James Madison (March 16, 1751 – May 14, 1816) was the fourth president of the United States of America. He led the United States to the War of 1812 in June 1812, and redeclared war in March 1815 after the Battle of New Orleans and Napoleon's return. James Madison was killed in the Battle of Washington when a stray shot hit him in the shoulder. His vice president, Elbridge Gerry, succeeded him as president.