John Whistler was a soldier, born in County Londonderry, Ireland. He ran away from home when a boy, enlisted in the British army, and served as a colour sergeant under General John Burgoyne during the American Revolutionary War. After the surrender at Saratoga, John returned to England and was honorably discharged. Soon afterward, he eloped with Anna, a daughter of Sir Edward Bishop. They emigrated to the United States, and settled at Hagerstown, Maryland.
Signature of John Whistler.
Legion of the United States
The Legion of the United States was a reorganization and extension of the United States Army from 1792 to 1796 under the command of Major General Anthony Wayne. It represented a political shift in the new United States, which had recently adopted the United States Constitution. The new Congressional and Executive branches authorized a standing army composed of professional soldiers rather than relying on state militias.
Major General Anthony Wayne with the Legion of the United States, 1794
Monument at the site of Legionville
General Anthony Wayne and his Legion of the United States, depicted advancing along the Maumee River prior to the August 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers
Major General Hugh Brady was a lieutenant in the Legion of the United States at Fallen Timbers.
