smallwood, william

Smallwood, William (1732-1792) General: Smallwood was elected colonel of the Maryland battalion in 1776, and took an active part in the Battle of Brooklyn Heights. he was wounded at White Plains, but was appointed a brigadier-general because of his courage. His command suffered severely in the Battle of Fort Washington, but at Germantown, his troops were able to capture part of the British camp. In the winter of 1777-78, Smallwood was stationed at Wilmington, and captures a British brig in the Delaware laden with provisions. Congress thanked him for his performance at the Battle of Camden, and was appointed major-general, although he refused to serve under Baron Steuben when General Gates was removed. In 1785, Smallwood was elected to Congress and chosen as Governor of Maryland, the latter of which was the last public post he held.