1To James Madison from John Armstrong, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
We are often as much injured by our friends, in this world, as by our enemeies [ sic ]. The circumstance that immediately occasions this remark, is the effect produced here by the Speech of M. Whitbread, (who is, no doubt, well disposed towards the U. S.) no less than by that of M. Canning, who, as certainly, has no great partiality for us. The one, (as you know), declared, that we had made an...
2To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
I write this letter under feelings the most unpleasant. You will have seen by my public correspondence, that on the 26th. Ult. I was induced to write a letter to M. Champagny, contradicting the reports which were circulating here of an alledged adjustment of our differences with G. B. and that I had been principally induced to take this step by the silence of M. Pinkney. The journals of to-day...
3To James Madison from John Armstrong, 6 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
The journals of yesterday gave us your proclamation announcing an arrangement with the British Minister at Washington. Those of to-day give us M. Canning’s disavowal of that minister’s conduct, and would make us believe that M. Erskine had gone in the very face of his instructions. There is nothing astonishing in all this. It is a true specimen of modern diplomacy. New hopes from Austria—from...
4John 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...
5To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Jos. Tate who, after an absence of fifteen years, returns to the U. S. heartily sick of all he has seen abroad. His story may not be unknown to you, and is less recommendatory than his character. In the five years I have been in Paris, tho’ oppressed by poverty and injustice, his conduct has at all times been regular and respectable. He was the Acquaintance of M....
6To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
A letter from the Emperor of the 9th instant Says, “I shall soon be at Paris and shall bring with me a beautiful female, called Peda. I am much satisfied with what has been done in Germany, and as to Poland, there is a perfect understanding between us and Russia.” Of the terms which have been either offered or accepted, on this occasion, we know nothing certainly, but rumor says, that Napoleon...
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...
8To 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)....
9To James Madison from John Armstrong, [ca. 7 November] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I send by M. Auriol the post-[s]cript, of which I spoke in my last. It will reach it’s destination, but without any hope of it’s working the necessary conversion. Indeed I now consider this as impossible, for to public Error, is now added the whole wieght of private interest. So long as the rule lasts, a single exception to it, makes the fortunes of two or three new men, who are about starting...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To James Madison from John Armstrong, 6 May 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have just been informed that M. Bowdoin (before he left Paris) in conjunction with M. Skipwith & by means which I shall take care to investigate, did obtain from an Irish ex-priest of the name of Somers a deposition, in which an attempt is made to implicate me in a land Speculation, connected with the then intended purchase of the Floridas, and conducted by Mess. Parker, OMealy and le Ray de...
13To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 May 1810 (Madison Papers)
You will find in one of the last journals two Notes from M. de Rochefoucauld, the French Ambassador in Holland; to the Prussian Minister there—Baron Knoblesdorf. The object of these is to enable Prussia to negociate a loan of 40,000,000 frs. with which she proposes to pay off the old Score due to France. In other times, this would have been considered an extraordinary State Paper. An...
14To 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...
15To 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 ).
16John 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...
17To 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,...
18To James Madison from John Armstrong, 23 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that Mr. James Bowdoin while residing in France, had transmitted to the President of the United States a deposition made in Paris, in the Year 1807, by Chs. M. Somers of that City, and being possessed of a second Deposition, made by the said Somers on the subject of the former, I have conceived it to be my duty to forward to You this last & with it sundry other papers numbered,...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
The first paragraph of your letter of the 24th. Ult. on the subject of Warden’s character & conduct, makes it a duty on my part to speak fully and freely to you with regard to this Adventurer. He is an impostor in every thing, and as deficient in capacity, as he is in fidelity. He has not written a single page of those memoirs, which have been so ostentatiously published as his, and on which...
23To James Madison from John Armstrong, 2 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed paragraph, coming from the quarter it does, would not have made any declaration from me either proper or necessary, (any more than that in the National Intelligencer, by which it was followed), had not a common friend, for whose opinions I have much respect, hinted to me the propriety of Stating, either privately to you, or publicly in a Newspaper, what was the fact. In choosing...
24John 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...
25To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here on friday last and have this day taken the command. Gen. Bloomfield left us this morning. He has been both frank and friendly & I should do wrong were I not to make this acknowlegment, as well to you as to him. Before we parted, he wished me to suggest, that he thought it adviseable under all circumstances, that he should be left in New Jersey untill the 25th. of September next....
26To James Madison from John Armstrong, 26 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself in duty bound to return you my Sincere and ardent thanks, for that Wisdom and Magnanimity, that have marked all your proceedings, as the Chief Magistrate of this flourishing and Extensive Continent Since yr. Inauguration to yr. Station—and trust in that God who rules the destinees of nations that this Happy Land will be So greatly Blessed as to have the Same Chief Magistrate to...
27To 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...
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...
29Memorandum from John Armstrong, 8 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Enemy’s force at Montreal & it’s dependencies, has been stated at 16,000 effectives. It more probably does not exceed 10 or 12,000. The militia part of it may amount to one sixth of the whole. Is is [ sic ] probable that we shall be able to open the Campaign on lake Champlain with a force competent to meet & dislodge this Army before the 15th. of may? I put the question on this date,...
30To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 February 1813, War Department. Presents “a general return of the militia of the United States, taken from the latest returns, which have been received by this Dept. from the several states & Territories.” RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. Docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1. Armstrong enclosed a two-page return of the...
31To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following correction in the nominations submitted to the honorable the Senate of the United States on the 15. of January last. “Hanson Catelt , late a Surgeon’s Mate, to be Surgeon of the 1st. Regiment of Infantry, should read, Hanson Catlet .” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2)....
32To 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...
33To 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 appointments in the additional Army authorized by the Act of January 29. 1813.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 2 pp. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list recommended five officers from Ohio, including...
34To James Madison from John Armstrong, 22 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following alterations in the list of nominations submitted to the Honorable the Senate of the United States on the 18th. Instant—viz William Colgreve Major, should be William Cotgreave Major—Elias Hasset Colonel, should be Elias Fasset Colonel—and Nathan Phelps Major, should be Nathan Phelps...
35To 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...
36To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following Appointments in the additional Army authorized by the Act of January 29th. 1813.” Recommends four Virginians: Joseph Goodwin to be a colonel, Robert Pegram to be a lieutenant colonel, and Augustin Smith and James Maurice to be majors. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2);...
37To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1813, War Department. Recommends sixteen persons for appointments in various infantry regiments, including Robert Carter Nicholas, George Croghan, and Henry B. Armstrong as majors in the Twelfth, Seventeenth, and Twenty-third Regiments, respectively, and Eleazer W. Ripley as a colonel in the Twenty-first Regiment. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2). 2 pp. JM...
38To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to transmit herewith a list [not found] of the Military appointments made during the recess of the Senate.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. In a message dated 15 June 1813, JM submitted to the Senate a revised version of the list that Armstrong enclosed with this letter. The revised list (13 pp.) included 371 appointments made to the...
39To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Vice President and Mr. Campbel suggest the propriety of your recalling the first list of Military nominations this morning, for the purpose of supplying the names of the States from which the Officers have been taken & of distinguishing between promotions & original appointments. I have the honor to be Sir, With great respect Your Most Obedient humble servant RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM....
40To James Madison from John Armstrong, 26 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. For original enclosure, see n. 1. Armstrong enclosed a four-page list of eighty-three appointments and thirty promotions in the...
41To 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.)...
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, 9 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully 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 recommended that Robert B. Taylor of Virginia and Jacob Brown of New York...
43To 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...
44To James Madison from John Armstrong, 16 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter just received from Mr. Monro. Neither the force nor the progress of the enemy indicates a serious attack on this place. We are however acting on the contrary supposition. With the highest respect, I am Sir, very faithfully Your Most Ob. Servant The enemy’s force view’d from this place, consists of one frigate of 36. guns, one of 32.—2 brig of 18., one of...
45To James Madison from John Armstrong, [ca. 18 July 1813] (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from the Secy. of State dated “off Blackstone’s Island, St. Mary’s, July the 18th. 1813.” From this it would appear that the enemy is bent on his project of coming up the river. He moves slowly, but with great circumspection & in two divisions. Between these, there were, at the date of the letter, at least twenty miles. Blackstone’s island is nearly the...
46To 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 .
47To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the army of the United States.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy of first enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The first enclosure (3 pp.) listed thirty infantry...
48To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
The time, at which we have reason to expect an ascendancy on Lake Ontario, has arrived. If our hopes on that head be fulfilled, though but for a short period, we must avail ourselves of the circumstances, to give to the Campaign, a new & increased activity. For this purpose, our forces on the Ontario should be concentrated , because neither Section of them, as they are now divided, is...
49To 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,...
50To James Madison from John Armstrong, 28 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1813, 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-A1); letter-book copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosure (3 pp.) lists 46 appointments to the infantry,...