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General William Howe
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:
).
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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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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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:
).
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.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
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.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
