RAWLINGS, Moses, soldier, born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, about 1740" died in Hampshire county, Virginia, in 1808. His ancestor, Henry, was among the first settlers of Maryland, having emigrated to the colony in 1635. In 1650 his son, Anthony, was a member of Governor Calvert's colonial council. Moses Rawlings was educated in the parish school of his native county and afterward by private tutors. His father was a wealthy tobacco-planter, and the son engaged in the same occupation. He was a zealous patriot, and when in June, 1775, Maryland was called upon to furnish two companies of riflemen, he was among the first to volunteer for the service. He received a lieutenant's commission, arid afterward joined Washington at Boston. In 1776 congress ordered four companies from Virginia and two more from Maryland, which, with the two companies that had been already raised, were formed into a regiment, of which Rawlings was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. At the storming of Fort Washington, 16 November, 1776, the Maryland riflemen withstood the attack of 5,000 Hessians for' several hours, but, being unsupported by other troops, were at last obliged to retire under the guns of the fort, which was soon afterward surrendered to the enemy. In this action Rawlings commanded the Maryland riflemen with skill and bravery. He received the warmest praise from Washington for his conduct on this occasion. After his exchange he was made colonel of the riflemen, and fought in all the battles where the Maryland troops were engaged. At the close of the war he retired to Virginia.