William Maxwell

Personal Facts

• Born: c. 1733 in County Tyrone, Ireland.
• Parents: John Maxwell (father) and Ann Maxwell (mother).
• Spouse: None.
• Nickname: Scotch Willie.
• Died: November 4, 1796, at Pittstown, New Jersey. He was 53.
• Buried: Old Greenwich Presbyterian Churchyard in Greenwich Township, Warren County, New Jersey.
• Significance: William Maxwell is important to American History because of his military service during the American Revolutionary War.

Overview

William “Scotch Willie” Maxwell was a farmer, soldier, and politician who rose to prominence as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. A veteran of the French and Indian War (1754–1763), he led New Jersey troops in major campaigns, including the Retreat from Canada, the Philadelphia Campaign, and Sullivan’s Expedition. Known for his dependable field leadership, he also commanded the army’s first light infantry corps. Despite being pressured to resign in 1780, he was respected for his military contributions to American Independence and was one of George Washington’s most trusted officers.

Biography

Early Life

William Maxwell immigrated from Ireland to New Jersey with his Scots-Irish parents around 1747. He grew up in Warren County, New Jersey, where he received a basic education while working on a farm.

French and Indian War

Maxwell was 25 when he joined the military during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). He served as an Ensign in Colonel John Johnston’s New Jersey Regiment and then as a Lieutenant under Colonel Peter Schuyler. On July 8, 1758, he was with the Jersey Blues when the unit was in the rear guard of General James Abercrombie’s failed attack at the Battle of Carillon (July 6–8, 1758).

• Jersey Blues — A militia regiment established in 1673 to help defend Piscataway, New Jersey, against Native American Indians who carried out raids and attacks in the area. The nickname came from the blue coats the men wore. The regiment still exists as part of the New Jersey National Guard. Elias Dayton was also a member of this unit.
• Battle of Carillon (July 6–8, 1758) — British and French forces fought near Fort Carillon. The British, led by General James Abercrombie, heavily outnumbered the French, led by General Joseph Montcalm. Abercrombie ordered a frontal assault on Montcalm, who held the high ground. The British suffered a devastating defeat and were forced to withdraw. George Howe, the brother of William Howe and Richard Howe, was killed in the battle.

Service as Commissary and Return to Revolutionary New Jersey

Maxwell left the army in 1760, after the British defeated the French and took a position in the civilian commissary for the army. He moved between forts in the Great Lakes Region, from Schenectady, New York, to Detroit, Michigan.

• From 1766 to 1773, he supplied two companies in the Royal (60th) American Regiment, which were stationed at Fort Michilimackinac.
• When the regiment was sent to the West Indies, he returned to New Jersey.

Patriot Leader in New Jersey

Upon his return, he took over the family farm and soon became a leading Patriot in New Jersey.

• Maxwell served in the New Jersey Provincial Congresses in May and October 1775.
• He was the chairman of the Sussex County Committee of Safety in August 1775.
• On November 8, 1775, Maxwell was commissioned as a Colonel.
• He organized and raised the 2nd New Jersey Regiment.

Retreat from Canada

In February 1776, General John Sullivan was sent to Canada to boost American forces laying siege to Quebec City. Maxwell led five companies as part of this expedition. Sullivan’s army arrived as the Americans were retreating from Quebec City, toward Fort Ticonderoga. Maxwell led the rear guard, engaging in small battles with British forces and protecting the Americans as they retreated. Maxwell led troops in the Battle of Three Rivers, a loss for the Americans.

• Invasion of Quebec (1775–1776) — The first military expedition carried out by the Continental Army during the war. Congress hoped to seize Quebec City and convince the Canadians to join the Patriot Cause. Americans were defeated in the Battle of Quebec (December 31, 1775) and laid siege to the city until the spring of 1776.
• Retreat from Canada (1776) — British forces arrived at Quebec City in May 1776 and immediately attacked the Americans. The Americans fled and retreated down the Richelieu River Valley toward Montreal. Sullivan’s army joined the retreat at Fort St. John on June 1, 1776. Sullivan took command of the army, while Maxwell led the rear guard. Sullivan hoped to regroup the army and march back to Quebec.
• Battle of Three Rivers (June 8, 1776) — Sullivan sent General William Thompson to seize Three Rivers (Trois Rivières) between Montreal and Quebec, hoping to move back toward Quebec City. When Thompson arrived, a scout led his army through a swamp instead of directly to Three Rivers. Meanwhile, the British received reinforcements and attacked the Americans as they approached. The Americans were forced to retreat to the swamp, where Native American Indians, who were allied with the British, attacked them. This defeat ended Sullivan’s hopes of continuing the campaign.

As American forces gathered on Lake Champlain in July, he opposed the plan to abandon the outpost at Crown Point, near Ticonderoga.

Brigadier General

On August 9, 1776, Congress promoted Arthur St. Clair ahead of him, which Maxwell protested. Congress responded by promoting Maxwell to Brigadier General on October 23.

New Jersey Campaign

Maxwell returned to New Jersey while General Washington was retreating across New Jersey to Pennsylvania.

• Maxwell was tasked with removing boats from the Delaware River to keep the British from following Washington’s Army into Pennsylvania.
• He was in command of four regiments of the New Jersey Line when Washington ordered him to command the militia at Morristown, New Jersey, on December 21, 1776.
• After the American victory at the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1777), Washington sent Maxwell to harass the British, hoping to drive them out of New Jersey. This effort failed.

Maxwell’s Light Infantry and the Philadelphia Campaign

General William Howe sailed from New York to Maryland in 1777, landed his troops, and marched toward Philadelphia. To slow the advance, the first American light infantry corps was organized, with Maxwell in command.

• General George Washington needed a mobile force to engage the British because he had sent General Daniel Morgan and his men to help defend against General John Burgoyne’s invasion of the Hudson River Valley (see Saratoga Campaign).
• On August 28, 1777, he ordered the formation of what became known as “Maxwell’s Brigade.” It was a mobile, light infantry unit designed for scouting missions and for skirmishing with enemy forces.
• Maxwell was sent to slow Howe’s march.
• On October 4, Washington sent Colonel Charles Armand and his men to reinforce Maxwell.

Battle of Cooch’s Bridge (Iron Hill)

The only significant engagement of the war that took place in Delaware occurred on September 3, 1777, at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge. 

• This was the first action for Maxwell’s Brigade.
• Maxwell and his men were in position to ambush the British advance guard, which was led by General Charles Cornwallis. 
• Troops from both sides were engaged in heavy fighting. 
• Maxwell had orders to inflict damage and then retreat. 
• After the Americans used most of their ammunition, the British responded with a bayonet charge, forcing the American troops to retreat and giving the British a victory. 

Battle of Brandywine

On September 8, General Howe marched toward Brandywine Creek. General Washington quickly moved to block him. On September 10, Washington’s Army maintained positions on the east side of Brandywine Creek. Washington placed Maxwell and his brigade on the west side to slow the British advance. Maxwell had cavalry and infantry under his command.

• The battle started around 8:00 a.m. when British artillery opened fire.
• Around 10:00, Knyphausen’s troops engaged Maxwell’s.
• They fought for two hours before the Americans were pushed back over the Creek.
• Knyphausen did not follow Maxwell. 
• Instead, both sides conducted an artillery duel for several hours.

The battle lasted all day. Although Washington’s Army held its own with the British, it was still forced to withdraw toward Philadelphia.

Battle of the Clouds

Five days after Brandywine, both armies were about 20 miles west of Philadelphia, near White House Tavern, when advance forces started fighting.

• The British approached the Americans in three columns, led by Cornwallis, Knyphausen (accompanied by Howe), and General Edward Mathew.
• Knyphausen, who encountered Casimir Pulaski’s cavalry and infantry units, pushed by them and advanced toward Maxwell and his troops.
• Cornwallis engaged Pennsylvania Militia units, pushed them back, and advanced toward American troops commanded by General Anthony Wayne.

However, a sudden rainstorm started and lasted for about two days. During the storm, the ammunition was soaked. Washington ordered his army to withdraw, and he crossed to the north side of the Schuylkill River to obtain dry ammunition and supplies from American storage depots. This encounter, often called the “Battle of the Clouds,” is considered a British victory.

British Forces Capture Philadelphia

On September 26, 1777, General Howe seized control of Philadelphia, successfully achieving one of the primary goals of the Philadelphia Campaign; however, the Continental Army remained a threat. Howe had seen how quartering troops in New York and Boston had created tensions with the residents, so he kept 5,000 men in the city.

• He sent around 9,000 to Germantown, a small village northwest of the city, which was about a half-day’s march away.
• He sent Cornwallis and another 3,000 troops into New Jersey.

William Heth Criticizes Maxwell

On October 2, 1777, one of Maxwell’s men, Lieutenant Colonel William Heth of Virginia, wrote a letter to Daniel Morgan. Heth was critical of Maxwell, saying “Maxwell’s Corps ‘twas expected would do great things — we had opportunities — and any body but an old-woman, would have avail’d themselves of them…”

Battle of Germantown

On October 4, 1777, Maxwell’s New Jersey Continentals attacked the Benjamin Chew house during the Battle of Germantown. The attack failed, and his troops suffered casualties.

• Afterward, Maxwell faced a court-martial.
• Heth accused him of misconduct and heavy drinking.

The court heard his case on November 4. A mixed decision was issued, as the court could not prove the charges and did not clear his name.

Winter at Valley Forge

On December 19, 1777, the first men from Washington’s Army arrived at Valley Forge. They remained there until June 19, 1778. The location allowed Washington to block any British advance on York, where Congress had fled to. During this time, the troops suffered through a brutal winter, lacking clothing and food due to ongoing issues with supplies and provisions. Several key events occurred at the camp:

• Baron Friedrich von Steuben arrived in February 1778 and trained the troops.
• The Treaty of Alliance with France was announced in May and celebrated in the camp.

Maxwell’s Brigade was disbanded after Germantown, and he resumed command of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th New Jersey Regiments during the Winter at Valley Forge. On May 7, 1778, Maxwell was sent to Mount Holly, New Jersey, in preparation for the 1778 campaign.

British Forces Withdraw from Philadelphia

When the British found out the French were entering the war, they decided they needed to evacuate Philadelphia and march to New York City.

• By this time, General Henry Clinton had replaced General William Howe as commander-in-chief of British forces.
• On June 17, 1778, Clinton’s army started leaving Philadelphia. 
• By June 18, his entire army had crossed the Delaware River and camped at Haddonfield, New Jersey.

The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse

With Clinton on the move, Washington devised a plan to attack the British Army. On June 27, 1778, Clinton stopped to rest his men near the small village of Monmouth Court House. Washington put his plan in motion:

• He sent General Charles Lee, the Marquis de Lafayette, General Anthony Wayne, Maxwell, and General Charles Scott ahead of the main American army with instructions to engage the rear guard of Clinton’s army.
• Washington told them he would remain nearby with the main body, ready to provide reinforcements as needed.

The British resumed their march early the next morning, June 28, earlier than the Americans expected. General Lee was supposed to start his attack, but was delayed, and then he was caught off guard when General Charles Cornwallis engaged him.

• Lee ordered his men to retreat.
• When Washington heard this, he found Lee and confronted him.
• Lee struggled to explain his actions and tried to blame other officers.
• Outraged, Washington exploded and removed Lee from command immediately.

Washington organized Lee’s men and engaged the British Army. A furious battle carried on until late in the afternoon. By early evening, both sides had withdrawn to their lines.

• Washington was prepared to fight again the next day.
• Clinton rested his troops and withdrew the next morning, resuming the march to New York City.
• He arrived in New York City on July 5, 1778.

Technically, the battle was a draw, but the Continental Army’s training during the Winter at Valley Forge allowed it to hold its own with the well-trained British Army on the open field at Monmouth Court House.

Court Martial of Charles Lee

Following Monmouth Courthouse, tensions between Washington and Lee increased, as Lee appeared confident he had played an important role. Washington was furious and had Lee arrested on June 30, 1778. Lee was court-martialed and found guilty of all charges against him. Lee appealed to Congress, which upheld the decision. Lee was suspended and later dismissed from the army.

• Maxwell testified at General Charles Lee’s court-martial.
• He said that Lee was unaware of the position of Maxwell’s brigade during the early phase of the battle, which contributed to the confusion.

Final Campaigns

• In July 1778, Maxwell helped guard the New Jersey coast across from Staten Island. This continued into the spring of 1779.
• In 1779, he was assigned to Sullivan’s Expedition, which attacked Iroquois towns on the New York frontier.
• Maxwell returned to New Jersey and fought against General Wilhelm Knyphausen when he carried out raids on Springfield, New Jersey, in June 1780.

Sullivan’s Expedition (May–November 1779) — General John Sullivan led a large expedition against the Cayuga and Seneca in Western New York. General James Clinton served as Sullivan’s second-in-command. They led nearly 4,500 American troops and Oneida warriors, divided into two columns. They attacked roughly 40 villages, forcing many Iroquois who supported the British to flee from New York and relocate to refugee camps near Fort Niagara. This is also known as the “Sullivan-Clinton Campaign of 1779.”

Springfield Raid (June 7–23, 1780) — General Wilhelm von Knyphausen led 5,000 troops toward the American encampment at Morristown, New Jersey. Colonel Elias Dayton engaged him at Springfield, slowing the advance. Knyphausen withdrew and burned Connecticut Farms. In response, General Washington sent reinforcements under General Nathanael Greene, which included Maxwell’s command and Philemon Dickinson’s New Jersey Militia. Knyphausen attacked Springfield again on June 23 and was stopped by American forces led by Greene, Maxwell, Dickinson, Edward Hand, William Shreve, and Israel Angell.

Resignation

• Following the actions at Springfield, Maxwell submitted his resignation.
• The exact reasons for this are unclear, but sources indicate he clashed with the other officers in the Elizabethtown area.
• Although he tried to withdraw his resignation, Congress accepted it, ending his service in the Continental Army.
• Elias Dayton succeeded Maxwell as commanding officer of the New Jersey Brigade.

Post-War Career

• Maxwell served one term in the New Jersey assembly in 1783.
• He returned to the family farm near Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
• Maxwell died on November 4, 1796, while visiting Colonel Charles Stewart at his estate, “Landsdown,” in Pittstown, New Jersey.

Accomplishments and Milestones

• 1747: Immigrated to New Jersey from Ireland.
• 1758: Fought at Fort Ticonderoga in the French and Indian War (July 8).
• 1760–1773: Served as British commissary at various frontier forts.
• 1775, August: Became chairman of Sussex County committee of safety.
• 1775, November 8: Commissioned as colonel; raised 2nd New Jersey Regiment.
• February 1776: Joined the retreating American army in Canada.
• 1776, June 8: Fought at Trois-Rivières.
• 1776, October 23: Appointed brigadier general.
• 1776, December 21: Assigned to lead militia at Morristown.
• 1777, September 3: Fought in the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge.
• 1777, September 11: Fought in the Battle of Brandywine. 
• 1777, October 4: Fought at Germantown.
• 1778, May 7: Deployed to Mount Holly ahead of the Monmouth Campaign.
• 1778, June 28: Fought at the Battle of Monmouth.
• 1779: Participated in Sullivan’s Expedition against the Iroquois.
• 1780, June 7–23: Fought in the Springfield Raids.
• 1780, July: Resigned from the army.
• 1783: Elected to the New Jersey assembly.
• 1796, November 4: Died while visiting Colonel Charles Stewart’s farm, Landsdown..

Appendix

Biographical Sketch

This biographical sketch of William Maxwell is from the Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution (1889). Please note that minor text corrections have been made.

William Maxwell, though little is known of his personal history, is believed to have been born in Ireland and brought to New Jersey in his early life. He entered the colonial service in 1758, serving through the French and Indian War, and as colonel of one of the New Jersey regiments, took part in the disastrous campaign of 1776 in Canada. On the 23rd of October of that year, he was commissioned brigadier-general. He was with Schuyler on Lake Champlain and later was attached to the main army under Washington. In August 1779, he joined Sullivan’s Expedition against the Indians. Following the action at Springfield, he submitted his resignation, which Congress accepted on July 25, 1780. Washington said of him, “I believe him to be an honest man, a warm friend to his country, and firmly attached to its interests.”

Narrative

This narrative of William Maxwell is from the Dictionary of American Biography (1943). Please note that minor text corrections have been made and additional spacing has been added to improve readability.

William Maxwell was born of Scottish-Irish ancestry near Newtown Stewart, County Tyrone, Ireland. His parents, John and Ann Maxwell, with four children, of whom William was the eldest, came to America about 1747, settling in Greenwich Township, Sussex (now Warren) County, New Jersey. William was raised as a farmer’s son, with only ordinary educational advantages. 

At 21, he entered military service in a British regiment to participate in the French and Indian War, and was with General Edward Braddock when he seized Fort Duquesne in 1755. 

Afterward, he was an Ensign in Colonel John Johnston’s New Jersey Regiment and then a Lieutenant in Colonel Peter Schuyler’s New Jersey Regiment. 

In 1758, he served under General Abercromby in the expedition against Fort Ticonderoga, and he is believed to have fought under General Wolfe at the capture of Quebec in September 1759. 

Toward the close of the war, he became attached to the British commissary department at Mackinac, with the rank of Colonel. He was there until 1774, when, learning that New Jersey was nearly ripe for a revolution against Great Britain, he returned to his home in Sussex County, New Jersey.

He was a member of the Provincial Congress at Trenton, which met in May 1775. In August, he was chairman of the Committee of Safety of his county, and in October, he was again a member of the Provincial Congress.

The Provincial Congress recommended him to the Continental Congress to be appointed as Colonel of the Western Battalion of New Jersey Continental troops. Maxwell was elected to that office on November 7, 1775. He immediately raised what became the 2nd Battalion, 1st Establishment, of the New Jersey Continentals.

In February 1776, he went with General John Sullivan’s army into Canada and was at the Battle of Three Rivers on June 8, 1776. Because of his bravery in this campaign, the Continental Congress commissioned him as a Brigadier General on October 23, 1776. Afterward, Washington placed him in command of four battalions in the 2nd Establishment of New Jersey Continental troops. From December 2, 1776, to the summer of 1777, he harassed British forces in New Jersey at Elizabethtown, Rahway, and Springfield. 

He fought in the Philadelphia Campaign at Brandywine (September 11, 1777) and the Battle of Germantown (October 4, 1777). Afterward, he spent the winter and spring at Valley Forge (1777–1778). On June 28, 1778, his brigade took an active part in the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse. The remainder of 1777 and the following winter, he was stationed chiefly near Elizabethtown again, where he harassed the enemy, interfering with foraging parties from New York and Staten Island. 

When the Sullivan Expedition left Easton, Pennsylvania, on June 18, 1779, to proceed against the Six Nations in Western Pennsylvania and New York, Maxwell’s brigade was with it, and continued with it until the return in October, when the brigade went into winter quarters near Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

In June 1780, Maxwell fought at the Battle of Springfield and then at Connecticut Farms. He resigned his commission in July, ending his military service. In forwarding the resignation to Congress, Washington spoke of him as “an honest man, a warm friend to this country, and firmly attached to her interests.”

In 1783, Maxwell was elected to the New Jersey Assembly. He died in November 1796 while visiting an army friend at Pittstown, New Jersey. He was buried in the graveyard of the old Stone Church near his home, where a monument, describing his virtues, marks his grave. He never married. Maxwell is said to have been a “tall, stalwart man” with a “florid complexion.” Because of his Scottish accent, his soldiers, by whom he was greatly beloved, called him “Scotch Willie.” New Jersey has always considered him one of its foremost soldiers.