George Read

George Read (September 18, 1733–September 21, 1798) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, Delaware in New Castle County. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Delaware, a delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Government of Delaware

Once the Continental Congress declared independence, Read was elected President of the convention that drafted a Constitution for Delaware in 1776. He was elected as a Senator to the 1st Delaware General Assembly in 1776 and named Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Senate in both 1776 and 1777. Following the capture of President John McKinly and the resignation of Acting President Thomas McKean, Read became Acting President himself on October 20, 1777 and served until March 31, 1778. These were months of crises in Delaware with the British occupying Philadelphia and patrolling the Delaware River. Read and his family narrowly escaped capture themselves while fleeing Philadelphia ahead of the British Army. As Governor he tried, mostly in vain, to recruit additional soldiers and protect the state from raiders from Philadelphia and off ships in the Delaware River. The General Assembly session of 1778 had to be moved to Dover, Delaware for safety and the Sussex County House delegation couldn't be seated because disruptions at the polls had negated the results. After Caesar Rodney was elected to replace him, Read continued to serve in the Delaware Senate through 1778, and after a two year hiatus, nursing ill health, returned from 1782 through 1787. In 1782 he was appointed Judge of the Court of Appeals in admiralty cases.

Related Topics:
Continental Congress - Delaware General Assembly - 1776 - John McKinly - Thomas McKean - October 20 - 1777 - March 31 - 1778 - Philadelphia - Delaware River - Governor - Philadelphia - General Assembly - Dover - Delaware - Sussex County - Caesar Rodney - Delaware Senate - 1782 - 1787

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