The Hon. Joseph Jones

Joseph Jones (1727-1805) practiced the triple professions of many well-to-do Colonial men: planter, attorney, and political office-holder. One can easily list Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Tyler, and a slew of others in that category.

Born in Westmoreland County VA to a prosperous merchant, young Jones (about five years older than George Washington), had the benefit of a classical education. He was sent to London and became a barrister. Returning to Virginia, he made his home in Fredericksburg, married, started a law practice, and was quickly appointed to several legislative/administrative/judicial positions for the colony. In short, a prominent citizen of comfortable means. 

It was a time of noblesse oblige, and prominent citizens of means in colonial times were expected to serve in Virginia’s House of Burgesses at some point. By the early 1770s, the Burgesses was populated by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and several of that societal and educational ilk. If Jones hadn’t been acquainted with Washington at an earlier point, he now met him on an equal footing.

Meanwhile…

Jones’ sister Elizabeth had married Spence Monroe, a Westmoreland planter of modest means, and they had five children, one dying in infancy. James was the eldest brother. He was sent to the local school for his rudimentary education – when he wasn’t needed to help on the farm. But both Monroe parents died young, forcing James to leave school at 16 to help support his siblings.

Into that breach came Uncle Joseph Jones, married, but childless. He became a benevolent mentor to all, but particularly to James, who showed the most promise. Jones arranged for him to attend The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, the colonial capital, and made sure the likely fellow was introduced to the best and brightest who could be helpful to his nephew’s future. 

In 1775, when the British Army fired on Lexington and Concord in far-off Massachusetts, the shot was heard in Virginia, and a seventeen-year-old Monroe and his classmates left school to join the nascent Colonial Army. His earlier acquaintance with now-General George Washington was indeed helpful. 

Young James Monroe served bravely and competently, but suffered some severe wounds. Although he managed to recover, and was promoted, officers were expected to recruit their own regiment at their own expense. Monroe could not afford it. 

It was Uncle Joseph Jones who suggested that his bright nephew finish his education by reading law with one of his good friends, then-Governor Thomas Jefferson. Although a half-generation younger, Monroe established his own close friendship with Jefferson. For life. 

The Rest of the War

General George Washington served for the entire duration of the American Revolution: eight years. For two years after Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown in 1781, Washington maintained sufficient military forces in appropriate locations to insure that the British actually vacated the premises. While many of his officers left military service to pursue peacetime vocations or properties, Washington believed that a firm hand (his) was still required until the last redcoat was gone.

Congress still met, whether in Philadelphia or Annapolis or Princeton, or wherever it was deemed more efficacious. During those years, Joseph Jones was an elected delegate to that congress, and to the Congress of the Confederation which succeeded it. His nephew James Monroe was also elected to represent Virginia in the Congress of the Confederation. The torch was being passed.

Interestingly Enough…

The Continental Congress (and its successor) had been, and still was, a generally impotent entity. Their members, all worthy and well meant, had limited powers and authority. Perhaps even more crucial to that impotence, was the fact that thirteen erstwhile colonies could not, would not, or even cared about acting in unity. That was especially true regarding money, i.e. taxation for the common good of the entire new United States. Thirteen individual horses going in different directions were trying to pull a single wagon. 

The story of George Washington’s last months at Newburgh, NY has been told and retold numerous times in various ways, but always with the same thrust:

The war was over. A peace treaty had been signed. Some British soldiers opted to remain in the new USA for the infinite opportunities of the available land. Most returned to Great Britain. But the process was a long one, and General GW insisted that his army remain vigilant until the very last soldier had departed.

By late February 1783, the officers were grousing. Most had not been paid in months. Some had not been paid for years. If Congress, always teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, was treating the Army so poorly, what might be in store once they were formally disbanded with no recourse? Rumors abounded that the “traditional” half-pay pensions that had been promised to officers in 1780 might never come to pass.

The grumbles became louder, and a meeting was called to discuss plans for officers to march on Philadelphia and demand their due. General Washington, who had always enjoyed their respect and confidence, and who had always been “a faithful friend to the army,”was not invited to the meeting. The upshot was that GW appeared anyway, prepared to read a recent letter he had received from Congress. He took out a pair of spectacles, something his men had never seen, claiming he had grown old and blind in the service of his country. They were deeply moved.

Washington read a lengthy and detailed letter from one of the Congressmen, outlining measures of various import taxes and duties being discussed, demonstrating sincere promise for at least some partial relief of the soldiers’ grievances.

Washington counseled further patience. The officers grumbled, but concurred.

That letter was from the Hon. Joseph Jones, delegate to the Congress of Confederation.

Sources:

Cresson, W.P. – James Monroe – UNC Press, 1946

Fraser, Flora – The Washingtons: George and Martha “Join’d by Friendship, Crown’d by Love” – Alfred A. Knopf, 2015

Unger, Harlow Giles – The Last Founding Father – DeCapo Press, 2009

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-10732

https://millercenter.org/president/monroe/life-before-the-presidency