31From 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...
32From 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...
33Madison’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...
34From 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...
35From 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...
36From 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...
37From 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,...
38From 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...
39From 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...
40From 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...
41From 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...
42From 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...
43From 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...
44From 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...
45From 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).
46From 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...
47From 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....
48From 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...
49From 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...
50From 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:...
51From 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...
52From 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,...
53From 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...
54From 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...
55From 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...
56From 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....
57From 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:...
58From 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...
59From 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...
60From 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...
61From 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...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From 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...
65From 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...
66From 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...
67From 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...
68From 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 ,...
69From 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...
70From 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...
71From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to Secy. of War on the proposed consolidation of 8 Regts—30. 31. &c The consolidations proposed are approved. The information for assisting the selection of officers to be retained is extremely scanty whilst the task is both important & difficult. The Secy. of war will suggest the names which appear on the whole most fit to remain in service. FC ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). See...
72From James Madison to Benjamin Austin and Others, 7 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fw. Citizs. the address transmitted by you on the 23d. of Feby.; with the attention due to the occasion which gave rise to it, & to the view which it takes of past scenes & events. Whatever difference of opinion may have existed, among good Citizens, all will rejoice in the happy result of the Contest in which we have been engaged. If this has been attended with difficulties &...
73From James Madison to Isaac Ball, 4 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 April 1809. Acknowledged in Ball to JM, 11 Apr. 1809 . Authorizes Ball to list JM as a patron of a proposed new edition of his work, An Analytical View of the Animal Economy .
74From James Madison to James Barbour, 26 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 17th. inst. accompanied by a Resolution of the House of Delegates of Virginia has been duly received. An Engineer has been designated to make a further examination & report, with respect to Fort Powhatan; and it is intended to strengthen its works, and to place therein a suitable Garrison. Accept assurances of my consideration and esteem RC ( Vi : Executive Papers); FC ( DLC...
75From James Madison to James Barbour, 16 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 13th instant. That the late events in Europe will put it in the power of G.B. to direct a much greater force agst. the U.S. cannot be doubted. How far she may be restrained from so doing by an estimate of her interest in making peace, or by a respect for the sentiments of her allies, if these should urge it, can not yet be known. It is incumbent on us to...
76From James Madison to John Barker, 21 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 17th. covering the Address & Resolutions adopted in the first Congressional District of the State of Penna. and avail myself of the same channel, for conveying an answer to the former. I tender at the same time, my acknowledgments for your kind expressions, and assurances of my respect & good wishes. To the Republican Citizens of the 1st. Congressional District...
77From James Madison to Joel Barlow, 11 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
As I write on short notice and in cypher, I must be very brief. The conduct of the F. Govt. explained in yours of May. 12. on the subject of the decre⟨e⟩ of April ⟨18⟩11 will be an everlasting reproach to it . It is the more shameful as, departing from the declar⟨a⟩tion to general armstrong of which the enforcement of the non importation was the effect the revoking decre⟨e⟩ assumes this as the...
78From James Madison to Joel Barlow, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
You will receive by this conveyance the proper communications from the Dept. of State. You will see in them, the ground now avowed for the B. Orders in Council. It must render them co-durable with the war; for nothing but a termination of it will re-open the continental market to British products. Nor is it probable that peace will do it in its former extent. The pretension which requires the...
79From James Madison to Joel Barlow, 24 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Morris delivered yesterday morning the dispatches committed to him, including your letters to me. The reasons for hastening the departure of the vessel now ordered to France, will not permit the Secy. of State to do much more than acknowledge the receipt of your communications. The instructions you wish relative to the question of a Commercial Treaty with F. at this time, as well as the...
80From James Madison to Omar Bashaw, [ca. 12 April 1815] (Madison Papers)
Your highness having declared war against the United States of America, and made captives of some of their Citizens, and done them other injuries, without any just cause, the Congress of the United States at its last Session, to repel this act of aggression, authorized, by a deliberate and solemn act, hostilities against your Government and people. A squadron of our ships of War, to be...