Otho Holland Williams

Overview

Otho Holland Williams was a soldier, businessman, public official, and author from Maryland who rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the Continental Army. Captured and wounded early in the war, he later distinguished himself in the Southern Theater, serving under General Horatio Gates and General Nathanael Greene. Known for his discipline and leadership, Williams played a key role in battles such as Camden, Guilford Courthouse, and Eutaw Springs. After the war, he enjoyed a career as a merchant, served as a customs officer, and published his account of the failed Camden Campaign.

Personal Facts

• Born: March 1749 in Prince George’s County, Maryland
• Parents: Joseph Williams (father) and Prudence Holland (mother).
• Spouse: Mary Smith (1786).
• Died: July 15, 1794, at Miller’s Town, Virginia. He was 46.
• Buried: River View Cemetery in Williamsport, Maryland.
• Part of: American Revolutionary War, Continental Army.

Biography

Early Life and Career

• Williams was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in March 1749.
• His parents, Joseph Williams and Prudence Holland, were tenant farmers near present-day Williamsport, Maryland.
• Both parents died in 1764, and Williams lived with relatives.
• He was an apprentice in a clerk’s office until 1767, when he moved to Baltimore.
• He worked in the Baltimore County Clerk’s office from 1767 to 1774.
• In 1774, he returned to Frederick, Maryland.
• He planned to begin a commercial business career.
• The outbreak of the American Revolutionary War altered his plans.

Siege of Boston

• On June 22, 1775, Williams became a Lieutenant in Captain Thomas Price’s Frederick City Rifle Corps.
• Price’s Corps was joined by another, led by Captain Michael Cresap.
• Both units marched to Boston on July 18, 1775, to join the Army of Observation at the Siege of Boston. They arrived at Cambridge on August 9, 1775.
• Williams did not see any action during the siege.

AHC Notes

• Michael Cresap (1742–1775) — Cresap was a frontiersman from Oldtown, Maryland, who hunted and traded in the Ohio Country. In 1774, he led a militia force into the Ohio Country, with the intention of establishing settlements near present-day Wheeling, West Virginia. This led to Cresap’s War, a series of skirmishes with Native American Indians. An attack on a party of Indians at Yellow Creek (Yellow Creek Massacre), which included the wife and sister of Chief Logan, a Mingo warrior, was initially blamed on Cresap. The massacre triggered Lord Dunmore’s War.
• Siege of Boston (1775–1776) — A siege conducted by American militia forces against the British, who were trapped in the city following the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It lasted for 11 months and included the Battle of Bunker Hill and the formation of the Continental Army. The siege ended when Americans occupied Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate. This also marked the end of the British occupation of Boston, which had started in 1768.

New York Campaign

On January 14, 1776, Captain Price was promoted and transferred to a new Maryland Regiment under the command of William Smallwood.

• Williams was promoted to Captain of Price’s Rifle Corps.
• As British forces prepared to leave Boston, Williams and his men were sent to New York City to assist in building defensive fortifications.

In June, Congress reorganized the rifle companies as the Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment, under the command of Colonel Hugh Stephenson, who died in August.

• Williams and his men were on Staten Island until the British invaded and then crossed the East River to Manhattan Island.
• From there, they made their way across the island to Fort Lee and then to Fort Washington.
• He was seriously wounded at Fort Washington, New York, on November 16, 1776.
• British forces captured him and initially kept him on parole in New York City.

AHC Notes

• Battle of Fort Washington (November 16, 1776) — Following the Battle of White Plains, British forces turned south and moved toward Fort Washington, the last remaining American stronghold on Manhattan Island. The British launched their attack on the morning of November 16. Around 3:00 in the afternoon, after hours of intense fighting, the fort was surrounded, and the garrison had no choice but to surrender. The Americans suffered heavy casualties, and the loss of Fort Washington made it impossible to defend Fort Lee. General Washington abandoned Fort Lee and retreated to Pennsylvania.

Imprisoned

• He was later imprisoned on suspicion of secretly writing reports that he sent to General Washington.
• Williams shared a prison cell with Ethan Allen.
• He was not exchanged until January 16, 1778.
• Poor food and harsh treatment caused long-term damage to his health.
• While still imprisoned, he was promoted to colonel of the 6th Maryland Regiment on December 10, 1776.

After his release, Williams led the 6th Maryland in the spring of 1778, during the end of the Philadelphia Campaign, and was involved in the Battle of Monmouth.

AHC Notes

• Ethan Allen (1738–1789) — Allen was a Revolutionary War hero and one of the leaders of the Green Mountain Boys. He was also a key figure in the movement for Vermont’s independence and statehood.
• Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778) — General Henry Clinton withdrew from Philadelphia and marched his army through New Jersey, toward New York City. With his army, newly trained at Valley Forge, Washington decided to intercept Clinton in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The initial attack faltered, allowing the British to regroup and organize their forces. Washington was able to restore order within his ranks and pressed the attack. The battle lasted until nightfall, and both armies were exhausted from the day’s extreme heat. While Washington prepared to resume the battle the next morning, Clinton withdrew and marched to Sandy Hook.

Southern Theater

On April 16, 1780, General Johann de Kalb led American forces out of Morristown, New Jersey. He marched southward, intending to make his way to Charleston, South Carolina, which was under siege by the British. Williams and his troops were with de Kalb.

• By the time they reached North Carolina, Charleston had surrendered.
• Congress sent General Horatio Gates to take command of the Southern Army.
• When Gates arrived, he announced plans to immediately march to Camden, South Carolina, to attack the British outpost.
• Williams recalled that the men were shocked by the order, even though Gates promised they would receive “supplies of rum and rations” during the march through North Carolina.

AHC Notes

• Johann de Kalb (1721–1780) — De Kalb was a German-born officer who volunteered to serve in the Continental Army. A veteran of European wars, de Kalb traveled to America in 1777 and secured a commission as a Major General. He joined Washington at Valley Forge and later served in the Southern Campaign. De Kalb was mortally wounded at the Battle of Camden (August 16, 1780).
• Horatio Gates (1727–1806) — Gates was an officer in the Continental Army. He led American forces to victory at Saratoga but failed at Camden. He was also involved in the Conway Cabal, a plot against George Washington, and the Newburgh Conspiracy against Congress.

Battle of Camden

Williams served as an assistant Adjutant General during the campaign and later published his account in a book titled “Narrative of the Campaign of 1780,” which was published in 1822. He rose to prominence during this campaign, which took place in July and August 1780.

• He performed with distinction at the Battle of Camden on August 16, 1780.
• Despite his effort, the Americans suffered a devastating defeat due to the critical mistakes Gates made in organizing his forces.
• Gates mistakenly believed he had 7,000 men fit for battle, even though Williams told him there were only 3,052. Gates told Williams, “…there are enough for our purpose.”
• Williams was organizing troops when the battle started, and the left wing of the army quickly collapsed.
• He gathered troops and assisted de Kalb and troops on the army’s right wing.
• Despite this, the Americans were overwhelmed and driven from the field.

Survivors of the battle eventually regrouped in North Carolina, where Williams was given command of a corps of light infantry troops.

• AHC Note — Gates famously fled from the battlefield, earning him the nickname, “Coward of Camden.”

Greene’s Southern Campaign

General Nathanael Greene replaced Gates as commander of the Southern Department. He arrived in December 1781 and took command of the army.

• Greene made Williams the Adjutant General of the Southern Army.
• Williams was stationed with the army’s left wing at Cheraw and was part of the army led by General Daniel Morgan.
• Williams fought in the Battle of Cowpens, a stunning American victory that temporarily ended British plans to invade North Carolina.

AHC Notes

• Nathanael Greene (1742–1786) — Greene was one of George Washington’s most trusted officers and the army’s leading strategist in the South. Self-taught in military science, Greene rose to the rank of Major General, known for his logistical skill, adaptability, and perseverance. His Southern Campaign (1780–1781) weakened British control in the Carolinas and Georgia, ultimately forcing General Charles Cornwallis to retreat to Yorktown, Virginia, where he surrendered in October 1781.

Race to the Dan

After the Battle of Cowpens, General Cornwallis pursued Morgan and his army, while both Morgan and General Greene marched into North Carolina, moving northeast. North Carolina Militia forces engaged the British, slowing their pursuit. 

• Greene considered making a stand at Guilford Court House, but was convinced it was best to avoid battle, move into Virginia, and cross the Dan River. 
• Morgan was suffering from an illness, so Greene gave the command of his rear guard to Williams, who was assisted by Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee and his cavalry. 
• Williams and Lee covered Greene’s march, and he crossed the Dan River on February 13. The rear guard crossed the next day. 
• Cornwallis was unable to cross the river due to a lack of boats and high water.

1781 Campaign

In February 1781, Greene started moving his army back into the Carolinas. Williams and his light infantry moved back into North Carolina on February 20, 1781. From there, Williams led his troops in four engagements that helped shift the tide of the war and push Cornwallis toward Yorktown.

Battle of Wetzell’s Mills (March 6, 1781) — This skirmish was fought near Reedy Fork Creek in North Carolina between British forces led by Cornwallis and American troops led by Williams. 

• Cornwallis planned a surprise attack on Williams, hoping to draw Greene into a full engagement.
• Williams had troops guarding provisions at Wetzell’s Mills on the Reedy Fork.
• American scouts, led by Colonel William Campbell, detected the British approach and warned Williams.
• Williams sent Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee (with Lee’s Legion) and Colonel William Washington (with his dragoons) to reinforce Campbell.
• Campbell, Lee, Washington, and Colonel William Preston engaged the British and delayed their advance, allowing Williams to remove the provisions from Wetzell’s Mills and withdraw his troops.
• Greene moved his main army to the ironworks on Troublesome Creek.

Battle of Guilford Court House (March 15, 1781) — The armies of Greene and Cornwallis finally clashed at Guilford Court House, North Carolina. Greene received reinforcements, boosting his troop strength to 4,400, while Cornwallis had 1,900 veteran soldiers. Cornwallis attacked Greene, who organized his troops into three lines. After pushing through the first two lines, the British were suffering heavy losses when the Americans carried out a bayonet attack. The British retreated, but Greene did not pursue them. This gave the British time to regroup and organize an attack on Greene’s third line. Unwilling to risk losing his army, Greene ordered his men to retreat, leaving the field to Cornwallis. The British suffered heavy casualties, forcing Cornwallis to retreat to Wilmington.

• Williams led the 1st Maryland Regiment, the 2nd Maryland Regiment, and the Delaware Continentals in the battle.

Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill (April 25, 1781) — British forces led by Lord Rawdon launched a surprise attack on Greene’s camp at Hobkirk’s Hill, near Camden, South Carolina. Although the Americans initially held the advantage, confusion among the Maryland regiments led to a retreat. Despite Rawdon’s tactical victory, his weakened army soon abandoned Camden, allowing Greene to occupy the outpost, weakening British control of the South Carolina Backcountry.

• Williams held overall command of the American left during the battle.
• The left included Colonel John Gunby’s 1st Maryland Regiment and Colonel Benjamin Ford’s 2nd Maryland Regiment.
• The 1st Maryland initially advanced as part of Greene’s planned attack on the British center.
• The 1st Maryland faltered after Captain William Beatty Jr. was killed early in the fighting.
• A portion of the 1st Maryland began to fall back in confusion.
• Colonel Gunby ordered the entire 1st Maryland Regiment to retire 60 yards to regroup, but the regiment failed to reform.
• The collapse of the 1st Maryland exposed the American line to a British attack.
• The 2nd Maryland joined the retreat.

Battle of Eutaw Springs (September 8, 1781) — Greene surprised Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Stewart’s British force near the Santee River. The engagement was fierce and costly on both sides, ending without a decisive victor. However, British losses forced their retreat toward Charleston. This was the last major battle of Greene’s Southern Campaign.

• Williams commanded the Maryland Continentals in the battle.
• His brigade consisted of two battalions led by Lieutenant Colonel John Eager Howard and Major Henry Hardman.
• His troops were positioned toward the rear of Greene’s column at the start of the battle.
• When the British pressed forward and the North Carolina Continentals fell back, Greene ordered Williams’ Marylanders forward.
• The Maryland and Virginia Continentals advanced and fired their first volley at 40 yards.
• They followed this with a bayonet charge that helped break the British center.
• Williams’ brigade pushed the British back through their camp before the attack broke down in disorder.
• The 2nd Maryland Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel John Eager Howard fought stubbornly and overran the Buffs after a fierce bayonet fight.

Later Years and Death

• Congress promoted him to Brigadier General on May 9, 1782.
• He retired on January 16, 1783.
• On that same date, he was elected naval officer of the Baltimore district.
• Williams became the Collector of the Port of Baltimore and found success as a merchant.
• In May 1792, he declined an offer to be a Brigadier General due to poor health.
• He died on July 15, 1794, in Miller’s Town, Virginia.

Appendix

Narrative

AHC Note — This narrative of the life of Otho Holland Williams is adapted from the Dictionary of American Biography (1943). Please note that text corrections have been made and spacing has been added to improve accuracy and readability.

Otho Holland Williams was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He was the son of Joseph and Prudence (Holland) Williams, who had emigrated from South Wales a few years before. In 1750, the family moved to the mouth of Conococheague Creek, in what was then Frederick County, where Williams founded the town of Williamsport in 1787. 

His father died, leaving only a small estate to support his seven children. At the age of 13, Williams secured employment in the office of the county clerk in Frederick, Maryland. In time, he became sufficiently qualified to take complete charge of the office. 

In about 1767, he moved to Baltimore, where he remained employed until 1774, when he returned to Frederick and embarked upon a commercial career. 

On June 22, 1775, he was appointed first Lieutenant in a company raised in Maryland under Captain Thomas Price for service in New England. Williams participated in the Siege of Boston and was promoted to the rank of Captain. 

On June 27, 1776, the rifle companies from Maryland and Virginia were combined into a regiment, of which Williams was appointed Major. At the fall of Fort Washington, November 16, he was wounded in the groin and taken prisoner. 

At first placed on parole in New York, he was later thrown into the provost’s jail, charged with secretly communicating military information to Washington. During this time, he shared a cell with Ethan Allen. Insufficient food and unsanitary conditions seriously impaired his health before he was exchanged on January 16, 1778. 

In the meantime, he was appointed on December 10, 1776, as Colonel of the 6th Maryland Regiment. Rejoining the army in New Jersey, he took part in the Battle of Monmouth, served as deputy Adjutant General under Horatio Gates in 1780, and was involved in the Battle of Camden. 

Gates’ successor, Nathanael Greene, appointed him Adjutant General. He commanded the rear-guard during Greene’s retreat across North Carolina and took a distinguished part in the battles of Guilford Court House, Hobkirk Hill, and Eutaw Springs. On May 9, 1782, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

At the conclusion of the war, he retired from the army. On January 6, 1783, he was elected Naval Officer of the Baltimore District by the State Council of Maryland. 

After the establishment of the Federal Government under the United States Constitution, President Washington appointed him Collector of the Port of Baltimore. In May 1792, due to ill health and family responsibilities, he declined a commission as a Brigadier General and second-in-command of the army. 

In an attempt to improve his health, he made a trip to Barbados in 1793. He died at Miller’s Town, Virginia, and was buried in Riverview Cemetery, Williamsport. Over his grave, the Mediary Lodge of Masons erected a commemorative shaft. 

In 1786, he married Mary Smith, the daughter of William Smith, a wealthy Baltimore merchant. They had four sons.