Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02916 Author/Creator: Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 January 1784 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 20.4 x 16.3 cm. Order a Copy
Pickering, Quartermaster General, informs Knox he will attempt to leave for Boston before the following Sunday. Recommends the bearer of this note, Smith, to drive a team of oxen carrying Knox's baggage when he departs for Boston.
Newburgh Jany. 5. 1784
Evening
Dr. Sir,
I find that there is no probability of my setting out for Boston before next Sunday, and perhaps not then: you will of course proceed without me. From this place my nearest route will be through Litchfield to Springfield; and as I never passed that way, I propose to do it now. At Springfield I will make a provision of fuel for Capt. Williams's company.
The Bearer, Smith, has been a soldier, but for a few months past has been employed here at the stable of public horses, & the forage magazine. He sustains a good character. He belongs to Braintree, & can conveniently [2] drive the team with your baggage, if Denniston has no waggoner more agreeable to you. As the man is going home it will be an advantage to him, & a saving to the public, as he will discharged as soon as he delivers your baggage.
It is so difficult (& at present next to an impossibility) to get a sleigh from hence to the point, I think it will be left for Denniston to fix a waggon body on one of the pair of runners at the Point, if any be sufficient for the purpose: if not a pair shall be sent from hence as soon as [3] it shall be practicable. In the mean time a proper waggon body may be selected there and prepared to fix to the runners.
I write by this conveyance to Mr. Denniston on the subject; and also to direct the engaging of sleighs to haul in the wood at a dollar per cord.
I am dear Sir
your most obedt. Servt.
T. Pickering QMG
Major Genl. Knox
[address leaf]
Major General Knox
West. Point
[docket]
From Colo Pickering
QMGenl. [4] Jany 1785.
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