From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 January 1813
To John Armstrong
Washington Jany. 14. 1813
Dear Sir
The inclosed Commission will inform you of your appointment to the direction of the Department of War.1 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 esteem and friendly respects.
James Madison
RC (owned by Mrs. Richard M. C. Aldrich, Barrytown, N.Y., 1961); FC (DLC).
1. Enclosure not found. JM’s nomination of Armstrong was sent to the Senate on 8 Jan., and an 18-to-15 confirmation vote was taken on 13 Jan. Nine Republicans, one-third of the Republican membership, voted against confirmation ( , 2:315, 316).