During the War of 1812 he used his influence and legal skills to uphold the cause of the government, and ultimately left his law practice and to march with a company of volunteers to Sacket's Harbor, then under command of his brother-in-law, General Jacob Brown, where Williams became a major in the company.
He employed his political leverage and legal abilities during the War of 1812 to aid the government. Ultimately, he ceased his law practice and joined a volunteer unit led by his brother-in-law, General Jacob Brown, where Williams became a major in the company.