General William Malcolm (January 23, 1745 – September 1, 1791) was a New York City merchant and officer in the American Revolution.

[1] In 1763, he moved to New York City as agent of a Glasgow firm of which he was a partner, and established himself as an import/export merchant.

[1] Malcolm grew wealthy, and as his influence increased he took part in politics and government, including serving as a member of the New York Assembly in 1774.

He served in New York's military and the Continental Army throughout the Revolution, including assignments as Deputy Adjutant General of the Northern Department under Horatio Gates.

Called Malcolm's Additional Continental Regiment, he raised the organization and used his own funds to pay and equip it.

[8] Near the end of the Revolution he was appointed commander of the militia in New York, Kings and Richmond Counties with the rank of brigadier general.