James McHenry (November 16, 1753-May 3, 1816) was a physician, soldier and politician. He was one of the signers of the Constitution of the United States, a member of the Continental Congress, a Maryland State Legislator, and the U.S. Secretary of War, who supervised the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Fort McHenry, where, in 1812, the battle with Britain occasioned the writing of our national anthem, was named after him.
James McHenry studied medicine under the renowned Dr. Benjamin Rush, himself a signer of the Declaration of Independence. James McHenry served with distinction under General Washington on the medical staff during the Revolutionary War. He was taken prisoner by British when General William Howe captured Fort Washington, New York. Paroled in 1777, James McHenry was at the Battle of Monmouth, then became an aide to General George Washington in 1779.
On September 24, 1780, James McHenry was riding with Major-
General Lafayette and General Washington examining defenses on their way to West Point for a breakfast meeting with General Benedict Arnold. Being delayed, Washington sent McHenry ahead to give his apologies to Benedict Arnold. McHenry arrived only to find that Arnold had moments before learned his treasonous plot to betray the American military had been discovered and that he had fled to the British ship, Vulture.
After the War, Dr. James McHenry was elected to the Maryland Legislature and sent as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was at the Constitutional Convention and signed the U.S. Constitution.
George Washington wrote to James McHenry, July 31, 1788:
<I earnestly pray that the Omnipotent Being, who has not deserted the cause of America in the hour of its extremest hazard, may never yield so fair a heritage of freedom a prey to anarchy or despotism.> 1753JM002
James McHenry served as Secretary of War under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. He transitioned western military posts from Great Britain’s control to the United States under the Jay Treaty. He advised the Senate against reducing military forces.
James McHenry is credited with establishing the Department of the Navy, based on his March 8, 1798, recommendation that the "War Department should be assisted by a commissioner of marine." As Secretary of War, he added his voice to those demanding a military academy to train officers, laying the groundwork for the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Charles Carroll, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote to James McHenry, November 4, 1800:
<Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure and which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.> 1753JM003
In 1813, James McHenry became the president of the first Bible society in Baltimore, Maryland. He conveys the urgency of distributing Bibles to the public in an article to solicit funds for the society:
<Neither, in considering this subject, let it be overlooked, that public utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures.
The doctrine they preach, the obligations they impose, the punishment they threaten, the rewards they promise, the stamp and image of divinity they bear, which produces a conviction of their truths, can alone secure to society, order and peace, and to our courts of justice and constitutions of government, purity, stability and usefulness.
In vain, without the Bible, we increase penal laws and draw intrenchments around our institutions. Bibles are strong intrenchments. Where they abound, men cannot pursue wicked courses, and at the same time enjoy quiet conscience.
Consider also, the rich do not possess aught more precious than their Bible, and that the poor cannot be presented by the rich with anything of greater value. Withhold it not from the poor. It is a book of councils and directions, fitted to every situation in which man can be placed. It is an oracle which reveals to mortals the secrets of heavens and the hidden will of the Almighty....
It is an estate, whose title is guaranteed by Christ, whose delicious fruits ripen every season, survive the worm, and keep through eternity. It is for the purpose of distributing this divine book more effectually and extensively among the multitudes, whose circumstances render such a donation necessary, that your cooperation is most earnestly requested.> 1753JM001
After his death MAY 3, 1816, his wife, Margaret Allison "Peggy" McHenry, wrote:
<Here we come to the end of a life of a courteous, high-minded, keen- spirited, Christian gentleman. He was not a great man, but participated in great events and great men loved him, while all men appreciated his goodness and purity of soul. His highest titles to remembrance are that he was faithful to every duty and that he was the intimate and trusted friend of Lafayette, of Hamilton, and of Washington.> 1753JM004
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1753JM001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). James McHenry. Bernard Steiner, One Hundred and Ten Years of Bible Society in Maryland (Maryland: Maryland Bible Society, 1921), p. 14. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), pp. 171-172. Peter Marshall & David Manuel, The Glory of America (Bloomington, MN: Garborg's Heart 'N Home, 1991), 8.17.
1753JM002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). James McHenry. July 31, 1788, George Washington writing from Mount Vernon to James McHenry. Jared Sparks, ed., The Writings of George Washington 12 vols. (Boston: American Stationer's Company, 1837; NY: F. Andrew's, 1834-1847), Vol. IX, p. 406.
1753JM003. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). James McHenry. November 4, 1800, Charles Carroll writing to James McHenry. Bernard C. Steiner, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland: The Burrows Brothers, 1907), 475. Cathy Adams, "The Faith of Our Founding Fathers-A Tribute to Our Country's Foundation" (Dallas, TX: Texas Eagle Forum, P.O. Box 872098, 75287; 214-250-0734, 214-380-2853 Fax), Vol. 2, No. 6, p. 1.
1753JM004. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). James McHenry. May 3, 1816, eulogy of his wife, Margaret Allison "Peggy" McHenry. Bernard C. Steiner and James McHenry, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland: Burrows Brothers Co., 1907).