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.

Revolutionary War

The Young Armstrong joined a Pennsylvania militia regiment, but the following year became an aide to General Hugh Mercer in the Continental Army. In this role, he carried to wounded and dying General Mercer from the field at the Battle of Princeton. After the general died on January 12, 1777, Armstrong became an aide to General Horatio Gates. He stayed with Gates through the Battle of Saratoga then resigned due to problems with his health. In 1782 Gates asked him to return. Armstong joined General Gates' staff as an aide with the rank of Major which he held through the rest of the war.

Related Topics:
Hugh Mercer - Continental Army - Battle of Princeton - January 12 - 1777 - Horatio Gates - Battle of Saratoga - 1782

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Newburgh Letters

While in camp with Gates at Newburgh, New York, Armstrong became involved in the Newburgh Conspiracy. He is generally acknowledged as the author of the two anonymous letters directed at the officers in the camp. The first (dated March 10, 1783) was titled An Address to the Officers and called for a meeting to discuss back pay and other grievances with the Congress and form a plan of action. After General Washington ordered the meeting canceled, and called for a milder meeting on March 15th, a second address appeared which claimed that this showed that Washington supported their actions.

Related Topics:
Newburgh, New York - Newburgh Conspiracy - March 10 - 1783 - Congress - General Washington

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Washington successfully defused this protest without a mutiny. While some of Armstrong's later correspondence acknowledged his role, there was never any official action that connected him with the anonymous letters.

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