Joseph Spencer, born at East Haddam, Connecticut, in 1714, was an officer of militia, with the rank of colonel, during the French and Indian War. He was appointed brigadier-general on the 22d of June, 1775, by the Continental Congress, and major-general on the 9th of August, 1776. When the British fleet appeared off the coast of New England, in December of that year, he was sent with Arnold to take charge of the militia in that section. Spencer was in command at Rhode Island in 1778. Admiral Sir Peter Parker having taken possession of Newport, Spencer had assembled his forces at Providence to dislodge him. After spending some weeks in marching and counter-marching, the enterprise had to be abandoned, as the Americans were too weak to attempt such an assault. General Spencer resigned his commission on the 13th of January, 1778, and though an earnest advocate of American independence, took but little part in public affairs during the remainder of his life. He died at his native place, East Haddam, in January, 1789.