William Thompson (July 5, 1736 – September 3, 1781) was a soldier from Pennsylvania who served as a colonel and later brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
During the French and Indian War, Thompson served as a captain in the Kittanning Expedition under John Armstrong.
After news of the Battle of Bunker Hill reached Pennsylvania in 1775, Thompson was appointed colonel of a rifle battalion and was sent to Massachusetts to help in the defense of Boston.
Thompson blamed Congressman Thomas McKean for hindering his exchange; his criticism became so harsh that he was censured by Congress.
While on parole in Philadelphia on December 17, 1778, he became an early Member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick[1] After finally being exchanged for Baron Riedesel, Thompson died at his home near Carlisle.