When the American Revolutionary War began, he was appointed a colonel of the 1st Maryland Regiment in 1776.

In December he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and placed in command of the 3rd Maryland Regiment.

The 3rd Maryland Regiment was not at the Battle of Cowpens.

The 5th Maryland Regiment returned to Maryland in February 1917.

Soon after he took effective command, the 6th Maryland Regiment became known as the equal, if not superior, to any in the whole army.

The 1st Maryland Regiment charged and swept Webster's forces from the field.

In January 1777 the seven companies were organized as the 2nd Maryland Regiment with one additional company added.

The battalion became part of the 1st Maryland Regiment of the Continental Army, and went north to fight in the war.

The bravery of the Maryland Regiment earned them the name "immortals".

The 1st Maryland Regiment put up some resistance, suffering 26 casualties, but the entire division soon crumbled.