1To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 6 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness, New Jersey, November 6, 1780. Describes efforts to obtain boats for projected attack on the posts on the northern end of Manhattan Island. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; and LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives. Washington hoped for one successful stroke against the British before going into...
2To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I instantly sent off an Express on the Receipt of your first Note to Major Cogswell with Orders requiring him immediately to dispatch five Teams with Carriages for five additional Boats at Dobbs Ferry which had arrived there since the others were sent for! I will send again to know if the first Order was executing, and directing that the Boats be at the two Bridges by Wednesday-night. I am Sir...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The moment teams could be provided the boats at Dobbs ferry were sent for. I expect them up to-morrow, five at least, and six if so many were there. I will immediately dispatch an express to Major Cogswell to send teams for the five additional boats ordered from Kings-ferry. I am your most obdt. servt. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T....
4To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The five boats I had collected at Dobbs’ ferry arrived at Colo. Baldwin’s last evening. They want some repairs which are making. The five which came from King’s ferry to the slote, were at paramus last Evening. I am &c LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6, 1780, note 1 ....
5To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe it possible tho’ difficult to have Teams at the slote by Thursday night to take up five more Boats. I will endeavor to effect it. I presume they will come provided with oars. Must not they too be muffled? what Route are they to take? I shall be glad of further Instructions. It will doubtless be necessary to impress Horses on this Occasion. LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering,...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 17 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The Bearer Mr. John Lewis is master of a sloop which almost from the Commencement of the war has been in the public service. At the close of the present season his vessel with all the other craft in the like employment were discharged; but without being paid for a long time even from eight months to two years past as he informs me. Since their discharge they have drawn no provisions; and being...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 18 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my conversation with the General about the ox-teams to be provided for the next campaign, I forgot one capital question. At what time shall the teams be ready to join the army? Or rather (as they will be collected at different distances) on what day shall they be engaged to be at any certain Rendezvous? They will have only pasturage for their support, which will not be sufficient till...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 2 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] February 2, 1781 . Requests permission to issue rations to the families of Moses Dean and Hezekiah Gibson, both of whom belong to Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin’s Artificer Regiment. LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives.
9To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] April 20, 1781 . Asks for assistance in transporting a Canadian refugee from New Windsor to Philadelphia. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
10To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] April 20, 1781 . Doubts that, as quarter-master general, he possesses authority to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin barrack master for French army in America. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives; copy, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
11To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have some bills of exchange drawn by Mr. Morris on John Swanwick, which I am authorized to exchange with the Receivers of the Continental taxes in any of the states eastward of Pensylvania. Mr. Morris informed me that he had advised the receivers of this measure, & directed their taking up the bills whenever they were in cash. By taxes or by loan I expect this state will shortly furnish you...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 30, 1784. Encloses legal papers to be used by Hamilton in “execution of the will of … John Holt, late of New-York printer deceased.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. After the war Pickering, a native of Massachusetts, settled in Philadelphia where he became a merchant.
13To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. a letter of the 6th ult. from Mr. Anspach, stating the necessity of his being furnished with two or three thousand dollars, to pay some arrears due to himself, Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Dill, & a few others who were employed in the late department of the Quarter Master General—that the payment of those arrears, particularly his, Mr. Wolfe’s & Mr. Dill’s will enable them to complete the...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day recd. your letter of the 19th. instant. It is in some sort anticipated by mine of last week. But the inclosed letter to Mr. Peter Anspach is to request him with Mr. Wolfe’s assistance to present you with a statement of the debts intended to have been provided for by the anticipation you mention, & which yet remain unsatisfied. The documents are in his hand. I remarked in my...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 6 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Last evening a gentleman called on me to inform me of Mr. Duer’s resignation; and to urge me to apply for the vacant office. Having since reflected on a variety of circumstances which would render the office eligible, I have concluded to make known to you my willingness to take it, if you, who know me perfectly well, think I can give you the aid you would wish for and expect in an assistant....
16To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Conveyances to and from this place rarely offer, which, I suppose, prevented my receiving your favor of May 13th until a few days past. In appointments to public employments, when I had such to make, I am not conscious that personal considerations ever influenced my choice. The same principle determines me to be satisfied, and, if you will allow the expression, to approve of your appointment...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter, I sent at its date from Wyoming by a private hand, in a packet addressed to Mr. Hodgdon to be forwarded to you: but to-day it came to hand, thro’ the post office. I find that Congress have been pleased to grant 40,000 dollars to discharge certain arrears due from my late department. Mr. Anspach has written to me on the subject. He states that the mode of paying the...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received and considered your letter of the 23rd instant, proposing that a credit should be given to the Supervisors of the Revenue for the postage of Letters, until their collections should render it convenient to make payment. I shall as you request instruct the Deputy Postmasters, at the places by you enumerated, to open accounts with the respective Supervisors, and to accommodate the...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 13 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I received your letter of the 13th of August, I did not consider it with the attention which would have been necessary if at that time I had attempted to answer the questions you propose. Now it appears to me impossible to do it, with any degree of precision. It then struck me that certain communications to the Society of Agriculture of this city would have furnished the principal...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 9 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
After much enquiry, I have found a house which would accommodate my numerous family, and at the same time give me office-room. The greatly extended business of the department, I think may be accomplished with the same help which has been used since the time of Mr. Osgoods appointment, to wit, an assistant and clerk. For these, with their necessary writing desks, table, boxes, cases & shelves,...
21Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to George Washington, 21 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The manner in which I have been employed to effect the present visit of the Chiefs of the Five Nations, renders me peculiarly interested that the negociations with them should conform with the direct object of the invitation. This object is indelibly impressed on my mind; it having been the main argument offered by me, to convince them of the real friendship of the United States. I feel...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 8 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Indians of the Five Nations who lately visited Philadelphia, received their invitation from me , in the manner described in the inclosed copy of a letter to the President. Mr. Kirkland, the bearer of my message, received his instructions from the Secretary of War, to whom he from time to time transmitted information of his proceedings. Of this I was ignorant until after the arrival of the...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just read a passage in your circular letter of June 25th to the Collectors of the Customs, putting on the 12th section of the Post-Office-Law a construction which I conceive to be erroneous & which will materially injure the revenue of the department. I recollect your dropping the same idea transiently when I last saw you. I then searched for but overlooked the clause which showed that...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 3 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Since the close of the last War with Great Britain the Mails for Canada, brought by the British Packets to New York have been transmitted to Albany by the carriers of the Mails of the United States; and from Albany by a Courier to Montreal. Mr Lansing the postmaster at Albany, was the agent in this business in behalf of the Deputy postmaster General for Canada. Mr Lansing made some...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 17 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose the papers before handed to you respecting Ichabod Grummans claim, and a new and more accurate statement of his income by which it appears that on the principal admitted in his case, he may ask an indemnification of nine hundred & thirty one dollars 78 cents for the loss which he sustained by the sickness which lately prevailed in Philadelphia. I am &c. LC , RG 28, Letter Books,...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 28 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
General Post Office, March 28, 1794. “I have reviewed my calculations respecting Ichabod Grumman’s claim for an allowance on Account of the loss he sustained in carrying the mail between Philadelphia and New York, by reason of the fatal sickness in the former city, during the last Autumn; and seeing no cause for alteration in the statement, I now request your approbation, in writing , as you...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 8 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 8, 1795. On January 20, 1795, Hamilton wrote to Pickering and referred to “your letter of the 8th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
28To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 19 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 19, 1795. On January 19, 1795, Hamilton wrote to Pickering : “I have recd. your letter of this day.” Letter not found. ]
29To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 17 November 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The interest you take in all public measures of importance, and the peculiar solicitude you must feel at this time of general agitation, when so many are busy apparently to undermine the government which you so effectually laboured to establish, and have so eminently contributed to maintain—induce me, with that sincerity which I trust has ever marked my character, and that frankness which an...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The printer of Mr. Randolph’s vindication advertises that it will be published next Friday. The translation of Fauchet’s letter will be in it. This translation was made by Mr. Taylor at Randolph’s request; but Mr. Taylor, who desired the use of mine, told me that he had made but few variations. Now if I have mistaken the sense in any material passages, it is highly probable that they will be...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 22 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The President is anxious to ascertain whether the gentlemen he has thought of for Commissioners under the 6th & 7th articles of the British treaty will accept of those employments. He has concluded to appoint Egbert Benson Esqr. one of the Commissioners for executing the 6th article, relative to the debts owing to British subjects—if he will accept of the employment. He is held in such high...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 16 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Howell, the Commissioner for settling the St. Croix boundary, has been here this week, & started the following questions. 1. “How far will it be proper for Mr. Howell to use his discretion in refusing to draw lots for the third Commissioner, in case the British Commissioner shall persist in proposing a gentleman on his part who may be, in Mr. Howell’s opinion, not an indifferent person?”...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 24 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 21st relative to Mr. Pitcairn. As soon as the President had determined to change our Minister at Paris, I considered it not less necessary to make a change in the Consulate; and Mr Pinckney will go thither with the requisite powers on this subject. I have mentioned to him Mr Pitcairn as the gentleman whom he may safely and advantageously employ in the...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 23 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 23, 1797. On February 6, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Pickering : “I duly received your letter of the 23 of Jany.” Letter not found. ]
35To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry to have so long delayed an answer to your letter of the 23d. but we have been unusually occupied, and the decrees you referred to were not readily found: that of the 28th of May 1793 I have now discovered in a printed volume of the proceedings of the Convention for that month. So I now inclose you copies— 1st of the decree of May 9th 1793, violating our treaty, by rendering neutral...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 25th I was favoured with your letter of the 22d. The first measure of calling Congress together had been determined on by the President the preceding evening; and I had the draught of the proclamation inclosed, in my hand, to present to him, when I received your letter. Some other of the measures suggested had been contemplated; and all will receive attention from me & my colleagues. I...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe I mentioned in my last, that I was going to sketch a state of facts relative to Mr. Pinckney’s mission for publication. I now inclose it. That the facts should be known to our citizens was deemed important. I thought it highly important that the Representatives should come together impressed with the sentiments of their constituents on the reprehensible conduct of the French...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the and accord with your opinion that the proposed publication of the intelligence from Genl. Pinckney should be omitted. The “emigrant” we conclude to be Perigord, formerly bishop of Autun. Sometime since, I was informed that he left this country with signs of enmity towards it; and the Directory would naturally place great confidence in his opinion: and yet it is so...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 29 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
In contemplating the idea suggested by you, of arming the merchant vessels of the United States for Defence only , a difficulty at once presented. This measure is incompatible with the right of a belligerent power to visit and examine neutral vessels, to ascertain whether they have on board contraband goods—&, where a treaty does not alter the law of nations, whether they are laden with...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 21 October 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 21, 1797. On the back of a letter which Hamilton wrote to him on August 27, 1797 , Pickering wrote: “returned the paper inclosed Oct. 21. 1797.” Letter not found. ]
41To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 3 January 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to-day received your letter of the 1st inclosing a letter from Colo. Fleury, dated the 21st. of February last, with powers to receive & remit to Europe the amount of his dues from the U.S. which he hoped to receive in six months. He will be uneasy at not hearing from me in near eleven months, and will lose the benefits which the possession of the money might have yielded. These...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 25 March 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 17th. No apology will be necessary for a communication of your opinion at any time; and at the present crisis your opinion is peculiarly acceptable. Prior to the receipt of your letter, the President had determined to recommend the observance of a general fast; and had desired one or both the chaplains of Congress to prepare the draught of a proclamation....
43To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 25 March 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed I wrote last evening for your information. This morning I received your open letter of the 23d. As soon as a vessel shall be dispatched for France with letters of recall to our envoys, I presume the President will communicate their letters to Congress—whether demanded or not. If the envoys or any of them should be found in France (of which there is a bare possibility) they are to...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 9 April 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
This morning the dispatches from our envoys are published, and I inclose a copy. In your letter of March 27th in answer to mine of the 25th just then received, you say, “I shall write again to-morrow.” I have received no letter from you since that of the 27th. which I mention on the presumption that you may have written, and because if you have, it is important on every account that it should...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 9 June 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 9, 1798. On June 9, 1798, Pickering wrote to Hamilton : “I dropped you a hasty line to-day.” Letter not found. ]
46To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 9 June 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I dropped you a hasty line to-day, acknowledging the receipt of your letters of the 7th. & 8th. I now inclose a copy of the new British Instructions, with Mr. King’s remark upon them. These, I have not the least doubt, are the instructions which the American captains from the West Indies, by misconceptions, have represented to be so injurious to our commerce. Mr. Liston knows of no other; nor...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 16 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received from Genl. Washington an answer to my letter which I showed you. The General appears to have contemplated attentively the nature of the impending war with France, and that the southern states (if any part of the Union) will be invaded. Admitting this idea to be correct, the General says, “the inference I am going to draw from placing Colo. Hamilton over General Pinckney,...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me yours of yesterday. In the morning of yesterday Mc.Henry returned with Genl. Washington’s acceptance of the command of the armies, and a list, in the General’s own hand writing, in which the names of the Inspector General and Major Generals stand thus Inspector General, Alexander Hamilton. Major General, Charles C. Pinckney ditto Henry Knox ditto ditto Henry Lee } for the...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 21[–22] August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Not to miss the mail, I wrote you one line today, and inclosed a letter from I suppose General Miranda. If its contents give rise to any questions which it will be prudent for you to ask and for me to answer by the mail, it may be done, otherwise the information may be suspended till we meet. Just before I left Philadelphia, I received a letter from General Knox, in answer to one I had written...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Trenton, August 21, 1798. On August 21, 1798, Pickering wrote to Hamilton : “Not to miss the mail, I wrote you one line today.” Letter not found. ]