THE LATE GEN. ROBERT ARMSTRONG

In pursuance of a call, previously made in the city papers, yesterday a large meeting of the citizens of Nashville was held at the Court House for the purpose of making arrangements to receive the remains of the late Gen. ROBERT ARMSTRONG, who died in Washington on the 23d of February, 1854.

On motion of Dr. JOHN SHELBY, the Hon. ANDREW EWING was appointed Chairman, and MICHAEL VAUGHAN, Esq., Secretary of the meeting.

The object of the meeting having been stated by the Chairman, the Hon. NEIL S. BROWN spoke of the private and public character of the deceased, alluding in an impressive manner, to his high and various endowments both as a civilian and a soldier, and concluded by offering the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

The citizens of Nashville having heard that the remains of the late Gen. ROBERT ARMSTRONG, who died in the City of Washington on the 23d day of February, 1854, will arrive in a few days for interment in the burying ground of this city, think proper to testify their high sense of his worth and services.

Gen. ARMSTRONG died at the age of about 63 years. He was a native of Virginia. The greater portion of his life was spent in the public service, commencing in his early youth as a Lieutenant in the Creek campaign under General Jackson. His bravery and energy, in the various battles with that formidable tribe of Indians, are matters of history, and require no eulogy. He was at a later period and for many years, Postmaster at Nashville, and during the term of his office, yielded to his patriotic impulses and volunteered in the campaign of 1836 against the Creeks and Seminoles, and was unanimously elected Brigadier General of the Tennessee brigade of Volunteers, which he commanded with distinction, during the term of his enlistment. He was subsequently, and for four years, Consul at Liverpool. This was the last public position which he filled. All these various high trusts were marked by ability, fidelity, and energy and entitle him to the gratitude of his country.

The leading traits of character of the deceased were ardent love of country, indomitable energy, and warm friendship. He was a sincere man, stern, but yet kind in his nature.

In view of these high qualities, and the distinguished worth of the deceased, both in public and private life:
Resolved, That the citizens of Nashville will attend the ceremonies of interment of the remains of Gen. ARMSTRONG at such time as may be arranged,

Resolved, That the military and the different orders of this city by invited to attend, and especially the comrades in arms of the deceased,

Resolved, That a committee of ten be appointed to receive the remains of Gen. ARMSTRONG on their arrival in this city, and act as pall bearers at the funeral,

On motion, the Chairman appointed the committee as follows:
Jacob McGavock, Capt. Robert C. Foster, 3rd, J. M. Lea, Dr. Boyd McNairy, Hon. Neil S. Brown, L. P. Cheatham, Hon. A. V. Brown, Dr. Felix Robertson, Willoughby Williams, W. N. Bilbo, Dr. and Joseph Newnan.

On motion, the Chairman was added to the Committee.

Dr. J. Shelby, Gen. S. R. Anderson, Col. B. P. Cheatham, Col. F. H. McNairy, and J. Hugh Smith were appointed Marshals on the occasion, by motion of R. C. Foster 3d.

It was further moved that the newspapers of this city be requested to publish the proceeding.

The meeting then adjourned.

Nashville Union & American
Tuesday Morning, January 9, 1855
Gen. Robert Armstrong
Died February 23, 1854 (on tombstone)
Re-interred City Cemetery Jan. 8, 1855

THE REMAINS OF GEN. ARMSTRONG

The remains of the late Gen. ROBERT ARMSTRONG were yesterday deposited in their last resting place in the city cemetery, with appropriate services, as published in our paper yesterday. A large procession accompanied the remains to the grave, where they were deposited with military honors. Minute guns were fired from capitol hill during the time the procession was moving.

GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON’S SWORD

A descendant of the Vaulx family has shared the PDF of the proceedings surrounding the donation of the sword to the United States Government and its subsequent placement in the Smithsonian. If you read the entire document, you will see references to the Vaulx family, Dr. McNairy, and others prominent in history and in their relationship to the Nashville City Cemetery.

CLICK HERE for PDF

CLICK HERE or HERE to link to Jackson’s sword at the Smithsonian Institute.

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CLICK HERE to read article about General Armstrong from the July 1919 issue of the Tennessee Historical Magazine.