51From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 August 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To John Armstrong. Letter not found. 15 August 1806. Acknowledged in Armstrong to JM , 24 Dec. 1806 ( DNA : RG 59, DD , France, vol. 10), and described in Jacob Wagner to JM , 15 Aug. 1806 , as having to do with the case of Benjamin Stoddert and John Mason.
52From James Madison to John Armstrong, 27 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 May 1804. Acknowledged in Armstrong to JM, 2 June 1804 , as an offer of appointment as U.S. minister to France and a suggestion, should Armstrong accept the commission, that he visit Washington before sailing to France.
53From 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...
54From 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...
55From 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).
56From 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...
57From 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....
58From 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...
59From James Madison to John Armstrong, George W. Erving, and James Monroe, 4 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Armstrong, George W. Erving, and James Monroe. 4 December 1805, Department of State. “Inclosed is a copy of the message of the President yesterday delivered to the two houses of Congress. The importance of its contents makes it desireable that you should receive it with as little delay as possible.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IM , vol. 6); RC ( DLC : Curry Autograph Collection);...
60From James Madison to John Armstrong, 21 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of August 6th. has been duly received. Those of August 2d & 4 addressed to Mr. Wagner have also been transmitted to me. No regular notification has yet been received of the change which it seems certain has taken place in the French Government, nor are the new stile and title precisely known, by which it is to be addressed. All that can be done therefore in accommodation to the...
61From 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...
62From 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:...
63From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I herewith inclose an act of Congress just passed on the subject of the commerce with St. Domingo. In prohibiting the commerce in unarmed as well as armed vessels the act goes beyond the obligation of the United States under the law of nations, but the measure was deemed expedient for the present and the eventual welfare of the United States. And altho’ it must be understood to have proceeded...
64From 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...
65From 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,...
66From 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...
67From 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...
68From 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...
69From 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....
70From 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:...
71From 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...
72From 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...
73From 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...
74From 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...
75From 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...
76From James Madison to John Armstrong, 19 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
Mr Skipwith has represented himself to be aggrieved by an attachment laid by the French Government upon a liquidation in his favor, under the Convention for the purchase of Louisiana. From the Documents he has exhibited, comprising as well a statement of the grounds upon which the attachment has been imposed, as his own explanations, it would appear that the principal stress is laid upon the...
77From 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...
78From James Madison to John Armstrong, [23] May 1805 (Madison Papers)
Messrs. Thomas Lewis & Son of Boston were the owners of the ship Hope and Cargo, which were captured after the signature of the Convention with France of the 30th of Sept. 1800, carried to Guadaloupe and condemned. Those gentlemen having prosecuted an appeal, the Council of Prizes pronounced the capture illegal and ordered restitution to be made. Fortified with this decision, they sent an...
79From 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...
80From 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...
81From 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...
82From 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...
83From 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 ,...
84From James Madison to John Armstrong and James Bowdoin, 26 May 1806 (Madison Papers)
On the supposition that by the time this reaches you the negotiations prescribed in my letter of March 13 will have taken their final turn and that this may not be a favorable one it is thought proper by the president that in such a state of things you should endeavour to bring about an arrangement providing first that the status quo taking for the date the transfer of possession of Louisiana...
85From 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...
86From 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...
87Madison’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...
88From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have requested the Treasury to remit you three thousand dollars according to your request. If convenient to yourself, it would be preferred to pay you the whole outfit before you embark. Should time admit the balance being Six thousand dollars, shall be remitted on your intimating that it will be acceptable, or you may draw upon me for it payable here or at New York. The papers relating to...
89From James Madison to John Armstrong and James Bowdoin, 13 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received from time to time your several letters bearing dates 3 July 10 & 15 Augt. 10 Sepr. 3 & 25 Octr & 26 Novr. Previous to the arrival of Mr Skipwith with your dispatches of Sept 10th our affairs with Spain had undergone the particular consideration of the President; with a reference as well to the change in the state of things in Europe, as to the approaching Session of...
90From 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...
91Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 16 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving the Presidents instructions concerning my assuming the direction of the expedition against the Southern Indians, communicated in a Letter of the 7th of this Month from the Department of War, in consequence whereof I am making arrangements for taking a position nearer to the scene of action, from whence I may give a general direction to the three Corps who are...
92Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 18 November 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong. 18 November 1813, Charleston, “Head Quarters Sixth District.” “I have the honor of transmitting Copies of the Letters mentioned in mine of 16th inst. “I purpose leaving Charleston tomorrow on my route to Milledgeville.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , P-299:7). 1 p. Marked in an unidentified hand: “Shown to the President.” Pinckney enclosed a copy...
93Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have employed this morning in researches with a view to the arrangement of our financial concerns in this quarter, the want whereof appears to have kept inactive three thousand of the Militia of this State, more than two months while provided and to be paid by the United States, & if not remedied may defeat the views of Government in this Expedition. The result of my enquiries has been a...
94Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 30 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place on Saturday last, having conferred with the late Governor Mitchell who resides within ten miles of the Town. Since I have been here I have had interviews with Governor Early and with Col: Hawkins, and have obtained from them and from a number of Persons who are now assembled here at the Session of the Legislature all the information on the subject of the Indian Expedition...
95Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 4 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the time of service of the Quota of the militia of the State of Georgia now on the Indian Expedition will expire in little more than two months; and that the remainder of that Quota amounts to between five & six hundred men, and being situated on the Sea Coast cannot with propriety be brought to this service. As the dismissal of these Troops before the...
96Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
Having observed that complaints were made against the Contractor for this State, I imparted to him the information contained in the Letter of the Department of the 7th of this Month, that, “there has been no deficiency of Funds in the hands of the Contractors since the Expedition was first authorised” —and called upon him for an explanation in consequence whereof he wrote to me the Statement...
97Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 18 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong. “Head Quarters Sixth & Seventh Districts—Fort Decatur Talipoosa,” 18 April 1814. “I have the honor of forwarding to you Copies of the continuance of my correspondence with the Commanding Officers [ illegible ] in the Creek War. I have overtaken at this Post one battalion of the North Carolina Militia, wherewith I shall march to join the remainder of the...
98Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 2 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have visited this post with a view of making some necessary arrangement relating to the Indian Expedition, after which I shall return immediately to Milledgeville in expectation of receiving your Instructions; the return of my Express from General Jackson, & from Govr Blount and of attending to the arrangement of the supplies by water for the Troops in the Nation. As we may hope that this...
99Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 June 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges letters and enclosures from Armstrong received on 21 May. Protests strongly against France’s decision to seize American vessels as announced in the letter from the duc de Cadore to Armstrong [14 Feb. 1810]. Describes French policy as “an act of violence, which under existing circumstances is scarcely less than an act of war [and] necessarily...
100From George Washington to John Armstrong, 20 March 1770 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging favour of the 24th of Jany came to my hands sometime after the date thereof; & to which, I shoud have given an immediate answer, but was in hopes that by delaying of it a while, to have said something more to the purpose than I am like to do at present, in respect to the matter you did me the honour of mentioning, in behalf of yr Son. At this time, I do not know one good opening...