Joseph Spencer Doesn't Ride in Rhode Island
Joseph Spencer was one of the original Brigadier Generals in the Continental Army.
Although he was promoted to Major General, Spencer’s career came to an unceremonious end after a failed attack in Rhode Island.
Joseph Spencer
By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War Connecticut’s Joseph Spencer had already served in King George’s War and the French and Indian War.
Spencer had risen to the rank of Brigadier General in Connecticut’s militia and was one of the most respected military men in the colony.
After the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Joseph led his men to the Siege of Boston.
Major General
When George Washington arrived, Joseph Spencer was chosen as one of the original eight Brigadier Generals in the Continental Army.
Just a year later, he was promoted to Major General and listed behind William Heath as second in rank in the Eastern Department.
In 1777, Spencer was sent to Rhode Island to prevent movements from the British who had just occupied Newport.
This is when things began to unravel.
Rhode Island
Joseph Spencer’s original obligation was defensive, but he was sent orders to launch a surprise attack on the Redcoats.
Unfortunately, militia units arrived undermanned, subordinates were unable to coordinate and supplies were extremely lacking.
Moral dropped among men and several deserters warned the British about the attack.
Spencer made the decision to call off the attack.
Censure
The Continental Congress was disappointed in Spencer’s failure to act.
They reviewed his conduct and Joseph was officially censured.
Joseph requested and received a court of inquiry, which decided he had done everything in his power and reversed the censure.
Spencer was vindicated but, now in his mid-60’s, decided it was time to retire and resigned his commission.
Continental Congress
Joseph’s time as a Founder was far from over.
Immediately upon his return to Connecticut, he was appointed to the State’s Council, a body which acted as a combination of a Senate and Cabinet.
The following year, he was sent to the Continental Congress...now working with many of the same people who censured him.
Back to Connecticut
Spencer only spent a few months in the Continental Congress and did little of note.
He returned to Connecticut where he again was appointed to the Council.
Joseph spent his remaining nine years of his life on the Council, helping Connecticut transition from colony to State.
Do you want to learn about other MAJOR GENERALS in the Revolutionary War?
Great!
Enjoy these articles:
John Paterson Finds a Woman Under His Command
Robert Howe Fights With the South About How to Fight in the South
Benjamin Lincoln Accepts the British Surrender
Want to learn more about Joseph Spencer?
‘Historical Sketch’ is the only biography that has ever been written on the man (that I am aware of).
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
Want to get fun American Revolution articles straight to your inbox every morning?
Your in luck!
You can subscribe to my email list here.
You might also want to support Founder of the Day on Patreon.
