To James Madison from John Armstrong, 2 [June] 1804
From John Armstrong
Kingston 2d. July [June] 1804.
Dear Sir,
I yesterday had the honor of receiving your letter of the 27th. Ult. and after giving to the proposition it contained, all the consideration my present circumstances admit of, I have determined to accept it. I am perfectly sensible of the many advantages that may be derived as well to myself, as the public, from the visit you suggest, and shall accordingly set out for Washington in a few days.
You will be pleased to present me most respectfully to the President of The United States, and to accept for yourself, assurances of the very great respect & esteem with which I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & very humble servant
John Armstrong.1
RC (DLC). Misdated by Armstrong and corrected here by comparison with Armstrong to Jefferson, 2 June 1804 (DLC: Jefferson Papers), where Armstrong refers to his “letter of this day” to JM accepting the appointment to France. Docketed by JM.
1. John Armstrong (1758–1843) was a Pennsylvania-born Revolutionary War veteran who served as U.S. senator from New York, 1800–1802 and 1803–4, before resigning to become U.S. minister to France. He represented the U.S. in Paris until 1810. He was appointed secretary of war by JM in 1813 and resigned the next year.