Philip Reed US Senator, participant in the American Revolutionary War Country: USA

1. Biography of Philip Reed
2. Participation in the American Revolution
3. Political Career
4. Role in the Battle of Fairlee
5. Battle at Bel Air
6. Later Years and Death

Biography of Philip Reed

Philip Reed was a United States Senator and a participant in the American Revolutionary War. He represented the interests of Maryland from 1806 to 1813.

Participation in the American Revolution

Reed was born near Chestertown, Maryland in 1760. After completing his education, he joined the Continental Army during the American War of Independence. Reed rose to the rank of Captain in the infantry. He participated in the Battle of Stony Point on July 16, 1779, which was a successful night attack planned by General Anthony Wayne. Reed also played a role in the Battle of Camden in 1780, which was one of the significant defeats for the American forces during the struggle for independence. He was seriously wounded during this battle.

Political Career

After the war, Reed served as a member of the House of Representatives from Maryland in 1787. He also held the position of Sheriff of Kent County, Maryland from 1791 to 1794. From 1805 to 1806, Reed was a member of the Executive Council of Maryland. In 1806, he was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the U.S. Senate, filling a vacancy left by Robert Wright. Reed was re-elected in the same year and served from November 25, 1806, to March 3, 1813. Although he voted against declaring war on Britain on June 17, 1812, Reed served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 21st Regiment of the Maryland Militia and later as a commandant.

Role in the Battle of Fairlee

In August 1814, Reed participated in the Battle of Fairlee, Maryland, which took place near Chesapeake Bay. British forces, led by Captain Peter Parker of the HMS Menelaus, landed on the shores and burned down several farms and buildings. Reed and the American militia managed to repel the British and prevent further destruction.

Battle at Bel Air

Reed's most notable military engagement was the Battle at Bel Air, where approximately 200-300 British men landed near the American camp. With prior information from a cavalry post, Reed prepared his forces of 150-160 men. The battle lasted just over half an hour, resulting in three minor injuries and one capture for the American side, while the British suffered casualties including an officer, a midshipman, and three soldiers killed. Parker, the British captain, was killed instantly by a fatal shot, believed to have been fired by Private Henry Uriah.

Later Years and Death

After the war, Reed was elected to Congress and served from March 4, 1817, to March 3, 1819. He held the position of Vice President of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1828. Philip Reed passed away on November 2, 1829, in Huntingtown, Maryland, and was buried at the Christ Church Cemetery near Chestertown.