ARCHER, William S., statesman, born in Amelia County, Virginia, 5 March 1789; died there, 28 March 1855. His family was of Welsh origin, and his father and grandfather both served with honor in the revolution. The former, Major John Archer, was aide to General Wayne, and acquitted himself with gallantry at the capture of Stony Point ; the latter, Colonel William Archer, died on a British prison-ship. William S. was graduated at William and Mary in 1806, and studied law. He served in the legislature, with the exception of one year, from 1812 to 1819. From 1820 till 1835 he was a representative in congress, where, as chairman of the committee on foreign relations, and member of the committee on the Missouri compromise, he exerted great; influence. From 1841 till 1847 he was a member of the United States senate, and in this body also was at the head of the committee on foreign relations.