From James Madison to John Armstrong, [21 June 1814]
To John Armstrong
[21 June 1814]
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 inconvenience seems a good one: and he will of course repress improper means1 to prevent its success.2
J M.
RC (PHi: Daniel Parker Papers); draft (DLC); Tr (DLC, series 3). RC undated; date supplied from the draft and Tr. Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.
1. Draft and Tr have “attempts.”
2. JM evidently referred to Maj. Gen. George Izard’s 10 June 1814 letter to Armstrong, stating that Izard had largely succeeded in making his soldiers’ naval service on Lake Champlain “less disagreeable to all concerned” by calling for volunteers from within army ranks, but that “some Officers whose principle Importance in the Army consists in the Talent of being dissatisfied with every Thing have discouraged their men from coming forward” (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, I-21:8).