Thomas Williams graduated 12th from a class of 50 from the United States Military Academy; his branch of service was the infantry. Williams' military career before the Civil War was extensive. His father, a militia general, commanded young Williams as a private in the Black Hawk War. In 1837, Williams graduated form West Point, then served against the Seminole Indians, served on garrison duty in Florida, and served as an instructor at West Point.

Williams was attending artillery school as Fort Monroe, Virginia, when he officially entered the Civil War as major of the 5th Artillery in May, 1861. By September, he had been promoted to brigadier general and was assigned as inspector general of the Department of Virginia. Returning to his old regiment, he embarked with General Ambrose Burnside on the North Carolina Expedition in October, and later took command of Fort Hatteras. He then journeyed south to join Benjamin Butler's operations against New Orleans.

After his troops fell ill from malaria and dysentery while tying to dig a canal to bypass Vicksburg, they were evacuated to Baton Rouge for rest and medical aid. When Confederate General John Breckenridge attacked the city, Williams ordered his men into battle positions, although half of the garrison's 4,000 men were on the sick list.

The Confederates attacked early on the morning of August 5, 1862. Aided by a dense fog that shielded their movements, they drove back the Federals' left flank, taking a heavy toll among the Union officers.

Williams galloped into the thick of the fighting. "Boys," he shouted, "your field officers are all gone. I will lead you." Moments later, the general fell, mortally wounded by a rifle ball in the chest.

Confederate General John Bordenave Villepigue

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