John Gunby entered service volunteering as a minuteman in 1775 and fought for the American cause until the end earning praise as probably the most brilliant soldier whom Maryland contributed to the War of Independence.
18 Facts About John Gunby
1.
2.
The John Gunby family arrived in Maryland around 1660, coming from Yorkshire, England, and settling in Queen Anne's County.
3.
John Gunby was in command of his company as they charged the British 71st Regiment.
4.
John Gunby then wheeled his troops to face the oncoming guards unit.
5.
John Gunby therefore moved his army towards Wilmington, North Carolina where he had previously ordered supplies to be sent.
6.
John Gunby ordered his men to stop their advance and fall back with the intention of reforming their line.
7.
The day after the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill, General Greene addressed his troops and presented a pointed comment that John Gunby apparently felt this was directed at him and he immediately applied for a court of inquiry to review his actions on the field.
8.
John Gunby's request was granted by General Greene who named General Huger, Colonel Harrison of the artillery and Lieutenant Colonel Washington of the cavalry to conduct the review.
9.
That Colonel John Gunby then gave Lieutenant Colonel Howard orders to bring off the other four companies, which at that time appeared disposed to advance, except a few.
10.
That Lieutenant Colonel Howard there found Colonel John Gunby actively exerting himself in rallying the two companies that broke from the right, which he effected, and the regiment was again formed and gave a fire or two at enemy, which appeared on the hill in front.
11.
Greene was firm in his belief that John Gunby was the sole reason for the Continental Army's loss at Hobkirk Hill.
12.
The troops were not to blame in the Camden affair; John Gunby was the sole cause of the defeat; and I found him much more blameable afterwards, than I represented him in my public letters.
13.
The Maryland Line continued to distinguish itself in the later battles of the Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War with John Gunby continuing to command the 1st Maryland Regiment.
14.
John Gunby continued in the capacity of commander of the 1st Maryland Regiment until the regiment was furloughed and all of its business concluded.
15.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, John Gunby avoided politics or using his fame from the war for personal gain.
16.
John Gunby kept to his farm devoting himself to agriculture.
17.
John Gunby was known to help poor families build houses and awaiting their convenience for payment, promoting the construction of new roads, furnishing horse teams for those in need and contributing toward the maintenance of places of worship.
18.
Brigadier General John Gunby was admitted as an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati of Maryland.