Timothy Pickering was the third United States secretary of state, serving under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. He also represented Massachusetts in both houses of Congress as a member of the Federalist Party. In 1795, he was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society.
Timothy Pickering informs Alexander Hamilton that boats from Dobbs Ferry are expected soon and that he will send an express to Major Cogswell to secure teams for additional boats from Kings Ferry. He coordinates the transportation logistics necessary for military operations.
Timothy Pickering informs Alexander Hamilton about the challenge of assembling teams to retrieve five boats by Thursday night and offers to try to accomplish it. He inquires whether the oars should be muffled and requests guidance on the route to take. Pickering also anticipates the need to impress horses for the operation.
Timothy Pickering appeals to Alexander Hamilton to approve issuing provisions to John Lewis and other sloop masters who served the public during the war but remain unpaid and destitute. He emphasizes their hardship, the risk of discouraging future service, and requests Hamilton convey their situation to the Commander in Chief for authorization. Pickering balances concern for scarce army supplies with humanitarian relief for these displaced families.
Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General, asks Alexander Hamilton to clarify when ox-teams hired for the upcoming campaign should assemble and at which rendezvous point. He notes that the teams require sufficient pasturage, which will only be available by late May or early June, and suggests delaying their assembly as long as possible without hindering the campaign. Pickering requests Hamilton to obtain General Washington’s decision on the matter.
Timothy Pickering questions Alexander Hamilton about the extent of his authority as quartermaster general to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin as barrack master for the French army in America. He expresses uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of this appointment. The letter seeks clarification on Hamilton’s official powers in this matter.
Phila a. Sept. 5. 1796. Dear Sir, I have just received your letter of the 29 th ult o. enquiring about your son Tho s. B. Adams at the Hague.…
Philadelphia Sept r. 19. 1796. Dear Sir, The President set out early this morning for Mount Vernon; and soon after, his address to the people of the United States appeared…
Feby. 25. 1797 Sir, I inclose the form of the summons by Mr. Jefferson on the former occasion, to the Senators to attend on the 4th of March, and that…
Department of State, May 1. 1797. To the Questions proposed by the President of the United States, on the 14th of the last month, the Secretary of State respectfully returns…
Department of State Philadelphia Augt. 1. 1797 Sir, By this day’s mail I send three packets, containing, together, 80 Mediterranean passports, for your signature; which I shall wish to have…
Department of State Augt. 3. 1797. Sir The letter and deposition of which the inclosed are copies, were received from Judge Sitgreaves the first instant. I answered the Judge, that…
Department of State Philadelphia August 18. 1797 Sir, This morning I recieved a letter from Mr. Charles Hall, declining the office of Agent of the United before the Board of…
Philadelphia Augt. 19. 1797 2 o’clock p.m. Sir, The Attorney General just informs me that before your departure you directed him to employ Mr. John Read, if Mr. Hall should…
Department of State Trenton Sept. 5. 1797. Sir, I removed my family and office to this place, to avoid the danger from the present contagious fever in Philadelphia; and the…
Department of State Trenton Sept. 7. 1797. Sir Since my last letter was forwarded, I have received the inclosed letters from Judge Patterson & Mr. McHenry, mentioning the names and…
Trenton Sept. 19. 1797. Sir, I have the honor to inclose a letter just recd from Judge Patterson, recommending Dr. James Hall of York-town, Pennsylvania, for the office of Treasurer…
Trenton Sept. 21. 1797. Sir, I inclose the copy of a letter from Robert Morris Esqr. dated yesterday, accompanied with information from a Mr. Rees who is attending the treaty…
Oct. 19. [ 1797 ] Young Lafayette called to day, on his way to New York to embark for France. He left Genl. Washington last Friday perfectly well—and saw a…
Trenton Oct. 30. 1797. Sir, By yesterday morning’s mail I received two letters, superscribed by you, one addressed to the Revd. Stephen Peabody, at Atkinson, N. Hampshire, which is inclosed;…
Trenton Novr. 2. 1797 Sir, In observance of your directions, I do myself the honor to present to your view such matters as seemed to me proper to be communicated…
Department of State Jany. 5. 1798 To the President of the United States I have the honor to lay before you a copy of the act of the Legislature of…
Department of State, February 16, 1798. To the President of the United States: The Secretary of State respectfully presents, as directed, the annexed papers, exhibiting, pursuant to a resolve of…
Department of State Feby. 17th 1798 To the President of the United States. In pursuance of an Act of Congress, passed on the third of March 1797, entitled “An Act…
Department of State July 25. 1798. Sir, Understanding that you set out this morning, to proceed to Massachusetts, I have thought it proper to send on a parcel of commissions…