1To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have given to the late occurrences at Washington, in relation to myself, all the consideration Due to them, as well on public as on private grounds, and have determined to resign my appointment as Secretary of the War Department. This I hereby do and pray you to accept with it, the assurances of my great respect & consideration. RC ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC : George W. Campbell Papers). RC docketed...
2To James Madison from John Armstrong, 15 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of War has the honor to report that in his opinion the interests of the public would be much promoted by consolidating the following Regiments of Infantry—viz: The 30th: & 31st. numbered the 30th. The 32d. & 42d. ditto the 32d. The 33d. & 34th. ditto the 33d. The 36th. & 38th. ditto the 34th. I enclose a list of the Officers now in service in these Regiments, confidential reports...
3To 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...
4To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
I send herewith a letter, received by express, from Sackett’s Harbor. The information given, is important; and though without the authority of a name, knowing as I do, the hand-writing and the character of the writer, I have no hesitation in vouching for the entire credibility of the statement. I am, &c., Printed copy and enclosure (John Armstrong, Notices of the War of 1812 [2 vols.; New...
5To James Madison from John Armstrong, [ca. June 1814] (Madison Papers)
I was informed yesterday by Col. Tatham that a number of letters for C. Gobert had been left at his former lodging in this place, for conveyance to him. Mr. Parker was sent for them & brought those which I now have the honor to enclose. I am Sir, very respectfully Your most Obedient & very humble servant RC ( DLC ). Undated; dated 1814 in the Index to the James Madison Papers; conjectural date...
6To James Madison from John Armstrong, 29 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving many defects in the organisation and practice of the accounting branch of this department and great abuses resulting therefrom, I presented the subject to the attention of Congress on the 3d. day of January last. The committees to whom the consideration of this business was assigned, united in opinion with me, that the expending departments of the government ought to have as little...
7To 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...
8To 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,...
9To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter, & one other to the Secy. of State, were received by me to-day under a cover, endorsed by Admiral Cockburn. It was sent to the post office & there post marked for conveyance to Philad. Hearing that all was not right with Mr. Gobert (the writer) I recalled & opened it & now submit it to you. I am Sir, with the greatest respect Your most Obed. servant RC ( DLC ). Docketed by...
10To 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...
11To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The three last mails from Sackets harbr. brought nothing in addition to what I have communicated. There is reason to believe the enemys flotilla on Lake Champlain is in motion; a report prevailed at Albany on the morning of the 16th. that McDonough has taken from them a Sloop and four gallies. Izzards account (enclosed) of the state in which he found the troops on Lake Champlain is most...
12To 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....
13To 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...
14To James Madison from John Armstrong, 9 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose copies of a correspondence between Major Genl. Izard and General Wilkinson on the Subject of the Court Martial recently instituted for the trial of the latter. The result of this is that General Wilkinson declines being tried by a Court of the smallest legal number, unless wholly composed of General Officers—& that the Court not being so composed, was dissolved. It...
15To James Madison from John Armstrong, 1 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
So long as we had reason to beleive that the enemy intended and was in condition, to re-establish himself on the Thames & open a-new his intercourse with the Indian tribes of the West, it was no doubt proper to give to our naval means a direction which would best obstruct or defeat such movements and designs. An order has been accordingly given by the Navy Dept. to employ the flotilla on Lake...
16To James Madison from John Armstrong, 29 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Gen. Winder arrived last evening. A general exchange of prisoners has been concluded with the exception of twenty three hostages held by us & sixty nine held by them. This is not putting us on strong or even equal ground. It was however the best arrangement he could make. The dispatch to the Gen., on the subject of the Armistice, went on to Canada after he left it and by a route different from...
17To 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...
18To 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 (...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To 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...
24To 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.)...
25To 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...
26To James Madison from John Armstrong, 19 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 19 February 1814, War Department. Proposes that “Daniel Bissell, Colonel of the 5th. Infantry … Edmund P: Gaines, Colonel of the 25th. Infantry,” and “Winfield Scott, Colonel of the 2nd. Artillery” be appointed brigadier generals. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. Docketed by JM , who submitted the...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 February 1814 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ 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.
31To 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...
32To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 3 February 1814, War Department. “I have the honor to submit for your approbation the following promotions 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 (14 pp.; printed in...
33To James Madison from John Armstrong, 1 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 1 February 1814, War Department. “I beg leave to submit to you the following documents on the subject of the Resolution of the Senate of the 3d. ultimo in relation to the quantity of woolen goods provided for the Army during the last year &c.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 13A-E6); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP )....
34To 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,...
35To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 January 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 20 January 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation, the inclosed list [not found] of appointments for the Army of the United States.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. JM placed an asterisk here and wrote below Armstrong’s signature: “Brigadier Izard to be Major General / Brown to be same /...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
In W’s letter of the 15th. he requires instructions on the subject of the position he has chosen. I enclose copies of two letters to him, the one in anticipation—the other in reply. I but fear that the army will be hedged in, as during the last summer at Fort George, & exhibit again the novelty, as Prevost calls it, of a smaller force investing a larger & wearying out their strength & spirit...
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, 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...
41To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
My express has this moment returned from Hampton. The Gen. has quitted the Chateauge road & by a rapid movement on that of Acadie, will compell Prevost to give up his fastnesses & either meet him on more equal terms, or retire to Montreal. Wilkinson’s movement will decide him in favor of the latter. You will see by the enclosed letters that the main army passed Prescot in the night of the 6th....
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
About 1 oclock this morning I received the enclosed letters from Major Gen. Hampton. I immediately answered by express—that “the Main army was descending the St. Laurence; that notice of its approach would be given to him; that he must immediately make another movement in a direction which should secure to him the ability either of effecting a junction with it, or of detaining the enemy on the...
43To James Madison from John Armstrong, 9 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this evening received the enclosed letters from Gen. W. From the 3d. to the 9th., both days included, the weather has been as good as we could wish. By his calculation, he would, on the 8th., arrive at Hamilton. The 9th. would carry him to the Coteau de lac, where circumstances may, & probably will, render it necessary for him to debark. From this place to the Grand river, the country...
44To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I arrived at this place late last night from the neiborhood of Ogden’sburgh and shall remain here untill the results of our pending operations be known. On the 28th. the troops were prepared for descending the St. Laurens and waited only the arrival of Col. Randolph’s detachment, to begin the movement. On the 30th. Brown’s brigade had reached the mouth of French Creek (opposite to Gananoque...
45To 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...
46To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
All the troops have quitted this place & are now at Grenadier Island—excepting Scott’s (who since the enemy’s abandonment of the peninsula, has set out to join us with 750 men) & Cols. Randolph and Coles, who are at Oswego with nearly an equal number. As the Gen. is now Compos, I shall forbear my visit to Canada untill a future day. The enemy’s fleet, apprised of our Movement, shewed itself...
47To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Our troops left Fort George for this place under the command of Gen. Boyd on the 30th. Ult. On the 3d. instant the enemy had notice of this movement. On the 9th. after burning his surplus stores & baggage, he began his march for Burlington bay, which he reached on the night of the 11th. & whence, it is said, he has arrived at Kingston, by the bay of Quanta with 1200 sick and convalescent and...
48To James Madison from John Armstrong, 13 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Advices from Col Scot, (who was charged with the defense of Fort George) were received last night by a boat which made the passage in fourteen hours. The substance of these is—that the British Army broke up its “positions” before Fort George on the 9th. & after burning a large quantity of Stores began it’s retreat for Burlington bay. Deserters state two causes for this—an expected attack on...
49To 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...
50To 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...