Military officer: born in
Prince George county, Md., in March, 1749; was left an orphan at twelve years of age; appointed lieutenant of a rifle company at the beginning of the Revolution, he marched to the Continen-
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tal camp at
Cambridge; and in 1776 was appointed major of a new rifle regiment, which formed part of the garrison of
Fort Washington,
New York, when it was captured.
He gallantly opposed the Hessian column, but was wounded and made prisoner.
Being soon exchanged, he was made colonel of the 6th Maryland Regiment, with which he accompanied
De Kalb to
South Carolina; and when
Gates took command of the
Southern Army Colonel Williams was made adjutant-general.
In the battle near
Camden he gained great distinction for coolness and bravery, and performed efficient service during
Greene's famous retreat, as commander of a light corps that formed the rear-guard.
At the battle at Guilford Court-house he was
Greene's second in command; and by a brilliant charge which
Williams made at
Eutaw Springs he decided the victory for the
Americans.
In May, 1782, he was made a brigadier-general, and was appointed collector of customs for
Maryland, which office he held until his death, July 16, 1794.