Details
PICKERING, Timothy (1745-1829), Secretary of War, Secretary of State. Autograph letter signed ("Timothy Pickering") as Secretary of War, to N.Y. Congressman Henry Glen, "War Office," Washington, 17 October 1785. 1½ pages, 4to, some irregular browning, matted with portrait in a double-sided burlwood frame. Unexamined out of frame.
PICKERING ARRANGES A SHIPMENT OF SUPPLIES TO THE SIX NATIONS, COMPLYING WITH THE TREATY OF 1792
By the provisions of a treaty negotiated by Pickering with the Six Tribes at Canandaigua, N.Y., in November 1794, the United States agreed to respect the boundaries and lands of the Six Nations (the Iroquois Confederacy) and provide them with yearly compensation: "because the United States desire, with humanity and kindness, to contribute to their comfortable support...the United States now deliver to the Six Nations, and the Indians of the other nations residing among and united with them, a quantity of goods of the value of [$10,000]. And for the same considerations...the United States will add the sum of [$3,000] to the [$1,500] heretofore allowed them by an article ratified by the President, on [23 April 1792]...which shall be expended yearly forever, in purchasing clothing, domestic animals, implements of husbandry and other utensils suited to their circumstances."
Here, Secretary of War Pickering informs New York Congressman Glen (1739-1814) that the annual shipment is ready and asks him to make arrangements for its delivery to the various tribes: "The annuity due to the Six Nations will shortly be forwarded...For their transportation up the Mohawk river I think two or three batteaux would be sufficient. The part destined for the Oneidas I shall direct to be landed at Whitestown, which will facilitate the rest of the voyage." Glen will oversee the delivery: "I presume so few boats can be procured with good hands on a short notice: nevertheless I thought it might be well to mention the matter to you, that you might speak to some of the master boatsmen (which I request you to do) whom you can recommend to be employed, and when the goods go forward (which will be next week) from this city to Amboy and thence to Albany, I shall take the liberty to ask your advice to the person who will have charge of the goods, and who will have my orders to wait on you...." In an interesting note, perhaps indicating the Government was already short-changing the Six Nations, Pickering adds: "The quantity of goods will be the purchase of about four thousand dollars--without any liquors."
PICKERING ARRANGES A SHIPMENT OF SUPPLIES TO THE SIX NATIONS, COMPLYING WITH THE TREATY OF 1792
By the provisions of a treaty negotiated by Pickering with the Six Tribes at Canandaigua, N.Y., in November 1794, the United States agreed to respect the boundaries and lands of the Six Nations (the Iroquois Confederacy) and provide them with yearly compensation: "because the United States desire, with humanity and kindness, to contribute to their comfortable support...the United States now deliver to the Six Nations, and the Indians of the other nations residing among and united with them, a quantity of goods of the value of [$10,000]. And for the same considerations...the United States will add the sum of [$3,000] to the [$1,500] heretofore allowed them by an article ratified by the President, on [23 April 1792]...which shall be expended yearly forever, in purchasing clothing, domestic animals, implements of husbandry and other utensils suited to their circumstances."
Here, Secretary of War Pickering informs New York Congressman Glen (1739-1814) that the annual shipment is ready and asks him to make arrangements for its delivery to the various tribes: "The annuity due to the Six Nations will shortly be forwarded...For their transportation up the Mohawk river I think two or three batteaux would be sufficient. The part destined for the Oneidas I shall direct to be landed at Whitestown, which will facilitate the rest of the voyage." Glen will oversee the delivery: "I presume so few boats can be procured with good hands on a short notice: nevertheless I thought it might be well to mention the matter to you, that you might speak to some of the master boatsmen (which I request you to do) whom you can recommend to be employed, and when the goods go forward (which will be next week) from this city to Amboy and thence to Albany, I shall take the liberty to ask your advice to the person who will have charge of the goods, and who will have my orders to wait on you...." In an interesting note, perhaps indicating the Government was already short-changing the Six Nations, Pickering adds: "The quantity of goods will be the purchase of about four thousand dollars--without any liquors."