This is how the story evolved…
Way before the internet existed, my husband’s grandfather received some information on the Thomson family from his uncle who researched at the New York Public Library. Much of what he learned about more recent generations was accurate but about the earlier generations some was not. We didn’t know that for awhile though. This is an interesting story about an event that took place at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War, but it’s also a cautionary tale about being careful and thorough with your genealogy research.
Thomson without a “p” is a little unique in the United States. It’s not in Scotland, though, and that’s where the name originated. So, tracing back this uncle discovered a very famous man in Philadelphia who spelled his name this way, Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress. He had a brother named William Thomson. They were born in Ireland. Our line also had a William Thomson who lived in Philadelphia. He was also born in Ireland. So it’s easy to see how these William Thomsons could easily be confused. The fact is, these are two different men. But, once you find, or think you find, a famous relative you tend to run with it. That’s what Grandpa did. However, he and his uncle, tracing from themselves back, discovered our William Thomson had served during the Revolutionary War in a Pennsylvania regiment and was at Valley Forge.
Pennsylvania has great records. William Thompson (spelling varies within his military records) was adjutant in the 9th Pennsylvanian Regiment. An adjutant is a staff officer who assists the commanding officer. Our William Thomson was born in 1711 so he was about 67 years old! And here he was at Valley Forge, which we know was miserable. That’s enough to admire him, but Grandpa said he received a commendation from General George Washington for bravery. In fact, he did receive something from the commanders at Valley Forge, but it wasn’t that.
Before I finish that story I wanted to recommend you visit the Museum of the American Revolution if you’re ever in Philadelphia. My husband I were there a few years ago and I highly recommend it.
Getting back to my husband’s five times great grandfather, we found this account in the Orderly Book of the Second Pennsylvania Continental Line at Valley Forge:
Rudeness Court Martial:
By the same Court by Adjournment April 29th 1778, Adj Thompson of the 9th Reg. Penn tried for refusing to come when sent for by Major Nichols and secondly, for treating Major Nicholas with ill language after coming to him. Acquitted on the first charge, but found guilty of the 2nd, and sentenced to be privately reprimanded by the Officer Commander Brigade. The Gen remits the sentence for a consideration that the conduct observed toward Mr. Thompson must have exceedingly wounded his feelings and excited him to the warmth of expression for which he was censured. Adj Thompson is released from arrest.
Was General George Washington involved? He isn’t mentioned. He was at Valley Forge then, however, making a few excursions out to check on his men. The army had just come through a terrible winter and while things were getting better for them in the spring, tensions probably still ran high. Like I mentioned, William was about 67, a very old man for a soldier. Major Nichols was 41. I picture the scene something like this:
Nicholas yells for Thomson to come right this moment. When he arrives he is chastised for being late. “When I say come, you come!” And then Nicholas adds some colorful language. Thomson, probably not able to move as fast as he did in his younger days: “You ***, I came as quick as I could.”
He did come, so the first charge wasn’t valid. He did swear, so guilty of the second charge. But this is all foolishness so Thomson was set free.
Despite all this, we did win the war!
Sometimes getting the real truth of an event results in something more interesting and revealing. On the other hand, sometimes the truth is hard to hear. I still believe we should dig deeper, however, and not believe everything we are told. 😉
Happy Birthday, America!
