- William Patterson served as a general in the militia during the Revolutionary War, organizing and leading troops from New Jersey for the patriot cause.
2. New Jersey's Constitution:
- He was a delegate to the New Jersey Provincial Congress and helped draft New Jersey's 1776 Constitution, one of the first state constitutions, demonstrating his commitment to republican principles.
3. Continental Congress:
- Patterson represented New Jersey as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1780 to 1783.
- There, he worked hard for America's self-rule and the success of the revolutionary cause.
4. Treaties and Diplomacy:
- During his time in the Continental Congress, Patterson participated in drafting the Articles of Confederation and was involved in foreign diplomacy, including securing loans from Europe and making territorial claims.
5. Constitutional Lawyer:
- As a renowned lawyer, Patterson argued multiple times before the U.S. Supreme Court under the authority of the Articles of Confederation, solidifying his position as a constitutional expert.
These different roles illustrate William Patterson's patriotic involvement. Although he later held different views from some prominent patriot leaders during the debates at the Constitutional Convention, Patterson's previous contributions should not be overlooked.