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Auction: 322 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 522

War of 1812: Armstrong, John, Jr. (1758-1843). Secretary of War (1813-1814); younger son of General John Armstrong, delegate to the Continental Congress, NY Senator (1801-2, 1803-4); During the War of 1812, Armstrong was so convinced that the British would not attack Washington - even though their objective had become clear, he did nothing to defend the city. After the British destruction of Washington, President Madison forced him to resign. Autograph Letter Signed "John Armstrong" (as Secretary of War). One page, 7 ¾ x 9 ¾", War Dept., July 14, 1814. Writing to Isaac Shelby, Governor of Kentucky, Armstrong says: "Your Excellencys letters of June 25th…have been received. I take the liberty to request your Excellency to convey to General Adair the enclosed appointment of commissioner to treat with the north-western Indians. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir Your Excellencys Obt. Servt.". A doughty veteran of Lord Dunmore's War, the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, Isaac Shelby served as Kentucky's first and fifth governor. Pioneer, soldier and politician, John Adair served in the Revolutionary War, the Northwest Indian War (Little Turtle's War) and the War of 1812. He would go to be Kentucky's eighth governor. . Fine+.

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