Joseph Reed (jurist)

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Joseph Reed (August 27, 1741– March 5, 1785) was a lawyer and jurist who lived and worked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served Pennsylvania as a delegate to the Continental Congress and Chief Justice of the state's Supreme Court. While in Congress, he signed the Articles of Confederation.

[edit] Early life

Reed was born in Trenton, New Jersey and was educated at Princeton University. He then went to England, where he continued his studies in law at Middle Temple in London. In 1770, he married Esther de Berdt at Saint Luke's Church in London. They sailed for America soon after they were married.

[edit] Political career

At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Reed had a successful Philadelphia law practice, which he resigned at the request of George Washington in order to serve the General in the capacity of secretary and aide-de-camp. In 1775, he held the position of Colonel, and, in 1776, that of Adjutant-General of the American army. In 1777, Congress offered him the positions of chief-justice of Pennsylvania and Brigadier General, both of which he declined. He continued to serve in the army without pay until the close of the war. Though he took part in many military engagements in the northern and eastern sections of the war, he was never wounded. He was elected to Congress in 1778. 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."

In 1778, Reed was one of the five delegates from Pennsylvania to sign the Articles of Confederation. In the fall of 1778, he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, an office referred to at that time as "President of Pennsylvania". He held this office until 1781.

Reed is credited with being the first to detect the treason of Benedict Arnold. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, Reed tried Arnold for mal-practices of his military duties while in command at Philadelphia, though the trial was strongly opposed by other members of Congress.

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 with treason. Reed and his family did live in a confiscated Loyalist home. Congress as a whole had a much more tolerant outlook regarding loyalist citizens. During his "presidency" of Pennsylvania, he oversaw numerous trials of suspected loyalists.

Joseph Reed died in Philadelphia, aged forty-three years. He is buried at the Arch Street Presbyterian Church Cemetery.