The Biographical Dictionary of America/Armstrong, James

ARMSTRONG, James, naval officer, was born at Shelbyville, Ky., Jan. 17, 1794. He entered the U.S. navy as midshipman on the Frolic in 1809, which was captured by the British in 1814. He was promoted lieutenant April 27, 1816; commander, March 3, 1825, and captain, Sept. 4, 1841. He became commander of the East India squadron in 1855; participated in the capture of the Chinese forts near Canton in 1857, and commanded the navy yard at Pensacola, Fla., in 1861, which he surrendered. He was promoted commodore and placed on the retired list, April 4, 1867. He died Aug. 25, 1868.