51To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
A full and accurate investigation of the subject of the Georgia sale of lands, the extinguishment of the Indian rights to the same, and the predatory war on the frontiers of that State and of the South Western Territory, agreeably to the directions expressed in your letter of yesterday, cannot probably be completed until the forepart of next week. When I can ascertain the day on which a report...
52To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
Solicitous to retain in the public service so estimable an Officer as Captain Dale, I wished to place the indulgence he requests on such ground as might save that service from injury and afford a justification to the Executive of the United States in granting him a furlough. Captain Dale will undoubtedly return from China in full time to take command of the Frigate to which he has been...
53To 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...
54To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the inclosed draught of a letter to Governor Blount. Mr Wolcott verbally expressed his approbation: Mr Bradford & Mr Randolph have subscribed theirs; the former suggesting a few alterations which he has noted with his pencil. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed draft has not been found. It probably was for...
55To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War in conformity with the expectation of the President of the United States has considered of the means of possessing and garrisoning a post at Presqu’ Isle and now respectfully reports, That having requested Major Denny, the Commandant of the State Troops of Pennsylvania to give information of their number and term of service and of other matters respecting the projected...
56To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have received letters from Kon-ondaigua, informing me of the death of General Chapin: and I take the liberty of inclosing letters from divers respectable inhabitants of that country, strongly recommending the General’s son, Israel Chapin, to succeed his father. What they say of him appears to me strictly just. He has been so much employed by his father in the affairs of the Six Nations, that...
57To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Genl Wayne has just arrived at this office. Peace with the Indians seems no longer doubtful. The act of Congress correcting an error in a former act about the bounty to soldiers who should reinlist, was passed the 29th of January, and on the 31st I forwarded it with that to which it related, to General Wayne, for his information on the subject of recruiting. His letter...
58To 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...
59To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor St Clair was received yesterday by post. The proposed visit of the Chiefs of the Sioux, Puans &c. will be postponed of course, at least for one year— unless they come forward without an invitation or consent. Were it otherwise, I should doubt the expediency of the visit. All the means of attaching those numerous Indian nations to the United States it would...
60To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War has the pleasure to report to the President of the United States, that on the 3d instant there sailed from Pittsburg, to reinforce General Wayne; commissioned officers 7 non commissioned officers and privates } 226 233 —and that Colo. Butler expected all the men who had been inoculated, would be able to proceed in eight days afterwards. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
61To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully presents to the President the name of Mr George Clymer for one of the Commissioners to hold the treaty with the Creek Indians. Mr Fitzsimons, it is understood, will contest Mr Swanwick’s election for the city of Philadelphia. Mr John D. Cox is highly esteemed for his integrity and candour—his law-knowledge and sound judgement: But he is thought to be slow in...
62To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits to the President of the United States the draught of a letter to General Wayne, in answer to his last which the President has read. The Secretary wishes to send it this forenoon by Genl Scott, if it meets the Presidents approbation; and will therefore wait on the President in half an hour. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Pickering referred to Gen. Anthony...
63To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits to the President’s inspection a letter to the Governor of Georgia and one to Mr Seagrove relative to the intended treaty with the Creek Indians. A talk to invite the Creeks to the treaty and a draught of instructions to the Commissioners. The two letters are intended to be sent by tomorrow’s post; and by the same post the Secretary supposes it will be...
64To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully lays before the President of the U. States the draught of a speech to the Chickasaws and Choctaws now in Philadelphia, as representatives, the former of their nation—the latter of the Five Upper Towns. The Indians will be held ready to wait on the President at any hour he shall be pleased to receive them, upon notice this evening or to-morrow morning, of the...
65To 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...
66To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
By the time this reaches Mount Vernon, you will have received the memorial of the philadelphia meeting against the treaty with Great Britain. I attended as a spectator, to see the mode of proceeding and to make an estimate of the number present. The memorial, I suppose, will be presented to you as expressive of the sense of the citizens of Philadelphia, the Northern Liberties and the District...
67To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
I learn that Mr Hammond has received letters of recall; and that he expects to depart in three weeks. I am disposed to believe, from accidental intimations, that before his departure some useful and perhaps very important arrangements may be made to facilitate the compliance with the condition on which the advice of the Senate for ratifying the treaty was suspended; and possibly for expediting...
68To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letters from Governor Blount were brought to my house last evening. To gain time, I desired Colo. Hays, the conductor of the Chickasaws, to bring them this morning to the War-Office. We met: but major Colbert declined making any communications but to you in person. Hitherto he said his nation had depended on your officers—and had been disappointed: Now, nothing but an answer from...
69To 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...
70To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully lays before the president four draughts of answers to the popular meetings. Of three there are duplicates; Mr Wolcott having formed draughts varying from those of the Secy of War. His reason is mentioned in the inclosed note. The President will choose the forms which shall best correspond with his own ideas. AL , DLC:GW . The note from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., and...
71To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War begs leave to lay before the President a letter of the first instant from Mr Seagrove; by which it would seem impracticable to hold the Georgia treaty till next Spring. The Secretary will wait on the President at Noon with some papers for his consideration. AL , DLC:GW . This letter has not been identified. Pickering corresponded with Georgia governor George Mathews on 26...
72To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully lays before the President of the United States the letters proposed to be sent to Governor Fenner, with the letter to Mr Moore & the revocation of his exequatur —to Mr Bond & Mr Adet? A letter to our minister at London, with copies of the papers exhibiting a complete view of this affair, is preparing. AL , DLC:GW . In a letter dated 5 Sept., Pickering informed...
73To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully informs the President, that if Mr Wolcott has completed the information he undertook to obtain relative to Spanish commerce, there will be nothing to prevent the President’s commencing his journey to-morrow. For it is found impracticable to prepare instructions for further negociations with G. Britain, the instructions & correspondence of Mr Jay being...
74To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I find, unfortunately, that the duplicates and triplicates of the setts of letters of credence to the British King were made out by one of the clerks, laid in his Desk and overlooked. I hope they will reach you at Baltimore, and that it will be convenient for you to sign, and return them in Friday’s mail. With the greatest respect I remain Sir, your ob. serv. LB , DNA : RG 59, Domestic...
75To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to my intimation yesterday, I have the honor now to inclose the three addresses from Georgetown & Columbia in So. Carolina, & Warrenton in No. Carolina, being all that remain in my hands. Draughts for answers are inclosed in the addresses respectively, expressing ideas varied to correspond with the tenor of the addresses. I hope you will not be teazed with any more. With great &...
76To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have this day received from Govr Blount a letter dated the 9th of August, with sundry inclosures, by which it appears that the Southwestern Territory continues to enjoy perfect tranquility: That the Creeks have desired the Governor to direct General Robertson to send two men into the Chickasaw Nation for the Creeks who are prisoners there; as the Chiefs are determined to bury the hatchet, if...
77To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Instead of writing to Mr Boudinot, I concluded to ride out to see him. This I did on Wednesday: and found that he set off the preceeding day for Elizabethtown. Yesterday I wrote him by post: and if he should be at that place to-day, I may expect his answer to-morrow. By the first post after it arrives, it shall be forwarded to Mount Vernon. In General Knox’s letter which you were pleased to...
78To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my letter of this date, arrived a letter from Major Craig at Pittsburg in which is this passage. “The quarter master general by his letter of the 3d ulto (August) informs me a treaty with all the western Indians was concluded on that day.” The hour for closing the mail is past; but I shall request a new mail to be formed, that this intelligence may not be delayed. With the...
79To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter dated the 9th at Elkton was received, and your directions shall be observed. The express with your letter of the 11th and packet from Baltimore arrived on Saturday Evening. Two vessels are bound to England, and expected to sail to-morrow. These conveyances will be embraced. This moment I have a letter from Mr Boudinot dated the 12th. He had just arrived at Elizabethtown; and wanted...
80To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a letter from Colo. Lowther to Governor Brooke, and an extract from the Governor’s letter of the 4th relating to it. I have written to the Governor that I should submit the matter to you.: In the mean time informing him that peace was now made with the Indian tribes on all the frontiers of the U. States; & that even Mero District was enjoying perfect tranquility;...
81To 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...
82To 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...
83To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received the inclosed letter from Mr Boudinot. Not knowing Dr Isaac Smith, I thought it would be your wish to have some information of him beyond what is communicated in that letter. And there being a connection between Mr Boudinot’s and Dr Rush’s family, I judged that I might make some confidential enquiries of the Doctor, with propriety and safety. Doctor Rush knew Dr Smith—that...
84To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday I was honoured with your letter of the 16th I am yet without any intelligence from General Wayne. But Colo. Sargeant who arrived on Friday, and called on me on Saturday, showed me a copy of the treaty, without the names subscribed to it, and expressed his surprize that the original had not been received. I was sorry to learn from him that finally there was but a small...
85To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on Friday, informing that on that day two vessels were to sail for England carrying the two copies of the treaty ratified and the papers which were to accompany them, and one packet for Mr Monroe, to be forwarded by Mr Deas. A second will be sent to Mr Monroe by the first vessel to Hamburg; and the others by the first conveyances to France. The letters to Mr Pinckney are not yet...
86To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Last week Colo. Eli Williams, whose house is at Williamsport, & who had been desired to write his friends with a view to obtain better terms for the lands on Conococheague for the arsenal, recd an answer, and a survey of the various lots adjoining the Creek. The prices are not reduced; & by the survey there appeared to be several parcels of land not before known, which it would be proper to...
87To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose a copy of Governor Fenner’s letter of the 12th instant which will show in what manner he has complied & will comply with your requests respecting Mr Moore the British Vice Consul at New-port, and Captain Home; and the sense of the people on your measures in this case. I think they will be universally acceptable. Mr Wolcott went last Friday to Elizabeth-town to meet...
88To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 25 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Pittsburg mail is arrived, and no accounts yet from General Wayne. The dispatches for Mr Pinckney are ready for the first conveyances which shall present; and these will be sought for. I am most respectfully your obedient servt ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See Pickering’s letter to Thomas Pinckney, 23 Sept., in Pickering to GW, 23 Sept. , n.4.
89To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have in some measure anticipated your wishes of information relative to General Wayne’s treaty: and now have the pleasure to inclose a copy received yesterday evening, with an extract from his letter of the 9th ulto being all that he says on the subject. He has obtained more land than was expected. The chiefs who signed the treaty are not numerous: but I observe among them the names of Blue...
90To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 23d, last Saturday, and immediately wrote to Mr Boudinot to communicate your ideas expressed in the first paragraph of it. By to-morrow’s post I will acknowledge Mr Kinlock’s letter; altho’ as you observe, the case of his nephew appears to be remediless. The French letter is from an Emigrant residing at Lausanne in Switzerland, “who has remained faithful to his...
91To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The letter from Judge Walton covering the proceedings of the meeting at Augusta against the late treaty with Great Britain, were to have been transmitted in my 1ast: they are now inclosed. I have acknowledged the receipt of the letter and proceedings, seeing they were addrerssed to the Department of State, to be laid before you. Mr Wolcott concurs with me in opinion that they are not necessary...
92To 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...
93To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday a letter arrived from Mr Pinckney. It is dated at Madrid the 21st of July. He arrived there the 28th of June. As Mr Short had observed in his letters, little business could be done at this period, the Court being in a state of perambulation. Mr Pinckney however had obtained two interviews with the Duke de Alcudia; but to no purpose: that court appears to be playing the old...
94To 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...
95To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
General Wayne has requested leave to visit his friends and his home. I wrote to him that your absence from philadelphia prevented a decision on his request. It will be desirable to send him an answer by next Saturday’s post: and lest accident should prevent your arrival here before that time, I send this and a duplicate to meet you either at Baltimore or other place beyond it; requesting to be...
96To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War has the honour to lay before the President of the U. States dispatches from Genl Wayne, this day received, with the original treaty with the Indians. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . In addition to the Treaty of Greenville of 3 Aug. ( Kappler, Indian Treaties, Charles J. Kappler, ed. Indian Affairs. Laws and Treaties . 5 vols. Washington, D.C., 1903–41. 2:39–45), Pickering...
97To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have selected the inclosed letters from the correspondence of Mr Deas, & two letters from Mr Montgomery our Consul at Alicant, for your perusal—in addition to those just now given to Mr Dandridge; and have the honour to be, with great respect sir your obt servt ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Pickering evidently...
98To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully informs the President that General Rochambeau, who some time ago proposed sailing for France, now expects to depart next Monday, & will gladly take any letters or commands with which the President may have occasion to honour him. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The following Monday was 2 November. Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, vicomte de Rochambeau, had come to...
99To 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...
100To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully informs the President of the United States, that he has been so much occupied as not to be able absolutely to decide on the question which the President did him the honour to propose yesterday for his consideration; and prays the indulgence of a little more time. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW .