From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 24 June 1782

Leutenant Colonel William S. Smith entered the service of the United States at the Commencement of the present War In August 1776 he was appointed Aid de Camp to Major General Sullivan with the rank of Major in the Army on the 1st of January 1777 he was promoted to be a Leutenant Colonel in one of the Additional Battalions raised by the CommonWealth of Massasuchets, after which he had the honor of Serving as inspector and Adjutant General to the Corps of Light Infantry under the Command of Major General the Marquis de la fayette, in the Campaign 1780. and in the Month of July 1781 he was appointed Aid de Camp to the Commander in Chief of the American Armies in all which Military Stations he behaved with great fidelity, bravery & Good Conduct.

During the Course of Service Colonel Smith has had many opportunities, of Signalizing himself by his galantry intelligence & professional knowledge, in the several Battles enterprizes and Seiges at which he has been present, particularly in the Actions of Long Island & Harlaem heights, at the Seige of NewPort, in the expedition under the orders of Major General Sullivan against the savages, in the Battle of Springfeild where he Commanded a Regiment, at the successful Seige of York in Virginia, where the Army of Lord Cornwallis surendrd prisoners of War and on many other important occasions—In consequence of Which he hath merited my aprobation & this testimony of his being a brave & Valuable Officer. Given under my hand & Seal at the head Quarters of the American Army the twenty fourth of June 1782.

Signed G. Washington