Notes on Col. James Smallwood I
James Smallwood was a member of Godfrey's Rangers in 1675, and again in 1681. Their main station was at Port Tobacco, with another at Piscataway Creek, of the Potomac. They guarded the settlement against the Susquehannock Indians. In 1688-89 he
was involved in the Orange Rebellion, and advanced in military rank over the years. He was a major in 1692 and Lt. Col. in 1700, and afterwards a Colonel.
In 1680 he was appointed "Post for Charles County" for conveying "public intelligence" to the Governor and Council. This was the first letter post for outlying Charles County. From 1692 until his death Col. James represented Charles County as
a Burgess in the MD Assembly. He often acted as liaison with the Indians, since he had their confidence. In 1694 he was Sheriff of Charles County.
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