Career
Harrison began his legal career in Alexandria, Virginia, which is where he met George Washington. He began the American Revolutionary War as a lieutenant in the 3rd Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army. In 1775 he became an aide-de-camp to General Washington with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
The next year he succeeded Joseph Reed as military secretary to Washington, and served in that role until 1781.
He served as the Chief Justice of the General Court of Maryland from 1781 to 1789. Washington nominated Harrison to the Supreme Court of the United States as an Associate Justice on September 24, 1789.
The United States Senate confirmed his appointment on September 26, 1789, and Washington signed Harrison"s commission on September 28, 1789. However, Harrison declined to serve as Associate Justice, citing health reasons.
The seat eventually went to James Iredell.
Harrison died in Charles County, Maryland.