21To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here on friday last and have this day taken the command. Gen. Bloomfield left us this morning. He has been both frank and friendly & I should do wrong were I not to make this acknowlegment, as well to you as to him. Before we parted, he wished me to suggest, that he thought it adviseable under all circumstances, that he should be left in New Jersey untill the 25th. of September next....
22To James Madison from John Armstrong, 26 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself in duty bound to return you my Sincere and ardent thanks, for that Wisdom and Magnanimity, that have marked all your proceedings, as the Chief Magistrate of this flourishing and Extensive Continent Since yr. Inauguration to yr. Station—and trust in that God who rules the destinees of nations that this Happy Land will be So greatly Blessed as to have the Same Chief Magistrate to...
23To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1812 , “ Head Qurs. New York .” “Mr. Benjamin Romaine of this City proposes to visit Washington and seeks the honor of an introduction to you. He is a gentleman of intellegence and integrity.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; docketed by JM. Romaine traveled to Washington to lobby for a scheme that John Armstrong had proposed to the War Department, namely that Congress amend the volunteer laws to...
24To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment had the honor of receiving your letter of the 14th. instant and the commission it enclosed. Accept Sir, my thanks for this new mark of your confidence & my assurances that no personal consideration shall delay my journey southward a single moment. I do believe however that an interview with Gen. Dearborn, preliminary to my entering on the duties of the War Department, would...
25Memorandum from John Armstrong, 8 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Enemy’s force at Montreal & it’s dependencies, has been stated at 16,000 effectives. It more probably does not exceed 10 or 12,000. The militia part of it may amount to one sixth of the whole. Is is [ sic ] probable that we shall be able to open the Campaign on lake Champlain with a force competent to meet & dislodge this Army before the 15th. of may? I put the question on this date,...
26To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 February 1813, War Department. Presents “a general return of the militia of the United States, taken from the latest returns, which have been received by this Dept. from the several states & Territories.” RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. Docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1. Armstrong enclosed a two-page return of the...
27To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following correction in the nominations submitted to the honorable the Senate of the United States on the 15. of January last. “Hanson Catelt , late a Surgeon’s Mate, to be Surgeon of the 1st. Regiment of Infantry, should read, Hanson Catlet .” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2)....
28To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following promotions in the Army of the United States.” Recommends Thomas S. Jesup to be a captain, Michael McClelland to be a first lieutenant, and John Meek to be a second lieutenant in the Seventh Regiment of Infantry. All three appointments were to date from 20 Jan. 1813. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive...
29To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the additional Army authorized by the Act of January 29. 1813.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 2 pp. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list recommended five officers from Ohio, including...
30To James Madison from John Armstrong, 22 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following alterations in the list of nominations submitted to the Honorable the Senate of the United States on the 18th. Instant—viz William Colgreve Major, should be William Cotgreave Major—Elias Hasset Colonel, should be Elias Fasset Colonel—and Nathan Phelps Major, should be Nathan Phelps...
31To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to present you a list of Officers in the Army of the United States, and a Roll of the persons having office and employment connected with this Department.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosures were “A...
32To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following Appointments in the additional Army authorized by the Act of January 29th. 1813.” Recommends four Virginians: Joseph Goodwin to be a colonel, Robert Pegram to be a lieutenant colonel, and Augustin Smith and James Maurice to be majors. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2);...
33To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1813, War Department. Recommends sixteen persons for appointments in various infantry regiments, including Robert Carter Nicholas, George Croghan, and Henry B. Armstrong as majors in the Twelfth, Seventeenth, and Twenty-third Regiments, respectively, and Eleazer W. Ripley as a colonel in the Twenty-first Regiment. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 12B-A2). 2 pp. JM...
34To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to transmit herewith a list [not found] of the Military appointments made during the recess of the Senate.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. In a message dated 15 June 1813, JM submitted to the Senate a revised version of the list that Armstrong enclosed with this letter. The revised list (13 pp.) included 371 appointments made to the...
35To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Vice President and Mr. Campbel suggest the propriety of your recalling the first list of Military nominations this morning, for the purpose of supplying the names of the States from which the Officers have been taken & of distinguishing between promotions & original appointments. I have the honor to be Sir, With great respect Your Most Obedient humble servant RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM....
36To James Madison from John Armstrong, 26 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. For original enclosure, see n. 1. Armstrong enclosed a four-page list of eighty-three appointments and thirty promotions in the...
37To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the enclosed list of appointments and corrected list, for the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. Enclosure (3 pp.)...
38To James Madison from John Armstrong, 9 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list recommended that Robert B. Taylor of Virginia and Jacob Brown of New York...
39To James Madison from John Armstrong, 12 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list (2 pp.) included twenty-three appointments and promotions in the infantry and...
40To James Madison from John Armstrong, 16 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter just received from Mr. Monro. Neither the force nor the progress of the enemy indicates a serious attack on this place. We are however acting on the contrary supposition. With the highest respect, I am Sir, very faithfully Your Most Ob. Servant The enemy’s force view’d from this place, consists of one frigate of 36. guns, one of 32.—2 brig of 18., one of...
41To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
The report mentioned in Mr. Pleasant’s letter to you is one of the many fabrications of the busy idlers of this place. It is entirely without foundation. I am Sir, with the highest respect, Your most Obedient servant RC ( DLC ). See James Pleasants Jr. to JM, 24 July 1813 .
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the army of the United States.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letterbook copy of first enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The first enclosure (3 pp.) listed thirty infantry...
43To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
The time, at which we have reason to expect an ascendancy on Lake Ontario, has arrived. If our hopes on that head be fulfilled, though but for a short period, we must avail ourselves of the circumstances, to give to the Campaign, a new & increased activity. For this purpose, our forces on the Ontario should be concentrated , because neither Section of them, as they are now divided, is...
44To James Madison from John Armstrong, 27 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the enclosed list of promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosure (11 pp.) proposed 367 appointments and promotions in the corps of engineers,...
45To James Madison from John Armstrong, 28 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); letter-book copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosure (3 pp.) lists 46 appointments to the infantry,...
46To James Madison from John Armstrong, 29 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 July 1813, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A1); partial letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The enclosures (28 pp.) were lists of appointments to...
47To James Madison from John Armstrong, 6 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the existing appropriations applicable to the clothing Department & to the Subsistence of the Army are nearly expended, & to request that you will be pleased to direct that the Sum of Six hundred Thousand Dollars, appropriated for Ordnance, be applied to defray further Expences in the clothing Department; & that the Sum of Eight hundred thousand Dollars,...
48To James Madison from John Armstrong, 28 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have been nearly a week at this place arranging the proposed militia levy & forwarding contingent supplies of ordinance, amunition, cloathing &c. to the different sections of the Army. I shall set out to. morrow for Sackets’ harbor. Wilkinson has gone up the Lake to Fort George. He will leave that place with the army by the 15th prox. On the 25th. we shall either assault Kingstown, or seize...
49To James Madison from John Armstrong, 1 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Prevost has gone up to the head of the Lake—Yeo has followed him. The object is either to attack Boyd or to draw Wilkinson to the west, and spin out the Campaign without either giving or receiving blows of decided character. In either case, his rear is manifestly neglected & we must not lose the advantage he presents, for attacking it. Wilkinson has gone on to Fort George to baffle Prevost, if...
50To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Prevost has returned from the neiborhood of Fort George to Kingston. It is supposed that after reconnoitring Boyd’s position he did not think it adviseable to attack it. My opinion is, that he wanted to draw our attention to the West & that at no time had he any serious intention of doing more than spinning out the Campaign. I enclose copies of my correspondence with Gen. Hampton, alluded to...
51To James Madison from John Armstrong, 21 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Commodore Chauncy left this place on the 18th. for Fort George. It is obvious that Yeo will continue to refuse a battle. His object will be better answered, by wasting the Campaign & hazarding nothing. I have therefore endeavored to impress the Commodore with the Necessity of counteracting this policy—not by persuing an enemy who escapes him on System, but by convoying the troops immediately...
52To James Madison from John Armstrong, 26 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
We are yet here waiting for Chauncy and Wilkinson. From neither have I heard a syllable since the 18th. Hampton began his movement on the 19th. from Cumberland head. His advanced Corps surprised & carried a picket guard at Odell town and were pushing forward by the Eastern road, when a circumstance of very unusual occurrence prevented his farther progress. “The wells and Springs of Odell town...
53To James Madison from John Armstrong, 4 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have instructed Gen. Harrison, as an ulterior movement and in the event of his taking Malden, to carry his division down Lake Erie and to throw himself into the rear of Gen. de Rottenberg’s new positions. Besides the troops brought with him and the Garrisons of Forts Niagara and George, he will find there a disposable force, composed of Militia, Volunteers and Indians, amounting to two...
54To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Your last favor of the 29th. of Sept. was received a day or two ago. I am glad to find that the state of the treasury will be such as to enable it to meet our claims upon it. To check the impulse given to the campaign at the present moment would be ruinous. The Dep. paymaster Gen. has been here and distributed the funds (70,000$) of which he was possessed. Our expences at present are great. If...
55To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The storm which began some days past, continues with little if any abatement, and effectually blockades the harbor. Neither fleet nor army can move from it. With Commodore Chaucy I have had the necessary explanations on the kind and degree of assistance he can render in our approaching movements. In the event of our attacking Kingston he will cover the descent of the troops; in that of a...
56To James Madison from John Armstrong, 13 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Advices from Col Scot, (who was charged with the defense of Fort George) were received last night by a boat which made the passage in fourteen hours. The substance of these is—that the British Army broke up its “positions” before Fort George on the 9th. & after burning a large quantity of Stores began it’s retreat for Burlington bay. Deserters state two causes for this—an expected attack on...
57To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Our troops left Fort George for this place under the command of Gen. Boyd on the 30th. Ult. On the 3d. instant the enemy had notice of this movement. On the 9th. after burning his surplus stores & baggage, he began his march for Burlington bay, which he reached on the night of the 11th. & whence, it is said, he has arrived at Kingston, by the bay of Quanta with 1200 sick and convalescent and...
58To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
All the troops have quitted this place & are now at Grenadier Island—excepting Scott’s (who since the enemy’s abandonment of the peninsula, has set out to join us with 750 men) & Cols. Randolph and Coles, who are at Oswego with nearly an equal number. As the Gen. is now Compos, I shall forbear my visit to Canada untill a future day. The enemy’s fleet, apprised of our Movement, shewed itself...
59To James Madison from John Armstrong, 1 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the existing appropriations applicable to the Quarter master’s Department, to Subsistence and to Arsenals, Magazines & Armories, are nearly exhausted, and to request that you will be pleased to direct the sum of two hundred & eighty thousand dollars appropriated for the purchas of Horses ⅌ act of 21. Feby 1812 to be transferred to the Quarter master’s...
60To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I arrived at this place late last night from the neiborhood of Ogden’sburgh and shall remain here untill the results of our pending operations be known. On the 28th. the troops were prepared for descending the St. Laurens and waited only the arrival of Col. Randolph’s detachment, to begin the movement. On the 30th. Brown’s brigade had reached the mouth of French Creek (opposite to Gananoque...
61To James Madison from John Armstrong, 9 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this evening received the enclosed letters from Gen. W. From the 3d. to the 9th., both days included, the weather has been as good as we could wish. By his calculation, he would, on the 8th., arrive at Hamilton. The 9th. would carry him to the Coteau de lac, where circumstances may, & probably will, render it necessary for him to debark. From this place to the Grand river, the country...
62To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
About 1 oclock this morning I received the enclosed letters from Major Gen. Hampton. I immediately answered by express—that “the Main army was descending the St. Laurence; that notice of its approach would be given to him; that he must immediately make another movement in a direction which should secure to him the ability either of effecting a junction with it, or of detaining the enemy on the...
63To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
My express has this moment returned from Hampton. The Gen. has quitted the Chateauge road & by a rapid movement on that of Acadie, will compell Prevost to give up his fastnesses & either meet him on more equal terms, or retire to Montreal. Wilkinson’s movement will decide him in favor of the latter. You will see by the enclosed letters that the main army passed Prescot in the night of the 6th....
64To James Madison from John Armstrong, 19 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the enclosed letters (1 & 2) the probable termination of the campaign on the St. Laurence. What I may have to say in regard to this, I shall reserve untill I have the pleasure of seeing you. I shall remain here a day or two longer, in the hope of hearing something directly from Genl W. and of thus being enabled to give some directions adapted to the new circumstances in which...
65To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I hasten to forward to you Wilkinson’s dispatch received late last night. I have forwarded supplies of provision, amunition, & hospital stores &c. Instructions adapted to his new situation are also given. Without the limits of my Dept. but closely connected with it, are several thing’s deserving immediate attention. Your fleet must be increased on Ontario. One ought to be created on Lake...
66To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
In W’s letter of the 15th. he requires instructions on the subject of the position he has chosen. I enclose copies of two letters to him, the one in anticipation—the other in reply. I but fear that the army will be hedged in, as during the last summer at Fort George, & exhibit again the novelty, as Prevost calls it, of a smaller force investing a larger & wearying out their strength & spirit...
67To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday had a meeting with the contractors Anderson and Thorn (the latter just arrived from the Army) and have settled with them the different points in District No. 9 for the collection of new & the distribution of old deposits. If Wilkinson can cover both —he will keep the post he has taken on Salmon river. The better to enable him to do this, the order he had given to move Hampton’s...
68To James Madison from John Armstrong, 7 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am ill & confined to my room, otherwise I should have handed to you the enclosed. We are better off at Detroit in point of force than was expected. The number of sick is very great—1267 out of an Aggregate of 2527. The absentees are also numerous 337 + not accounted for. I am Sir, with the highest respect Your most Ob. servt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Date corrected to 1814 based on...
69To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 January 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 20 January 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation, the inclosed list [not found] of appointments for the Army of the United States.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. JM placed an asterisk here and wrote below Armstrong’s signature: “Brigadier Izard to be Major General / Brown to be same /...
70To James Madison from John Armstrong, 25 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 31st of December last, requesting such information (not improper to be communicated) as may tend to explain the causes of the failure of the arms of the United States on the Northern frontier —I have the honor to submit the following documents & to offer to you, Sir, the assurance of the very high respect with which I am,...