Details
MADISON, James (1751-1836), President. Autograph letter signed ("James Madison") as President to Major General Henry Dearborn (1751-1829), Washington, 11 January 1812. 1 full page, 4to.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE WAR OF 1812: MADISON APPOINTS "GRANNY" DEARBORN THE ARMY'S SENIOR MAJOR GENERAL
An important letter, though a great blunder on the part of Madison, offering the elderly Dearborn the highest-ranking post in the army being hastily mobilized for hostilities with Great Britain. "Congress have just passed the act adding twenty odd thousand troops to the Military establishment. It provides for two Major Generals & 5 brigadiers. The importance of placing this and the other forces in view, under the best commanders speaks for itself. Our eyes could not but be turned to your qualifications & experience; and I wait for your permission only to name you to the Senate for the Senior Majr General. I hope you will so far suspend all other considerations as not to withhold it, and that I shall not only be gratified with this confirmation as quickly as possible, but with an authority to look for your arrival here, as soon as you make it practicable. You will be sensible of all the value of your cooperation on the spot in making the arrangements necessary to repair the loss of time which has taken place. All the information we receive urges a vigorous preparation for events."
Dearborn, originally trained as a physician, was a captain of militia at Lexington and Concord, fought at Bunker Hill, joined Arnold's expedition to Quebec (where he was captured and exchanged), went on to fight at Saratoga, endured the Valley Forge encampment, and served as staff officer at Yorktown. Jefferson appointed him Secretary of War (1801-1809). In view of his long army career, he was Madison's disatrous first choice to command the army as war with Britain loomed. "Dearborn suffered incapacitating illnesses, quickly earned the nickname 'Old Granny,' and was dubbed 'Generalissimo of the Terrapin Army' by sneering Federalists" (R. Ketcham, James Madison, p.522). When war came, Dearborn was named to command the Northern theatre. He did eventually capture York (Toronto) in April 1813 and Fort George a month later, but it was now abundantly evident that he was an ineffective field commander. He was recalled, on the grounds of ill health, and made commander of the city of New York while younger, more aggressive officers fought the War of 1812.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE WAR OF 1812: MADISON APPOINTS "GRANNY" DEARBORN THE ARMY'S SENIOR MAJOR GENERAL
An important letter, though a great blunder on the part of Madison, offering the elderly Dearborn the highest-ranking post in the army being hastily mobilized for hostilities with Great Britain. "Congress have just passed the act adding twenty odd thousand troops to the Military establishment. It provides for two Major Generals & 5 brigadiers. The importance of placing this and the other forces in view, under the best commanders speaks for itself. Our eyes could not but be turned to your qualifications & experience; and I wait for your permission only to name you to the Senate for the Senior Maj
Dearborn, originally trained as a physician, was a captain of militia at Lexington and Concord, fought at Bunker Hill, joined Arnold's expedition to Quebec (where he was captured and exchanged), went on to fight at Saratoga, endured the Valley Forge encampment, and served as staff officer at Yorktown. Jefferson appointed him Secretary of War (1801-1809). In view of his long army career, he was Madison's disatrous first choice to command the army as war with Britain loomed. "Dearborn suffered incapacitating illnesses, quickly earned the nickname 'Old Granny,' and was dubbed 'Generalissimo of the Terrapin Army' by sneering Federalists" (R. Ketcham, James Madison, p.522). When war came, Dearborn was named to command the Northern theatre. He did eventually capture York (Toronto) in April 1813 and Fort George a month later, but it was now abundantly evident that he was an ineffective field commander. He was recalled, on the grounds of ill health, and made commander of the city of New York while younger, more aggressive officers fought the War of 1812.