To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, 28 July 1814
From John P. Van Ness
28th. July 1814
Sir
The Bearer Major Thos. L. Mc.Kenny, one of my Aids de Camp, will have the honor of handing you this note. He is anxious, in conformity with what appears to be the public wish in this District, to know what the Government would think of the project of calling into the field, say, a battalion of the Militia of the District: to remain under arms & in camp in the vicinity for a short period; then to be succeeded by another battalion or detachment; & so in succession during the agitation & alarm produced by the late & present menaces of the Enemy. Nothing but a very severe Indisposition & confinement prevents me from having the honor of waiting on yourself or the Secry. of War personally.1 He (Major Mc.K.) will however, correctly advise me of what your opinion may be: and any order on the subject will be promptly attended to. With the highest respect & consideration your obedt. Servt.
John P. Van Ness
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. JM had referred Van Ness, who was major general of the Washington, D.C., militia, to John Armstrong with concerns about the defense of the city. Van Ness importuned Armstrong repeatedly in July 1814 to place the militia on active duty, but with one short-lived exception, this was not done until 18 Aug. (Skeen, John Armstrong, 187; , Military Affairs, 1:580–81).