1From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 March 1809. Offered for sale in Charles Hamilton Catalogue No. 80 (5 Sept. 1974), item 275, which describes the one-page letter as a request that Armstrong obtain French permission to import merino sheep, noting that the letter reads in part: “The value of this breed to our Country is now generally understood, and acquisitions of specimens are acceptable services to the...
2From James Madison to John Armstrong, 11 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The communications which you will recee: from & thro the War Office present the state of things produced on our Southern Frontier by the Creek War: & by the start it has had of the movements for meeting it. It is of so much importance that it should recee. a decisive blow, before the success of the Creeks shall have operated on the other Tribes & on the views of the English & Spaniards, as...
3From James Madison to John Armstrong, [3 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Department on Tuesday next at Eleven OClock. June 3. 1814. The object is to decide on the plan of campaign which our means, miltary & naval, render most eligible. In the mean time the Secretary of War will cause to be made out & send over, RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers); draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). RC cover bears Armstrong’s note:...
4From James Madison to John Armstrong, 30 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Before my return hither I recd. yours of the 8th. inst: and have since recd. those of the 11th. 13. 17. & 20: The order relating to a discharge of Militia from Norfolk referred to in the first was not inclosed in it, and has not come otherwise to hand. There can be no question, under existing circumstances, but as to the degree in which the force at that place, may be prudently reduced. The...
5From James Madison to John Armstrong, [29 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Besides the answer to Genl. McClure, it may be proper to instruct Genl. Wilkinson to say frankly to Prevost that the burning of Newark was the effect of misapprehension in the officer, not an order from the Govt. This may be done in terms neither authorizing an inference that the measure exceeds a just retaliation, nor precluding a reflection on the facility with which a perseverance of the...
6From James Madison to John Armstrong, 13 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
On viewing the course which the proceedings of the War-Department have not unfrequently taken, I find that I owe it to my own responsibility as well as to other considerations, to make some remarks on the relations in which the Head of the Department stands to the President, and to lay down some rules for conducting the business of the Department, which are dictated by the nature of those...
7From James Madison to John Armstrong, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Enemy having evacuated the City of Washington & no obstacle remaining to a re-union of the members of the Executive there, J. Madison requests that this may take place with as little delay as may be. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , P-80:8). In JM ’s hand. Docketed as received in the War Department in August 1814.
8From James Madison to John Armstrong, 4 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 1st. inst: suggesting a recall of the vessels allotted for L. Huron &c. with a view to another destination of them. The force which can be assembled at the East end of L. Erie, by the 10th. of June is greater than I had relied on; and if employed towards Burlington heights & York, can not fail to have a salutary effect in different directions. Whether it...
9To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 June 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 2 pp. The appended list of nineteen appointments to the infantry and general staff of the U.S. Army included those of David R. Williams as Brigadier General and James Tilton as Physician and Surgeon...
10From James Madison to John Armstrong, 30 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
It ought certainly to be at the discretion of Izard to accommodate his movements to those of the Enemy, and to his information from the other Commanders. The question as to Col: Drayton appears to be precluded, by the list of original vacancies which includes none of his former rank. Tr ( DLC , series 3). Headed: “Note To the Secretary of War on Izard’s letter of July 19.—asking if he ought...
11From James Madison to John Armstrong, [ca. 4 February 1814] (Madison Papers)
J. M wishes a conversation on this proposal of Genl. M. & on the recent one of General Taylor, when it will be most convenient for the Secretary of War, to call for the purpose. RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on evidence in n. 1. On 24 Jan. 1814 John Mason returned to Armstrong letters from Virginia militia Brig. Gen. Robert B. Taylor regarding the...
12From James Madison to John Armstrong, 29 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 6th. & 25 of May were both recd. tho’ at a late day. Of the latter a duplicate has also come to hand. The Consular Register of Paris, has, I find been transmitted to the Dept. of State instead of remaining in the Office there. It has been examined with a view to that part of your letter which supposed it to contain a Deposition meant to implicate your name in a certain...
13Madison’s Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I avail myself of the oppy. by Mr. to forward copies of my several letters lately written to you; & to add the present. The arrival of the J. Adams brought your letters of the following dates . From that of the 16th. April, it appears that the seizures of Amn. property lately made, had been followed up by its actual sale, & that the proceeds had been deposited in the Emperors Caisse prive. You...
14From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to Secy of War on a letter of Jennings Dy: Coy. of purchases, and an endorsemt. by the Secy. of War: & on a letter &c. from Genl. Cushing relating to attack on Stonington. As a little time will probably decide as to the force allotted by the Enemy to the Chesapeake, it may be as well not to reject the addl. 500. called out by Govr. Barbour for the security of Richd. & that Quarter. The...
15From James Madison to John Armstrong, 19 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The apparent objections to the proposed establishment of a post, so distant, are very strong. Much weight however is due to the concurring opinions of Govr. Clarke and General Howard; both men of Judgment and possessed of many advantages for a correct exercise of it in such a case. RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers); draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Draft includes JM ’s heading: “Note on a...
16From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Wanted copies of the instructions to General Brown, for carrying into effect the plan of operations, agreed on in the Cabinet on the 7th. of June. Copies of the instructions to General Winder on his taking command of his Military district, and since. The Secretary will let me see the requisitions of Militia to be placed between this place and Baltimore before they go forward. Tr ( DLC , series...
17From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note on Genl. Lewis letter to Secy. W. July 28. 1814. asking whether he is to Judge of the menace of invasion requiring calls for Militia. Genl. Lewis, as other Commanders of Districts, shd. be authorized to call for militia according to the danger threatened. Where the cases are not too urgent they ought to be reported for previous sanction here: When the urgency will not permit this delay,...
18From James Madison to John Armstrong, 8 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours from Albany of the 28th. ult. So much depends on the ultimate character of the present campaign, that whilst I hav⟨e⟩ the fullest confidence that the best exertions will be made, I cannot suppress my anxieties; and the less so, as one of the elements on which we are to act is of so inconstant a nature. The loss of our command of Lake Champlain, at so critical a moment, is...
19From James Madison to John Armstrong, 17 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to Secy. of War on Cushing’s letter & enclosures of Aug. 12. 1814. Cushing seems to view the extraordinary threat of Hardy in its proper light. It was determined before the Secy. of State left the City, that Mrs. Stewart on whom the misbehaviour of her husband ought not to be visited, might be removed to him, whenever Gen Cushing thought no injury could result from intelligence she might...
20From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your[s] of the 8th. from Sacket’s Harbour: & shall look in a few days for some result of the critical posture of our military affairs on the St. Lawrence. The weather here has become suddenly very cold, but without snow or rain; and seems to be getting back to a milder state. If it has not been more than proportionally worse at the scene of operations, the prosecution of them will...
21From James Madison to John Armstrong, 5 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
If there be occasion for an appt. in the Quarter Masters Dept. Mr Tyler may be commissioned. If no occasion, & he will accept one of the original vacancies in a Company, he may be appointed to it. RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). Unaddressed; addressee identified based on internal evidence. Septimius Tyler wrote James Monroe on 13 Sept. 1814, repeating his request for a commission in the...
22From James Madison to John Armstrong, [6 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Noted to the Secy. of War. July 6. 1814 on the reported plan for 90 odd thousd. Milit[i]a. The reference to the Military Districts as places of service is liable to two remarks the one that the reference is in some respects too vague, the other that in other respects, they are too restrictive. Distr: No. 1. illustrates both Remarks, the first by its great extent & numerous objects the second...
23From James Madison to John Armstrong, [8 October] 1813 (Madison Papers)
“It cannot be doubted that the distruction of the Blockhouses &c. on our side of the Perdido without a reparation not to be expected, is a cause of War. The doubt is whether it be a case in wch the Ex. Authy. can resort to it without the Sanction of the Leg:re. especially as the hostile step by the Spansh: officer may not have been authorized by his Superiors. The probaby. that it has been...
24From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note To the Secy. of War on Govr. Shelby’s letter of Augst. 4 put into the hands of J. M. Aug. 19. The Secy. of War will state his opinion on the case presented by Govr. Shelby. Have not analogous cases of a disproportion of officers, and of mounted volunteers serving as militia been heretofore acted on. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Draft included among documents dated 16 Aug. 1814 in...
25From James Madison to John Armstrong, 7 August 1814 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To John Armstrong. Letter not found. 7 August 1814. Described as a one-page draft or memorandum in the lists probably made by Peter Force ( DLC , series 7, container 2).
26From James Madison to John Armstrong, 13 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant, inclosing a newspaper statement of a conversation imputed to you, has been recd. with the respect due to the motives for the communication. I need scarcely say that evidence of that sort could have no weight with me, when opposed by so much improbability, and by the predispositions which it could not fail to find in me. I might add that the disproof furnished by...
27From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secy. of War will send To save time & copying, the letters & instructions & orders from the War Dept. may be sent in the record or the retained draughts. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Maj. Gen. William Henry Harrison set out for Cincinnati from Washington on 22 Dec. 1813 (Esarey, Messages and Letters of William Henry Harrison, Indiana Historical Collections, 2:610). For Maj. Gen....
28From James Madison to John Armstrong, 28 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Treaty of Greenville in 1795. may be the basis of the new Treaty, with any improvements which may be eligible under existing circumstances. ______ The former allowances to the Indians may be continued; and if deemed necessary by the Comrs., enlarged. Those suspended by the war should not be made up unless indispensable to keep the Indians quiet; as present supplies will suffice for actual...
29From James Madison to John Armstrong, 27 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
It does not appear that Izard, tho’ the Senior officer of the District has been made acquainted with the plan of operations under Brown, or that any correspondence exists between those officers. It would certainly be advantageous that each should be apprized of the instructions and views of the other; as well as of the movements & forces of the Enemy, and of all material occurrences within...
30From James Madison to John Armstrong, 10 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Instructions to Genl. Brown or Officer commanding on the Niagara subsequent to July 5. do. to the Officer commanding at Sackett’s Harbour do. to Genl. Mc.Arthur, and the Officer Commanding at Detroit. do. to Genl. Izzard subsequent to July 27. do. to Genl. Lewis subsequent to the mission of General Mapes & his associate. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Here JM canceled the following:...
31From James Madison to John Armstrong, 17 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Obstructions to the mail retarded for several days, your letter of the 9th. instant, accompanied by a correspondence between Generals Wilkinson & Izzard, on the subject of the Court Martial. The letter from the former to the Dept. of War, referred to in the correspondence, was omitted. The objection made to the validity of the order for a Court Martial cannot be sustained. Altho’ orders derive...
32From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Besides the tendency of the proposed attempt for removing the Indians North of the State of Ohio, to disquiet them, there are other objections to the measure. It may have a like tendency in its bearing on other Indians connected with the district given in exchange: And what merits particular attention, the territories contiguous to this district, whose peace and security might be affected,...
33From James Madison to John Armstrong, 19 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours by Mr. Mercer. The little enterprize projected by Mr. Monroe, would if compleatly successful have a seasonably good effect. But the view you have taken of it, is a very interesting one. The smallness of your effective force in Regulars, and the possible consequence of such a detachment from it, to such a distance, at Such a crisis, will doubtless have the weight with him...
34From James Madison to John Armstrong, 12 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to the Secretary of War on letters from him to Brown of July 19 —and to Izard of July 27. and August 2. with a memorandum of the Secretary on the two last, “that in case the attack on Kingston be rendered impracticable, and that the moment of ascendancy on the Lake Ontario may not be lost, 2000 of Izard’s men may be carried to the west end of the Lake to join Gaines; being landed on the...
35From James Madison to John Armstrong, 24 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the state of the Treasury has been transmitted to me. It is more favorable than I had anticipated, and will be able at least for a short period, to keep the army in an efficient state. I have just recd. a confirmation of the fine blow struck by Perry. Harrison’s movements in consequence of it will I hope be not only effectual agst. Proctor, but be felt in our other...
36From James Madison to John Armstrong, [13 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
If not more than 200 warriors have gone to Detroit with Govr. Cass, the residue with the militia called for will suffice for the expedition recommended by him & Genl. Harrison. The pledges given by them to the Indians employed must be fulfilled of course, & the case with similar ones, submitted to Congs. Govr. Cass may receive the superintending & discretionary power as to Indians &c. wch....
37From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note on this note of the Secy. of War covering letters of Col. Croghan to Capt. Sinclair of May 26. As the order to Majr. Holmes required a resort to his superior Officer Col. Croghan, and as Capt. Sinclair was ordered to communicate with the latter, it might have been better, to have conveyed the orders to Majr. Holmes thro’ Col. Croghan, than vice versa, as well as to have apprized Col:...
38From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 17th. inst: covering further communications from Genl. Pinkney; which are now returned. The supplies necessary to save the Indians from starving cannot but be approved, notwithstanding the failure of legal provision for the purpose. It is a case of humanity & necessity which carries its own justification with it. I mentioned in my last Col: Milton as a fit...
39From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson it appears, addressed an application to the P. on the 6th. ult: for an opportunity of securing testimony wch. may be lost by the casualties of the campaign. This is reasonable; and may be effected by depositions taken in the usual mode a Judge advocate attending on the part of the public. Give the proper instructions for the purpose, & let the Genl. be informed that his...
40From James Madison to John Armstrong, [21 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
The taking of Soldiers for the Navy, is a disagreeable circumstance in several respects: but an efficient State of the Navy is so essential even to land operations on the Canada frontier that it seems unavoidable occasionally until a sufficiency of Seamen can be obtained, for which every exertion is doubtless made. The expedient of volunteers adopted by Genl. Izard, as a diminution of the...
41From James Madison to John Armstrong, 24 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 February 1811. Mentioned in Armstrong to JM, 3 Mar. 1811 , as discussing the character and conduct of David Bailie Warden in relation to the American consulate in Paris. Also mentioned in Armstrong to Jonathan Russell, 5 Mar. 1811, as JM’s answer to Armstrong’s suggestion that Russell be appointed as minister to France. “You had,” Armstrong wrote Russell, “no friends in...
42From James Madison to John Armstrong, 16 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to Secy. of War, on Gaines lette⟨r⟩ of Aug: 7. It ought certainly to be at the discretion of Gaines to cross the Niagara. This may be made prudent by large re-inforcemts. to the Enemy, even after receivg 2000 from Izard’s army. Buffalo & Black rock must also claim his attention; whilst the Enemy are placed so conveniently for enterprizes agst. them. If Izard should be unable by leaving a...
43From James Madison to John Armstrong, 18 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the lt. inst. from Utica, and of the 5th. from Sackets Harbour. I have written to Mr Jones with a view to an extra half Million pr. Month for War purposes during the sequel of the Campaign, but am not without apprehensions that the state of the Treasury may produce difficulties, unless re-inforced by loans not yet ascertained. He will however feel all the importance of...
44From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Commission will inform you of your appointment to the direction of the Department of War. I hope it will not be incompatible with your views, to avail the public of your services in that important trust; and that you will be able, without delay, to relieve the Secretary of State, who has been charged ad interim, with that addition to his other duties. Accept assurances of my great...
45From James Madison to John Armstrong, 24 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 20th. inst. The sufferings of the Troops from want of clothing & pay is the worse to be lamented as they cannot fail to damp the recruiting service, & particularly the reenlistment of the men who are soon to be discharged. It seems strange that arrears of pay should run back for more than a year; & that supplies of clothing should have been so deficient that the...
46From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of War will cause the supply of ammunition requested to be furnished. If the arrangements of Genl. Winder shd. not have anticipated the other want and the cannon can be furnished, orders to that effect will al⟨s⟩o be given. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). JM labeled the draft: “On a letter from Genl. Stuart, requesting 200 rounds of Grape Cannister &c also a few 9s or...
47From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
In analogy to the arrangement yesterday decided on in reference to this City & Baltimore and with a view to a systematic provision agst. invading armaments, the Secretary of war will digest & report to the President, corresponding precautionary means of defence, in reference to the other more important and exposed places along the Atlantic Frontier; particularly Boston, New York, Wilmington...
48From James Madison to John Armstrong, 17 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Where, on what service & under what commission is Genl. Swartwout to be employed? If out of service as the last army Register imports, he cannot be employed without a new appointment. Wanted The number of men enlisted into the Rifle Corps, & not yet furnished with rifles. • The number of rifles on hand, according to the last returns, and the dates of those returns. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC ,...
49From James Madison to John Armstrong, 19 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to Secy. of War, on Genl. Browns letter of Aug. 7. If there be no opposing considerations unknown to me, Col. Miller is entitled to brevet promotion. Majrs. Wood & McRae at least seem to merit attention also. What is best as to Ripley FC ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). FC in JM ’s hand; included among documents dated 16 Aug. 1814 in the Index to the James Madison Papers. Maj. Gen. Jacob...
50From James Madison to John Armstrong, 4 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note accompanying a return of sundry Brevets sent filled up and sealed from the Office. The Secretary of War will not in future permit Commissions to be filled up in the Office, until it be ascertained that the appointments are approved. In the Brevets to General Scott and the other Officers who so well merited them, the irregularity could not but be without effect. But when appointments are...