William Augustus Bowles, an American adventurer, born in Frederick co., Md., in 1763, died in Havana, Dec. 23, 1805. His father was an English schoolmaster who had established himself in Maryland. When 13 years of age young Bowles ran away from home and joined the British army at Philadelphia. He obtained a commission, and was for some time stationed at Pensacola; but for a breach of regulations he was dismissed the service. Soon afterward he became connected with the Creek Indians, and married a woman of the tribe, in which he became an acknowledged leader. He encouraged their excesses and prompted them to many attacks on the Spaniards, in which he was sustained by the approval and even rewards of the British government. He commanded the Creeks when they assisted the British at Pensacola in May, 1781, and for his conduct on that occasion was restored to his place in the army. After the war he led a roving life - at one time an actor and again a portrait painter - until he was appointed by Gov. Dunmore leading agent for his old Indian allies, when he established himself at Chattahoochie. McGillivray, who had led the Creeks during the revolution, drove him from his agency, and he went to England for a time; but on his return he was again made commander-in-chief of the tribe, and used his influence with such effect against the Spaniards that they offered $6,000 for his capture.

After disturbing the peace of Georgia for several years, he was taken in 1792 by the Spaniards, and sent to Madrid and afterward to Manila. He escaped, and for a time returned to his old allies; but he was finally recaptured in 1804, carried to Havana, and confined in the Morro castle till his death.