Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution

Chapter 81: OTHO HOLLAND WILLIAMS.

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About This Book

The work compiles concise biographical sketches of the senior officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, arranged with lists of major and brigadier generals and summaries of each officer's commissions, service, and notable engagements. It pairs these entries with an index of dates and a collection of portraits assembled for display, and includes a preface explaining the provenance of the engravings and the editorial methods and sources consulted. Intended as a compact reference for visitors and readers, the volume emphasizes factual data—appointments, service conclusions, and commemoration—while providing bibliographic notes and acknowledgments of contributors.

OTHO HOLLAND WILLIAMS.

Otho Holland Williams, born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in 1749, entered the Revolutionary army in 1775, as a lieutenant. He steadily rose in rank, holding the position of adjutant-general under Greene. Though acting with skill and gallantry on all occasions, his fame chiefly rests on his brilliant achievement at the battle of Eutaw Springs, where his command gained the day for the Americans by their irresistible charge with fixed bayonets across a field swept by the fire of the enemy. On the 9th of May, 1782, he was made a brigadier-general, but retired from the army on the 6th of June, 1783, to accept the appointment of collector of customs for the State of Maryland, which office he held until his death on the 16th of July, 1800.