1To 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 .
2To 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 ).
3To 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...
4To 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...
¶ 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.
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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...
9To 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,...
10To 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)....
11To 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,...
12To 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...
13To 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,...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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...
31To 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.)...
32To 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 (...
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 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...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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....
38John 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...
39To James Madison from John Armstrong, 19 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 19 February 1814, War Department. “I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to order the Brevet-rank of Brigadier General to be conferred on Colonel Joseph G. Swift of the Corps of Engineers in the Army of the United States, under the provision of the act of July 6. 1812, authorizing the President to confer brevets for meritorious conduct.” Adds in a...
40To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 31st of December last, requesting such information (not improper to be communicated) as may tend to explain the causes of the failure of the arms of the United States on the Northern frontier —I have the honor to submit the following documents & to offer to you, Sir, the assurance of the very high respect with which I am,...
41To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 18 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...
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 8 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 enclosure (6 pp.)...
43To James Madison from John Armstrong, 6 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the existing appropriations applicable to the clothing Department & to the Subsistence of the Army are nearly expended, & to request that you will be pleased to direct that the Sum of Six hundred Thousand Dollars, appropriated for Ordnance, be applied to defray further Expences in the clothing Department; & that the Sum of Eight hundred thousand Dollars,...
44To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have instructed Gen. Harrison, as an ulterior movement and in the event of his taking Malden, to carry his division down Lake Erie and to throw himself into the rear of Gen. de Rottenberg’s new positions. Besides the troops brought with him and the Garrisons of Forts Niagara and George, he will find there a disposable force, composed of Militia, Volunteers and Indians, amounting to two...
45To James Madison from John Armstrong, 21 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
I some time since received a Report, of which the inclosed paper (marked A) is an Extract. Sensible of the delicacy of military reputation, I was in no haste to act upon it, nor even officially to submit it to you. The reason for this hesitancy is now removed. I have, in two instances, followed the references made in the report, and in both, the truth of the principal charge is confirmed. A...
46To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 10 February 1814, War Department. “I have the honor to submit 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 enclosure (6 pp.; printed...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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...