Description:

Pickering Timothy 1745 - 1829 Timothy Pickering 1781 ADS regrading payment for 80 cords of wood, noting payment can be in "current money equivalent".

Single page ADS on laid paper, 8" x 9.75". An accounting of a debt, with a paragraph in the hand of Timothy Pickering. Dated "this thirteenth day of June One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty One", and signed by Pickering as "Tim Pickering / Q.M.G." Overall toned with light damp staining and expected folds.

Timothy Pickering, a politician from Massachusetts served in a variety of roles, most notably as the third United States Secretary of State, serving in that office from 1795 to 1800 under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. In December 1776, he led a well-drilled regiment of the Essex County militia to New York, where General George Washington took notice and offered Pickering the position of adjutant general of the Continental Army in 1777. In this capacity he oversaw the building of the Great chain which was forged at the Stirling Iron Works. The chain blocked the Royal Navy from proceeding up the Hudson River past West Point and protected that important fort from attack for the duration of the conflict. He was widely praised for his work in supplying the troops during the remainder of the conflict. In August 1780, the Continental Congress elected Pickering Quartermaster General.

This lovely ADS signed by Pickering while Quartermaster General and includes a full paragraph penned in his hand, in addition to his signature. The document is a note of money owed for 80 cords of wood to be "Payable the 1st day of July next ... for 80 cords of wood at two dollars per cord" otherwise the same shall bear interest. Of interest is his reference that payment can be made in "current money equivalents" with the amount due listed in both British and American currency. The document is shown in part below:

"I do certify that this is due to John James the Sum of twenty two pounds four shilling or Sixty Dollars for 80 Cords of wood a 15/ 160 Total 160 Which sum of Sixty Dollars shall be paid to the said John James on order in ... or other current money equivalent by the first day of july next ensuring and if not then paid the same shall afterwards bear an interest of .... Per annum until paid. Witness my hand this thirteenth day of (illegible) One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty one

Tim Pickering

Q.M.G."

This revealing document demonstrated the fast pace change that was occurring with the transition from British power to an American/US government with its own currency shortly after the American Revolution.

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