Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01970 Author/Creator: Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 March 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 33.3 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
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 their favour." States that to make them sea-worthy enough for Knox's purpose would incur a larger expense than it would warrant. "On public service" written on address leaf with no signature.
Newburgh March 2. 1783
Sir,
I have received from Mr. Denniston a letter mentioning your desire to have the two gun-boats that were employed last fall in the wood-service, sent to West Point, "properly equipped with sails and rigging, & good anchors & cables."
These gunboats have very little rigging, & no sails, except square-sails just sufficient to enable them to move with the wind & tide in their favour. To equip them as above-mentioned, would occasion an expence which I could very ill defray; nor, unless they are deemed essential to the security of the post, should I think it expedient to apply to that use monies granted for other purposes which are indispensable.
I am, Sir,
your most obedient servant,
Tim Pickering
Q.M.G.
Major General Knox
[address leaf]
On public service
The Honourable
Major General Knox
West Point
[docket]
from Colonel Pickering 2 [struck: April] March
1783
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