Maxwell's New Jersey Brigade Flag
Brig. Gen. William “Scotch Willie” Maxwell usually receives scant attention in books covering the American Revolution. If the author mentions Maxwell at all, the cursory biographical sketch usually focuses on his nickname, his heavy drinking, and his Irish origin.
This colorful portrayal does not give credit to Maxwell’s many contributions during the war, most significantly at the Battle of Connecticut Farms in June 1780. Maxwell also commanded men in New Jersey during the winter of 1777 and at the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth Courthouse.
He participated in the Sullivan Expedition of 1779, leading his men through Iroquoia, burning towns and fields of crops. An examination of the wartime correspondence between Brigadier General Maxwell and the commander-in-chief, Gen. George Washington, shows a close, productive working relationship until Maxwell’s sudden resignation from service in the summer of 1780.
Maxwell's New Jersey Brigade Flag
Brig. Gen. William “Scotch Willie” Maxwell usually receives scant attention in books covering the American Revolution. If the author mentions Maxwell at all, the cursory biographical sketch usually focuses on his nickname, his heavy drinking, and his Irish origin.
This colorful portrayal does not give credit to Maxwell’s many contributions during the war, most significantly at the Battle of Connecticut Farms in June 1780. Maxwell also commanded men in New Jersey during the winter of 1777 and at the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth Courthouse.
He participated in the Sullivan Expedition of 1779, leading his men through Iroquoia, burning towns and fields of crops. An examination of the wartime correspondence between Brigadier General Maxwell and the commander-in-chief, Gen. George Washington, shows a close, productive working relationship until Maxwell’s sudden resignation from service in the summer of 1780.