1To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(private) This morning I received the inclosed letter from Mr Dayton, expressing fully his opinion of Mr Israel Ludlow, whose application for the office of Surveyor General I had the honor lately to transmit to you. While it must be acknowledged that Mr Dayton is perfectly competent to pronounce accurately on the character of a man so well known to him as Mr Ludlow must be, it is proper for me...
2To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully returns to the President his report on the claims of the Cohnawagas, or Seven Nations of Canada, with the draught of a letter which he thinks proper to go from the department of war, with the report, to the Governor of New-York. The Secretary also transmits a press copy of the report, to be lodged in the war-Office, which will enable the Secretary of War to...
3To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
General Hazen has applied to the secretary at war for the articles necessary to equip his regiment. For what regards my department, he is referred to me. I have no difficulty in ordering a supply of every article, tents excepted, which must be brought from the North river; nor should I hesitate about these, if the regiment were certainly to continue any length of time at Lancaster: for they...
4To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 7 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to receive your Excellency’s letter by Col. Lee, conferring upon me the office of adjutant general: And since, notwithstanding all my objections, ’tis your Excellency’s pleasure, I am happy to declare my acceptance of it. At the same time I am constrained, from my real feelings; again to express my fears that I shall fall short of your Excellency’s expectations. Few people are...
5To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
To the President of the United States, The Secretary of State respectfully makes the following brief representation of the affairs of the United States in relation to Algiers. When Colonel Humphreys left America in April 1795, he was accompanied by Joseph Donaldson Esqr. who had been appointed Consul for Tunis and Tripoli; and him Colo. Humphreys was authorized to employ in negociating a...
6To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Recollecting your anxiety that General Pinckney might [not] feel satisfied with the military arrangements of General officers proposed by you, I seize the first moment to relieve you from it. This morning Mr McHenry has received from Genl Hamilton a letter dated yesterday, in which is the following passage: After mentioning the arrival of General Pinckney, Genl Hamilton says— “You will learn...
7To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
An Estimate of public horses on hand in the states named below, and in the main army: In Massachusetts 60 Connecticut 60 New York 130 New Jersey 80 Pensylvania 120 Waggon Horses 450 Riding horses in the hands of officers of all ranks in the line & staff, at least 50
8To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr Paleski, the Prussian Consul being marked “duplicate,” I suppose the Original may have already fallen under your notice. I thought it proper however to lay it before you: at the same time it appears to be so clear a case, that I have written an answer to Mr Paleski, suggesting that the prolonging of a treaty is tantamou[n]t to the making of a treaty, in which the...
9To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
On the 16th instant I received from Governor Jay, an answer to my letter of the 3d relative to the intended negociations with the Onondagas, Cayugas & Oneidas for the purchase of their lands. In my letter was inclosed the opinion of the Attorney General, that those negociations could not lawfully be had without the intervention of the government of the United States. A copy of the Governor’s...
10To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States three papers of nominations. To that respecting the Spanish treaty he wished to have added a name for a commissioner for the spoliations: but is not satisfied about a suitable character. He has examined the Constitution of Pennsylvania & by that, the office of Mayor of Philadelphia, which comprehends the office of a...
11To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is now time to deposit at West-Point as much wood as will be necessary for the use of the garrison the ensuing winter. If it be practicable to determine, at this time, what shall be the strength of the garrison, and the number and ranks of the officers, I will lay in forage, as well as wood, in proportion, as soon as I am favoured with your Excellency’s decision thereon. The wood I propose...
12To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you the form of a pardon for Mitchell & Vigol, insurgents, for your signature. The petition inclosed for their pardon was received after you had decided to grant it. Some letters from Mr FitzSimons, & from me to Mr Deas are also inclosed for your information. I will wait on you to-morrow morning upon these subjects; and am most respectfully Sir Your obt servt...
13To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honoured with your letter of the 28th ulto. In my letter of last Monday I inclosed the copy of the treaty made by General Wayne and an extract of every thing relating to it from his letter of the 9th of August. The messenger who brought it was a discharged serjeant of dragoons, who did not leave Greenville till the 26th (or thereabout) and who brought letters to some people...
14To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon arrived here the armed Cutter Royal George of 14 guns, prize to the Pickering of Salem. Coming addressed to me, a number of private letters found on board fell into my hands. Some of them contained intelligence which seemed of importance sufficient to be communicated to your Excellency. I have therefore made in haste the inclosed extracts. The private sentiments & anecdotes...
15To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 11 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will doubtless ere this reaches you, have been informed that Congress have been pleased to appoint me quarter master general. This was so totally unexpected, that it will take me some days yet before I can get ready to proceed to camp. In the mean time I shall make some necessary arrange⟨m⟩ents for conducting the business of the de⟨pa⟩rtment in this state and the other states s⟨ou⟩thward...
16To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 25 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the return of boats which I mentioned this morning. I recd it last evening & have not had opportunity to take a copy. which I shall be glad to do in a day or two. I am very respectfully yr Excellencys obed. P.S. Those mentioned to be laid up at Wappins Creek Mr Sheafe expected to have repaired by this day. DNA : RG 93—War Department.
17To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Topics which have occurred to the Secretary of War as proper to be noticed at the opening of the ensuing session of Congress. 1. The treaty of peace effected by General Wayne with the Indians northwest of the river Ohio. 2. The continuance of peace with the Cherokees. 3. The formal agreement entered into by Mr Seagrove and the Chiefs of the Creek Indians for putting an end to their...
18To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Two vessels are to sail for England this week—one, as intended, to-morrow, and one on Thursday: by each a set of the dispatches for Mr Pinckney will be forwarded. Supposing that the Chevalier de Freire would be apprized of opportunities for Lisbon, I applied to him. Such direct conveyances rarely occur: He generally sends his letters to the care of his correspondent at Falmouth. I expressed to...
19To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
To render it practicable to support the horses indispensably necessary with the army, I beg leave to suggest the expediency of sending to a distance in the Country the surplus riding horses without delay. My ability to provide forage is not increased, but lessened, by the non-payment of the bills of exchange put into my hand for that among other purposes. I submit to your Excellency’s...
20To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
The immediate publication of Govr Blount’s letter to Carey, after the receipt of the copy sent you by Colo. Henley seemed to render of little consequence this copy, which, however, I return, agreeably to your request on its transmission. To morrow I move my family and office to Trenton. Not that I think the danger of the contagious fever in any measure considerable: but persons are...
21To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, c.17 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
William Claiborne, of the State of Tenassee—to be district judge. Recommended by General Marshall—and strongly by Colo. Carrington. David Campbell, late a Judge of that Territory, is recommended for District Judge, by a Mr Roane the friend of James Ross Esqr. who relies on his discernment & probity in the recommendation. Elias Backman, a merchant of Gottenburg in Sweden, to be Consul for that...
22To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed copy of a letter from Thomas Smith Esqr. will inform you of the distressed condition of the frontiers of this state. The counties of Westmoreland & Northumberland are equally exposed with Bedford. Other accounts correspond with that of Mr Smith, & shew that a general stroke is greatly to be apprehended; and that in addition to the barbarous savages, the disaffected inhabitants are...
23To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11–12 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
Last Saturday I received from Colo. Monroe a letter dated the 24th of July, in which he refers to a former one, in which he transmitted copies of M. Delacroix letter to him & his answer, on the question, Whether the House of Representatives of the United States had passed a law to carry the British treaty into effect? At the same time Mr Monroe expressed his opinion that this letter originated...
24To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State with great pleasure lays before the President of the United States the inclosed letters just received from Colo. Talbot, which confirm the utility of his mission, & the good-will of the British naval officers. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. No reply to Pickering from GW has been found. The letters to Pickering from Silas Talbot, the U.S. agent in the West...
25To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have sent a person to examine the roads on the routes mentioned by Genl Hand, & urged his returning as soon as possible. I have sent an express to go with him as far as Ogden’s iron works (without crossing the Ramapaugh) to bring back his report whether that route be practicable for carriages. The inspection of the roads will then proceed as far as the two Bridges & return by Dods thro’...
26To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter came under cover to me from Wm Lithgow Attorney for the district of Maine, which he says contains his resignation. Daniel Davis Esquire of Portland is a lawyer well recommended by the Members of Congress to suceed Mr Lithgow, & I think has been doing the business of the office since Mr Lithgow’s indisposition prevented his attending the courts. The enquiries concerning a...
27To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your Excellency’s letter of the 27th inst. directing the estimates for the ensuing campaign to be prepared. They shall be made out with all possible expedition & laid before you. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedt servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
28To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter dated the 17th from Judge Benson: He accepts the place of third Commissioner under the fifth article of the British treaty, and was to set out yesterday for Passamaquoddy, to meet there the other Commissioners on the third of October. The trust, he remarks, is not incompatible with his present office; and interfering with it only for a short time, his acceptance...
29To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
As the carved work for the frigates should be relative to their names, and will require a length of time to accomplish—there being but a single Carver here competent to the work for the frigates building at Philadelphia, Baltimore and Norfolk—the Captains, with Mr Humphreys the Constructor at this place, have represented the necessity of an early designation of the names of the Frigates. To...
30To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
The subject of the letter dated March 18. 1795, from Harry Innes Esqr. of Kentuckey, to the President of the United States, with the letter of James Smiley inclosed therein, has been considered by the Secretary of War; who now respectfully reports to the President. That by the letters of the late Secretary of War, the accounts of the service of scouts were directed to be certified on oath, by...
31To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the pleasure to present to the President a letter received this morning from Colo. Humphreys, by which it appears that Capt. OBrien & hands with the treasure are safe at Tripoli—and that the Dey of Algiers has demanded the delivery on pain of making war: there can be little doubt of the recovery of the money, seeing the Dey considers it as the property of the...
32To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inclose a letter from our Consul at Cadiz, with one for the President. The secretary recollects a Colo. Tatem’s calling on him last summer. He said he had been formerly in the southwestern territory—talked about very valuable maps of the U. States or some of them which he had made and was making; but needed pecuniary aid to complete & publish his...
33To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 25 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of the 21st covering several letters to be forwarded to Great Britain, which I shall do with great pleasure, and beg you to believe that I shall at all times cheerfully execute Similar commands. The plan for establishing the board of agriculture in England, I will lay before the Committee of Congress on that subject, as you request. Mr Monroe has made a...
34To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully lays before the President a letter to Mr Adet, in answer to his of the 19th inst. Mr Wolcott approves of it. The Secretary of War will wait on the President at nine o’clock, to receive his orders on the subject. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. The docket states that Pickering wrote the letter “doing the dutyes of the Secrety of State” (see GW to...
35To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inclose a letter of Oct. 16. received this day from Mr Adams at the Hague. The following passage is in a letter recd this day from the Consul of the U. States at Falmouth in England, dated Novr 26th: “A vessel arrived to-day from Lisbon, and the master reports that at Madrid the populace would not permit Lord Bute to depart, and that the Spanish and...
36To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States, the letter of resignation of Mr Benjamin Joy, late consul of the United States at Calcutta; and the recommendations of Mr William James Miller late of Philadelphia, now established at Calcutta, as a fit person to succeed Mr Joy in the Consulate. In addition to the testimonies inclosed in favour of Mr Miller,...
37To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Pittsburg mail is arrived, but no letter from General Wayne. I suspect he has sent dispatches by an officer who is taking the route thro’ the Wilderness. Mr Hodgden this moment mentions the intelligence he had from his neighbour Mr Vanuxem, a mercantile agent for the French, who told him last evening, that the Secretary of the French Legation here said that a national vessel had arrived at...
38To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed extract of a letter from Colo. Neilson I beg leave to lay before your Excellency, and to request your direction relative to the artillery huts at Pluckemin. If they are not necessary to be preserved for any military purposes, the reasons given by Colo. Neilson require that they be sold without delay. Congress have determined on a reform of Colo. Baldwin’s regt files among the...
39To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the United States the opinion of the Attorney General, that a secretary may be allowed to a Minister Resident, or Chargé des Affaires. The Secretary has considered the situation of our affairs with the Barbary powers, & particularly with Algiers, and the necessity of a consul to reside there. That altho’ Mr Barlow desires to...
40To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
After messages without number, Mr Anthony has brought me your copying press with the new brass rollers, for which he has charged ten dollars more than he at first mentioned as the probable price. The reason he assigns, is the greater weight of brass, increasing the founders bill to twenty one dollars. I have paid him, and inclose his receipt for $35, after endeavouring to reduce his demand....
41To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The chain at West-Point has already suffered considerably by the rust, and will be daily growing worse. If it is to be kept for future use, it cannot too soon be housed; and in this case it is said it may be preserved from rust by painting. If it is not necessary to keep it, the sooner it is sold the better. It would probably fetch about two thirds the price of bar iron. The chain contains...
42To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has been pleased to refer to my determination what boats, besides batteaux & two gun--boats, will be necessary on the Hudson. I shall be happy, nevertheless, to be favoured with your opinion on the arrangements I have had in contemplation relative to this business. The common batteaux being built with pine boards, are of course very tender, and altogether unsuitable for the...
43To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully requests the President of the United States to grant him an order on the Secretary of the Treasury for Two thousand dollars, to enable him to continue the payment of the expences attending the procuring of copies of the proceedings of the British Courts of Vice Admiralty in the cases of captures by the armed vessels of that nation. ALS , DNA : RG 59,...
44To 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...
45To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the U. States this day received from Mr Adams & Mr Deas. Mr Bond informs the Secretary, that neither Major Beckwith nor any other person is coming from Canada on the subject of the posts. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Pickering likely enclosed...
46To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Capt. OBrien arrived here last Saturday from Lisbon. The Dey of Algiers is entirely our friend. Tripoli has agreed to a perpetual peace, for 40,000 dollars & some peace presents, without an annual tribute. In January last Mr Barlow mentions his expectations that peace would soon be effected with Tunis. The Dey of Algiers is now so warmly attached & has such entire confidence in the Honesty of...
47To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States the draught of an answer to the Grand Master of Malta. If approved & signed, the Secretary proposes to commit the same to the care of M. Maisonneuve who desires to be Consul at Malta, who forwarded the letter from the Grand Master, and to whom Mr La Colomb (who is settled in Philadelphia) will send the packet by a...
48To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
An unexpected demand is made of 40 Waggons & 200 horses, to transport artillery & military stores to the Southward exclusive of what are attached to the troops destined thither. To that number are to be added probably six waggons for quarter masters stores—There is no possibility of furnishing them without taking both horses & waggons from the troops going to the northward. If your Excellency...
49To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I find that one great cause of the failure of transportation of the salted provisions from Connecticut has been the general want of forage; of private forage I mean. The farmers there in general have not a lock of hay for their own stocks. Your Excellency’s wishes are anticipated. Colo. Hughes went off yesterday from Fishkill by one o’clock for Danbury (which I assure myself he reached last...
50To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
(confidential) Sir, Philadelphia August 2. 1799. A letter from Mr Murray of May 17 received this week, covers a letter from Talleyrand, dated May 12th, assuring him that the Executive Directory will receive the Envoys of the U. States in their official character; and that they shall enjoy all the prerogatives attached to it by the law of nations; and that one or more ministers shall be duly...