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    • Pickering, Timothy
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Generally speaking, no task could be imposed on me so ungrateful as that of applying for a public office. In the present instance, however, I feel little reluctance in doing it; because I know the application will be duly noticed, and the ultimate decision, whether for or against me, be governed by a just regard to the interests of the United States. By some of my friends I am informed that Mr...
The messenger to the Seneca nation set off this afternoon, with a letter addressed by me to their Sachems Chiefs & Warriors, informing them of my appointment from you to meet them under the authority of the United States; inviting the relations of the deceased Indians to come to Tioga on the 25th of October next; and expressing your desire that the chiefs of the Turtle tribe, & other Great Men...
4 barrels of Country rum 120 gall. @ at 3/. £ 18. 0.0 Provisions for 200 Indians 12 days, including the supplies they must receive when going home, viz.  3200 lbs. of beef @ 3 d. 40. 0.0  32 Cwts flour @ 15/. 24.  .  A silver gorget & other trinkets 10.  .  1 Cwt of tobacco & pipes 2.10.  94.10.0 Provisions & necessaries for T. Pickering, & Colo. Wilson, agent for Pennsylvania, & for the...
In obedience to your orders I held a Conference with the Chiefs &c. of the Seneca nation of Indians at Tioga in this state. About 220 of all ages attended. The day of meeting proposed was the 25th of October: but they did not arrive until the 15th of November. Such delays, I am informed, are common with them; but in the present instance I believe are greatly to be attributed to the...
In obedience to your orders of the 4th of September last, I took the necessary steps for holding a conference with the Logstown Chiefs & warriors of the Seneca Nation of Indians; relative to the murders of two of their people at Pine Creek in Pennsylvania. I wrote to them by the express who at the same time carried a letter from the president of Pennsylvania. In my letter I informed them,...
Having been accidentally detained here longer than I expected, and a little leisure now presenting, I have thought it would not be misapplied in suggesting the means of introducing the art of husbandry, and civilization, among our Indian neighbours. In the treaty with the Creek Indians, I observe provision is made for furnishing them with domestic animals and instruments of husbandry, with a...
I intended to have done myself the honour of waiting on you in person: but a letter may give you less trouble. General Knox informed me that it would be agreeable to you that I should undertake the superintendency of the northern Indians; I mean particularly the Six Nations. I answered, That by the new constitution of Pennsylvania, a Continental appointment was declared to be incompatible with...
(Duplicate) Sir, Philadelphia May 2d 1791. Of the measures pursuing by general Knox, relative to Indian affairs, he doubtless makes to you the necessary communications. In those communications, he may, perhaps, have mentioned my being here, preparatory to my undertaking another mission to the Indians of the Six Nations, for the purpose of confirming the peace and friendship subsisting between...
I did myself the honour to call at your house to-day, to speak with you: but you were engaged with Mr Jefferson. And the time not admitting another opportunity (as I wish to leave town on Monday morning) you will permit me to communicate what I had to say, in writing. As you thought it expedient, I went to New York, to converse with Mr Osgood on the business of the post-office. The contracts...
Among the great duties of your high station, the selection of proper characters for public offices is not the least difficult, nor the least important. The multiplicity of applications, the diversity, and sometimes the contrariety of opinions, must often produce painful embarrassments: while a constant aim to provide for the public service, will frequently oblige you to disregard private...
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...
The intelligence contained in the enclosed copy of a letter from Mr Storer, seemed to be of sufficient consequence to trouble you with; and I should have transmitted it a week ago; but the sickness in my family, and the death of a favourite son, have prevented me. To Governor Simcoe’s public professions of regret &c. at the issue of the treaty, a number of facts may be opposed. These with...
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...
I wrote you by Monday’s post. That afternoon I went to see Mr Peters; and had the pleasure to find that your accommodation and a suitable provision for Congress had engaged the attention of him and divers other citizens of Philadelphia who were scattered in the adjacent country. They have had some consultations on the subject; and will continue them until suitable provision shall be made; of...
Since sealing my letter of this date, my servant has brought me an answer from the Mayor, which I enclose. I am surprized at the number of deaths from Oct. 11th to the 22d. I will continue to advise you of the state of the disease, as often as I can obtain any new information. very respectfully yr most obedt servt ALS , DLC:GW .
I have the pleasure to inform you that the mortal fever which has raged in this city, is prodigiously reduced. A fortnight ago, from 10 to 14 were daily buried in Friends ’ burying ground: but in the last Five days only three in the whole have been buried there. Among the German Lutherans, the reduction appears by the following list— Oct. 22d buried 19   23 —— 10   24 —— 8  
I beg leave to submit to your perusal and orders the inclosed communication from Mr Dixon, and my observations thereon. The other paper is the draught of a message I proposed to send to the Chiefs of the Six Nations to notify them of the ratification of the treaty of Konondaigua. Genl Chapin’s son, who proposes to leave town to-morrow, can carry that message, if approved, and a similar one to...
I beg leave to inclose for your perusal a letter of the first instant from Captain Bruff of the corps of artillerists and engineers, at Baltimore, respecting the arrest and character of William B. Smith of the same corps; and a letter of the 27th ulto from Lieutenant Smith, asking to be removed to Norfolk, under pretence that Baltimore disagrees with his health, and declaring, “if he is not...
The Secretary respectfully lays before the President of the United States a letter from Governor Blount this moment received by Express, with Genl Robertson’s letter of the 13th of January & the Governor’s answer. Genl Robertson’s letter of Jany 9th mentioned by the Governor in his answer to the General was not inclosed. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . James Robertson’s letter to William Blount...
I have been honoured with your note of this morning, and now inclose the draught of the message to accompany the Georgia acct and Govr Blount’s communications. In half an hour (unless you would choose to see me sooner) I will wait upon you at your room; and am, most respectfully your obt servt Copies are prepared for the Senate, as well as the House. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . GW’s note has...
General Knox has handed me the inclosed communications from General Wilkinson, deeming them proper to be seen by you. He desires me afterwards to return them. General Knox’s letter of the 4th of last December to General Wilkinson accompanies the communications of the latter, to render them intelligible. I am most respectfully sir, your obt servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Pickering...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 &...
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...
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...
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...
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...