Reed Joseph

Joseph Reed ALS to Elbridge Gerry Re: Appointment to the Confederation Congress

2pp ALS inscribed overall by Articles of Confederation Signer Joseph Reed (1741–1785) and signed by him as "Jos: Reed" at the bottom of the second page. Written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 9, 1784. On watermarked cream laid paper. The original transmittal envelope addressed to "The Hone Elbridge Gerry Esqr.", trimmed, has been attached to the bottom of the second page. With overall light toning and isolated foxing. Expected paper folds, some with repaired closed tears. Mounting traces found along right edge. 7.875" x 13.875". For a more detailed description, please see attached scans.

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"Your acceptance of a Seat in Congress was an unexpected Pleasure as I was informed you had utterly declined it. Indeed your long Service might have intitled you to claim some Indulgence, but it is the more generous in you to waive it & your Experience now enables you to render more important Service. I am appointed without my Concurrence & with express Leave to consult my private Affairs which I must do to a considerable Degree if Congress remains at Trenton. But the Gentlemen in the Delegation conform so generally in Sentiment with each other & with those Interests which I particularly respect that I have the less Concern on that Head…"

In this letter to colleague Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814), Reed refers to his recent appointment to the Confederation Congress by the Pennsylvania Assembly. This had occurred three weeks earlier, on November 16, 1784. Though Reed was more than qualified to serve as a delegate, he was in extremely frail health. Indeed, he died only three months after penning this letter.

In addition to signing the Articles of Confederation, Reed was also a president of the Continental Congress and Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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