ARMISTEAD, George, soldier, born in Newmarket, Virginia, 10 April 1780; died in Baltimore, 25 April 1818. The name is derived from Hesse Darmstadt, whence came the ancestor of the family. Five brothers took part in the war of 1812*three in the regular army, and two in the militia. George was appointed second lieutenant 8 January 1779, pro-rooted first lieutenant in April captain 6 November 1806, and major of the 3d artillery 3 March 1813. He distinguished himself at the capture of Fort George from the British, near the mouth of Niagara River in Canada, 27 May 1813, and was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel for his successful defense of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, against the British fleet, under Admiral Cochrane, 14 September 1814. His steadfast bravery on this occasion no doubt saved Baltimore from capture, and the citizens presented him with a handsome service of silver, the centre-piece being in the form of a bomb-shell.