A collection of the professional, personal, and political papers and correspondence of American statesman James McHenry.

James McHenry (1753-1816) was an American statesman, soldier, and physician. Native of Ireland, McHenry settled in Philadelphia in 1771 and studied medicine under Benjamin Rush. From 1775 to 1778, he served as a surgeon in the Continental Army in the American Revolution. Captured by the British at Fort Washington on Harlem Heights, New York, he was exchanged in the spring of 1778. From 1778 to 1780, he served as secretary to George Washington, and in 1780 to 1781, as an aid to Marquis de Lafayette. From 1796 to 1800, he served as the Secretary of War but as a Federalist, McHenry found himself in conflict with John Adams who demanded his resignation. McHenry retired to his estate near Baltimore, Maryland, where he died in 1816, at the age of 63.

2.5 Linear Feet (2 boxes and 1 oversize folder)

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.