Island. States that command of the Army will devolve on Major General William Heath. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I shall set out in a day or two for Rhode Island. The command in my absence will devolve upon Major General Heath. I must request you will make every effort to enable the Commissary to throw as ample a supply of provisions as he can into the Garrison of West point, that it may not be exposed to any accident from a sudden investiture —and will do every thing else, that depends on you, to...
15George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Has ordered light troops to prepare to march to Morristown. Instructs Pickering to have wagons ready for troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered a detachment of light troops amounting to a thousand rank and file to assemble at Peek’s Kill in readiness to march towards Morris Town by the 19th. I am to desire you will have waggons ready for them by that period, to remain attached to them for some time and forage at proper stages on the route. It is necessary this business should be executed with punctuality. When you have...
17From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 19 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
If the detachment now forming, pursues its object, it will be a strong additional motive against having deposits at, and upon the Morris Town road to this place; because the Troops now on that communication will be considerably reduced, without the means of replacing them. If therefore my former order on this head is not fully complied with no time should be lost in the completion of it. A...
18From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will take the earliest, and most efficacious Measures for the transportation of all the salted Provisions collected in the Towns westward of Connecticut River, to the Army. To facilitate this, I have written the enclosed Letter to His Excellency Govr Trumbull, requesting his influence, and assistance—which you will be pleased to forward, with the Dispatches for the Count De Rochambeau by...
19From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Extract of a Letter from Major General Heath, of this day; and must again request, that the most vigorous and energetic Measures may be pursued for the transportation of Provisions to relieve the Garrison & the Army from the horrors of impending famine, & me from the incessant complaints and perplexities which are occasioned by our present disagreeable circumstances. I am...
20From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The supply of flour for the Army must be kept up regularly, And the Means of transportation must be calculated accordingly. Should all other expedients for bringing on the flour from Ringwood, Warwick and the Deposits on the communication from Pennsylvania, prove abortive—Should the Justices refuse to issue Warrants for the impress of Teams—or should their Warrants not be attended with...
21From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
There was never any regular formation of the department of Geographer to the Army, but to the best of my recollection Mr Erskine’s pay was to have been four dollars per day and that of his Assistants two dollars per day—Chain Bearers half a dollar per day and an allowance for the contingent expences of travelling when out of reach of the Magazine of the Army and for the purchase of the...
22From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 28 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The necessity of getting forward what Flour is upon the communication urges me to a measure which I would not wish to adopt could it be avoided. It is, to make use of a part of a sum of Money sent to the pay master General by the State of Massachusetts purposely for the payment of the troops of that line. You will in consequence of this receive a Warrant for 9000 Dollars of the new emission,...
23From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you a Letter for Major General Parsons; in which I have mentioned the return of a Detachment of about 80 Continental Troops, now at Danbury, and have suggested their being employed as an Escort to the Provisions to be forwarded from thence. The Commanding Officer will have Orders to afford every possible assistance to facilitate the transportation; and I must desire you will make...
24From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Alarming accounts of the state of Provisions at Fort Schuyler, having this moment been received, it is necessary that an instantaneous exertion should be made, to throw a supply into that Garrison—You will therefore, cause a transportation to be made, of 50 Barrels of Meat, and 50 Barrels of Flour to Albany, without a moments delay: the flour can be taken from the Magazine at New Windsor—the...
25From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I inclose for your inspection, Original Letters from Major General Heath & Brigadier General Clinton, describing in the most forcible terms, the terrible prospect before them, and the inevitable disasters that must ensue, unless provisions are furnished (and that instantly) for the Troops and Garrisons in their respective Departments—when you have read these Letters you will be pleased to...
26From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you the last Evening, respecting the transportation of the salted Provisions, I have received Letters from General & Governor Clinton, informing that the Troops on the frontier, are on the point of mutinying, and the Garrison of Fort Schuyler of abandoning that Post, for want of Provisions of every kind; in consequence of which, I have thought proper to have 100 Barrels of...
27From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Under the present circumstances of transportation from Connecticut, I should advise, that Mr Pomeroy should be sent immediately back to the several Towns, to announce the distresses of the Army for the want of that provision, the certainty of payment for the transportation, and the approach of a military force to carry into execution the impress of the Civil Majestrate—While this is doing, the...
28From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 13 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The quantity of salted provision in the western part of Connecticut, being by your representation much less than was expected, it will certainly be expedient to bring forward that from Hartford, by the hired Teams, which you will be pleased to order accordingly. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
29From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Washington presents his Compliments to Colonel Pickering, and requests the favor of his Company at dinner to day—The Duke de Lauzun will dine at Head Quarters. MHi : Timothy Pickering Papers.
30From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
At the same time I again inform you, of the almost infinite importance it is, to have the Boats in immediate readiness for use, I must request and entreat that no exertions, on your part, may be wanting to put them instantly in that state: if there is any thing in my power which will tend to expedite, this so necessary business, I wish to be informed, that measures may be taken accordingly. I...
31From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know whether General Du Portail has made any Arrangements with you respecting Planks for Plattforms, and in that case, what Measures have been taken in consequence. General Du Portail will be able to inform what number of feet will be wanted, and General Knox at what Mills, and by what mode they may be favoured. I enclose a Copy of the Estimate of Articles, which will be required...
32From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 25 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
One of my own Horses which I sent from Camp to be wintered—together with the Horses which usually carried my Canteens & Portmanteaus, I am informed are dead. These losses will occasion a call upon you for four, wch I should be glad to receive as soon as convenient. If there is a number to choose out of, two may be natural pacers (Horses or mares) the Canteens going easier on them—one of the...
33From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favour’d with yours of last evening; and cou’d wish that the present situation of the River might be improv’d to every advantage. Whatever Boats you think necessary may be order’d to Dobb’s ferry; but particular care must be taken, in the tra n sportation of Stores across the opposite Country, that they come in small convey’s, and no deposits made either at the ferry or on the...
34From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
To the Quarter Master General, or Deputy Qr Mr with the Army. In all cases on the present march, where the Draught Horses or Cattle of the Army shall fail, or where an addi ti onal number shall be absolutely necessary, & cannot be procured by hire, or in any other way except by Military Force; you are hereby authorised & directed to impress such numbers of Horses or Oxen as shall be required...
35From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is of the utmost importance to the Service, that Gentlemen who are acting at the heads of departments should at this present period be with the troops. You will please therefore upon the receipt of this to join them with all possible dispatch. I am Sir with Esteem Yours &ca DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
36From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 8 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
As soon as you have arranged Matters & sent on a Gentleman of your Department to mark out the different Stages & haltg Places, for the Horses & Teams on the followg Route—from hence to—Bald Friars—thence to—Bush— to—Baltimore Elk Ridge Landg Bladenburg George Town—from thence Falls of Rappahanack—avoidg Accoquan Ferry— to—Caroline Court House NewCastle— Williamsburg— You will come forward...
37From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to have the Flat Boats which are in James River mounted upon Carriages as expeditiously as possible and brought in the first instance into the old Field in front of Head Quarters, where they may remain upon their Carriages till wanted—As soon as they arrive you will apply to the Adjt Genl for a subalterns Guard for them. I am sir Yr most obt servt. You will have the Boats...
38From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
York & Gloucester being fixed upon as places of Cantonment for the French Troops, it is necessary for that & other reasons, that the British Hospitals should be removed as soon as possible; and it being impracticable to do this to Fredericksburg wholly by Land, you will use every means in your power to send the sick & wounded to that place by Water. All the Troops from Pennsylvania to the...
39From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Pay from the British Military Chest in your Care One hundred and fifty Pounds Lawful Money to Brigadier General Knox of the Artillery, for the Use of his Department and for which he is to be held Accountable. Given at Head Quarters this 2 November 1781. MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
40From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not a doubt but that you will take the best care of all the Articles of Public Stores received by you from the Enemy; many of them will not perhaps be of immediate Necessity to the Army; those which are not, you will convert to the best benefit for the Public Account of the United States, to be appropriated to the Use of the Financier General, towards discharging the Debt, incurred upon...
41From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 5 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is to be hoped that Forrage will be provided at proper places on the Rout by which the Army will march from hence to the Northward, to support the Waggon s & others Horses which will be necessary— to this Matter however you will pay early attention— If your Endeavours should not succeed in obtaing the necessary Supplies from the several States thro’ which you are to pass— You are hereby...
42From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon a supposition that this may reach you upon the North River, I am induced to recommend to your particular attention the collection and preservation of the Boats, if steps have not already been taken for purpose. You will consult with General Heath upon the number that will be wanted for the different services of the Garrison and all the remainder are to be deposited in a proper manner in...
43From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 8 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
As your continuance at the North River was considerably longer than I expected, I have not had an opportunity of being so explicit as I could have wished, respecting the preparations which will be necessary to be made in your Department for the ensuing Campaign. I wish now to be informed what Arrangements you have made with the Secretary at War on the Subject—And that Copies of the Returns of...
44From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Upon a view of the difference there will be in the expences between hiring & purchasing Ox Teams for the service of the next Campaign, exhibited in your Estimate; I am cleary of opinion they ought to be purchased if it is practicable—but it will be necessary for you to arrange this matter with the Superintendant of Finances; as well as to take early & effectual Measures to procure the number...
45From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 21 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have attentively considered the several matters contained in your Letter, Returns, Estimates, & Proposals of the 8th 15th & 16th Inst. You already have, in my Letter of the 10th, my opinion of purchasing Ox Teams & hiring Drivers for them. I am glad to find our prospects of Tents and Camp Equipage for the ensuing Campaign are so favorable—Any deficiencies of knapsacks, Camp kettles &c. ought...
46From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 23 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of this day before me. Altho I am not certain the Teams will be wanted so soon as the Middle of May, yet I think all things considered, it will be expedient to make your Arrangements so as to have them either in Camp at that time, or in such a situation as that they might be brought in immediately if necessary. I am Sir with great regard Your Most Obedt Servant DNA : RG...
47From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your letter of yesterday I have to observe. although I am not so particularly acquainted with the different uses & conveniences of different kinds of water craft, as to be able to judge with accuracy of their respective utility from my own knowledge, yet from the reasons you have given, I am induced to believe that the advantage of Pettiangers over Batteaux & flat bottomed boats,...
48From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 18 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint you that I propose leaving town on Wednesday or Thursday next, & as I would wish to have you at the Army as soon as you have made the necessary arrangements for your department, I must desire you to acquaint me when you think you will be able to follow me. I am Sir, &c. MHi : Papers of George Washington.
49From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 28 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Upon the application of the Magistrates of Morris County in 1780, soliciting that repairs should be made to the Court House, which had been made use of as a Guard House, and considerably injured by the public service, I gave them encouragement that the damages would be examined into, and such compensation should be made as justice required, and the state of the public Finance would admit of—I...
50From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received on my way from Philadelphia your favor of the 23d of March respecting the allowance of Servants to Officers in Your Department; I have taken the earliest opportunity of communicating to the Secretary at War my sentiments on the subject, and am with great regard Sir Your Most Obedt Servant DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.