Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02662 Author/Creator: Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 October 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 23.3 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Believes that a guard at Newburgh is not necessary. Mentions that men have been dispatched to secure the public wood at New Windsor and discusses the details of that. Needs to refill the wood supply at Newburgh and states a sergeant and 12 men will cut up fallen trees.
Newburgh Oct.r 16. 1783.
Dr Sir,
It being my own opinion that a guard at this post was not necessary, I have this morning Spoken to the contractors agents & to Mr. Brooks the clothier on the Subject. They entirely concur in the Same opinion, and consent that the guard be withdrawn immediately. The officer who now commands it is lieut. Wells of the 4th Massachusetts regt. If you favour me with an order for his return to his reg.t I will hand it to him.
At present a corporal and four men from this guard are detached, to Secure the public wood which is lodged at New Windsor. It will be necessary that they remain, and be relieved with a corporal and Six next Sunday. I shall desire the lieutenant to add two men to that guard, when he is withdrawn.
The Same cause that requires an additional Supply of wood for West Point, obliges me to extend my provision for this post. There is a quantity [2] quantity of fallen trees on Jones's land, which belong to the public, & which I reserved for this post. The cheapest way to get it cut up will be by Some of the men who are Soon to be discharged. I think a Sergeant and twelve men will cut up the whole in a fortnight. If that number can be Spared, I Shall be much obliged to you for them. At present there is a corporal & Six who are cutting on hire. These I would discharge when the others come to [inserted: cut] for their freedom.
I am, dear Sir,
your most obedt Servant
T. Pickering Q.M.G.
M. Genl. Knox
[address leaf]
Honorable
Major General Knox
West Point
[docket]
From Colonel Pickering 16
October 1783
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