Overview
Joseph Spencer was the oldest Continental Army major general and one of its most experienced. Hailing from Connecticut, Spencer initially served as a Brigadier General during the 1775-76 siege of Boston. Later in 1776, the Continental Congress promoted him to major general. Spener served in the Rebel campaign to dislodge the British from Newport, Rhode Island. After this campaign failed to achieve success, Spencer resigned his commission. However, Connecticut residents continued to have faith in his leadership, electing him to the Continental Congress.
For more overview information and an analysis of Spencer’s leadership, see the article by Jeremey Latchaw.
Memoirs and Papers
No assembled collection. Researchers must investigate Spencer’s correspondents.
Researching the American Revolution 