James McHenry-- Part 3: Adams Asked for Resignation

As Secretary of War, McHenry argued against reducing military forces.  He was instrumental in organizing the U.S. Army into four regiments, a troop of dragoons and a battery of artillery.  He is also credited with establishing the United States Depart of the Navy.

When John Adams became president, he kept McHenry on as Secretary of War.  Bit things went sour between them and in May 1800, he asked for McHenry's resignation which he did.

Leading up to the War of 1812, McHenry was a Federalist.

An attack of paralysis in 1814 left him without the use of his legs and in severe pain.  He died two years later in 1816 and is buried in Baltimore's Westminster Burying Ground.

Fort McHenry was named for him.

--Brock-Perry