“ An American soldier, a kinsman of George Washington, born in Stafford County, Va. He was educated for the ministry, but on the outbreak of the Revolutionary War entered the patriot army as a captain under Colonel Hugh Mercer. He was wounded in the battles of Long Island and Trenton; fought at Princeton; and later became a major in Colonel Baylor's corps of cavalry. In 1779 he joined General Lincoln's army in the South; became a lieutenant-colonel in March, 1780; and in many conflicts greatly distinguished himself as a leader of light cavalry. ”