1From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I shall have occasion to remove Colo. Rawlins’s Corps from Fort Frederick in Maryland, (where they are guarding the prisoners,) to Fort Pitt, I must request the Board to call upon Governor Johnston of Maryland to furnish a Militia Guard to releive Colo. Rawlins. I wish no time may be lost in making the requisition, and that the Governor may be informed of the necessity of sending the Releif...
2From 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...
3From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes for the pleasure of your Company at dinner to day, if you are not particularly engaged. The General Officers are expected at Head Quarters, and if there should be time, His Excellency proposes laying before those who were at York Town some Matters, on which he also wishes to take your sentiment—I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obed. Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
4From 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...
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 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...
7From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is His Excellency’s wish that you should if possible accommodate Lieut. Scudder who is lately returned from Canada with a Horse to go to his home near Elizabeth Town. I am Yr most obt Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
8From 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...
9From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Timothy Pickering, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
By Comand of His Excellency, I give you the followg Extract from a Letter just received from Genl Schuyler—dated Poughkeepsie 25th instant. "As our Boards are all of the Length of 14 feet, I find they will Work to the best Advantage if the Boats are 32 feet instead of 35 feet long—& that each Boat will require 12 lb. of 20d. Nails—14 lb. of 10d.—& 8 lb.—of 8d. Nails. If the Nails & Oakum...
10From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you from Saratoga on the 26th Ulto to have all the Boats fit to be used in the western Waters repaired for that service; but since my return from the Northward I am informed the number will be very inferior to my expectation, especially as I directed early in the year to have them got in repair, and recollect no Counter-Order since that time. I have therefore to request that One...
11From Benjamin Walker to Timothy Pickering, 22 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of the day Report a defficency of Camp Kettles—Straw also is much wanting. The Commander in Chief wishes to know—whether the want of kettles arises from their want of Care or whether a proper allowance has not been issued what the allowance is and how long a Kettle is to last & if any on hand . Also if any Measures are taken to procure Straw. I am Dr Sir Your very Obed. Servt DNA...
12From 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.
13From David Cobb to Timothy Pickering, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief requests you to comply, as near as possible, with the inclosed Instructions, & put them in execution as soon as the circumstances of your Department will possibly admit; as he is very anxious that the Army should remove from their present station—I am Sir Your Most Humble Servant DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
14From 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...
15From 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...
16XIV. 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...
17From John Laurens to Timothy Pickering, 4 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General requests to know what materials you have for making litters, or whether you have any ready made—a number will be instantly wanted for the service of the trenches. Yours &c. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
18From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 29 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
You will please to take immediate measures to dissolve the chain of Dragoons, and discharge the Expresses stationed between this and Boston; assuring them and the People who have furnished Provisions & Forage that the Accounts will be paid as soon as they can be sent to Philadelphia and the Money obtained—Sheldon’s Dragoons are to join their Corps. An accurate state of the Expences properly...
19From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 3 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Duke Lauzun has just arrived here with dispatches which are to be forwarded to Philada but they are too important to be trusted to a common hand. His Excellency wishes you to send one of your department with them. They will be ready by day break if the person calls so soon. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
20From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 24 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The bad state of affairs in your Department, is such as makes your presence indispensably necessary with the Army; The complaints of all, from the Major General to the lowest Staff Officer entitled to keep a Horse, are agravated to the highest possible degree, on account of the continual want of Forage—As a specimen of the distress, which has fallen under my own observation, you may be...
21From 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...
22From David Cobb to Timothy Pickering, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief requests you to provide Hospitals for the British Sick & wounded agreeable to the Articles of Capitulation; the Houses of York & Gloucester must be taken up for that purpose, those of them at least, that can be best spared. Doctr Craik or some of the Surgeons to consult with you on the subject. I am Your Most Humble Servant DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
23From John Laurens to Timothy Pickering, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General requests that you will give immediate orders, to have twenty five bushels of grain, and five hundred weight of the best long forage; sent down to York—to be embarked on board of the Serpent Cutter, commanded by the Chevalier de Maulevrier—to serve as provision for two horses which are to go by Count de Grasse—The Grain should be in Good barrels if possible—the Cutter is to sail...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Timothy Pickering, 21 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your favour by Colo. Mead we offered the office of Deputy quarter master General for the Continent in this state to a Mr. George Divers, a person qualified in every point for exercising it as we wou’d wish it to be. A peculiarity in the present situation of his private affairs has however prevented his acceptance of it. I have this day written to major Foresythe to know if he...
25From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored yesterday with the Boards Letter of the 19th Instant. From the apprehensions of the public of an Indian war in the western department, and the earnest applications of General McIntosh for Troops, I was induced the 15 of the month to detach Durkee’s & Ransom’s companies for that command. I am told by Lt Buck that they are halted at Lancaster. As they are detached from this Army,...
26From 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.
27From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 26 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
A nNumber of Batteaux will be wanting to transport the necessary provisions and Stores to the Garrisons which may be kept on the Western Waters . I must therefore desire that you will retain all such as are suitable for that purpose and have them put into repair. I am Sir Your very Obedient humble Servant P.S. They need be put in no other repair than what is necessary to transport them to...
28From 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...
29From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. pickering will be pleased to make the appointment and send it to His Excellency who will forward it to Count de Rochambeau. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
30From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Detachment of about 500 Men is to be sent to garrison the western Posts—A supply of Camp Equipage, also a considerable number of good Axes & Hatchets, with a few setts of Blacksmith’s, Armourer’s & Carpenter’s Tools will be wanted for the Troops, which may be employed on this Service—I must request you will immediately have these things provided, or repaired in the best manner, together with...
31From 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....
32From 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,...
33From 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...
34From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency does not apprehend any danger from the Enemy who have lately made their appearance upon Delaware, as the force of the Country and a detachment of the York Levies are opposed to them. But lest a lurking party of disaffected may injure so valuable a deposit as the present, His Excellency has desired me to send you the inclosed order to Colo. Dayton, which you will forward by the...
35From 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...
36From 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,...
37From 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.
38From 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....
39From 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...
40From Benjamin Walker to Timothy Pickering, 6 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
The General wishes for a duplicate of the inclosed to send with the Estimates Genl Knox’s Estimates not being arrived—if Mr Lloyd goes—an Express must be held in Readiness to go with the dispatches. Yr Very humble DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
41From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency directs me to inform you, that the Count de Rochambeau with his Army will arrive at Hav e rstraw in a few Days—when it will be necessary that he should receive some Assistance from our Boats & Craft in Crossing. He gives this Information that the previous Arrangements may be attended to in Season. I am sir Your Most hule Sert DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
42From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to request you will as soon as possible, give me an Estimate of all those things in your Department, (noting the expence of each in the best manner you are able) which will be requisite to enable the Army to take the field and to prosecute vigorous operations, in case the War should continue another Campaign; in this Estimate I would have comprehended particularly, the means of...
43From 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...
44From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency very much approves your plan of bringing down the shad daily—only taking care to give each Cargo as much salt as will secure them against a passage longer than the common calculation. The Magazine at West point is in a more deplorable condition for want of a covering of Boards. The last Storm has damaged the Ammunition considerably and now the Water has found its way in, very...
45From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 1 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency thinks it will not be necessary under the present state of affairs to advertize for Garden Seeds—Should it become requisite, intimation will be given. I have the honor to be With great respect Your Most Obedt Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
46From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 9th instant. I have directed the Blankets to be brought forward to Camp, after the North Carolinians are supplied the remainder shall be distributed among the troops who most want —The draughts from the Army for Teamsters, Mechanics and persons of different occupations are so great, that our return, upon command, amounts to almost half the effective fit for duty....
47From John Laurens to Timothy Pickering, 23 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
In the absence of the paymaster General, The General requested that you would take possession of the british Military Chest—Major Ross of Ld Cornwallis’s family informs me that the Chest remains intact—and that no one as yet, has demanded it. You will be so good as to give immediate orders for the reception & security of it—Your &c. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
48From William Stephens Smith to Timothy Pickering, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General requests you will immediately take the necessary steps to alter the route of the Express riders, instead of its being continued thro’ Richmond, they must pass from the Boling Greene to Todds Bridge & cross at Ruffins ferry. I am Sir Yours &c. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
49From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have it in charge from the Commander in Chief to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of this date addressed to him. In the country where the quarters are in general so indifferent, the climate so cold & fuel (within a short distance) so plenty, The Gen’l thinks it would scarcely be necessary or proper to give a limitation to the allowance of wood for the gen’l officers, especially as...
50From 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...