John Armstrong, Jr.

John Armstrong, Jr. (November 25, 1758 - April 1, 1843) was an American soldier and statesman who was a delegate to the Continental Congress, U.S. Senator from New York, and Secretary of War.

After the revolution

Later in 1783 Armstrong returned home to Carlisle. He was named the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania's militia and also served as Secretary of State for Pennsylvania under Presidents Dickinson and Franklin. In 1787 and 1788 he was sent as a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress. The Congress offered to make him chief justice of the Northwest Territory. He declined this, as well as all other public offices for the next dozen years.

Related Topics:
1783 - Dickinson - Franklin - 1787 - 1788 - Continental Congress - Northwest Territory

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In 1789 Armstrong married Alida Livingston of the New York political family, and the sister of Robert Livingston. He moved to New York and took up life as a gentleman farmer on a farm purchased from her family in Dutchess County.

Related Topics:
1789 - Robert Livingston - New York - Dutchess County

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Armstrong resumed public life in August of 1800 when John Laurance resigned from the United States Senate. Placed on the ballot as a Jefferson Republican he was elected to term ending in 1802. That year he was re-elected for a full term, but served only until February 5, 1802 when he resigned.

Related Topics:
1800 - John Laurance - United States Senate - Jefferson Republican - 1802 - February 5

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Armstrong was returned to the Senate in 1804 after Theodorus Bailey resigned, but served only four months before President Jefferson named him minister to France. He served in that post until 1810, and also represented the United States at the court of Spain in 1806.

Related Topics:
1804 - Theodorus Bailey - President Jefferson - France - 1810 - Spain - 1806

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When the War of 1812 broke out, Armstrong was called to military service. He was commissioned as a Brigadier General, and placed in charge of the defenses for the port of New York. Then in 1813 President Madison named him Secretary of War. He made a number of valuable changes to the armed forces, but was forced to resign in September of 1814 after he was blamed for the Burning of Washington in August.

Related Topics:
War of 1812 - New York - 1813 - President Madison - Secretary of War - 1814 - Burning of Washington

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