Elias Boudinot
Elias Boudinot was a notable American lawyer and politician, recognized for his contributions during the Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States. Descended from Huguenot refugees, Boudinot emerged as a significant figure in New Jersey politics, playing a vital role in supporting the war effort. He served as the commissary-general of prisoners appointed by the Continental Congress and was closely associated with George Washington. Elected to the Continental Congress in 1777, he was instrumental in signing the 1783 peace treaty with Great Britain and participated in drafting plans for a federal court system.
Boudinot was also involved in the Constitutional Convention discussions, particularly concerning the Bill of Rights. He became the first attorney to practice before the Supreme Court in 1790 and served multiple terms in Congress. Ultimately, he was appointed as the director of the U.S. Mint in 1795, a position he held until 1805. His career reflects a commitment to the nascent American government and its legal framework, marking him as a significant figure in early American history.
Subject Terms
Elias Boudinot
Lawyer
- Born: May 2, 1740
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Died: October 24, 1821
- Place of death: Burlington, New Jersey
Significance: Boudinot, a New Jersey politician, was the first lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court bar.
Descended from a Huguenot family that fled France following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Elias was the fourth Boudinot of that name. Trained in the law, he entered politics during the Revolution, serving in the New Jersey assembly and helping to ensure its support of the war effort.
In 1777 the Continental Congress appointed Boudinot commissary-general of prisoners. He became a close associate of George Washington. In November of 1777 Boudinot was elected to the Continental Congress, where he served until 1784. He signed the 1783 peace treaty with Great Britain. He was a member of a committee to draft plans for a federal court of appeals as well as rules governing state admiralty courts. The court of appeals apparently operated briefly during the period of the Confederation but was replaced by the Supreme Court in the 1789 Constitution. Boudinot was also a member of a committee appointed by the Constitutional Convention to consider the amendments proposed by James Madison that became the Bill of Rights. In February, 1790, he became the first attorney to practice before the Supreme Court. He was elected to the first, second, and third Congresses, and in 1795, he became director of the U.S. mint, resigning in 1805.