Armstrong, John, 1758-1843

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

Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he received his early education there before studying at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). Armstrong broke off his studies in Princeton in 1775 to return to Pennsylvania and join the fight in the Revolutionary War. The young Armstrong initially joined a Pennsylvania militia regiment and the following year he was appointed as aide-de-camp to General Hugh Mercer of the Continental Army. 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. Armstrong joined General Gates' staff as an aide with the rank of major, which he held through the rest of the war.

...