Description

THE LIFE OF ESTHER DE BERDT, AFTERWARDS ESTHER REED, OF PENNSYLVANIA 1747-1780 By William Bradford Reed Published Philadelphia: privately printed./ C.Sherman, printer, 1853. 336 pp. Hardcover in original binding. Part of spine cover is completely detached. "Privately Printed" in red ink on title page; as the author (the grandson of the subject) concludes in his preface, "My work, I wish it to be understood, is meant for private circulation." Not in Howes although three other titles by the same author are. Esther de Berdt was a young Englishwoman who met the American Joseph Reed while he was studying law in London just prior to the American Revolution. The two married and ultimately moved to Philadelphia, where Esther soon became active in the Revolutionary movement, quickly turning politically against her native country. Reed was to become an aide to George Washington and ultimately rose to the position of Adjutant of the Army and was simultaneously elected Governor of Pennsylvania, making Esther the First Lady. During the war, Esther carried on a correspondence with George Washington with regard to assisting the suffering Continental Army, and was instrumental in organizing and operating the Ladies Association of Philadelphia, which raised funds--quite successfully--for the welfare of the troops. Notably, upon her premature death in 1780 at the age of 33, while the war was still ongoing, her leadership in the Ladies Association was assumed by Sarah Franklin Bache, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin. I've done my best to describe the book, but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail.