Samuel Smith of Baltimore-- Part 1: Veteran of Two Wars

From the War of 1812 Archaeology blog.

Samuel Smith fought in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812.  There is a monument in Baltimore honoring him.

AMERICAN REVOLUTION and persevering defense.

On September  23, 1777, Lt. Col. Samuel Smith, 24, was ordered by General Washington, to take command of Fort Mifflin in the Delaware River, below Philadelphia.

Washington told him:  "The keeping of this fort is of very great importance, and I rely on your prudence, spirit and bravery for a vigorous and persevering defense."

Forts Mifflin and Mercer were important because they could help starve the British out of their newly captured Philadelphia.

However, Samuel Smith did not succeed in defending Fort Mifflin.  He was attacked and even when it became clear that he couldn't keep Fort Mifflin out of British hands, he refused to surrender.

--Brock-Perry