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To James McHenry
February 27, 1811
Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829
"Atrocious conduct" of John Adams in dismissing McHenry: Adams became "an open aspostate, and a malignant slanderer of Hamilton."
GLC08036
to Henry Glen
17 October 1785
Arranging a shipment of supplies to the Six Nations, complying with the Treaty of 1792
GLC08124
to Christopher Gore
05 March 1810
Written to Governor of Massachusetts Christopher Gore. Explains his opposition to a proposed Constitutional amendment that would limit the life of an embargo act to 30 days after Congress enacted it. Countersigned by James Lloyd.
GLC08220
to Henry Knox
February 12, 1782
On George Washington's instructions, Pickering writes to ask for estimates regarding field artillery pieces and transportation like tumbrils and wagons. Also asks whether horses or oxen are best to use to pull these carts, and how many of each they...
GLC02437.01351
4 November 1782
Signature has been clipped, but author Colonel Timothy Pickering is mentioned in the docket. Writes, "Agreeably to our mutual determination when last I had the pleasure of seeing you, I am content to receive Mr. Moses Dean again into my department...
GLC02437.01699
to Samuel Shaw
18 July 1781
Pickering, Quartermaster General, discusses a delay in teams sent to transport cannon to Dobbs Ferry, New York. Informs Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, that Major Thomas Cogswell, wagonmaster, will conduct the teams to Dobbs Ferry to prevent...
GLC02437.01057
30 August 1782
Writes, "I sent to Mr. [Daniel] Carthy a note this morning directing him to apply to you for a crew for a boat which Carthy was to have ready for me. The movement of the army to-morrow, which I must attend, will require that I be able to move with...
GLC02437.01549
to Mrs. J. Sargent Murray
22 May 1815
"By glancing my eye on a passage or two in your brother's history of his use, in multitude of instances during two years, of the 'eau medicinale' d'Husson, I noticed the precision of description which I should expect from Govr. Sargent, and which is...
GLC09145
17 July 1781
Colonel Pickering, Quartermaster General, reports that the Jersey line have not yet arrived (at Phillipsburgh) but are encamped nearby. Complains of his inability to obtain sufficient numbers of horses. Written at Phillipsburgh, New York (present...
GLC02437.01052
to John Hancock
12 November 1780
Signed for Knox by Shaw. Henry Knox's retained copy. Congratulates Hancock on becoming the Governor of Massachusetts and brings the suffering of the Massachusetts soldiers to Hancock's attention. The text is in the hand of Henry Knox, but the...
GLC02437.00853
A draft to the Legislature of the State of Massachusetts
Title from docket, which is in the hand of Samuel Shaw. Requests better treatment of men in the military service and for their families. Content comprises Pickering's redrafting of those that have been struck form GLC02437.00855.
GLC02437.00856
18 August 1781
Gives Shaw notice, on behalf of Henry Knox, of a change in orders: cannon will be transported on sloops, not flat boats. The flat boats are to be reserved for other purposes.
GLC02437.01138
15 July 1781
Colonel Pickering, Quartermaster General, reports that Captain Tredwell lost five horses and has applied for their replacement. Declares, "It will be utterly impossible to supply such frequent losses. I mention the matter to you, that if you think...
GLC02437.01049
to Winthrop Sargent
25 May 1798
Serving as Secretary of State, Pickering informs Sargent that he sent Sargent's commission as Governor of the Mississippi Territory. States that new seals and presses are being made for the use of this Territory.
GLC07370
to Timothy Pickering, Sr.
February 23, 1778
Colonel Pickering writes a poignant letter to his loyalist father, Deacon Pickering, who he recently learned was gravely ill. Expresses happiness over an improvement in his father's health and regret over their political differences. Thanks his...
GLC02325
to Sylvanus Bourne
30 July 1799
Marked duplicate. Written by Pickering as Secretary of State to Bourne, a merchant and Counsel General of the United States to the Netherlands. Acknowledges letter of 10 May 1799. Pickering says he can return to America, despite the United States...
GLC02326
to Joseph Pitcairn
7 March 1799
Written by Pickering as Secretary of State to Pitcairn as American Consul in Hamburg. Based on previous information from Pitcairn, Pickering says dispatches sealed in false bottoms of tubs owned by three mulattoes, one white man, and one white...
GLC02381
to Thomas Pinckney
23 May 1796
About Jay's treat and gives instructions regarding Pinckney's recall and replacement by Rufus King. "With the Treaty with Spain ratified by the President were transmitted to Mr. Rutledge the necessary powers to exchange the ratifications with the...
GLC09117
January 31, 1783
Written by Quartermaster General Colonel Pickering to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 29 January, which was about collecting wood for firewood and bomb proofs at West Point. Says it appears to be impracticable. Knox said that 48 yoke...
GLC02437.01875
24 April 1783
Discusses the rations and clothing given to bargemen in the Army and requests better conditions for them. Pickering explains that the men of the Newburgh packet feel that they should have the same benefits as that of the crew on the commander-in...
GLC02437.02112
7 June 1783
Asks on behalf of other quarter masters what they should do with spare ammunition as the "brigades in this vicinity are dissolved and dissolving." "On public service" written on address leaf with no signature.
GLC02437.02152
18 June 1783
Informs Knox of the movement of a group of boats from West Point headed for Newburgh, New York, that stopped in New Windsor along the way. Also writes to Knox about the weather in regards to a departure time and exposing the men to the heat.
GLC02437.02169
31 August 1783
Written by Colonel Pickering as Quartermaster General to Major General Knox. References receiving Knox's letter of 31 August, which enclosed two letters from George Washington (not included here). Will forward the one for Colonel Willet.
GLC02437.02445
2 March 1783
Discusses the possible use of two gun-boats for the "wood service." Describes that they are, as of yet, not fit for use as they "have very little rigging & no sails, except square-sails just sufficient to enable them to move with the wind & tide in...
GLC02437.01970
15 April 1783
Forwards a list of items ordered from Philadelphia and informs Knox that the wagon carrying the items should arrive at any day.
GLC02437.02088
24 October 1783
Informs Knox that due to poor weather, he had to break up several teams of men who were transporting wood to New Windsor and that he increased their pay as compensation.
GLC02437.02704
8 September 1783
Discusses the maintenance of "the great chain" and whether the military should sell it, as they are in need of funds at the moment.
GLC02437.02481
3 October 1783
Asks Knox to hire more wagoners to "drive the teams which are transporting wood."
GLC02437.02610
13 October 1783
Discusses changing the men rowing the scows (small boats) daily. Mentions hired men working on other boats (pettiaugers and schooners) and their pay. Asks for boatbuilders to do repairs.
GLC02437.02645
20 October 1783
Informs Knox of a violent storm that knocked down tents for the wood cutters. Mentions sending people to Kings Ferry to look for wood and thanks Knox for granting them permission to cut wood in the surrounding area.
GLC02437.02689
[Request for rations]
2 October 1783
Request for ten rations of provisions for a soldier and his two children. Relates that the soldier is sick in the hospital, his wife and one child have already died, and the other children will too without the relief. Noted as received and signed...
GLC02437.02608
16 October 1783
Believes that a guard at Newburgh is not necessary. Mentions that men have been dispatched to secure the public wood at New Windsor and discusses the details of that. Needs to refill the wood supply at Newburgh and states a sergeant and 12 men will...
GLC02437.02662
17 October 1783
Thanks Knox for sending wood to Verplanck's and Stony Points. "Public service" written on address leaf with no signature. Docketed by Knox.
GLC02437.02671
1 November 1783
Discusses a travelling forge made at the Springfield armory in Massachusetts, which he will be sending to West Point. He is very impressed by how well made it is.
GLC02437.02744
January 31, 1784
Pickering, Quartermaster General, asks Knox to write an official request to justify the allowance Pickering granted for the transportation of discharged officers' baggage (after they were discharged, many officers had difficulty traveling home). In...
GLC02437.02939
[Return for the 1st Massachusetts Foot Brigade]
15 November 1783
Partially printed document with subsequent information filled in by hand. Lists men by regiment, rank, status, and alterations since the last return. Also includes a manuscript table on the verso with officers' names (in most cases), status (sick...
GLC02437.02778
30 October 1783
States that Mr. Denniston has applied to him for boards but that he is unable to purchase any. Plans on pulling down buildings at Wappings [Wappingers] Creek to use for board. Teams will haul the wood to the Point [West Point]. Mentions in the...
GLC02437.02725
[Return of the paymaster & regimental agents]
18 October 1783
Lists men whose regiments have been disbanded. Lists men by name, rank, office, regiment and place of residence. Docketed by Pickering on verso.
GLC02437.02675
to George Washington
13 November 1783
Draft or retained copy of the cover letter for GLC02437.10199, from "the officers of the part of the Army remaining on the banks of the Hudson" in response to hearing General Washington's farewell address to the army. (GLC02437.10186 is a draft of...
GLC02437.02772
5 January 1784
Pickering, Quartermaster General, transmits a certified copy of a receipt related to Captain [Coggeshall's] and a delivery of cannon to Colonel Cobb. In a post script, asks about medicines to be sent to New York for sale. Asks if Doctor [John]...
GLC02437.02913
Pickering, Quartermaster General, informs Knox he will attempt to leave for Boston before the following Sunday. Recommends the bearer of this note, Smith, to drive a team of oxen carrying Knox's baggage when he departs for Boston.
GLC02437.02916
8 January 1784
Pickering, Quartermaster General, discusses the details of transporting officers and their luggage from West Point (many of the discharged soldiers had difficulty arranging transportation home). Mentions the transport of Knox's luggage to Boston.
GLC02437.02927
Informs Knox of the wastefulness of the guard and servants who are watching over General William Howe's quarters.
GLC02437.02743
2 November 1783
Informs Knox that a shipment of supplies has arrived and that others are expecting him to procure additional supplies to feed the riding horses, though this is not part of his duty. Asks Knox to clarify the matter and explains his delay in sending...
GLC02437.02750
[An account of sleigh and horses bought from Colonel Timothy Pickering]
4 January 1784
Pickering, Quartermaster General, attests that he received seventy dollars for "one second hand sleigh" and "two draught horses" from an unspecified buyer.
GLC02437.02905
6 April 1796
Written from the "Department of State." Pickering informs Knox of his appointment by President George Washington to a commission to determine the Eastern boundary of the United States on the St. Croix River in Maine [as stipulated by Jay's Treaty of...
GLC02437.06694
January 22, 1795
Requests a meeting with Knox to discuss the military. Writes, "Col. Pickering presents his compliments to General Knox, and begs to be informed when it would be convenient to indulge Colonel P. with a long conversation on the military establishment...
GLC02437.06317
February 18, 1795
States that Paul Rever has his howitzers ready to bore and asks if they should be proved. Pickering feels this might be a waste of ammunition and asks for Knox's opinion. Noted as written at the War Office.
GLC02437.06357
21 July 1795
Forwards a letter and informs Knox of various governmental events, including the signing of the resolutions by the democratic society of Philadelphia, as well as Jay's treaty and John Jay's negotiations with Great Britain. Noted as written at the War...
GLC02437.06468
1 August 1798
Asks Knox if he would be interested in appointing an aide-de-camp.
GLC02437.07161
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