John Armstrong

Democratic Republican Senator of New York

Senator
New York
November 6, 1800 - March 3, 1801
Senator
New York
March 4, 1801 - February 5, 1802
Senator
New York
February 25, 1804 - June 30, 1804

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1758 (85 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1843

Death

Served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, U.S. Senator from New York, and United States Secretary of War under President James Madison.
Was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and served as United States Minister to France from 1804 to 1810.
Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, into a military family; his father was a renowned soldier.
Studied at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) before joining the Revolutionary War effort.
Initially joined a Pennsylvania militia regiment and later served as aide-de-camp to several generals, including Hugh Mercer and Horatio Gates.
Acknowledged as the author of the anonymous Newburgh letters, which called for a meeting to address grievances with Congress among officers in the camp.
After the Revolutionary War, became an Original Member of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati and served in various military and political roles in Pennsylvania.
Resumed public life in New York, being elected as U.S. Senator in 1800 and again in 1803, before resigning to become U.S. Minister to France.
As Minister to France, brought along David Bailie Warden as his private secretary, who later authored significant works on international law.
Called to military service during the War of 1812, commissioned as a Brigadier General, and later appointed Secretary of War by President Madison.
Criticized for his role in the lack of defense of Washington D.C. during the British invasion, leading to his resignation in 1814.
Returned to farming post-politics, published histories, biographies, and works on agriculture, and died in Red Hook, New York, in 1843.
Married Alida Livingston in 1789, with whom he had seven children, and was related to several prominent figures through this marriage.
Owned two significant estates in Dutchess County, New York, where he engaged in farming and raised Merino sheep, a gift from Napoleon Bonaparte.