1To Alexander Hamilton from John Armstrong, [17 September 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me Sir to intrude so fancy to call your attention for a moment on a subject that to me is very interesting. In a report I made to Gel. Knox the 21st of February last a copy of which I am told was sent to your Office, I stated some facts relative to the Conduct of the late contractors, and having since learnt that they have by some means procured certificates contradicting this report, I...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, 20 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Lewis on his way to the Westward called on me and requested that I would at the proper season furnish you with some cuttings, from my Nursery , which you will receive herewith, No. 1. 2. 3. & 4 were sent me from detroit two years since. No. 5 & 6 are from bearing trees in my Orchard— No 1 Large White apple—tied with a White string No. 2 Large Red apple tied with a red string No. 3...
3John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 1 July 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
About the 1 st week in May last I received a request from an old and useful friend, to whom I could not well refuse a kindness, solliciting from me a letter of introduction to yourself and another to M r W. C. Nicholas . and adding, that he would set out for some of the watering places in your state about the 10 th of that month. I accordingly gave him a few lines for each of you and committed...
4John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Concluding from your last letter , that after the sitting of the Circuit Court in May last, the administration of the estate of Gen. Kosciusko would be regularly committed to your friend & neibor M r Cocke , I, on the 5 th of September , wrote to that Gentleman, stating the nature and extent of my son ’s claim, and requesting, from him, such information as would best direct me, how to have it...
5John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 11 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the letter you did me the honor to write to me by M. Coles , whom I found to be everything that you had said of him,—well informed & confidential & therefore an excellent supplement to my letters both public and private. In discharge of this new obligation, I employed myself in writing to you a long letter, filled with facts, conjectures and forebodings. On looking over it, I found...
6John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 1 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
When I last had the pleasure of hearing from you , you had determined to decline the executorship of Gen: Kosciusko ’s will and I have since learned, thro’ M r Wirt , that in persuance of his advice , a gentleman of your neiborhood, M r John Hartwell Cocke of Fluvianna County , had qualified, under the laws of Virginia , as administrator.
7John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 19 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The glimpse of Sun-shine that we had when the Mentor Sailed, has passed away already, and without producing anything Useful—On the north side of the channel also, our prospects are becoming more clouded. M. Auriol , who left London a few days ago, tells me, that he counted in the Downs , upwards of twenty of our ships which had been brought in by British cruisers, because destined to ports...
8John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 2 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I received, by the last Mail from the south, the pamphlet which you were so obliging as to address to me and percieving, by the note to page 24, that the only copy of Crozat’s charter you had met with, was that inserted by Joutel in his narrative of Le Salle’s last voyage, I take the liberty of sending to you one, which I obtained directly and in person from the depot of laws in Paris , but...
9To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, 4 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
your letter thro Madam L. F. Felix was answered some time since, and in compliance with her request I beg leave to forward the inclosed for your perusal and consideration, if the Land Located by me for your friend does not meet the approbation of that Lady, it is no fault of mine as a Locator—the lines of those small tracts not being run at the time the Locations were made, it was imposible...
10John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have brought with me for you the double-plough of M r Parker & wish to know how it may be best conveyed to Montecello ? or with whom in this City I may leave it for the winter? a letter addressed to M r Gelston on these points, will be most likely to accomplish your instructions and my wishes. I set out on Monday next for Washington where at least I am sure of hearing of you. Your very kind...
11To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong of New York, 2 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received the letter of the 26th. of May with which you were pleased to honor me, and another of the same date from Mr. Madison, proposing to me the mission to Paris as successor to Chancellor Livingston. In a letter of this day to the Secretary of State I have signified my acceptance of this appointment. It is true, that in coming to this determination, I have had my doubts, but...
12John Armstrong to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Some years before I left Paris Gen. Kosciuszko put into my hands the paper, of which the enclosed is a copy. Understanding that it was not to be used ’till the General ’s death, it has been in my cabinet unopened from that day ’till this & is now recurred to on the information brought by the mails of the day that the Gen l had died in Switzerland on the 15 th of Oct last & that his funeral was...
13To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, 8 November 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your riquest I have enterd with the auditer the Lands Located for General Koscuskiosko, and payed the taxes thereon. this track is well situated on the Sioto, if the general does not intend it fore sale perhaps he would do well, to have an agent in this country who would let it out on Lease, improving the Land would inhance its value, and the tenant in possession always be...
14To James Madison from John Armstrong, 12 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
I arrived in this city on the 29th. ulto, and found here M[e]ssrs Livingston and Munroe; the one, on the point of setting out for Italy; the other, about to prosecute his journey to Spain. On an intimation from Mr Livingston of my arrival, I had an immediate interview with Mr Talleyrand, and, in a day or two, received from him a notice, that “the next diplomatic audience had been assigned for...
15To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Will it not be necessary to send to Gen’l Harrison a commission to treat with the No. Western Indians? The friends of Dr. Eustis do not believe he would accept the appointment of that office. If associates are to be given to the Gen. (& all things considered it may be proper to give them) will not Mr. Monroe of Ohio & Coln. Johnson of Kentucky be a good selection. Something ought to be done...
16To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Your last favor of the 29th. of Sept. was received a day or two ago. I am glad to find that the state of the treasury will be such as to enable it to meet our claims upon it. To check the impulse given to the campaign at the present moment would be ruinous. The Dep. paymaster Gen. has been here and distributed the funds (70,000$) of which he was possessed. Our expences at present are great. If...
17To James Madison from John Armstrong, 29 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
The delay in our sailing, which, under various pretences, has been kept up from the 15th. ’till this morning, has afforded an oppertunity of receiving your letter of the 21st. with its inclosures. In another respect We may have lost nothing by it; the winds for three weeks past have been uniformly from the East, and must have produced a tedious and unpleasant passage, without insuring to us an...
18To James Madison from John Armstrong, [16 March 1814] (Madison Papers)
In drafting the enclosed letter I have qualified Jackson’s proposals in a way which will spare an unnecessary effusion of blood, without appearing to counteract a policy which may not truly be his, but that of the army he commands &c &c. I am Sir, with the highest respect Your Most ob. servt RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated; docketed by JM : “Mar. 16 1814.” Date assigned based on the docket and...
19To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
Some apology is, no doubt, due from me, for so long delaying my intended journey to Washington, but the truth is, that between the occupation of settling my family for the Winter in New York, and casting about here for their more permanent residence, my movements have been necessarily slow—and the more so, as, in cases of this kind, I leave something to both the taste & judgment of others,...
20To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 March 1810 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Count Pahlen who goes out as I beleive with every disposition to please and be pleased. He is a respectable young man. If report says true, (for I know nothing of it officially) you will soon have a new Minister from this country. This is a Diaplomatic Cadet, who is for the first time put on horseback. He is the son in law of your old acquaintance Laforest, and...
21To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is my account with the United States, for the six months which have elapsed since my appointment. I have, within a few days, made a small payment to Mr Appleton, our Commercial Agent at Calais, and have allowed him 5 pr. cent on his disbursements; not that I found any authority in the law to do so, nor in the usage of my predecessor, but because the thing appeared to me highly...
22To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a note just received from Lafayette which confirms my belief in the interest M. F. takes in our business. Lafayette is not in the secret of the invitation stated in my letter of the 18: but his friend appears to be privy to the wishes and intentions of the Minister. I am very truly your most respectful & obedient humble servt RC ( DNA : RG 59, Diplomatic Despatches, France)....
23To James Madison from John Armstrong, 27 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the enclosed list of promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosure (11 pp.) proposed 367 appointments and promotions in the corps of engineers,...
24To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday had a meeting with the contractors Anderson and Thorn (the latter just arrived from the Army) and have settled with them the different points in District No. 9 for the collection of new & the distribution of old deposits. If Wilkinson can cover both —he will keep the post he has taken on Salmon river. The better to enable him to do this, the order he had given to move Hampton’s...
25To James Madison from John Armstrong, 16 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 16 March 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A2); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list (2 pp.) included twenty promotions...
26To James Madison from John Armstrong, 15 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to send you the letter book of this Dept. with the orderly book of the Adjt. & In. General’s Office. The correspondence you wish to inspect, will be indicated by the slips of paper inserted between the pages. The instructions to the commissioners appointed to treat with the No. Western Indians, will be copied to-morrow morning, when, if Col. Wadsworth has not left town,...
27To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your letters of the 23d. of May and 6th. of June and shall loose no time in attending to the injunctions they convey. One of these, in relation to Gen. Ferrand’s proclamation, has been anticipated, as you will perceive by my answer to Mr. Tallyrand’s note of the 21st. of July. The other, with respect to the claim upon the Batavian Government, must necessarily...
28To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment had the honor of receiving your letter of the 14th. instant and the commission it enclosed. Accept Sir, my thanks for this new mark of your confidence & my assurances that no personal consideration shall delay my journey southward a single moment. I do believe however that an interview with Gen. Dearborn, preliminary to my entering on the duties of the War Department, would...
29To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
In the haste in which I now write, I can do no more than acknowlege the receit of your letter by M. fenwick, and renew my request, that a ship of some kind be sent for me so as to reach France, & the port of Havre if possible, from the 1st. to the 15 of April next. As London is the theatre of the preliminary Negociation on foot between France & England, Mr. Pinkney will keep you advised of...
30To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to present you a list of Officers in the Army of the United States, and a Roll of the persons having office and employment connected with this Department.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosures were “A...
31To James Madison from John Armstrong, 19 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the enclosed letters (1 & 2) the probable termination of the campaign on the St. Laurence. What I may have to say in regard to this, I shall reserve untill I have the pleasure of seeing you. I shall remain here a day or two longer, in the hope of hearing something directly from Genl W. and of thus being enabled to give some directions adapted to the new circumstances in which...
32To James Madison from John Armstrong, 1 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Prevost has gone up to the head of the Lake—Yeo has followed him. The object is either to attack Boyd or to draw Wilkinson to the west, and spin out the Campaign without either giving or receiving blows of decided character. In either case, his rear is manifestly neglected & we must not lose the advantage he presents, for attacking it. Wilkinson has gone on to Fort George to baffle Prevost, if...
33To James Madison from John Armstrong, 19 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters having some relation to public business & one of them solliciting for its object a direct reference to you, I have thought it proper to transmit them & to request, that M. Coles may be instructed to acknowledge their receipt. Permit me to enquire, whether two other letters which I have had the honor of writing to you, since my return to this City, have been received? One...
34To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday, on my return to this city, received from M. Russel a letter, from which I make the following extract. It’s enclosures are sent entire. It would be injustice, as well to M. Russel, as to a suggestion which fell from you when I had lately the honor of seeing you, were I to withold a testimony of his very respectable standing in the place which he now fills, & which removes every...
35To James Madison from John Armstrong, 6 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have but two motives in transmitting to you the enclosed papers: 1st. to prevent you from suffering, as I have done, by a mis-placed confidence; & 2d. to justify myself against the insinuation that I acted, in the case of Mr. W. with unreasonable severity. Beyond yourself however I do not wish this evidence to go, because I do not desire to take from him that degree of character which may be...
36To James Madison from John Armstrong, 1 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the existing appropriations applicable to the Quarter master’s Department, to Subsistence and to Arsenals, Magazines & Armories, are nearly exhausted, and to request that you will be pleased to direct the sum of two hundred & eighty thousand dollars appropriated for the purchas of Horses ⅌ act of 21. Feby 1812 to be transferred to the Quarter master’s...
37To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
I wrote a few lines to you on the 14th. instant by the Jane (a small vessel bound to Boston) barely announcing My arrival at this place and enclosing a few public papers and a copy of the new civil code of France. Of this work their jurists speak highly, whatever they may think. Wishing to come at the character of Gen. T., which has been much a subject of Conversation here, and which cannot be...
38To James Madison from John Armstrong, 28 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Having been made acquainted with the instructions given to Commodore Decatur, in the event of his taking the command of the Ontario fleet, and not perceiving in them any provision for a prompt and efficient cooperation with General Brown and the army under his command, but on the contrary, a suggestion of measures, which if adopted will necessarily lead to a system of separate action, I have...
39To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The storm which began some days past, continues with little if any abatement, and effectually blockades the harbor. Neither fleet nor army can move from it. With Commodore Chaucy I have had the necessary explanations on the kind and degree of assistance he can render in our approaching movements. In the event of our attacking Kingston he will cover the descent of the troops; in that of a...
40To James Madison from John Armstrong, 21 January 1806 (Madison Papers)
My last letter was dated on the 22d. of December. In that I stated the opening of a new negociation between France & Austria, and the most probable conjectures formed here with regard to the result. These you will now find realized by the treaty of Presburg concluded on the 26th. December and submitted to the senate on the 14th. instant. You will have heard that Rear Admiral L’Allemand on his...
41To James Madison from John Armstrong, [ca. March 1814] (Madison Papers)
Major Fairly of New York calls upon you this morning with a note addressed to him by Commodore Decatur. I have seen the young gentleman who is the subject of this note. He is, in point of talents & acquirements, very much above the place he solicits. His politicks have been federal—but of the same stamp with those of Decatur. I promised to speak both to you & the Secretary of the Navy in his...
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
Nothing can better illustrate the opinions I have frequently had the honor to give on the subject of our differences with France, than the history of the revocation of the Berlin and Milan decrees, announced in my official letter of this date to M. Smith. On the 27th. Ultimo advices were received from England stating, that on the arrival of the John Adams, Congress had been called and that the...
43To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of forwarding to you some days since (I think on the 9th. instant) several letters from Gen. Pinckney & a correspondence between Major Gen. Izzard and Gen. Wilkinson, from information given by the Secretary of State, I suspect that these dispatches have not reached you. Of the packet from the South, I have no memorandum in writing. They announced the dispersion of the savages....
44To James Madison from John Armstrong, 31 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Having occasion for five hundred dollars more than the amount of your late draft on the Treasury in my favor, I have been furnished with that sum by Gen. Theodorus Bailey of this city, and to reimburse him, have drawn a bill upon you, payable at sight, for the amount. I am Sir, with great respect, Your Obedient hum. servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , France, vol. 10). Docketed by Wagner as received...
45To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am ill & confined to my room, otherwise I should have handed to you the enclosed. We are better off at Detroit in point of force than was expected. The number of sick is very great—1267 out of an Aggregate of 2527. The absentees are also numerous 337 + not accounted for. I am Sir, with the highest respect Your most Ob. servt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Date corrected to 1814 based on...
46To James Madison from John Armstrong, [ca. 18 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
This letter of Lt. Col. Croghan is highly improper 1st. because he made no complaint of what he calls a departure from Military etiquette, to the War Dept. 2d. because the first notice he takes of it is in a letter to a Navy Officer & then without any object of business—as he says his conduct will not be the result of any chagrin produced by it & 3d. because by a letter to Gen. Harrison of the...
47To James Madison from John Armstrong, 30 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
The object of this letter, is to communicate some facts which I did not know, or which had not occurred at the date of my last. The answer to Mr Munroe’s note was prepared soon after its receipt, and submitted to the Emperor, who, though he approved of it, both in form and substance, directed, that “it should be returned to the Bureau of the Minister, until it was called up by some new...
48To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith, in obedience to your orders of yesterday, a General Report of the Army of the U.S. it’s strength and distribution; an estimate of the regular force of the enemy in the two Canadas; the posts occupied by this, and the reinforcements from Europe destined thereto, and to the Atlantic frontier of the U.S. The Department of War having no means, other than...
49To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 3 February 1814, War Department. “I have the honor to lay before you a list of appointments which have been made in the Army of the United States during the Recess of the Senate.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A2); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by...
50To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I hasten to forward to you Wilkinson’s dispatch received late last night. I have forwarded supplies of provision, amunition, & hospital stores &c. Instructions adapted to his new situation are also given. Without the limits of my Dept. but closely connected with it, are several thing’s deserving immediate attention. Your fleet must be increased on Ontario. One ought to be created on Lake...