51To 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...
52To 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 ).
53To 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...
54To 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...
55To 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...
56To 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...
57To 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...
58To 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...
59To James Madison from John Armstrong, 21 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Commodore Chauncy left this place on the 18th. for Fort George. It is obvious that Yeo will continue to refuse a battle. His object will be better answered, by wasting the Campaign & hazarding nothing. I have therefore endeavored to impress the Commodore with the Necessity of counteracting this policy—not by persuing an enemy who escapes him on System, but by convoying the troops immediately...
60To 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...
61To 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...
62To 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...
63To 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...
64To 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...
65To 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...
66To 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...
67To 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,...
68To 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...
69To 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...
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To 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);...
73To 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...
74To 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,...
75To James Madison from John Armstrong, 29 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 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); partial letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosures (28 pp.) were lists of appointments to...
76To 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...
77To 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....
78To 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...
79To 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...
80To 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 )....
81To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Prevost has returned from the neiborhood of Fort George to Kingston. It is supposed that after reconnoitring Boyd’s position he did not think it adviseable to attack it. My opinion is, that he wanted to draw our attention to the West & that at no time had he any serious intention of doing more than spinning out the Campaign. I enclose copies of my correspondence with Gen. Hampton, alluded to...
82To 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 /...
83To James Madison from John Armstrong, 26 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
We are yet here waiting for Chauncy and Wilkinson. From neither have I heard a syllable since the 18th. Hampton began his movement on the 19th. from Cumberland head. His advanced Corps surprised & carried a picket guard at Odell town and were pushing forward by the Eastern road, when a circumstance of very unusual occurrence prevented his farther progress. “The wells and Springs of Odell town...
84To 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)....
85To 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...
86To 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...
87To 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....
88To 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...
89To 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...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To 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...
95To 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...
96To 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...
97To 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...
98To 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...
99To 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...
100To 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...