Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829 to Henry Knox

GLC02437.01675

A larger version of this object is available to teachers and students for free. Others can subscribe for $25/year.

Larger images are also available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription or click here for more information.

GLC#
GLC02437.01675-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
October 22, 1782
Author/Creator
Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829
Title
to Henry Knox
Place Written
Verplanck, New York
Pagination
3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 22.6 cm, Width: 18.3 cm
Primary time period
American Revolution, 1763-1783
Sub-Era
The War for Independence

Written from Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. In response to recent letters from Knox (see GLC02437.01640 and GLC02437.01648), Colonel Pickering, the Quartermaster General, writes, "When the mind is eager in the pursuit of any object, it is apt to decide hastily, without fully inquiring into facts. I have often fallen into this error myself, and as often resolved to be more cautious in future. I can therefore easily account for and excuse the censure implied in your letter." Explains that he is aware of the health of the ox teams hauling materials for the Constitution Island barracks, and they are not "half starved," which Knox had implied. Declares, "The conductor is attentive & capable; had the team been unfit for the Service, he would have reported it when in camp two or three days Since. The waggon master general assures me these teams will be adequate to the business yet to be done, if they are not diverted to Services not mentioned in any requisitions yet made for teams." Discusses a variety of other matters pertaining to the acquisition of supplies, such as nails and rye, which are to be delivered to West Point. "Public service" written on address leaf.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources