1From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 1 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterday I received, and am sorry to hear that the Quota of Militia which the Town of Salem was to furnish, by Resolve of the Honorable General Court can not be had. The Generous tender of Services made by you Sir & the rest of the Volunteers, claims a return of my sincere thanks. Should I have an occasion to call upon them, I shall do It; At present I wish them to Continue at...
2From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Office of Adjutant General being vacant by the resignation of Colo. Reed, and the power of appointing a Successor with me, I am induced from the good opinion I entertain of your attachment to the interests of the United States and your Military character, not only to make a tender, but most heartily to wish your acceptance of it. It will give me much pleasure if the Offer meets your...
3From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 9th & 14th instants. Upon the Receipt of the first I had no hopes of seeing you in the department which I wished, but by the latter I am pleased to find, that upon a full reconsideration of the matter, you had determined to accept of the office of Adjutant General, provided it had not been disposed of. I am obliged to you for the free manner in which you unbosom...
4From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 19th inst. with its enclosures on the subject of the Indian voyages upon the Western frontier. Previous to the Receipt of it, I had put that part of the 13th Virginia Regt, which remained here under marching orders, with an intent of sending them to Fort Pitt, as they were raised in that county. Immediately upon receiving the account of the alarming...
5From 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....
6From 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,...
7From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your letter of the 5th Inst. with its inclosures. I have communicated the resolve of Congress respecting the pay of supernumerary officers to the Auditor of accounts for the goverment of his conduct. In case there are any quantity of shoes, at the different manufactories under the direction of the board, I could wish them to be forwarded to camp as soon as possible. as also...
8From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 13th instant inclosing a Copy of a letter from Colo. Brodhead with an estimate of the Stores necessary for an expedition against Detroit —As there is no probability of an attempt upon that post at this time, I should not think it prudent to send the Artillery required and necessary Stores just now, but as we do not know what an unlooked for turn in the affairs...
9From 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...
10From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I must request the Board to give orders to have a considerable number of Cartridges made up with Buck Shott and Ball, indeed it might not be amiss to have all from this time made up in that manner. I wish to be informed what number of Hunting Shirts are on hand and where they are lodged—There are none among the Cloathing in Camp—and but 500 in the Store at Fishkill. If there are any more, they...
11From 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...
12George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for preparation of boats for the attack. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13XIV. 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...
14George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 1 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 1, 1781 . Instructs Pickering to set up plan for replacement of lost military articles, to provide the necessary “provision of tents, camp kettles and other articles for the next campaign,” and to check into behavior of the corps of artificers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is misdated, as H did not return to...
15From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 1 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The tranquility of winter quarters and the important change about to take place in our Military establishment offer a favourable opportunity to introduce system and order into the Army: and to effect a reformation of the abuses, which may have imperceptably crept into the several departments. That our circumstances require parsimony in the distribution of public stores, and the strictest...
16From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 21 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I directed Col. Humphrys the day before yesterday, to request you to have the beef salted in bulk at the several places on the River immediately transported by water, or (if impracticable) by land, to West Point, the matter has become more urgent, and the delay every Moment more dangerous. You will therefore take such measures as will be effectual for the purpose; and also to keep up the...
17From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
My horses, I am told, have not had a mouthful of long or short forage for three days. They have eaten up their mangers and are now (though wanted for immediate use) scarcely able to stand. I should be glad to know if there is any prospect of relief for them. I am etc. Fitzpatrick, Writings John C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources,...
18From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yours of this date is before me—When I wrote to Colo. Lutterloh I had no knowledge of your letter to Humphrey on the score of Forage. That which Roberts may get will, it is to be hoped serve till the farmers (enabled by the Snow) can bring in more—At any rate I cannot avail Myself of your private Stock. I shall be obliged to you for sending me by Eight oclock tomorrow Morning a Sleigh, pair of...
19From 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....
20From 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....
21George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 10, 1781 . Recapitulates verbal directions given Pickering concerning teams, wagons, and boats. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed instructions were begun though not completed at the time they are dated; but the disturbances in the Army withdrew my attention from them and prevented their delivery ’till this time. For your satisfaction I shall here recapitulate the verbal directions given you in answer to your letter of the 14th of January—If my memory should fail me in any article which may affect your...
23George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 14, 1781 . Is going to Rhode Island. States that command of the Army will devolve on Major General William Heath. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I shall set out in a day or two for Rhode Island. The command in my absence will devolve upon Major General Heath. I must request you will make every effort to enable the Commissary to throw as ample a supply of provisions as he can into the Garrison of West point, that it may not be exposed to any accident from a sudden investiture —and will do every thing else, that depends on you, to...
25George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Has ordered light troops to prepare to march to Morristown. Instructs Pickering to have wagons ready for troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered a detachment of light troops amounting to a thousand rank and file to assemble at Peek’s Kill in readiness to march towards Morris Town by the 19th. I am to desire you will have waggons ready for them by that period, to remain attached to them for some time and forage at proper stages on the route. It is necessary this business should be executed with punctuality. When you have...
27From 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...
28From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will take the earliest, and most efficacious Measures for the transportation of all the salted Provisions collected in the Towns westward of Connecticut River, to the Army. To facilitate this, I have written the enclosed Letter to His Excellency Govr Trumbull, requesting his influence, and assistance—which you will be pleased to forward, with the Dispatches for the Count De Rochambeau by...
29From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Extract of a Letter from Major General Heath, of this day; and must again request, that the most vigorous and energetic Measures may be pursued for the transportation of Provisions to relieve the Garrison & the Army from the horrors of impending famine, & me from the incessant complaints and perplexities which are occasioned by our present disagreeable circumstances. I am...
30From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The supply of flour for the Army must be kept up regularly, And the Means of transportation must be calculated accordingly. Should all other expedients for bringing on the flour from Ringwood, Warwick and the Deposits on the communication from Pennsylvania, prove abortive—Should the Justices refuse to issue Warrants for the impress of Teams—or should their Warrants not be attended with...
31From 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...
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 Timothy Pickering, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you a Letter for Major General Parsons; in which I have mentioned the return of a Detachment of about 80 Continental Troops, now at Danbury, and have suggested their being employed as an Escort to the Provisions to be forwarded from thence. The Commanding Officer will have Orders to afford every possible assistance to facilitate the transportation; and I must desire you will make...
34From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Alarming accounts of the state of Provisions at Fort Schuyler, having this moment been received, it is necessary that an instantaneous exertion should be made, to throw a supply into that Garrison—You will therefore, cause a transportation to be made, of 50 Barrels of Meat, and 50 Barrels of Flour to Albany, without a moments delay: the flour can be taken from the Magazine at New Windsor—the...
35From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I inclose for your inspection, Original Letters from Major General Heath & Brigadier General Clinton, describing in the most forcible terms, the terrible prospect before them, and the inevitable disasters that must ensue, unless provisions are furnished (and that instantly) for the Troops and Garrisons in their respective Departments—when you have read these Letters you will be pleased to...
36From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you the last Evening, respecting the transportation of the salted Provisions, I have received Letters from General & Governor Clinton, informing that the Troops on the frontier, are on the point of mutinying, and the Garrison of Fort Schuyler of abandoning that Post, for want of Provisions of every kind; in consequence of which, I have thought proper to have 100 Barrels of...
37From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Under the present circumstances of transportation from Connecticut, I should advise, that Mr Pomeroy should be sent immediately back to the several Towns, to announce the distresses of the Army for the want of that provision, the certainty of payment for the transportation, and the approach of a military force to carry into execution the impress of the Civil Majestrate—While this is doing, the...
38From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 13 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The quantity of salted provision in the western part of Connecticut, being by your representation much less than was expected, it will certainly be expedient to bring forward that from Hartford, by the hired Teams, which you will be pleased to order accordingly. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
39From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Washington presents his Compliments to Colonel Pickering, and requests the favor of his Company at dinner to day—The Duke de Lauzun will dine at Head Quarters. MHi : Timothy Pickering Papers.
40From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
At the same time I again inform you, of the almost infinite importance it is, to have the Boats in immediate readiness for use, I must request and entreat that no exertions, on your part, may be wanting to put them instantly in that state: if there is any thing in my power which will tend to expedite, this so necessary business, I wish to be informed, that measures may be taken accordingly. I...
41From 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...
42From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 25 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
One of my own Horses which I sent from Camp to be wintered—together with the Horses which usually carried my Canteens & Portmanteaus, I am informed are dead. These losses will occasion a call upon you for four, wch I should be glad to receive as soon as convenient. If there is a number to choose out of, two may be natural pacers (Horses or mares) the Canteens going easier on them—one of the...
43From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favour’d with yours of last evening; and cou’d wish that the present situation of the River might be improv’d to every advantage. Whatever Boats you think necessary may be order’d to Dobb’s ferry; but particular care must be taken, in the tra n sportation of Stores across the opposite Country, that they come in small convey’s, and no deposits made either at the ferry or on the...
44From 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...
45From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is of the utmost importance to the Service, that Gentlemen who are acting at the heads of departments should at this present period be with the troops. You will please therefore upon the receipt of this to join them with all possible dispatch. I am Sir with Esteem Yours &ca DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
46From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 8 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
As soon as you have arranged Matters & sent on a Gentleman of your Department to mark out the different Stages & haltg Places, for the Horses & Teams on the followg Route—from hence to—Bald Friars—thence to—Bush— to—Baltimore Elk Ridge Landg Bladenburg George Town—from thence Falls of Rappahanack—avoidg Accoquan Ferry— to—Caroline Court House NewCastle— Williamsburg— You will come forward...
47From 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...
48From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
York & Gloucester being fixed upon as places of Cantonment for the French Troops, it is necessary for that & other reasons, that the British Hospitals should be removed as soon as possible; and it being impracticable to do this to Fredericksburg wholly by Land, you will use every means in your power to send the sick & wounded to that place by Water. All the Troops from Pennsylvania to the...
49From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Pay from the British Military Chest in your Care One hundred and fifty Pounds Lawful Money to Brigadier General Knox of the Artillery, for the Use of his Department and for which he is to be held Accountable. Given at Head Quarters this 2 November 1781. MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
50From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not a doubt but that you will take the best care of all the Articles of Public Stores received by you from the Enemy; many of them will not perhaps be of immediate Necessity to the Army; those which are not, you will convert to the best benefit for the Public Account of the United States, to be appropriated to the Use of the Financier General, towards discharging the Debt, incurred upon...