Everything about James Mchenry totally explained
James McHenry (
November 16,
1753 –
May 3,
1816) was an early
American statesman. McHenry was a signer of the
United States Constitution from
Maryland and the namesake of
Fort McHenry, the bombardment of which inspired the American
national anthem Star-Spangled Banner. He was also a delegate to the
Continental Congress from Maryland, and the third
United States Secretary of War from
January 27,
1796 to
May 13,
1800, under Presidents
George Washington and
John Adams.
Early life
McHenry was born into a
Scots-Irish family in
Ballymena,
Ulster,
Ireland, in 1753. He enjoyed a classical education at
Dublin, where he was also a writer of poetry. McHenry immigrated to
Philadelphia in 1771 where he became a
physician, learning under
Benjamin Rush. He also ran a
Baltimore import-export business with his brother.
Military career
As a skilled and dedicated surgeon during the
Revolutionary War, he impressed George Washington, who made him an aide shortly before the
Battle of Monmouth in 1778. He served bravely and loyally under Washington for two years and retired from the army in 1781.
Political Office
McHenry was one of three physicians (with
Hugh Williamson and
James McClurg) involved in crafting the
constitution.
Perhaps his most significant role as
Secretary of War came under
John Adams. Upon taking over office, Adams decided to keep the cabinent intact, since there was no precedent to follow. Three members of the cabinet—McHenry,
Timothy Pickering (the
Secretary of State) and
Oliver Wolcott (the
Secretary of the Treasury)—became a drag on the Adams administration as they listened to Adams's adversary
Alexander Hamilton, more than Adams himself. The three publicly disagreed with Adams and, instead of resigning, stayed in office working against the official policy. It is unknown if Adams knew they were being disloyal.
During the
election of 1800, McHenry goaded Hamilton into releasing his indictment against the President, which questioned Adams loyalty and patriotism, sparking public quarrels over the major candidates and eventually paved the way for
Thomas Jefferson as the next President.
Finally in 1800, Adams replaced McHenry, though not on the grounds of incompetence, as well as Pickering and Wolcott.
Samuel Dexter became the 4th Secretary of War.
Although many liked McHenry personally, it was no secret Washington, Hamilton and Wolcott often complained of his incompetence as an administrator.
Further Information
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