1To 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...
2To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 17 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, Sr., 17 Sept. 1777. Armstrong wrote GW at 8:00 P.M. , 18 Sept.: “I wrote you last Night at this hour.”
3To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
The report mentioned in Mr. Pleasant’s letter to you is one of the many fabrications of the busy idlers of this place. It is entirely without foundation. I am Sir, with the highest respect, Your most Obedient servant RC ( DLC ). See James Pleasants Jr. to JM, 24 July 1813 .
4To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 August 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1810, Paris. Introduces “Mr. Jervas” as “a man really attached to his country & to the administration which governs it.” RC (courtesy of an anonymous collector). 1 p. Docketed by JM. Probably Leonard Jarvis, who arrived in Washington on 1 Nov. 1810 carrying dispatches from Armstrong ( JM to Armstrong, 29 Oct. 1810, n. 1 ).
5To James Madison from John Armstrong, 12 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list (2 pp.) included twenty-three appointments and promotions in the infantry and...
6To James Madison from John Armstrong, 15 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 15 February 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The appended list (1 p.) recommended fourteen promotions and appointments, primarily in the infantry. JM ’s message...
7To George Washington from John Armstrong, 24 January 1770 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Armstrong, 24 Jan. 1770. On 20 Mar. GW wrote to Armstrong: “Your obliging favour of the 24th of Jany came to my hands.”
¶ From John Armstrong. Letter not found. 10 February 1814. Described in the lists probably made by Peter Force ( DLC : series 7, container 2) as a one-page printed document on new rules for recruiting.
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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,...
14To 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...
15To 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)....
16To 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,...
17To 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...
18To 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,...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To George Washington from Brigadier General John Armstrong, 20–21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall not incroach on your time with disscribeing that Circle of feeble Service wherein I have been engaged since I had the pleasure of Seeing you, ’tis enough to say it has been of the mottled kind. When the Supream Council of this State appointed me to the Command of their Militia, various motives compelled me to accept even under the latent mortification of knowing I had nothing to render...
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To George Washington from John Armstrong, 5 June 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last letter addressed to your Excellency at Mount Vernon, intimated some expectation as well as desire, of being in Philada about this time —being frequently urged by the Trustees of Dickinson College, to make a farther attempt to obtain benifactions in the City—together with this, the prospect of seeing you once more, had greatly induced me to go; but on the receit of several letters from...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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...
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 1 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to recommend, that as early as it may be Safe to make such movement, the Army may pass Over the Scuilkill & take for Some time a position on that Side. With respect to Winter Quarters for the Army—The longer I consider the measure pointed out in the back Villiages of this State, the more inadmissable that Step appears to be, as by the large lattitude thereby given the Enemy thro’...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 11 April 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 and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list...
41To 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...
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 June 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding the enclosed copy of a Letter from the Minister of Exterior Relations on the subject of the Ship Hope, which you will be pleased to have communicated to Mess. T. Lewis & Son Merchants, Boston. I have directed Mr. Skipwith to obtain authenticated copies of His Majesty’s decree of the 10th. of April and of the orders Sent by the Minister of Marine to the...
43To 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...
44John 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...
45To George Washington from John Armstrong, 7 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major Nichols having been Nominated by the Board of War as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Pennsylvania line, and afterward disappointed of that rank by the judgment of a Board of Officers, has I find for some time past been indulgeing in himself that Spirit of resignation but too general in our Army at present—His better reflexion however has led him to observe that Several other Officers in the...
46To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the enclosed list of appointments and corrected list, for the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. Enclosure (3 pp.)...
47To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from Major General Wilkinson of the 31st. Ult. detailing the circumstances of his late affair with the enemy at Le Cole. To this I beg leave to add a Copy of my letter to the General of the 12th. Ult. alluded to in his statement and am Sir, With the highest respect, Your most Obedient & very humble servant RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy (...
48To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following promotions in the Army of the United States.” Recommends Thomas S. Jesup to be a captain, Michael McClelland to be a first lieutenant, and John Meek to be a second lieutenant in the Seventh Regiment of Infantry. All three appointments were to date from 20 Jan. 1813. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive...
49To James Madison from John Armstrong, 23 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 23 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 and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list...
50To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1812 , “ Head Qurs. New York .” “Mr. Benjamin Romaine of this City proposes to visit Washington and seeks the honor of an introduction to you. He is a gentleman of intellegence and integrity.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; docketed by JM. Romaine traveled to Washington to lobby for a scheme that John Armstrong had proposed to the War Department, namely that Congress amend the volunteer laws to...