Smallwood’s Maryland regiment would be an excellent special addition for American forces. It was exceptionally well disciplined and commanded. These men knew how to use the bayonet, charging repeatedly in a rear guard action at Long Island that saved the rest of the escaping army.

In fact, the Maryland Line as a whole was splendid throughout the war. Maryland is still known as the Old Line State for the gallantry of her soldiers in the War for Independence. An 18th century bayonet graces the patch of Maryland National Guard troops to this day.