Cumberland County PA Archives Biography and Documents.....THOMPSON, Brig. Gen. William July 5, 1736 - Sept. 3, 1781 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Lynn Beatty klbeatty@redrivernet.com July 31, 2006 INDEX OF DOCUMENTS: 1 : DATE: October 10, 1765 IN: "The Pennsylvania Gazette" RE: Cumberland Co. Real Estate Rep. 2 : DATE: August 17, 1773 TO: George Washington FROM: John Armstrong 3 : DATE: December 29, 1773 TO: George Washington FROM: William Crawford 4 : DATE: September 25, 1775 TO: Thompson, William, Col. FROM: Thomas Craig 5 : DATE: October 23, 1775 TO: Mrs. Hand, his wife FROM: Capt. Edward Hand 6 : DATE: November 21, 1775 TO: George Washington FROM: Wm. Thompson 7 : DATE: March 7, 1776 TO: Continental Congress FROM: George Washington 8 : DATE: March 27, 1776 TO: Wm. Thompson FROM: George Washington 9 : DATE: Mar. 28th, 1776 TO: George Washington FROM: Wm. Thompson 10 : DATE: April 27, 1776 TO: George Washington FROM: Wm. Thompson 11 : DATE: undated TO: George Washington FROM: Wm. Thompson 12 : DATE: June 2, 1776 TO: George Washington FROM: Wm. Thompson 13 : DATE: June 6, 1776 TO: Wm. Thompson FROM: Gen. Jno. Sullivan 14 : DATE: June 8, 1776 TO: unk [taken prisoner] FROM: unknown 15 : DATE: June 13, 1776 TO: unk [taken prisoner] FROM: unknown 16 : DATE: July 7, 1776 TO: Letter On The Amer Rev. FROM: a letter from NY 17 : DATE: December 5, 1776 TO: Not stated FROM: Wm. Thompson 18 : DATE: July 27, 1777 TO: Wm. Thompson FROM: George Washington 19 : DATE: July 19, 1778 TO: George Washington FROM: Wm. Thompson 20 : DATE: July 23, 1778 TO: Gen. William Thompson FROM: not stated 21 : DATE: December 26, 1778 IN: "The Pennsylvania Packet" RE: Release of Gen. Thompson 22 : DATE: December 29, 1778 IN: "The Pennsylvania Packet" FROM: Gen. Wm. Thompson 23 : DATE: Sept. 12, 1781 IN: "The Pennsylvania Packet" OBIT: Death of Gen. Thompson 24 : DATE: April 14, 1784 IN: "The Pennsylvania Gazette" RE: Officers of PA line [Land Claims] 25 : DATE: 1789 LAND: Pennsylvania Land Patent List 26 : DATE: April 18, 1854 PENSION CLAIM: Robert C. Thompson RE: Senate Bill S. 338 33d Congress, 1st Session 27 : DATE: May 29, 1858 PENSION CLAIM: Catharine Thompson RE: H.R. Bill 599 35th Congress, 1st Session 28 : DATE: March 2, 1860 PENSION CLAIM: Catharine Thompson RE: H.R. Bill 248 36th Congress, 1st Session 29 : DATE: June 3, 1870 PENSION CLAIM: Fanny A. Thompson RE: Senate Bill S. 967 41st Congress, 2d Session 30 : DATE: 1935 BIOGRAPHY: Brig. Gen. William Thompson, July 5, 1736 - Sept. 3, 1781 ************************************************ 1. Newspaper, "The Pennsylvania Gazette", October 10, 1765 ************************************************ Item In "The Pennsylvania Gazette" "TO BE SOLD several valuable Plantations and Tracts of Land, situate in the Counties of Lancaster, York and Cumberland. Enquire of Jacob Neaf, near Lancaster, George Stevenson, in York Town and William Thompson, near Carlisle....." ************************************************ 2. Letter From John Armstrong To Geo. Washington August 17, 1773 ************************************************ Letter from John Armstrong to George Washington, August 17, 1773: Carlisle, 17th August 1773 Dear Coll.-- Sundry Gentlemen who had formerly held Military Commissions in the Pay of Pennsylvania & Serv'd in conjunction with the Established troops, have lately fallen upon a method of asking their respective Quotoes of Land within the jurisdiction of Virginia..Lord Dunmore wou'd undoubtedly order Patends to all such Officers as shou'd produce Governor Penns Certificate of their Commission & Service as above; Inconsequence whereof we have Sent off Captn. Wm. Thompson to attend...in order to get the Lands Survey'd in that new County. On the 1st of July Thompson arriv'd at the mouth of Scioto, but found that Mr. Bullett had left that place ..not expected to return till Spring or Summer next. This being the Case Captn. Thompson writes us, that as the lands are Survey'd on the Front of the River a great distance above & below the mouth of Sioto, he is determin'd to go back from the River & lay Out and Survey the land expecting that thro' the good Offices of Some Gentlemen of your country, those surveys to be made for the Officers by him, may be accepted & approv'd in the land-office of Virginia.. Permit me to add 'tis very possible Thompson may get nothing done (altho' he has about Sixty Men of whom there are Several Surveyors in expectation of being deputed by Captn. Bullett for the sake of dispatch) as of four Men with ten or twelve Pack Horses which he Sent by land, at Set of Villains of the Minggo Tribe for such I'm told is their Character has actually Kill'd one or two of the Men & taken all the Horses &c. of which Thompson knew nothing when he wrote. ************************************************ 3. Letter From Wm. Crawford To Geo. Washington, December 29, 1773 ************************************************ Letter from William Crawford to George Washington, December 29, 1773 Spring Gardin December 29th 1773 Sir ...Inclosed you have a faint Draft maid by Gess..and the Grant he dose make so much noyse about is they Grant on the Ohio and Rockoon first Run by Capt. William Thompson is the Limit of his grant...The Line Run by Mr. Campbell to the Mouth of Petters Creek is over and above his grant Much More the Line Run by Mr. Hooper to the Litle Readstone which is nearly four times as much as his Endien Deed Calls for What Protenion he can have for the other Land I am at a Looss to now.... When Thompson run the Land and maid out the draft and Delivered it to him Colo Croghan said it was not Run right.... You probably may get your Land on Chart[i]ers Creek patented that would put an end to farther Trouble but this I will Leve to your own Judgement I am your very Hume Sarvant W Crawford ************************************************ 4. Letter To Col. William Thompson from Thomas Craig ************************************************ Letter To Col. William Thompson Prospect Hill Sep. 25th, 1775 Sir. I beg leave to present to you this my resignation of the place of Quarter Master to your Regiment, in favor of Mr. Charles Craig as experience has shown me that I can't with propriety continue to sit in that appointment. I hope you will accept my resignation and approve the said Mr. Craig as my successor. I am Sir with Respect Yr. Obt. Hnbl Srvt. Thomas Craig TO Col. William Thompson Commanding the 2d Reg't. ************************************************ 5. Letter Of Capt. Edward Hand To His Wife, October 23, 1775 ************************************************ Letter Of Capt. Edward Hand To His Wife One of our armed boats fell down to the mouth of Cambridge river, & sent a few shots into Boston. One of her guns bursted. Your old friend Worthington was on board, & had his shins broken. Gen. Washington is irritated by Capt. Ross' absence without his knowledge & declared to Col. Thompson that any officer who went home from his regiment must resign his commission......Col. Thompson marched instantly with his men, & though a very stormy day, they regarded not the tide nor waited for boats, but took to the water, although up to their armpits, for a quarter of a mile, & notwithstanding the regulars' fire, reached the island, & although the enemy were lodged behind the walls & under cover, drove them to their boats. Loss, one kill & three wounded. British loss, seventeen killed & one wounded. ************************************************ 6. Letter To Geo. Washington From Wm. Thompson November 21, 1775 ************************************************ Letter To Geo. Washington From Wm. Thompson Prospect Hill 21st Nov 1775 Sir: The ________ Capt James Nagle of my Regiment has lately been ______ Sheriff of Berks County in Pennsylvania. His own private to Borough as well as that of the troops must greatly _____ until he can obtain leave of absence from your Excellency for about six weeks. Inclosed is a list of ____ when _____ have to recommend for Commission to fill up the ______ in my Regiment. Should they meet with your approbation. Capt. Nagles absence will be no disadvantage to the Regiment as he is to return in so short a time. I am Your Excellency's Most Obdt Hble Serv't To His Excellency Wm Thompson Genl Washington ************************************************ 7. George Washington To Continental Congress, March 7, 1776 ************************************************ George Washington To Continental Congress ...I beg leave to remind Congress that three Major Generals are essential and necessary for this Army, and that by General Lee's being called from hence to the command in Canada, the left Division is without one. I hope they fill up the vacancy by the Appointment of another. General Thompson is the first Brigadier, stands fair in paint of Reputation and is esteemed a brave and good Officer. If he is promoted, there will be a vacancy in the Brigadier Generals, which it will be necessary to supply by the appointment of some other Gentleman, that shall be agreeable to Congress. But justice requires me to mention that William Thompson Esquire of the Rifle Regiment is the first Colonel of this department, and as far as I have had an Opportunity of Judging, is a good officer and a man of courage. What I have said of these two Gentlemen, I conceive to be my duty, at the same time acknowledging whatever promotions are made will be satisfactory to me... ************************************************ 8. Letter To Wm. Thompson From Geo. Washington, March 27, 1776 ************************************************ Letter To Wm. Thompson From Geo. Washington To. B. General William Thompson New York Head Quarters, Cambridge, 27t March, 1776 Sir, I take this earliest opportunity to acquaint you that the men of war & transports with the ministerial Troops sail'd this afternoon from Nantasket Harbour. There is only a Man of War & two or three other armr'd vessels now remaining there. In consequence of this movement I have ordered a Brigade to march to morrow morning for New York, and shall follow with the remainder of the army as soon as I can receive certain information of the fleet being clear off the coast, & that we are in no further danger of their returning to attack us at a disadvantage. I shall leave a few regiments at Boston to protect the continental shores, & to assist in fortifying the town & harbour agreeable to the directions that may be given by the General Assembly of this colony. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, Sir, G. Washington ************************************************ 9. Letter To George Washington from Wm. Thompson, March 28, 1776 ************************************************ Letter To George Washington New York Mar. 28th, 1776 Sir, I should for now have sent you a return of the troops stationed at this place with an account of the stores ___ but had the pleasure to hear of your having obliged General ____ with his garrison to evacuate Boston & that you were immediately to march for this place yourself. The many works laid out for the defence of New York will require more large cannons, than are here at present, and as it is probably from the number M. Sacony left behind then at Boston, that a few can be spared from thence, you will judge of the propriety of sending them & give your order accordingly. I believe about thirty are wanted & the larger the better. I am with the good ______ of Lord ______ carrying on the sundry work, without much expedition as possibly and hope you will be pleased with the ______ _____ you will find them in when you arrive in town. As a number of troops must be stationed on Long Island and but very few houses near to lodge them in ____ ____ you may think it right to order troops home Cambridge for that purpose. --- I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's Most obedient Humble Servant Wm. Thompson ************************************************ 10. Letter To George Washington from Wm. Thompson, April 27, 1776 ************************************************ Letter To George Washington Albany, 27th Apr 1776 Sir: I arrived here on Thursday and the whole party got up yesterday. Col. Granton's Regiment marched up yesterday and I have ordered Col. Patterson to follow him today, _____ tomorrow and Sam's on Monday, but as there are not more boats than will handle the baggage of one Regiment at a time and these boats can go to the Half Moon and return the same day. I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to march more than one Regiment in ______. I _____ Lord Montgomery in the night and had not an opportunity to answering it but from what I can learn it would be proper to send an ______ there to see how the work is laid out and the plan executed. Col. Baldwin writes your Excellency concerning _____, tools, and Capt. Badlaw writes to General Gates about artillery men - The Beaver Capt. Van Buren will immediately proceed to this place with such articles as you may think proper to order for Canada, and I believe everything they have mentioned is very much wanted. As soon as Col. Patterson's Regiment marches from hence I shall go to the Half Moon and see that carriages are provided to forward the troops from that place, and shall take every matter in my favor to reach thither as soon as possible. We from the many carrying places and embarkations I am doubtful whether we shall arrive in less than three weeks. I have not heard any intelligence from Canada that can be depended on, but believe if I can get to Quebec with my party before Gen. Carleton received reinforcements all will be well. I understand that Carlton is much ________ be very secure to the northerners. I hope sufficient quantity of both will _______. Dr. Adams of the 5th Regiment having _____ Col. ____ request Mr. W. Parker may be appointed in his stead if agreeable to your Excellency. I Am Your Excellency's Most Obedient Hble. Servant William Thompson ************************************************ 11. Letter to Geo. Washington From Wm. Thompson, undated, about 1775-1776 ************************************************ Letter To Geo. Washington From Wm. Thompson May it Please your Excellency The ______ Lieut. Cromer has for some time past been in a very bad state of health and is not likely to recover in this part of the country and therefore has requested have to resign. He has been a very good officer but I believe his want of health will find it out of his power to do duty during the winter - and want beg of your Excellency to accept of his resignation. All the rest of my officers are fond of the _____. I hope this will be the last request of this ______ have occasion to make And am your Excellency's most obedt and very Humb Sert Wm. Thompson ************************************************ 12. Letter To George Washington from Wm. Thompson, June 2, 1776 ************************************************ Letter To George Washington Excellency General Washington New York Camp at Sorel June 2, 1776 Dear General The new of the Country you will hear from the Honorable Commissioners of Congress. - The prospect is rather unfavorable on our side at present but I hope will clear up. On the night of the 31 ult. Irwin's an account of Gen. Carleton's having passed the ______ of Richlieu, whilst I was a Chamble attending a Council of war - I made no delay in ________out for this place and arrived in time to present any consequences following the intelligence here. Having received information that col. McClain with about 800 Regulars and Canadians had advanced as far up as the Three Rivers, I have sent off Col. St. Clair with between six & seven hundred men to attack his camp if it can be done with the least probability of ______ This may be a means to prevent the Canadians & savages from taking up arms against ____ which they begin already to do, & might otherwise in a little time increase the number of the enemy to a very formidable force. Col. St. Clair is an officer of great experience and I make no doubt he will acquit himself well of his command. I have wrote to General Arnold at Montreal to send the Pennsylvania Troops in number about 300 from thence to join ______ and likewise to the Baron to send from St. John's the first Regiment that arrives there - with more troops I may be able to make the more advantage of Col. St. Clair's success if he should pass fortunate, or support a retreat if driven to that necessity. Had I arrived in this country too weeks sooner with my informant I thinks we could have prevented General Carleton's possession of De Chambault (?) this summer. Three thousand men could have defended Canada at that place better than Gen. _____ can now we are out of possession of it - I now begin to entertain doubt of our ability to keep the province. Our artillery is low and the New England troops are so much infected with, or afraid of the smallpox as to almost prevent their doing duty. Could I have the command of the Jersey and Pennsylvania Regiments I still believe I did not keep the country, it would require at hand five thousand men to oblige one to evacuate it, and that would be ______. The Southern Colonies of so many ______ during the course of the Campaign, & perhaps recover a little of the Honor we have lately so lavishly thrown away. St. Clair is of opinion we may with safety _____ the capitulation make with General Arnold. It's extremely hard to give up all the fruits of the last years campaign _____ which _____ so much, & what was still agreeable to us. The life of General Montgomery without ever releasing our ________ in Quebec. But if engagement of this delicate nature is broken and without the _____ testimony to support us, we shall be forever undone. I have sent off the sick and heavy baggage from here that if I am reduced to the necessity of retreating I can do it with little help - Including the men that went with Col. St. Clair, there employed in ______ his ____ and gone. _____ the sick, with 50 stationed on the opposite side of the St. Lawrence, the number of troops here are reduced to about 200 - in a few days I shall be joined by Col. De____ with his detachment. My greatest distress at present is on account of the unhappy situation of the Canadians who have taken an active part with NY, as I know not whether I shall long have it in my power to protect them from the vengeance of Genl. Carleton with which they are threatened. They apprehend the worst and are truly objects of compassion. I am my ____ & your affec. Humble Serv. William Thompson Instruction for Genl Thompson ************************************************ 13. Letter To Wm. Thompson from Jno. Sullivan, June 6, 1776 ************************************************ Letter To William Thompson Dr. Sir You are to March as soon as possible with Co.. Irvine & Col. Haines (?) (Regiments together with those of Col. St. Claire now remaining at this place. I _____ Col. St. Claire at Nicholett & take command of the whole party. Unless you find the _______ of the enemy at Three Rivers to be such as would ______ an attack upon them hazardous you are to cross the river at the most convenient place you can & attack them. You will pay particular attention to the preservation of your Battalion, helping them at a convenient distance above the shipping which lays at or near the Three Rivers. I would by no means advise to an attack if the prospect of ____ is not much in your favour, as a defeat of your party at this time might prove the total life of this country. ____ ____ I have (without flattery) the highest opinion of the bravery & good conduct of yourself & the officers you command. I forbear attempting particular instructions, being will _____ that neither prudence nor resolution will be ______ to answer the great purpose we have in you. I have the highest opinion of the bravery & resolution of the troops you command & doubt not but under the direction of a kind & _______ you will open the way for our recovering that ground which former troops have shamefully lost. Wishing you the greatest success & safety. I am Sir your most obedient servant Horrell (?) June 6, 1776 Jno. Sullivan ************************************************ 14. Letter Unknown, June 8, 1776 ************************************************ Letter Unknown Gen. Thompson, Bird & I then concluded it would be better to deliver ourselves up to British officers, than to run the risk of being murdered in the woods by Canadians. Indeed we were so exhausted as to be unable to march further; accordingly we went up to a house where we saw a guard, & surrendered ourselves 'prisoners at discretion'. ************************************************ 15. Letter Unknown, June 13, 1776 ************************************************ Letter Unknown, PA. Archives, Series 4, Vol. VI, Page 826 "P. S. June 13. Last night, a sort of flag of truce came from the enemy. Gen. Thompson, Col. Irvine, Dr. McKenzie, Lts. Edie, Currie & Marson McCalla, (of the First,) are prisoners. They were taken up by some of the rascally Canadians, in the most treacherous manner." ************************************************ 16. Letters On The American Revolution, July 7, 1776 ************************************************ "Letters on the American Revolution 1774-1776", edited by Margaret Wheeler Willard, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston & New York, 1925. Extract of letter from New York, July 7, "A strong detachment is sent towards Canada, to reinforce our army there, which has received a check, with the loss of the brave General Thompson." ************************************************ 17. Letters From William Thompson, December 5, 1776 ************************************************ Letter From William Thompson Sirs The wants of the prisoners being many, I pressure (?) then credit with M. Truman at Quebec for the £630..9..0 Halifax, equal to £945..14..6 Pennsylvania currency, ___ which I have _____ the following bills and cash viz. Col. Gruno's Bill for ..........................£335 2 s 6 p Halifax Capt. Morgan's etc. for..........................105 6 s 9 p Cap. Labb..do. For.............................. 57 6 s Mjr Nichols & ____..do..for...................... 40 0 s 1 p Dr. McKenzie..Cash............................... 12 3 s 4 p M. Duncan..Cash.................................. 0 13 s 0 p Col. Gruófor the sick (still Dr)................. 53 3 s 10 p Cap. McClean..Cash............................... 0 12 s 3 p £630 9 0 Halifax Col. Gr--- took up for the use of the sick soldiers belonging to the New England colonies, sundry articles amounting to £63.. 3.. 10 Halifax which he has not included in the bill - your Excellency will please to direct whether it is to be charged to the poor soldiers or the Publick. I have also drawn five months pay, for the officers and three months pay for the soldiers, belonging to the Pennsylvania & Jersey Regiments, who have returned with me from Canada. - I enclose the account that stoppages may be made in the Regimt. to which they belong. I have made myself liable for the goods and supplies by M. Truman, to Messr. Meredith ______ of this city, and must request that you will order the bills to be paid, that I may be released from that obligation. I have the Honor to be Yr. Excellency's Most Obt. Honbl Servant Wm. Thompson Phila. De. 5th. 1776 ************************************************ 18. Letter to Gen. Thompson from George Washington, July 27, 1777 ************************************************ Letter To Gen. Thompson From George Washington Camp of the Clove July 27, 1777 Dr Sirs: A few days ago your favor of the 5th of October last with its ______was handed us by Major ____. The delay, which has continued between the date and delivery, owing to the neglect or forgetfulness of the person to whom it was first given, has _____the adjustment and felt _______of your _______-much more difficult than if otherwise would or of rights should be. The officer who returned from Canada, immediately upon his arrival at Head Quarters made out abstracts for this _____and obtained warrants for the same. Whether any stoppage was made on account of your ______, is a matter that I do not recollect - was______able to give you the satisfaction. I could wish upon the head - I am inclined to think by they were not from what the pay master Gen. C____abstract of whose letter upon the ______to Mr. Hamilton you have inclosed to _____. Things being thus circumstances and as the advances in Canada having been for the company (?) which and ______ of the prisoners, I have no doubt but Congress whom a proper representation of the ______ we'll take the matter up and _____for your demand. If _____ have been already made for it which will appear on examination of the _____ in the commissioners hands the states will not be injured - If not, this reimbursing you and waiting till the money can be refunded by the Officers __________ _______ will be perhaps nothing more than an equitable & reasonable __________. __________ __________ You----- Genl Thompson G. W. Before the receipt of this you will probably have heard of the captivity of Major Genl _______ _______ of his aide - I congratulate you upon the event, and with fortune would know _____ ________ of those Gen Officer by which you exchanged may it be affected. G. W. I have released the officer notes ________ ________ ______ which you transmitted. ************************************************ 19. Letter From Gen. Thompson To George Washington, July 19, 1778 ************************************************ Letter From Gen. Thompson To George Washington Philadela, July 19th, 1778 Sir, I expected before this time to have been made happy by the receipt of my Parole from New York, and can account for its delay upon no other principle than the hurried and very particular situation of the British Forces at this time, which may perhaps have impeded the negotiation of that business. When it arrives at Camp I am well satisfied your Excelly. will forward it to me with the necessary expedition. The Honble the Congress having been pleased to assure me that my Rank in the Army is reserved for me, and being now just on the brink of _____ into Service, I shall hand in need of two Aids de Camp. And for that purpose I have thought of appointing John Coats Esqr. who was formerly a Captain in 11th Pennsylvania Regiment but who from a wound he received, and some other circumstances was under the necessity of resigning his commission. When the particulars are considered that resignation I presume will be no impediment to his appointment, more especially when it is considered that the young Gentm had my promise and was virtually in that capacity some time previous to the resolution of Congress. George _______ Deputy Muster Wm. Genl was an early and faithful volunteer of mine at Cambridge and is intitled (sic) to every mark of attention that I can pay him, and as he wished to be actively useful as possible, and now holds the rank of a Lieut. Co. in the line of the Army, I have no doubt but as an encouragement to merit and a reward for his long and faithful service your Excellency will indulge him with the same rank as my family. I request a line from your Excellency upon this subject and am Your most Obedt. Hble Servt. William Thompson His Excellency Genl Washington ************************************************ 20. Letter to Gen. Thompson, July 23, 1778 ************************************************ Letter To Gen. William Thompson McHenry Head Quarters ______ ______ 23 July, 1778 Your favor of the 19th last was duly ___________. I have not as yet had the least intimation of your parole, but should it come into my hands I shall take a pleasure in its early transmission and be happy to see you again with the army. It is entirely out of my power to do anything either in the case of Mr. Coate or Mr. Nearth as all sides agreeable to a late resolve a congress are to be taken from the line. The weather (?) therefore only lays with congress. - - I am Sir _____- Gen. Thompson ************************************************ 21. Newspaper, "The Pennsylvania Packet", December 26, 1778 ************************************************ "The Pennsylvania Packet" "The Pennsylvania Packet", December 26, 1778 (Item # 64008): "Princeton, Com. Gen. Prisoners. "Nov. 12, 1778 Return of Officers at home on Parole, October 12, 1778. General William Thompson....." ************************************************ 22. Gen. Wm. Thompson letter, "The Pennsylvania Packet", December 29, 1778 ************************************************ Letter To "The Pennsylvania Packet" "For the PENNSYLVANIA PACKET. It is with infinite reluctance that I find myself compelled to address the public; but however disagreeable the task, I cannot avoid it, without departing from that sacred regard I owe to my own reputation, which has been basely attacked by a contemptible and despicable creature who is unworthily advanced to dignified stations. To obviate the prejudice which his endeavours to injure my reputation might occasion in the minds of the uninformed, I beg to leave to trouble the public with a short state of my situation. Animated with a warm and pure zeal in the cause of my country, I was among the first who took up arms in the present war. In six weeks after, I was honored with the commission from Congress. I raised and marched to Cambridge a rifle regiment of eight hundred men. When there, I may without vanity say, I discharged my duty as a soldier, and man of honour. In the succeeding spring I was ordered into Canada, and although the attack which was made under my command at the Three Rivers, proved unsuccessful and unfortunate, yet I trust no part of the fault was imputable to me. I was there made prisoner in the rear of my retreating corps, and in the discharge of my duty. After suffering a confinement of four months on board a prison ship, I was permitted with the rest of the American officers and soldiers to return upon parole. Thirty-one months have I remained in this distressing situation, an inactive spectator of the important military transactions during that period. Often have I been flattered with expectations of an exchange, which I ardently solicited, that I might share in the glory of serving my country in the military line, as often have I been mortified with disappointments. Notwithstanding my feeling such has been my respect and veneration for Congress, that whenever I have been passed by in the exchange of prisoners, I have always decently supposed that reasons of public good, and not private pique, has occasioned it. At length I am required to return a prisoner to the enemy. Let the honest soldier, let the candid citizen judge of my feelings. I do no mean, I will not whisper the most distant blame on the Honourable Congress, I will maintain that veneration for them which is due from the citizens of these United States, but as one of their Members has basely treated my in a subject, which had no reference to his conduct as a Member of Congress, the first time I had afterwards an opportunity I publicly resented it. Not having spirit enough to do himself injustice, he attempted to treat it as a breach of privilege of Congress. He complained to them, insisting that my resentment proceeded from that part he had taken in the exchange of Governor McKinley. I declared to that Honourable Body, what I now repeat, that I had no intention to say any thing disrespectful of Congress, and that my resentment was from a matter of private nature - The result of the determination of Congress is before the public. Before therefore I return to captivity, I think myself called upon to declare to the world, that Chief Justice McKean, has, in an affair which does not relate to his conduct in Congress, and which is of a private nature, behaved like a lyar (sic), a rascal, and a coward. (s) William Thompson, Brigadier General" ************************************************ 23. Obituary, THOMPSON, Brig. Gen. William, September 3, 1781 ************************************************ "The Pennsylvania Gazette, Sept. 12, 1781 "On the third day of this month, at his seat near Carlisle, died General William Thompson. Those who knew his virtues, will remember and mention his character with esteem. At the commencement of the present war, he took an active and distinguished part in the cause of liberty. Recommended by Congress by his spirit and military knowledge, by his great popularity, and by his zeal for the interest of freedom, he was appointed by that honourable body to the command of the first regiment raised in Pennsylvania. When he joined the army before Boston, the rank of first Colonel in the service was assigned to him. At the siege of that place, intrepidity, generosity, hospitality, and manly candour, rendered his character the object of uniform admiration and esteem. Fortune, which had hitherto smiled upon him, forsook him at a moment, when she promised to lift him to the pinnacle of fame. In a gallant attack upon the enemy at Three Rivers, he was made a prisoner. His captivity was long and embittered. His sensibility, generous and keen, was chiefly wounded by the reflection, that he was precluded from signalizing himself in the defence of his country. His death was considered as an event of universal concern and lamentation. His funeral was the most respectable that has even been known at Carlisle. In the great number that was assembled on the melancholy occasion, scarcely was there one person to be found, who did not drop a tear to the memory of the SOLDIER, the PATRIOT, and the FRIEND." ************************************************ 24. Newspaper, "The Pennsylvania Gazette", April 14, 1784 ************************************************ Newspaper Item "The Pennsylvania Gazette", April 14, 1784 (Item #69989): "To the Officers of the old Pennsylvania line, who claims lands granted them in virtue of the King of England's proclamation of October 7, 1763, and surveyed in Virginia by the late General William Thompson, appointed Deputy Surveyor for that business...." ************************************************ 25. Pennsylvania Land Patent List, 1789 ************************************************ Written: 1789 Pennsylvania Land Patent List, page 17-97: These document transfer of land from the possession of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania to individual citizens: Thompson, William "THOMPSON'S RETREAT" - 272 acres 48 perches Strict Measure Surveyed 15 May 1787 on a Virginia Certificate Patented 15 Sep 1789 to William Thompson on Warrant to accept dated 9 Sep 1789. ************************************************ 26. Pension Claim, Robert C. Thompson, April 18, 1854 ************************************************ Senate Bill S. 338 33d Congress, 1st Session S. 338 In the Senate of the United States April 18, 1854 Mr. Cooper, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, reported the following bill; which was read and passed to a second reading. A BILL For the relief of Robert C. Thompson, only surviving child and legal representative of William Thompson, deceased, formerly a Brigadier General in the army of the revolutionary war. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United State of American in Congress assembles, 3 That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, 4 authorized and required to pay to Robert C. Thompson, only 5 surviving child, and administrator, with the will annexed, of 6 William Thompson, deceased, formerly a brigadier general in 7 the army of the revolutionary war, seven years' helf-pay, of an 8 officer of the rank of a brigadier general in that service, and 9 the interest on the same, out of any money in the treasury 10 not otherwise appropriated, to commence on the third day of 11 September, seventeen hundred and eighty-one, the date of his 12 father's death. ************************************************ 27. Pension Claim, Catharine Thompson, May 29, 1858 ************************************************ H.R. Bill 599 35th Congress, 1st Session H.R. 599 [Report No. 451] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 29, 1858 Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow. Mr. Clawson, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, reported the following bill: A BILL For the relief of the legal representatives of Brigadier General William Thompson. 1 Be is enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, di- 4 rected, out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appro- 5 priated, to pay unto the administrator or legal representatives 6 of Catharine Thompson, widow of Brigadier General William 7 Thompson, the seven years' half-pay promised by the resolve 8 of Congress of August twenty-four, seventeen hundred and 9 eighty. ************************************************ 28. Pension Claim, Catharine Thompson, March 2, 1860 ************************************************ H.R. Bill 248 36th Congress, 1st Session H. R. 248. [Report No. 28] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. March 2, 1860 Read twice, committed to a Committee of the Whole House, and ordered to be printed. Mr. Ferry, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, reported the following bill: A BILL For the relief of the legal representatives of Brigadier General William Thompson. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of American in Congress assembled, 3 That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, di- 4 rected, out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appro- 5 priated, to pay unto the administrator or legal representatives 6 of Catharine Thompson, widow of Brigadier General William 7 Thompson, the seven years' half-pay promised by the resolve 8 of Congress of August twenty-four, seventeen hundred and 9 eighty. ************************************************ 29. Pension Claim, Fanny A. Thompson, June 3, 1870 ************************************************ Senate Bill S. 967 41st Congress, 2d Session S. 967 [Report No. 201] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 3, 1870 Mr. Fowler, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, submitted a report, (No. 201), accompanied by the following bill; which was read and passed to a second reading. A BILL For the relief of Fanny A. Thompson, surviving heir and legal representative of William Thompson, deceased, formerly a brigadier general in the army of the revolutionary war. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of American in Congress assembled, 3 That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, 4 authorized and required to pay to Fanny A. Thompson, sur- 5 viving heir and administratrix de bonis non of William 6 Thompson, deceased, formerly a brigadier general in the 7 army of the revolutionary war, seven years' half-pay as 9 brigadier general. ************************************************ 30. Biography.....THOMPSON, Brig. Gen. William July 5, 1736 - September 3, 1781 ************************************************ Author: T. Dumas Malone "Dictionary of American Biography", Vol. IX, edited by T. Dumas Malone, Charles Scribner's Sons, N.Y., 1935, page 476: "THOMPSON, WILLIAM (1736-Sept. 3, 1781), Revolutionary soldier, was born in Ireland. Emigrating to America, he settled on a farm near Carlisle, Pa., where he became a surveyor and justice of the peace. During the French and Indian war, he was commissioned captain of a troop of horses and participated in the expedition led by John Armstrong, 1717-1795 against Kittanning. He took part in the work of settling the western boundary of Pennsylvania and in locating lands granted by the king to officers serving in the war. On July 12, 1774, at a meeting of the freeholders of several townships of Cumberland County, called to denounce the closing of the port of Boston, he was elected member of a committee of correspondence; and later, in May 1775, he served upon the provincial committee of safety. When the news of the battle of Bunker Hill reached Pennsylvania, he was placed in command of a battalion of riflemen raised in the southeastern counties, designated at first as the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment but later the 1st Continental Infantry. Marching promptly to Boston, it won credit as the first body of men to reach that point from the South. During the siege they were posted on Prospect Hill. On Nov. 9, 1775, they repulsed an attack upon Lechmere Point, for which Thompson was thanked by Washington in general orders (J.C. Fitzpatrick, 'The Writings of George Washington', vol. IV, 1931, p.79). ['Washington privately opposed an excessively responsible assignment for William Thompson, whose seniority seemed to him to be more fortuitously conferred than valiantly earned.'] On Mar. 1, 1776, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and was presently ordered to Canada in charge of a detachment of about 2,000 men, comprising the regiments of Poor, Paterson, Greaton and Bond. General Sullivan, commanding the American forces on the St. Lawrence, directed him to attack Three Rivers. On the night of June 7, he crossed the stream a few miles above the town, hoping to surprise the foe at dawn, but owing to the treachery of a guide, his men got lost in a swamp and were repulsed while he was made prisoner. [Breaking up into small groups, the rest were stalked by Indians, ambushed by Canadian irregulars 'almost devoured by muskeetoes {sic} of a monsterous seize {sic} and innumerable numbers', and worn down by hunger and their struggles through the 'most horrid swamps']. On Oct. 25, 1780, he was exchanged for Baron Riedesel. Prior to this, however, he was placed on parole [in August at Philadelphia] and returned to Pennsylvania. Here he became involved in a controversy with Thomas McKean, then serving as a member of Congress, whom he accused to hindering his exchange. He submitted a memorial to Congress in which he referred to McKean in such opprobrious terms that, on Nov. 23, 1778, that body voted that he was 'guilty of an insult to the honor and dignity of this house, and of a breach of privilege' (W.C. Ford, 'Journals of Continental Congress', vol. XII, 1908, p. 1151). He was summoned before Congress [censured on Nov. 23, 1778] and tendered an apology. McKean sued him for libel and was awarded 5,700 pounds damages, which he released, saying he only desired to see the law and the facts settled. [Despite his unruly temperment and Washington's reservations about his fitness for high command, Thompson had showed the qualities of an aggressive combat leader before his career was cut short.] Thompson died and was buried in Carlisle. His energy, fearlessness, and pugnacity admirably qualified him to occupy high command in an army whose plight was most desperate."