Historical Archive of Timothy Pickering's Documents
Timothy Pickering: A Key Figure in Early American History
The Timothy Pickering collection, housed at the Massachusetts Historical Society and the New York Public Library, provides a valuable insight into the American Revolution and the early federal government of the United States. Pickering, a General during the American Revolution, went on to have a significant political career, particularly during the administrations of George Washington and John Adams.
A Career in Politics
Pickering served as the third United States Secretary of State from 1795 to 1800, under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. During Washington’s administration, Pickering was part of a cabinet that included key figures like Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox. He supported strengthening the federal government, consistent with Washington’s overall approach.
During Adams's presidency, Pickering faced political challenges, including tensions that led Adams to suggest Pickering resign in 1799. This reflected factional conflicts within the Federalist Party and issues in Adams’s administration.
Anglophile Attitudes
Pickering was noted for his Anglophile tendencies, favoring strong diplomatic and economic ties with Great Britain rather than France. This attitude influenced his outlook on foreign policy and contributed to the Federalist preference for Britain during conflicts such as the Quasi-War with France.
His pro-British stance was reflected in his cautious approach to France and skepticism toward the French revolutionary government, aligning with the dominant Federalist view advocating order and stability linked to Britain’s model.
Key Political and Legislative Issues
Pickering played a role in managing domestic unrest such as Fries's Rebellion (1799), an armed uprising against federal taxes in Pennsylvania, which the Adams administration decisively suppressed. Pickering, as Secretary of State at the time, was involved in addressing the crisis.
He was also involved in the internal political disputes of the era, attempting to navigate between contending Federalist factions and maintaining government authority while supporting Washington’s and Adams’s efforts to sustain federal power.
His time in office also intersected with debates over the constitutional authority of the new government, including the federal assumption of state debts and the establishment of the Bank of the United States, which were central to Federalist policies.
A Historical Treasure
The Timothy Pickering collection, spanning the years 1775-1829, is a significant historical resource. It includes correspondence and business and legal papers related to his roles in the Revolutionary War, as cabinet officer (1791-1800), member of both houses of Congress, and leading New England Federalist. The collection is available on 69 reels of microfilm and can be accessed online at https://www.masshist.org/collection-guides/view/fa0256.
Prior to his political career, Pickering served in the Massachusetts militia and Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The collection is part of the Emmet Collection at the New York Public Library.
Timothy Pickering is often remembered for his Anglophile attitudes and pushed for pro-British policies during his political career. Despite facing political challenges, his contributions to the early federal government and his role in the American Revolution make him an important figure in American history.
[1] [https://www.masshist.org/collection-guides/view/fa0256] [2] [https://www.nypl.org/about/divisions/manuscripts-and-archives/collections/emmet-collection] [3] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Pickering] [4] [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Timothy-Pickering]
- Timothy Pickering's political career, spanning the administrations of George Washington and John Adams, was marked by his Anglophile attitudes and pro-British policies.
- As a key figure in early American history, Timothy Pickering's contributions extend beyond his political career, with his involvement in the American Revolution, the debates over constitutional authority, and the suppression of Fries's Rebellion, all of which are documented in the Timothy Pickering collection housed at the Massachusetts Historical Society and the New York Public Library.
