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Class of 1812

Vol. I
p109 88

(Born N. J.)

William W. Smith

(Ap'd N. J.)

Military History. — Cadet of the Military Academy, Apr. 14, 1809, to June 1, 1812, when he was graduated and promoted in the Army to

Second Lieut., Light Artillery, June 1, 1812.

Served: in the War of 1812‑15 with Great Britain, on the Niagara Frontier, 1812‑13, and in the Campaign on the St. Lawrence River, 1813,

(First Lieut., Light Artillery, Oct. 1, 1813)

being engaged in the Capture of Ft. George, U. C., May 27, 1813, and Defense of its Outposts, Aug. 24, 1813, — and Battle of Chrystler's Field, U. C., Nov. 11, 1813, where he was mortally wounded, while gallantly serving, with his own hands, a piece of artillery under his command.1

Died of Wounds, Dec. 3, 1813, at Ft. Prescott, U. C.

The Author's Note:

1 "The battle," says the official despatch of General Wilkinson, "fluctuated, and the triumph seemed, at different times, inclined to the contending corps; the front of the enemy were, at first, forced back •more than a mile; and, though they never regained the ground they lost, their stand was permanent, and their charges resolute. Amidst these charges, and near the close of the contest, we lost a fieldpiece, by the fall of the officer who was serving it, with the same coolness as if he had been at a parade or review; this was Lieutenant Smith, of the Light Artillery, who, in point of merit, stood at the head of his grade."

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