Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution

Chapter 38: JOHN ARMSTRONG.

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About This Book

The work compiles concise biographical sketches of the senior officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, arranged with lists of major and brigadier generals and summaries of each officer's commissions, service, and notable engagements. It pairs these entries with an index of dates and a collection of portraits assembled for display, and includes a preface explaining the provenance of the engravings and the editorial methods and sources consulted. Intended as a compact reference for visitors and readers, the volume emphasizes factual data—appointments, service conclusions, and commemoration—while providing bibliographic notes and acknowledgments of contributors.

JOHN ARMSTRONG.

John Armstrong was born at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1758. He was an aid on General Gates’ staff, and served with him through the campaign against Burgoyne. On the 1st of March, 1776, he was appointed brigadier-general in the Continental service. In February, the following year, he received the appointment of adjutant-general of the Southern army, but in consequence of ill health was obliged to retire from the army for a time. After the war Armstrong was secretary of the State of Pennsylvania. In 1787 he was sent to Congress; from 1800 to 1802 he was United States Senator, and again in 1803–1810. From 1813 to 1814 he was Secretary of War. He was censured for his lack of success in preventing the British from sacking Washington City in 1814–15, and became very unpopular. He resigned in 1814, retiring to Red Hook, New York, where he died April 1, 1843.