Being an Officer
The German Regiment in Philadelphia
Samuel Gerock was appointed quartermaster for the German Regiment (also often called the “German Battalion”) while they were stationed in Philadelphia in the fall of 1776. These documents speak to his duties as an officer. As quartermaster, Gerock sourced supplies such as coats for soldiers to wear and orderly books for officers to record orders from Colonel Haussegger or General Washington. As the representative of the German Regiment, Gerock often had to use his own money or credit to furnish these supplies, with the understanding that he would be reimbursed by the Continental Congress or Maryland’s government.
In October and November 1776, the German Regiment was in Philadelphia organizing, equipping themselves, and guarding the supplies of the Continental Army in the city. In early December, they were ordered to join the rest of Washington’s army, which was retreating across New Jersey after a series of defeats in New York. It remains unclear if the regiment was fully supplied and prepared to take part in the upcoming campaign as they left Philadelphia. Gerock remained in Philadelphia before rejoining his regiment on Dec. 30, 1776.
Receipt
Signed by George Keeports
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 14, 1776
Paper, Ink
Museum of the American Revolution, Gift of Nanette Reid Osborne and Dr. Robert Kent Reid, children of Virginia Gerock Reid
Receipt
Signed by George Stricker
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 4, 1776
Paper, Ink
Museum of the American Revolution, Gift of Nanette Reid Osborne and Dr. Robert Kent Reid, children of Virginia Gerock Reid
Receipt
Signed by Nicholas Haussegger
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 12, 1776
Paper, Ink
Museum of the American Revolution, Gift of Nanette Reid Osborne and Dr. Robert Kent Reid, children of Virginia Gerock Reid
George Keeports was the captain (commanding officer) of Samuel Gerock’s company. The two had a tense relationship during Gerock’s service with the German Regiment.
Men joining the Continental Army enlisted through a recruiting officer. Recruiting officers, including Samuel Gerock, often provided a bounty of money to the new recruits which was repaid by the regiment or the government.
Books carried by officers which noted important daily topics such as orders, events with individual soldiers, and the status of equipment.
George Stricker served as the second in command of the German Regiment and held the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Ludwig Weltner was the major of the German Regiment. He later became its commanding officer.
Nicholas Haussegger was a veteran of the Seven Years’ War who settled in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He was appointed the commander of the German Regiment in 1776 and left the unit in 1777 under questionable circumstances.