Timeline

Follow a timeline of Samuel Gerock’s service with the German Regiment in 1776 and 1777.

July 12, 1776
Gerock receives a lieutenant’s commission in the German Regiment.

Sept. 11, 1776
Gerock leaves Baltimore to join the German Regiment in Philadelphia.

Dec. 25, 1776
General George Washington leads the Continental Army from Pennsylvania across the Delaware River to New Jersey at night.

Dec. 26, 1776
The Continental Army surprises and forces the surrender of Hessian troops at the Battle of Trenton.

Dec. 30, 1776
Gerock arrives in Trenton, New Jersey, and rejoins the German Regiment. He took command of his company in the absence of Captain George Keeports.

Jan. 2, 1777
Gerock leads his company in the Second Battle of Trenton.

Jan. 3, 1777
After a 15-mile nighttime march, the Continental Army, including Gerock and his company, defeat the British at the Battle of Princeton.

Jan. 11, 1777
Gerock and the German Regiment arrive at Morristown, New Jersey.

Feb. 7, 1777
Gerock and the German Regiment leave Morristown and engage in what historians call the “Forage War” in New Jersey.

Feb. 15, 1777
Gerock participates in a skirmish at Quibbletown (now Piscataway, New Jersey) and writes a criticism of Captain George Keeports’s leadership in his pocket almanac.

Feb. 23, 1777
Gerock participates in the Battle of Spanktown (now Woodbridge, New Jersey) and sketches the battle in his pocket almanac.

March 24, 1777
Gerock and the German Regiment skirmish with the British near New Brunswick, New Jersey.

April 26, 1777
Gerock goes on a scouting mission near Quibbletown (now Piscataway, New Jersey) and engages with the British.

May 13, 1777
Gerock leaves the German Regiment on recruiting duty. He resigned his commission soon after.