Scope and Content Note
The records of the United States War Department span the years 1794-1848 and include correspondence, letterbooks, ledgers, account books, legal records, lists, and other material. The collection relates primarily to the United States Arsenal in Philadelphia, Pa., later known as the Frankford Arsenal, and to superintendents of military stores William Irvine and his son Callender. The material depicts the growth of the United States military and its supply needs during the early national period. For example, the letterbook of Callender Irvine and William Duncan of 1812-1813 reveals that as early as April 1812 extensive preparations were being made to provide New Orleans with the means of defending itself. Other topics include operations against the Creek and Seminole Indians and items relating to the war with Mexico, 1846-1848. The collection is arranged in the following series: Chronological File and Oversize .
Significant individuals represented in the collection include John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, Richard M. Johnson, Winfield Scott, Zachary Taylor, and William Wirt.