Biography

Distantly related to Continental commander-in-chief Gen. George Washington, William earned respect on his own accord. Born and raised on a Virginia plantation like George, William was educated to be a minister. But his path changed at 23 when the war broke out, and he joined his county’s militia. His unit was transferred to the regular Continental Army in 1776, and fought in the Battle of Harlem Heights (N.Y.) that August. Washington was part of the crossing of the Delaware River under George. He led a key cavalry charge in the related victory at the Battle of Trenton (N.J.), where he was wounded. He was rewarded with a promotion to major. By 1779 Washington was a lieutenant colonel in command of a cavalry regiment. It was sent to counter the British invasion of the southern colonies, with mixed results. However, for a brilliant c