Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "William Smallwood" in English language version.
According to popular tradition, Washington bestowed his high esteem upon the Maryland Line after viewing their heroic stand at the Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn. Given the order to defend the American withdrawal from Long Island, the Maryland Line saved the Continental Army from annihilation in the first major battle of the war. 'Good God, what brave fellows I must this day lose,' Washington remarked to Israel Putnam as he witnessed the Marylanders repeatedly charge Cortelyou House, effectively holding back the British advance. Later, Washington described their efforts as an 'hour more precious to American liberty than any other.'
Although Smallwood 'waited on Washington and urged the Necessity of attending [his] Troops,' Washington 'refused to discharge' them… Smallwood was therefore absent during the early portions of the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776. British soldiers outflanked the American soldiers under Major Mordecai Gist's command in a surprise attack. The Marylanders retreated, fighting their way toward the Gowanus Creek… Smallwood arrived later in the battle and provided covering fire for the retreating American soldiers with two cannons and some reinforcements… and subsequently faced a deadly British onslaught. The Marylanders led several charges against the British, holding them at bay for a crucial period of time that saved Washington's army… On October 28, 1776… in the Battle of White Plains, [Gen.] Smallwood's soldiers once again saved Washington's army… Positioned on Chatterton's Hill, the Marylanders charged British soldiers, pushing them back briefly. A series of British counterattacks forced the Marylanders to retreat, but prevented the destruction of the entire Continental Army. The 1st Maryland Regiment suffered greatly in the battle. Smallwood himself received two 'slight' wounds during the orderly retreat, receiving one in his wrist and another in his hip.
