.gif)
Joseph Reed (jurist)
Encyclopedia
Joseph Reed was a Pennsylvania
lawyer
, military officer, and statesman
of the Revolutionary
Era. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress
and, while in Congress, signed the Articles of Confederation
. He served as President of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council
, a position analogous to the modern office of Governor.
, New Jersey
, the son of Andrew Reed, a shopkeeper and merchant, and Theodosia Bowes. His brother, Bowes Reed
(1740–1794), would serve as a colonel in the Revolutionary War and as Secretary of State of New Jersey
. The family moved to Philadelphia shortly after his birth. The early education of Joseph was of particular importance to his father, who enrolled the boy at Philadelphia Academy, later to be known as the University of Pennsylvania
. He received his bachelor's degree from Princeton University
and soon after began his professional education under Richard Stockton
. In the summer of 1763 he sailed for England, where for two years he continued his studies in law
at Middle Temple
in London
. During the course of his studies, he became romantically attached to Esther de Berdt
, the daughter of the agent for the Province of Massachusetts Bay
, Dennis de Berdt. De Berdt, though very fond of Joseph, initially refused his consent for Esther to marry, knowing of Reed's intention to return to Philadelphia. Reed returned to the Colonies
with only a tenuous engagement to Esther, and with the understanding that he would soon return to settle permanently in Great Britain
. After the death of his father, Reed finally returned to London, to find that Esther's father had died during his crossing. They married in May 1770 at Saint Luke's, Cripplegate, near the City of London
. Finding the de Berdt family in financial difficulties, Reed remained in London long enough to help in settling de Berdt's affairs. Esther and Joseph sailed for North America in October of that year, along with the widowed Mrs de Berdt.
, Reed had a successful Philadelphia law practice, which he resigned at the request of George Washington
in order to serve him in the capacity of secretary and aide-de-camp
. In 1775, Reed held the rank of colonel
. Reed served as aide to Washington, who had, prior to the creation of the Continental Navy
, commissioned a small fleet of ships to interfere with British shipping as part of the siege of Boston
.
On October 20, 1775, Reed wrote a famous letter to Colonel John Glover of the "Marblehead Men" Regiment of seamen in the Continental Army
setting the design of the First Navy Flag, the Evergreen Tree of Liberty flag. Colonel Glover was the owner of the Hannah (named for his wife) and was the action officer along with Stephen Moylan for commissioning the other first Navy ships, (Franklin, Hancock, Harrison, Lee, Lynch, Warren, and Washington) often called the "Washington Cruisers". Reed wrote: "What do you think of a Flag with a white Ground, a tree in the middle, the motto: 'Appeal to Heaven'."
In 1776, Reed served as Adjutant-General
of the Continental Army. In 1777, Reed was offered the positions of brigadier general
and Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
—both of which he declined. In December 1776, General Washington, anxious to know the location of General Charles Lee's
forces, opened a letter from Lee to Reed which indicated they were both questioning Washington's abilities. This was extremely disconcerting to Washington as Reed was one of his most trusted officers. Reed continued to serve in the army without pay until the close of the war. With fewer than 3 years in the Continental Army, Reed is not listed as a Propositi of the Society of the Cincinnati
. Though he took part in many military engagements in the northern and eastern theaters of the war, he was never wounded. He was elected to Congress in 1778, while also serving Pennsylvania as President (Governor). When offered a bribe of £10,000 sterling
, and the most valuable office in the colonies to promote the cause of colonial reconciliation with the British crown, Reed's reply was, "I am not worth purchasing; but, such as I am, the King of Great Britain is not rich enough to do it."
Reed's loyalty is contrasted to the treason of Benedict Arnold. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, Reed accused Arnold of malpractices of his military duties while in command at Philadelphia. The trial that largely exonerated Arnold was strongly opposed by other members of Congress.
In 1778, Reed was one of the five delegates from Pennsylvania to sign the Articles of Confederation. On December 1, 1778, he was elected President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, a position analogous to the modern office of governor. Reed received 61 of the 63 votes cast and took office immediately. George Bryan
, acting president since the death of Thomas Wharton
on 23 May, received only one vote for President but was re-elected to the Vice-Presidency in similarly one-sided voting. Reed was reelected to the Presidency twice—on November 11, 1779 and November 14, 1780—each time defeating William Moore
, the second time by a vote of 59 to 1. Reed's third and final term came to a close 15 November 1781, when he was succeeded by William Moore.
Reed's antipathy to Pennsylvania's Loyalist residents has been well attested by historic sources. While in Congress, he advocated seizure of Loyalist properties and trying those aligned with Great Britain for treason. Reed and his family themselves lived in a confiscated Loyalist home. Congress as a whole had a much more tolerant outlook regarding Loyalist citizens. While President of Pennsylvania he oversaw numerous trials of suspected Loyalists. After James Wilson
defended 23 people accused of treason, a mob—stirred up by Reed's speeches and liquor—attacked Wilson at the Battle of Fort Wilson; only the arrival of cavalry saved Wilson and his friends; Reed pardoned and released the remaining rioters.
Reed's term as President of Pennsylvania corresponded to the time where America's fortunes during the war went from near desolation at Valley Forge
in December 1777 to May 1778, to victory at Yorktown
on October 19, 1781. Working with James Madison
in the Continental Congress, a bill was passed that allowed General Anthony Wayne
to gather the resources in Pennsylvania that were necessary for the Pennsylvania Line
to march to Yorktown to help surround the army of Charles Cornwallis
.
.
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
lawyer
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
, military officer, and statesman
Statesman
A statesman is usually a politician or other notable public figure who has had a long and respected career in politics or government at the national and international level. As a term of respect, it is usually left to supporters or commentators to use the term...
of the Revolutionary
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
Era. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress
Continental Congress
The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....
and, while in Congress, signed the Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, formally the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was an agreement among the 13 founding states that legally established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution...
. He served as President of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council
Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania comprised the executive branch of the Pennsylvania State government between 1777 and 1790...
, a position analogous to the modern office of Governor.
Early life
Reed was born in TrentonTrenton, New Jersey
Trenton is the capital of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Trenton had a population of 84,913...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, the son of Andrew Reed, a shopkeeper and merchant, and Theodosia Bowes. His brother, Bowes Reed
Bowes Reed
Bowes Reed was a Revolutionary officer, politician, and public servant from New Jersey. He was the brother of Joseph Reed, a member of the Continental Congress and President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania .-Early life and career:Reed was born in 1740 in Trenton, New Jersey to...
(1740–1794), would serve as a colonel in the Revolutionary War and as Secretary of State of New Jersey
Secretary of State of New Jersey
The Secretary of State of New Jersey is responsible for overseeing artistic, cultural, and historical programs within the U.S. state of New Jersey, as well as volunteerism and community service projects within the state....
. The family moved to Philadelphia shortly after his birth. The early education of Joseph was of particular importance to his father, who enrolled the boy at Philadelphia Academy, later to be known as the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
. He received his bachelor's degree from Princeton University
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
and soon after began his professional education under Richard Stockton
Richard Stockton (1730-1781)
Richard Stockton was an American lawyer, jurist, legislator, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.-Early life:...
. In the summer of 1763 he sailed for England, where for two years he continued his studies in law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
at Middle Temple
Middle Temple
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, commonly known as Middle Temple, is one of the four Inns of Court exclusively entitled to call their members to the English Bar as barristers; the others being the Inner Temple, Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. During the course of his studies, he became romantically attached to Esther de Berdt
Esther de Berdt
Esther de Berdt Reed was active in the American Revolutionary War as a civic leader for soldiers' relief, who formed and led the Ladies Association of Philadelphia to provide aid for George Washington's troops during the war.-Early life:Esther de Berdt was born in London, into a family descended...
, the daughter of the agent for the Province of Massachusetts Bay
Province of Massachusetts Bay
The Province of Massachusetts Bay was a crown colony in North America. It was chartered on October 7, 1691 by William and Mary, the joint monarchs of the kingdoms of England and Scotland...
, Dennis de Berdt. De Berdt, though very fond of Joseph, initially refused his consent for Esther to marry, knowing of Reed's intention to return to Philadelphia. Reed returned to the Colonies
Thirteen Colonies
The Thirteen Colonies were English and later British colonies established on the Atlantic coast of North America between 1607 and 1733. They declared their independence in the American Revolution and formed the United States of America...
with only a tenuous engagement to Esther, and with the understanding that he would soon return to settle permanently in Great Britain
Kingdom of Great Britain
The former Kingdom of Great Britain, sometimes described as the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain', That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of GREAT BRITAIN. was a sovereign...
. After the death of his father, Reed finally returned to London, to find that Esther's father had died during his crossing. They married in May 1770 at Saint Luke's, Cripplegate, near the City of London
City of London
The City of London is a small area within Greater London, England. It is the historic core of London around which the modern conurbation grew and has held city status since time immemorial. The City’s boundaries have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, and it is now only a tiny part of...
. Finding the de Berdt family in financial difficulties, Reed remained in London long enough to help in settling de Berdt's affairs. Esther and Joseph sailed for North America in October of that year, along with the widowed Mrs de Berdt.
Political career
At the beginning of the Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, Reed had a successful Philadelphia law practice, which he resigned at the request of George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
in order to serve him in the capacity of secretary and aide-de-camp
Aide-de-camp
An aide-de-camp is a personal assistant, secretary, or adjutant to a person of high rank, usually a senior military officer or a head of state...
. In 1775, Reed held the rank of colonel
Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general...
. Reed served as aide to Washington, who had, prior to the creation of the Continental Navy
Continental Navy
The Continental Navy was the navy of the United States during the American Revolutionary War, and was formed in 1775. Through the efforts of the Continental Navy's patron, John Adams and vigorous Congressional support in the face of stiff opposition, the fleet cumulatively became relatively...
, commissioned a small fleet of ships to interfere with British shipping as part of the siege of Boston
Siege of Boston
The Siege of Boston was the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War, in which New England militiamen—who later became part of the Continental Army—surrounded the town of Boston, Massachusetts, to prevent movement by the British Army garrisoned within...
.
On October 20, 1775, Reed wrote a famous letter to Colonel John Glover of the "Marblehead Men" Regiment of seamen in the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
setting the design of the First Navy Flag, the Evergreen Tree of Liberty flag. Colonel Glover was the owner of the Hannah (named for his wife) and was the action officer along with Stephen Moylan for commissioning the other first Navy ships, (Franklin, Hancock, Harrison, Lee, Lynch, Warren, and Washington) often called the "Washington Cruisers". Reed wrote: "What do you think of a Flag with a white Ground, a tree in the middle, the motto: 'Appeal to Heaven'."
In 1776, Reed served as Adjutant-General
Adjutant general
An Adjutant General is a military chief administrative officer.-Imperial Russia:In Imperial Russia, the General-Adjutant was a Court officer, who was usually an army general. He served as a personal aide to the Tsar and hence was a member of the H. I. M. Retinue...
of the Continental Army. In 1777, Reed was offered the positions of brigadier general
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
and Chief Justice
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice in many countries is the name for the presiding member of a Supreme Court in Commonwealth or other countries with an Anglo-Saxon justice system based on English common law, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Court of Final Appeal of...
of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the court of last resort for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It meets in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.-History:...
—both of which he declined. In December 1776, General Washington, anxious to know the location of General Charles Lee's
Charles Lee (general)
Charles Lee was a British soldier who later served as a General of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence. Lee served in the British army during the Seven Years War. After the war he sold his commission and served for a time in the Polish army of King Stanislaus II...
forces, opened a letter from Lee to Reed which indicated they were both questioning Washington's abilities. This was extremely disconcerting to Washington as Reed was one of his most trusted officers. Reed continued to serve in the army without pay until the close of the war. With fewer than 3 years in the Continental Army, Reed is not listed as a Propositi of the Society of the Cincinnati
Society of the Cincinnati
The Society of the Cincinnati is a historical organization with branches in the United States and France founded in 1783 to preserve the ideals and fellowship of the American Revolutionary War officers and to pressure the government to honor pledges it had made to officers who fought for American...
. Though he took part in many military engagements in the northern and eastern theaters of the war, he was never wounded. He was elected to Congress in 1778, while also serving Pennsylvania as President (Governor). When offered a bribe of £10,000 sterling
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
, and the most valuable office in the colonies to promote the cause of colonial reconciliation with the British crown, Reed's reply was, "I am not worth purchasing; but, such as I am, the King of Great Britain is not rich enough to do it."
Reed's loyalty is contrasted to the treason of Benedict Arnold. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, Reed accused Arnold of malpractices of his military duties while in command at Philadelphia. The trial that largely exonerated Arnold was strongly opposed by other members of Congress.
In 1778, Reed was one of the five delegates from Pennsylvania to sign the Articles of Confederation. On December 1, 1778, he was elected President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, a position analogous to the modern office of governor. Reed received 61 of the 63 votes cast and took office immediately. George Bryan
George Bryan
George Bryan was a Pennsylvania businessman, statesman and politician of the Revolutionary era. He served as the first Vice-President of Pennsylvania and its second President following the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain...
, acting president since the death of Thomas Wharton
Thomas Wharton Jr.
Thomas Wharton Jr. was a Pennsylvania merchant and politician of the Revolutionary era. He served as the first President of Pennsylvania following the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain....
on 23 May, received only one vote for President but was re-elected to the Vice-Presidency in similarly one-sided voting. Reed was reelected to the Presidency twice—on November 11, 1779 and November 14, 1780—each time defeating William Moore
William Moore (statesman)
William Moore was a Pennsylvania statesman and politician of the Revolutionary era. He served as Vice-President of Pennsylvania from 1779 to 1781, and then as President from 1781 to 1782....
, the second time by a vote of 59 to 1. Reed's third and final term came to a close 15 November 1781, when he was succeeded by William Moore.
Reed's antipathy to Pennsylvania's Loyalist residents has been well attested by historic sources. While in Congress, he advocated seizure of Loyalist properties and trying those aligned with Great Britain for treason. Reed and his family themselves lived in a confiscated Loyalist home. Congress as a whole had a much more tolerant outlook regarding Loyalist citizens. While President of Pennsylvania he oversaw numerous trials of suspected Loyalists. After James Wilson
James Wilson
James Wilson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. Wilson was elected twice to the Continental Congress, and was a major force in drafting the United States Constitution...
defended 23 people accused of treason, a mob—stirred up by Reed's speeches and liquor—attacked Wilson at the Battle of Fort Wilson; only the arrival of cavalry saved Wilson and his friends; Reed pardoned and released the remaining rioters.
Reed's term as President of Pennsylvania corresponded to the time where America's fortunes during the war went from near desolation at Valley Forge
Valley Forge
Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 in the American Revolutionary War.-History:...
in December 1777 to May 1778, to victory at Yorktown
Siege of Yorktown
The Siege of Yorktown, Battle of Yorktown, or Surrender of Yorktown in 1781 was a decisive victory by a combined assault of American forces led by General George Washington and French forces led by the Comte de Rochambeau over a British Army commanded by Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis...
on October 19, 1781. Working with James Madison
James Madison
James Madison, Jr. was an American statesman and political theorist. He was the fourth President of the United States and is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being the primary author of the United States Constitution and at first an opponent of, and then a key author of the United...
in the Continental Congress, a bill was passed that allowed General Anthony Wayne
Anthony Wayne
Anthony Wayne was a United States Army general and statesman. Wayne adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his military exploits and fiery personality quickly earned him a promotion to the rank of brigadier general and the sobriquet of Mad Anthony.-Early...
to gather the resources in Pennsylvania that were necessary for the Pennsylvania Line
Pennsylvania Line
Pennsylvania, like many other colonies, was involved with the war and developing problem of the American Revolution.-History:Philadelphia was the site of the Constitutional Convention. It also served as the capital city for a while. Threats from Britain caused the country to relocate to...
to march to Yorktown to help surround the army of Charles Cornwallis
Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis KG , styled Viscount Brome between 1753 and 1762 and known as The Earl Cornwallis between 1762 and 1792, was a British Army officer and colonial administrator...
.
Death
In 1784, he visited England in hopes of improving his health but to no avail. He returned to Pennsylvania and died in Philadelphia on March 5, 1785, aged 43.External links
- Biographic sketch of Esther de Berdt at White House website for children
- Biography and portrait at the University of Pennsylvania
.