STORIES OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS

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William McPherson

" William McPherson was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1756. He was made a cadet in the British Army when but 13 years of age. At the commencement of the American Revolution he was adjutant of the 16th Regiment of the king's troops. This did not make him a loyalist. His innate love of freedom induced him to at once tender his resignation which was not accepted till 1779 when he repaired to the American camp. Having been stationed at Pensacola up to this time he had never drawn his sword against his country. He had been long personally and favorably known to General Washington who at once made him a brevet major. He was an aid under General La Fayette for some time and subsequently placed over a corps of cavalry in Virginia. On all occasions he acquitted himself nobly. On the 19th of September 1789 he was made surveyor of the port of Philadelphia. In 1792 he was the inspector of revenue, and in 1793 naval officer, which station he held until 1813 when he was called from time to eternity."

Source: The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution by L. Carroll Judson