Bloomfield, Joseph, 1753-1823

Bloomfield was a lawyer and a soldier in New Jersey. He was educated at the Rev. Enoch Green's Academy. He served as Mayor of Bloomfield (1795-1800), clerk of the state assembly, register of the court of admiralty, and attorney general of New Jersey. In 1801 he was elected governor of the New Jersey legislature over Richard Stockton; re-elected in1804, he served till 1812. As governor, he signed the gradual emancipation act in 1804, which reduced the slave population in New Jersey from six percent in 1800 to eighteen individuals by the year 1860. Also as governor, he requested the prosecutor of Bergen County to acquit Aaron Burr for shooting Alexander Hamilton in their duel at Weehawken. In 1812 president Madison appointed Bloomfield brigadier general in the United States Army. He was also elected twice to Congress, from March 4, 1817, to March 4, 1821.

From the description of Joseph Bloomfield collection, 1794-1813. (Peking University Library). WorldCat record id: 61668896

Revolutionary officer and governor of New Jersey.

From the description of Papers, 1776-1809. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 70956087

From the description of Papers, 1776-1819. (Rutgers University). WorldCat record id: 28416247

Lawyer; Governor of New Jersey, 1803-1812; trustee of Princeton University.

From the description of Joseph Bloomfield journal, 1776. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 54312760

Lawyer, military officer, governor of New Jersey and U.S. Congressman, of Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey.

From the description of Autograph manuscripts and manuscripts signed, 1789-1819 (bulk 1812-1813). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122374186

Joseph Bloomfield (1753-1823), Revolutionary War soldier, Attorney General and Governor of New Jersey. On March 27, 1812, he was appointed Brigadier General and in June 1812 was in charge of the New York. In the fall of 1812, he assumed command of the First Brigade that included the 6th, 15th, and 16th Regiments of Infantry. In 1813, Bloomfield commanded 4th Military District (West Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware).

From the description of Orderly books of Joseph Bloomfield, 1812, June 12 -- 1813, Apr. 8. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 226380133

In the earliest days of the War of 1812, New Jersey Governor, Joseph Bloomfield, resigned his office to accept a commission as Brigadier General in command of the 3rd Military District. Though nearly 60 at the time, Bloomfield organized and trained new troops near New York City, then marched a column of 8,000 to the scene of action at Plattsburg, N.Y. Later in the war, he was instrumental in the defense of Philadelphia.

For Zebulon Pike the war was an opportunity to repair his somewhat tarnished reputation. As a hero for his role in leading an exploring expedition into the West in 1805-1807, Pike had been accused of complicity in Aaron Burr's treasonous scheme for a Southwest empire. Formally exonerated, he was promoted to Brigadier General early in 1813 and assigned to the northern theater. Charged with leading American forces in the assault on York (now Toronto) in April, 1813, Pike organized an effective campaign that resulted in a major victory. During the assault of April 27th, however, he was killed in an explosion of the enemy's powder magazine.

From the guide to the Bloomfield-Pike letterbook, 1812-1813, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)