Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829 to Henry Knox

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.