1Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 6 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr Coles , the bearer of public dispatches, by an Aviso . he has lived with me as Secretary, is my wealthy neighbor at Monticello , & worthy of all confidence. his intimate knolege of our situation has induced us to send him, because he will be a full supplement as to all those things which cannot be detailed in writing. he can possess you of our present situation...
2From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 March 1809. Offered for sale in Charles Hamilton Catalogue No. 80 (5 Sept. 1974), item 275, which describes the one-page letter as a request that Armstrong obtain French permission to import merino sheep, noting that the letter reads in part: “The value of this breed to our Country is now generally understood, and acquisitions of specimens are acceptable services to the...
3Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 5 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearers hereof, mr Alexander M c Rae & Major John Clarke proposing to visit France on their private concerns, I take the liberty of presenting them to your notice & patronage. mr M c Rae has been a member of the council of state of Virginia , & Lieut t Governor, highly esteemed for his talents & correctness of principle, moral & political. Maj r
4Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 June 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges letters and enclosures from Armstrong received on 21 May. Protests strongly against France’s decision to seize American vessels as announced in the letter from the duc de Cadore to Armstrong [14 Feb. 1810]. Describes French policy as “an act of violence, which under existing circumstances is scarcely less than an act of war [and] necessarily...
5Madison’s Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I avail myself of the oppy. by Mr. to forward copies of my several letters lately written to you; & to add the present. The arrival of the J. Adams brought your letters of the following dates . From that of the 16th. April, it appears that the seizures of Amn. property lately made, had been followed up by its actual sale, & that the proceeds had been deposited in the Emperors Caisse prive. You...
6From James Madison to John Armstrong, 29 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 6th. & 25 of May were both recd. tho’ at a late day. Of the latter a duplicate has also come to hand. The Consular Register of Paris, has, I find been transmitted to the Dept. of State instead of remaining in the Office there. It has been examined with a view to that part of your letter which supposed it to contain a Deposition meant to implicate your name in a certain...
7Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 13 December 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the reciept of your favor of Nov. 26. I wrote to mr Gelston , asking the favor of him to forward the plough you were so kind as to bring me to my correspondents at Richmond with a bill of any expences incurred on it, which would there be paid. accept now my thanks for your care of it, & with them my congratulations on your safe return to your own country. I am happy to see that...
8From James Madison to John Armstrong, 24 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 February 1811. Mentioned in Armstrong to JM, 3 Mar. 1811 , as discussing the character and conduct of David Bailie Warden in relation to the American consulate in Paris. Also mentioned in Armstrong to Jonathan Russell, 5 Mar. 1811, as JM’s answer to Armstrong’s suggestion that Russell be appointed as minister to France. “You had,” Armstrong wrote Russell, “no friends in...
9From James Madison to John Armstrong, 13 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant, inclosing a newspaper statement of a conversation imputed to you, has been recd. with the respect due to the motives for the communication. I need scarcely say that evidence of that sort could have no weight with me, when opposed by so much improbability, and by the predispositions which it could not fail to find in me. I might add that the disproof furnished by...
10From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Commission will inform you of your appointment to the direction of the Department of War. I hope it will not be incompatible with your views, to avail the public of your services in that important trust; and that you will be able, without delay, to relieve the Secretary of State, who has been charged ad interim, with that addition to his other duties. Accept assurances of my great...
11Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 8 February 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long ago, in my heart, congratulated our country on your call to the place you now occupy . but with yourself personally it is no subject of congratulation. the happiness of the domestic fireside is the first boon of heaven: and it is well it is so, since it is that which is the lot of the mass of mankind. the duties of office are a Corvée which must be undertaken on far other...
12Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 21 February 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Another General , it seems, has lost us another thousand men by suffering them to be surprised; and this too by an enemy who by so many similar lessons had taught us that surprise is his habitual resource. our only hope is that these misfortunes will at length elicit by trial the characters qualified by nature, from those unqualified, to be entrusted with the destinies of their fellow...
13To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 June 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 2 pp. The appended list of nineteen appointments to the infantry and general staff of the U.S. Army included those of David R. Williams as Brigadier General and James Tilton as Physician and Surgeon...
14From James Madison to John Armstrong, 19 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours by Mr. Mercer. The little enterprize projected by Mr. Monroe, would if compleatly successful have a seasonably good effect. But the view you have taken of it, is a very interesting one. The smallness of your effective force in Regulars, and the possible consequence of such a detachment from it, to such a distance, at Such a crisis, will doubtless have the weight with him...
15From James Madison to John Armstrong, 8 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours from Albany of the 28th. ult. So much depends on the ultimate character of the present campaign, that whilst I hav⟨e⟩ the fullest confidence that the best exertions will be made, I cannot suppress my anxieties; and the less so, as one of the elements on which we are to act is of so inconstant a nature. The loss of our command of Lake Champlain, at so critical a moment, is...
16William Henry Harrison to John Armstrong, 8 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1813, Seneca. “I have the honor to inform you that I am now in complete readiness to embark the troops the moment Governor Shelby shall arrive. I shall march from hence for the margin of the lake in 3 days & shall loose no time in prosecuting the contemplated offensive measures. The batalln. of the U.S. rifle Regt. & the recruits from Knoxville for the 24th. Regt. will I fear not...
17William Henry Harrison to John Armstrong, 15 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1813 , “ Head Quarters Mouth of Portage River on Lake Erie .” “You will have been informed from the Letter of Commodore Perry to the Secretary of the Navy of the brilliant naval victory obtained by him & the capture of the whole of the Enemy’s flotilla on this lake. I arrived here the day before yesterday with a part of the troops from Seneca town & this morning General Cass has...
18From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the lt. inst. from Utica, and of the 5th. from Sackets Harbour. I have written to Mr Jones with a view to an extra half Million pr. Month for War purposes during the sequel of the Campaign, but am not without apprehensions that the state of the Treasury may produce difficulties, unless re-inforced by loans not yet ascertained. He will however feel all the importance of...
19From James Madison to John Armstrong, 24 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the state of the Treasury has been transmitted to me. It is more favorable than I had anticipated, and will be able at least for a short period, to keep the army in an efficient state. I have just recd. a confirmation of the fine blow struck by Perry. Harrison’s movements in consequence of it will I hope be not only effectual agst. Proctor, but be felt in our other...
20From James Madison to John Armstrong, [8 October] 1813 (Madison Papers)
“It cannot be doubted that the distruction of the Blockhouses &c. on our side of the Perdido without a reparation not to be expected, is a cause of War. The doubt is whether it be a case in wch the Ex. Authy. can resort to it without the Sanction of the Leg:re. especially as the hostile step by the Spansh: officer may not have been authorized by his Superiors. The probaby. that it has been...
21From James Madison to John Armstrong, 11 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The communications which you will recee: from & thro the War Office present the state of things produced on our Southern Frontier by the Creek War: & by the start it has had of the movements for meeting it. It is of so much importance that it should recee. a decisive blow, before the success of the Creeks shall have operated on the other Tribes & on the views of the English & Spaniards, as...
22From James Madison to John Armstrong, 30 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Before my return hither I recd. yours of the 8th. inst: and have since recd. those of the 11th. 13. 17. & 20: The order relating to a discharge of Militia from Norfolk referred to in the first was not inclosed in it, and has not come otherwise to hand. There can be no question, under existing circumstances, but as to the degree in which the force at that place, may be prudently reduced. The...
23From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your[s] of the 8th. from Sacket’s Harbour: & shall look in a few days for some result of the critical posture of our military affairs on the St. Lawrence. The weather here has become suddenly very cold, but without snow or rain; and seems to be getting back to a milder state. If it has not been more than proportionally worse at the scene of operations, the prosecution of them will...
24Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 16 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving the Presidents instructions concerning my assuming the direction of the expedition against the Southern Indians, communicated in a Letter of the 7th of this Month from the Department of War, in consequence whereof I am making arrangements for taking a position nearer to the scene of action, from whence I may give a general direction to the three Corps who are...
25Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 18 November 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong. 18 November 1813, Charleston, “Head Quarters Sixth District.” “I have the honor of transmitting Copies of the Letters mentioned in mine of 16th inst. “I purpose leaving Charleston tomorrow on my route to Milledgeville.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , P-299:7). 1 p. Marked in an unidentified hand: “Shown to the President.” Pinckney enclosed a copy...
26Joseph Willcocks to John Armstrong, 22 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
When I had the Honor of conversing with You at the Harbour, it appeared to be Your wish that I should write You upon my return to this Country, when, and as often as any thing of Public moment Occured. In consequence of which I now beg leave to lay before You some facts which Most materially effect the plans proposed for the Subdugation of this Province. You recollect no doubt, Sir, that I...
27Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
Having observed that complaints were made against the Contractor for this State, I imparted to him the information contained in the Letter of the Department of the 7th of this Month, that, “there has been no deficiency of Funds in the hands of the Contractors since the Expedition was first authorised” —and called upon him for an explanation in consequence whereof he wrote to me the Statement...
28Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have employed this morning in researches with a view to the arrangement of our financial concerns in this quarter, the want whereof appears to have kept inactive three thousand of the Militia of this State, more than two months while provided and to be paid by the United States, & if not remedied may defeat the views of Government in this Expedition. The result of my enquiries has been a...
29James Wilkinson to John Armstrong, 26 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving that the Albany Argus, is endeavouring to mislead the Public Judgement, by shamefully misrepresenting my Conduct, and endeavouring to gloss that of Genl Hampton, & reflecting that it was my orders, & not yours, which he disobeyed, I have sent forward to have him arrested, & having received an intimation, that he was about to quit the District without leave, I shall in such case,...
30Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 30 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place on Saturday last, having conferred with the late Governor Mitchell who resides within ten miles of the Town. Since I have been here I have had interviews with Governor Early and with Col: Hawkins, and have obtained from them and from a number of Persons who are now assembled here at the Session of the Legislature all the information on the subject of the Indian Expedition...
31Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 2 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have visited this post with a view of making some necessary arrangement relating to the Indian Expedition, after which I shall return immediately to Milledgeville in expectation of receiving your Instructions; the return of my Express from General Jackson, & from Govr Blount and of attending to the arrangement of the supplies by water for the Troops in the Nation. As we may hope that this...
32Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 4 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the time of service of the Quota of the militia of the State of Georgia now on the Indian Expedition will expire in little more than two months; and that the remainder of that Quota amounts to between five & six hundred men, and being situated on the Sea Coast cannot with propriety be brought to this service. As the dismissal of these Troops before the...
33From James Madison to John Armstrong, [29 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Besides the answer to Genl. McClure, it may be proper to instruct Genl. Wilkinson to say frankly to Prevost that the burning of Newark was the effect of misapprehension in the officer, not an order from the Govt. This may be done in terms neither authorizing an inference that the measure exceeds a just retaliation, nor precluding a reflection on the facility with which a perseverance of the...
34James Wilkinson to John Armstrong, 7 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Mail Route, by Burlington, has become dilatory and uncertain; I therefore, send this to Utica, by Express, to advise you, that we are still safe from the Enemy, &, I understand, snug against the weather; but our Troops die at the French Mills, owing, as all ranks avow, to the bad quality of the Flour, Medicine, & Hospital Stores. This circumstance, & the precarious Dependence to be placed...
35From James Madison to John Armstrong, [ca. 4 February 1814] (Madison Papers)
J. M wishes a conversation on this proposal of Genl. M. & on the recent one of General Taylor, when it will be most convenient for the Secretary of War, to call for the purpose. RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on evidence in n. 1. On 24 Jan. 1814 John Mason returned to Armstrong letters from Virginia militia Brig. Gen. Robert B. Taylor regarding the...
36William Henry Harrison to John Armstrong, 18 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of the 3rd and 4th instant. Previously to the arrival of the arrangement from the Office of Coll Walback designating the Officers to superintend the recruiting service, I had ordered Colonel Miller to take command of Sandusky and Put in Bay being at that time under some apprehensions for the safety of the latter. The Colonel received...
37Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 18 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong. “Head Quarters Sixth & Seventh Districts—Fort Decatur Talipoosa,” 18 April 1814. “I have the honor of forwarding to you Copies of the continuance of my correspondence with the Commanding Officers [ illegible ] in the Creek War. I have overtaken at this Post one battalion of the North Carolina Militia, wherewith I shall march to join the remainder of the...
38From James Madison to John Armstrong, 4 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 1st. inst: suggesting a recall of the vessels allotted for L. Huron &c. with a view to another destination of them. The force which can be assembled at the East end of L. Erie, by the 10th. of June is greater than I had relied on; and if employed towards Burlington heights & York, can not fail to have a salutary effect in different directions. Whether it...
39From James Madison to John Armstrong, 17 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Obstructions to the mail retarded for several days, your letter of the 9th. instant, accompanied by a correspondence between Generals Wilkinson & Izzard, on the subject of the Court Martial. The letter from the former to the Dept. of War, referred to in the correspondence, was omitted. The objection made to the validity of the order for a Court Martial cannot be sustained. Altho’ orders derive...
40From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 17th. inst: covering further communications from Genl. Pinkney; which are now returned. The supplies necessary to save the Indians from starving cannot but be approved, notwithstanding the failure of legal provision for the purpose. It is a case of humanity & necessity which carries its own justification with it. I mentioned in my last Col: Milton as a fit...
41From James Madison to John Armstrong, 24 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 20th. inst. The sufferings of the Troops from want of clothing & pay is the worse to be lamented as they cannot fail to damp the recruiting service, & particularly the reenlistment of the men who are soon to be discharged. It seems strange that arrears of pay should run back for more than a year; & that supplies of clothing should have been so deficient that the...
42From James Madison to John Armstrong, [3 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Department on Tuesday next at Eleven OClock. June 3. 1814. The object is to decide on the plan of campaign which our means, miltary & naval, render most eligible. In the mean time the Secretary of War will cause to be made out & send over, RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers); draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). RC cover bears Armstrong’s note:...
43From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secy. of War will send To save time & copying, the letters & instructions & orders from the War Dept. may be sent in the record or the retained draughts. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Maj. Gen. William Henry Harrison set out for Cincinnati from Washington on 22 Dec. 1813 (Esarey, Messages and Letters of William Henry Harrison, Indiana Historical Collections, 2:610). For Maj. Gen....
44From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Besides the tendency of the proposed attempt for removing the Indians North of the State of Ohio, to disquiet them, there are other objections to the measure. It may have a like tendency in its bearing on other Indians connected with the district given in exchange: And what merits particular attention, the territories contiguous to this district, whose peace and security might be affected,...
45From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note on this note of the Secy. of War covering letters of Col. Croghan to Capt. Sinclair of May 26. As the order to Majr. Holmes required a resort to his superior Officer Col. Croghan, and as Capt. Sinclair was ordered to communicate with the latter, it might have been better, to have conveyed the orders to Majr. Holmes thro’ Col. Croghan, than vice versa, as well as to have apprized Col:...
46From James Madison to John Armstrong, 19 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The apparent objections to the proposed establishment of a post, so distant, are very strong. Much weight however is due to the concurring opinions of Govr. Clarke and General Howard; both men of Judgment and possessed of many advantages for a correct exercise of it in such a case. RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers); draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Draft includes JM ’s heading: “Note on a...
47From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson it appears, addressed an application to the P. on the 6th. ult: for an opportunity of securing testimony wch. may be lost by the casualties of the campaign. This is reasonable; and may be effected by depositions taken in the usual mode a Judge advocate attending on the part of the public. Give the proper instructions for the purpose, & let the Genl. be informed that his...
48From James Madison to John Armstrong, [21 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
The taking of Soldiers for the Navy, is a disagreeable circumstance in several respects: but an efficient State of the Navy is so essential even to land operations on the Canada frontier that it seems unavoidable occasionally until a sufficiency of Seamen can be obtained, for which every exertion is doubtless made. The expedient of volunteers adopted by Genl. Izard, as a diminution of the...
49From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
In analogy to the arrangement yesterday decided on in reference to this City & Baltimore and with a view to a systematic provision agst. invading armaments, the Secretary of war will digest & report to the President, corresponding precautionary means of defence, in reference to the other more important and exposed places along the Atlantic Frontier; particularly Boston, New York, Wilmington...
50From James Madison to John Armstrong, [6 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Noted to the Secy. of War. July 6. 1814 on the reported plan for 90 odd thousd. Milit[i]a. The reference to the Military Districts as places of service is liable to two remarks the one that the reference is in some respects too vague, the other that in other respects, they are too restrictive. Distr: No. 1. illustrates both Remarks, the first by its great extent & numerous objects the second...