Lambert Robinson
MSA SC 3520-16833
Biography:
Lambert Robinson enlisted as a private in the Fourth Independent Company under Captain James Hindman’s command in January 1776. [1]
During his first summer as a soldier, Robinson and his company received orders to march to New York to support the Continental Army at the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island), the first full-scale engagement of the war. It was at this battle that Robinson and his fellow soldiers distinguished themselves the title of the "Maryland 400."
On August 27, 1776, the American forces were surrounded by the British, and attempted to retreat through Gowanus Creek under heavy fire. Faced with a larger force, the remaining Maryland troops mounted a series of charges to hold the British at bay. Despite the loss of 256 men who were killed or captured, the Marylanders delayed the British long enough for the rest of the Continental Army to escape. [2]
Robinson survived the Battle of Brooklyn, but saw little combat with the Fourth Independent Company. After being accused of non-participation, Hindman came to the defense of his company and blamed their orders for preventing them from taking a more active role: "I have had the vanity to think the company I have had the honor to command have behaved themselves as well as in the service, notwithstanding the dark insinuations that have been thrown out to their prejudice." [3]
In the aftermath of the battle, Robinson went on to fight at the Battle of White Plains, a continuation of the retreat from New York. Most Maryland soldiers were ordered to defend Chatterton Hill, where 46 men were lost before retreating. [4]
By 1777, in order to meet the new regiment requirements for Maryland, the Fourth Independent combined with the other independent companies to form the Second Maryland Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Price. Despite witnessing combat and serving in an ill-supplied army, Robinson reenlisted for a three-year service term as part of the Second Maryland Regiment on March 4, 1777. [5]
During 1777-1778, the British and American troops vied for control over the American capital at Philadelphia. As part of the American campaign, Robinson fought in and survived the Battles of Brandywine (September 1777) and Germantown (October 1777), both American losses, and the limited victory at the Battle of Monmouth (June 1778). [6]
Robinson saw little to no action in 1779, as the American and British forces were locked in a stalemate. Before he next saw combat with his regiment, Robinson was discharged in early 1780, while the troops were encamped near Morristown, New Jersey. [7]
Robinson returned to civilian life in Talbot County, Maryland after he was discharged. [8] He bought a one-and-a-half acre lot in 1784 from James Wignall for £17. In 1786, Robinson then sold two lots in Saint Michael's to James Keatley for £10 and a half-acre lot for £12 to Joseph Bouchell. [9]
Sometime after 1786, Robinson moved to Orange County, North Carolina. In March 1818, around the age of 63, he applied for a federal pension and was awarded $8 a month in 1819. [10]
Robinson spent the remainder of his life in Orange County, North Carolina alone, passing away on November 29, 1836. [11]
Cassy Sottile, Explore America Research Intern, 2019
Notes:
[1] Muster Rolls and Other Records of Service of Maryland Troops in the American Revolution, Archives of Maryland Online, vol. 18, p. 24.
[2] Return of the Maryland troops, 13 September 1776, Revolutionary War Rolls, NARA M246, folder 35, p. 85, from Fold3.com.
[4] Mark Andrew Tacyn, "To the End: The First Maryland Regiment and the American Revolution" (PhD diss., University of Maryland College Park, 1999), p. 98-99.
[5] Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War, NARA M881, from Fold3.com.
[6] Pension of Lambert Robinson, National Archives, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, NARA M804 S 41990, p. 1-12, from Fold3.com.
[7] Robinson pension.
[8] General Assembly, House of Delegates, Assessment Record, 1783, Talbot County, District 1, p. 11 [MSA S1161-10-1, 1/4/5/53].
[9] Talbot County Court, Land Records, Deed, Lambert Robinson from James Wignall, 1784, Liber RS no. 22, p. 79 [MSA C1880-30, 1/42/1/26]; Lambert Robinson to Joseph Bouchell, 1786, Liber BS no. A23, p. 125 [MSA C1880-32, 1/44/5/64]; Lambert Robinson to James Keatley, 1786, Liber BS no. A23, p. 132 [MSA C1880-32, 1/44/5/64].
[10] Robinson pension.
[11] Final Payment Voucher of Lambert Robinson, National Archives, Final Payment Vouchers Index for Military Pensions, 1818-1864, NARA 2733385, p. 1, from Fold3.com.
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