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Joseph Reed is the personal secretary to George Washington. As a result, he sees a side of Washington’s personality that few people ever do. When Washington is frightened or uncertain about the future of the Revolutionary War, he confides in Reed, whom he thinks of as a close friend and confidant. Throughout 1776, Reed’s opinion of Washington is an important barometer of the overall success of the American war effort. At first, Reed idolizes Washington, describing him as superhuman and almost impossibly charismatic. But as the year wears on, Reed begins to question Washington’s military leadership, and in a letter to General Charles Lee, he admits that he’s begun to doubt Washington’s aptitude as a commander. Reed continues to serve as Washington’s secretary and friend for many years to come, but this act of betrayal tarnishes his relationship with Washington.
Joseph Reed Quotes in 1776
The 1776 quotes below are all either spoken by Joseph Reed or refer to Joseph Reed. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Chapter 2 Quotes
Washington was a man of exceptional, almost excessive self-command, rarely permitting himself any show of discouragement or despair, but in the privacy of his correspondence with Joseph Reed, he began now to reveal how very low and bitter he felt, if the truth were known.
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George Washington is almost universally respected among his American troops. He’s an intimidating but charismatic leader, and many soldiers think of him as having nearly superhuman qualities. And yet, for all his impressiveness, Washington has moments of insecurity. He knows that he has only the most limited military experience, and that some of his military decisions aren’t sound. While he doesn’t advertise his weaknesses to his men, he confides in his close friend and personal secretary, Joseph Reed. Reed sees a side of Washington that few people ever do: the vulnerable, anxious, self-questioning side. It’s a mark of Washington’s respect Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non.
Chapter 7 Quotes
Possibly, Washington was more hurt than angry. Later he would tell Reed, "I was hurt not because I thought my judgment wronged by the expressions contained in it [the letter], but because the same sentiments were not communicated immediately to myself." Possibly the charge of "fatal indecision of mind" also hurt deeply, because Washington knew it to be true.
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In this passage, George Washington opens a letter from General Charles Lee, to Joseph Reed, his secretary. Reed, Washington’s close friend, has already told Lee that he’s worried about Washington’s indecision and poor performance as a general. In this letter, Lee responds by expressing the same sentiment. Washington is hurt by their comments for several reasons. In part, he’s hurt because he trusted Reed with his insecurities and weaknesses, and counted on Reed not to break his confidence. But secondly, Washington is hurt that Lee and Reed doubt his abilities as a commander. In a way, however, Washington’s humiliation proves Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia
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Joseph Reed Character Timeline in 1776
The timeline below shows where the character Joseph Reed appears in 1776. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2: Rabble in Arms
...impressive gentleman. He’s famous for inspiring his troops and employees to greatness. His secretary, Joseph Reed, often says that he feels “bound by every tie of duty and honor” to obey...
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...attack and burn the city of Falmouth. Washington receives another blow when his secretary, Joseph Reed, announces that he needs to leave Washington and tend to his family.
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Chapter 3: Dorchester Heights
...are running low on supplies. On January 14, George Washington writes a letter to Joseph Reed, explaining that his army is near collapse. He lists various problems: no gunpowder or money,...
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Chapter 7: Darkest Hour
Unbeknownst to Washington, Joseph Reed sends a secret letter to Charles Lee. In this letter, Reed implores Lee to join...
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...to keep their armies at home, rather than sending them out to Washington. Washington sends Reed to New Jersey to entreat the governor to provide Washington with reinforcements. Washington also sends...
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On November 24, a messenger arrives with a letter for Joseph Reed from General Charles Lee. Thinking the letter might have important information, Washington opens it. In...
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...to lose at this point. On December 22, he receives an unsolicited letter from Joseph Reed, who advises him to strike at the British as soon as possible. Washington begins to...
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