How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

Philadelphia, May 2, 1780. Single sheet, 11 1/2 x 7 1/4 in. (292 x 184 mm). Manuscript document, signed by President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania Joseph Reed ("Jos. Reed Presidt"), ordering Treasurer David Rittenhouse to pay Frederick Sneider for his wages ("three hundred and fifty five pounds twelve shillings and six pence") for his services as doorkeeper to the Council Room at the Pennsylvania State House; listing at top his various sundry expenses. Docketed on verso. Creasing from old folds; chipping along bottom edge affecting some letters, including of "Presidt" in Reed's signature; sheet toned.

Joseph Reed (1741-85) was an American politician who in 1778 was one of the first signatories of the Articles of Confederation. Later that year he was elected President of the Supreme Executive Council, or governor, of Pennsylvania, where he oversaw the gradual abolition of slavery. During this time Reed also became involved in a vicious and highly public dispute with Benedict Arnold, who Reed accused of using his position as military commander of Philadelphia to profit from war-related shipments and supply movements. Eventually, Reed publicly charged Arnold with corruption, leading to Arnold requesting a court-martial from Washington to clear his name. Though Arnold was able to do so, the trial damaged his reputation and led to Arnold committing treason against the United States. During this time Reed also waged a fierce campaign against Loyalist citizens of Pennsylvania, advocating that their property be seized and treason charges be levied against them. He was elected to the Continental Congress a second time in 1784 but declined due to ill health. He died the following year at the age of 43.

Construction began on the Pennsylvania State House in 1732 after a design by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton. It was completed nearly twenty-one years later, largely due to payments being made in installments over such a long period of time. On June 14, 1775, delegates of the Continental Congress established the Continental Army, and a little over a year later the Declaration of Independence was unanimously approved within its walls, with the Declaration read for the first time just outside in what is now Independence Square. The Continental Congress continued to meet there until December 12, when the approaching British Army forced their evacuation. They returned briefly in 1777 and permanently, from 1778 to 1781.