Receipt Indicating Payment By Future U.S. Secretary Of State Timothy Pickering During Final Year Of American Revolution

TIMOTHY PICKERING (1745-1829). Pickering was the third United States Secretary of State under Presidents George Washington and John Adams between 1795 and 1800. He had previously served as United States Postmaster General and Secretary of War. He later represented Massachusetts in both houses of Congress as a member of the Federalist Party. ADS. 8” x 4”. January 22, 1783. N.p. An autographed document signed in the third person: “Received of Timy Pickering…One hundred and thirteen dollars and fifteen nintieths in full fraye rations & due last year as paid, having signed duplicates”. The receipt is signed at the conclusion by “W Barber Major & Asst Infy…”. He is most likely Major William Barber, who served as a New Jersey major and aide-de-camp during the American Revolution. This document is a reminder of the chaotic economic partnerships and opportunities newly accessible to Americans in the waning days and immediate aftermath of the American Revolution thanks to greater access to Western land. Pickering was no exception with numerous failed financial schemes (perhaps this receipt is tied to one) that culminated in his transition to public service with his appointment as Postmaster General under President George Washington. The receipt is in excellent condition.