14501From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong of New York, 29 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Will Genl Armstrong do Th: Jefferson the favor to come & take family soupe with him to-day at half past three? Th:J. will ask the same favor of mr Madison. free conversations with Genl. Armstrong will give him a truer idea of the dispositions of this government towards those of Europe than written instructions can possibly convey. RC ( NBLiHi ).
14502From 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,...
14503From 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...
14504From 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...
14505From 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...
14506From 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....
14507From George Washington to John Armstrong, 11 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philad. March 11th 1792 I am persuaded that no one will be more ready than yourself to make the proper allowances for my not having sooner acknowledged the receipt of your friendly letter of the 23d of December, as you there express a conviction that the pressure of my public duties will allow me but very little time to attend to my private correspondences. This is...
14508From 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:...
14509From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 23 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, c.23 Dec. 1777. In his second letter to GW of 23 Dec. , Armstrong writes that he had “received your Excellys Favour this Afternoon.”
14510Joseph Willcocks to John Armstrong, 22 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
When I had the Honor of conversing with You at the Harbour, it appeared to be Your wish that I should write You upon my return to this Country, when, and as often as any thing of Public moment Occured. In consequence of which I now beg leave to lay before You some facts which Most materially effect the plans proposed for the Subdugation of this Province. You recollect no doubt, Sir, that I...
14511Thomas 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...
14512From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, 27 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am obliged by your favr of the 5th Feby and 10th inst. I fear your apprehensions as to the augmentation of the Army, at least in good time, will appear to have been but too well founded. Some of the States have but lately drafted their Men, others have proceeded but a very little way in recruiting and some have not yet fixed upon the mode of compleating their Regiments. Even those Men that...
14513Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 8 February 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long ago, in my heart, congratulated our country on your call to the place you now occupy . but with yourself personally it is no subject of congratulation. the happiness of the domestic fireside is the first boon of heaven: and it is well it is so, since it is that which is the lot of the mass of mankind. the duties of office are a Corvée which must be undertaken on far other...
14514From 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...
14515James Wilkinson to John Armstrong, 7 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Mail Route, by Burlington, has become dilatory and uncertain; I therefore, send this to Utica, by Express, to advise you, that we are still safe from the Enemy, &, I understand, snug against the weather; but our Troops die at the French Mills, owing, as all ranks avow, to the bad quality of the Flour, Medicine, & Hospital Stores. This circumstance, & the precarious Dependence to be placed...
14516From 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...
14517William Henry Harrison to John Armstrong, 15 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1813 , “ Head Quarters Mouth of Portage River on Lake Erie .” “You will have been informed from the Letter of Commodore Perry to the Secretary of the Navy of the brilliant naval victory obtained by him & the capture of the whole of the Enemy’s flotilla on this lake. I arrived here the day before yesterday with a part of the troops from Seneca town & this morning General Cass has...
14518Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 19 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 6 th was recieved yesterday. the will of Gen l Kosciuzko was proved in our circuit court of May. soon af ter that I recieved a repetition of mr Zeltner ’s claim, and one als o from a
14519From George Washington to John Armstrong, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Among the number of Letters which I am continually receiving & the multiplicity of papers which are put into my hands to peruse, your favor of the 25th of June was mixed, & for a time lost—nor did it come to light again till yesterday. this, though a bad excuse, is the truth, & consequently the best apology I can make for delaying so long an answer to the quære in behalf of your Son. I wish it...
14520From 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...
14521From George Washington to John Armstrong, 13 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 7th Instant. From the character of Major Nichols as a good Officer I should have been happy—if he had remained in service—but he could not be reintroduced now even with his former rank as the vacancy occasioned by his resignation has been filled and sundry consequent arrangements made much less with the rank he requires. I have no power to appoint...
14522James Wilkinson to John Armstrong, 26 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving that the Albany Argus, is endeavouring to mislead the Public Judgement, by shamefully misrepresenting my Conduct, and endeavouring to gloss that of Genl Hampton, & reflecting that it was my orders, & not yours, which he disobeyed, I have sent forward to have him arrested, & having received an intimation, that he was about to quit the District without leave, I shall in such case,...
14523Robert Wright to John Armstrong, 14 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
My solicitude for the peninsula composed of Delaware & the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia being established into a military District is greatly increased by the Conduct of the British, they are committing constant Depredations on us. And the application of The Flotilla, intended for the upper part of the Chesapeake, to the patuxent, The puting this shore in a District with the Western...
14524From George Washington to John Armstrong, 26 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th from Carlisle came to me safe, as did the letter alluded to in it; which I should have thanked you for long ’ere this if the public business in which, I am engaged wd yield obedience to my inclination, & indulge me more frequently in the gratification of an epistolary & pleasing intercourse with my friends—I received with much pleasure the acct of your recovered health,...
14525From 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...
14526From 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...
14527From George Washington to John Armstrong, 24 August 1769 (Washington Papers)
With particular pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your favour by Mr Fulton —it affords me a fresh Instance of your friendly regard, for which I shall always retain a lively remembrance—The Letters you speak of as wrote to me by way of Winchester &ca never came to hand; from Captn Crawford it was, that I receivd the Acct of your obliging Letter to Mr Tilghman, and of the good effect it was...
14528From 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...
14529From 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...
14530From 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...
14531From 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...
14532From George Washington to Brig. Gen. John Armstrong, 19 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. John Armstrong, 19 Jan. 1777. Armstrong wrote to GW on 22 Feb. that “I am favoured with your Excellencys Letter of the 19th Ulto.”
14533From 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...
14534From 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...
14535From 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...
14536From George Washington to John Armstrong, 25 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
From some cause or other which I do not know your favor of the 20th of February did not reach me till very lately. This must apologize for its not being sooner acknowledged. Altho Colo. Blain forgot to call upon me for a letter before he left Philadelphia, yet I wrote a few lines to you previous to my departu[r]e from that place; whether they ever got to your hands or not you best know. I well...
14537Thomas 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...
14538From 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 ,...
14539From 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...
14540From 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...
14541From 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...
14542From 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...
14543Thomas 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...
14544From 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);...
14545From James Madison to John Armstrong, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the sequel of the information respecting Mr Burr’s enterprize as communicated to Congress yesterday whereby you will perceive that he has surrendered himself to the Civil authority of the Mississippi Territory. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, your most Obt Svt RC (Rokeby Collection, Barrytown, Dutchess County, N.Y., courtesy of Richard Aldrich and others, 1967). In...
14546George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, 24 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 24, 1778 . Invites Armstrong to council of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14547From 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...
14548From 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...
14549To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 10th of November had a long passage, and the duplicate copy by the way of Marseilles, was the first to reach me. With the exception of one of the 4th. of September, this is the only letter I have received from you. The claims are now nearly brought to a close, and my next dispatch will probably present a final report with regard to them. Of all the business I have ever had...
14550From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong of New York, 20 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter for mr Cathalan our Commercial agent at Marseilles, a great wealthy and cautious merchant, whose father first and himself since has been our Consul at that place near thirty years, and is a most zealous servant. the letter covers a bill of exchange and I will pray you to put it into the post office on your arrival at Paris. wishing for yourself and family a prosperous &...