Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01675 Author/Creator: Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) Place Written: Verplanck, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 October 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.6 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
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.
[draft]
Verplank's Point Octr. 22. 1782
Sir
I recd. yesterday your letter of the 21st from the Village. - 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.
The three teams you met going with hay to those which have been hauling the Constitution Island Barrack are not to "depart" when the hay is delivered, but to remain with the eight before employed. The latter I am assured are not in the "wretched condition" you apprehend them to be: nor are they "half starved," or in danger of it. Besides the three loads of hay above mentioned, four more were to be lodged there, and three days since seventy [2] seventy five bushels of [text loss] sent you for the sole purport of those teams. The Conductor is attentive & capable; and the team [text loss] been right for the service, he would have reported [inserted: 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 requisition yet made for teams, & if the frames for the barracks be cut as near the Landings as proper timber can be found. He has been informed that some has been hauled the distance of three miles from the landing.
A bridgade of ox-teams which has been employed on the other side of the river has been ordered to go by Suffrein's to the [Clove] where hay may be obtained & with such loads as they can bring in half the brigade is to go on to the Point to work as long as their forage lasts, & then to be relieved by the other [3] half, & [text loss]tely, as long as their services shall be wanted.
On the 18th I purchased five hundred bushels of rye which I directed to be delivered to the Quarter Master at West Point. The vessel catched aground, at Peekskill, & I am not certain whether she has yet arrived at West Point.
The nails (about a thousand weight) which I expected from Philadelphia have arrived, & half of them been sent to the Point-I sent my own waggon yesterday to [Boone] Town for as many nail rods as Mr Ogden can have ready by its [text loss]. He has engaged to p[illegible] [text loss] rod iron I want, & as [text loss] require it, if his water does not fail.
I am dear Sir
Your most obedt Servt
Tim: Pickering
Q.M.G.
M. Genl. Knox.
[address leaf]
(public Service)
Major General Knox
West Point
[docket]
From
Col. Pickering
22 Octo. 1782.
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