George Washington Papers

George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 7 June 1781

To Colonel Timothy Pickering

Head Quarters New Windsor June 7th 1781

Dear Sir

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.1

I wish also you will acquaint me with the means that have been made use of to transport the Arms & Accoutrements to the Southward, whether they have all been forwarded as yet from this place, under what circumstances, under whose care, and with what prospect of their being expeditiously transported, and safely delivered—It is a matter of the greatest consequence to the Southern States, which are in danger of being over run & ruined for the want of Arms.2 I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Please to send the Letters for the Eastward by the Chain of Expresses immediately.3

LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 26370; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The postscript appears only on the LS, which is addressed to Pickering at Newburgh, N.Y., and docketed: “recd same day.”

1Boats were needed for prospective operations around New York City; see also Pickering to GW, 18 May.

2Pickering replied to GW on 8 June.

3The directive likely refers to GW to Rochambeau, this date, and its enclosures.

Index Entries