Thomas Sumter, an American revolutionary general, born in Virginia in 1734, died near Camden, S. C, June 1, 1832. He was a volunteer in the French and Indian war, was present at Braddock's defeat, and in March, 1776, became lieutenant colonel of the second regiment of South Carolina riflemen. After the capture of Charleston by the British in 1780, he took refuge in the swamps of the Santee, and, with the rank of brigadier general, became one of the most active and able partisan leaders of the south. On July 12 he defeated a British detachment on the Catawba, but on Aug. 18 was surprised and routed at Fishing creek by Tarleton. He collected another corps, and on Nov. 12 defeated Col. Wemyss, who had attacked his camp in Chester district near Broad river. A few days later Tarleton attempted to surprise him while encamped at Blackstocks on the Tiger river, but was compelled to retreat with severe loss. Sumter was severely wounded in this encounter; but in March, 1781, he raised three new regiments, and, in concert with Marion, Pickens, and others, harassed the enemy's scattered posts in the low country. In January, 1781, congress passed a resolution of thanks to him and his men.

He was a member of congress from South Carolina in 1789-'93, and United States senator in 1801-9; and in 1809 he was appointed minister to Brazil, where he remained two years. He was the last surviving general of the revolution.