06/01/2026
An American Moment, 250 years ago, May 25, 1776. Congress Resolved: That one batallion of Germans be raised for the service of the United Colonies:
In 1775, Congress ordered that province to furnish six companies of sharpshooters. Instead, Pennsylvania provided nine, four of which were entirely German and were commanded by German officers.
During the siege of Boston these German sharpshooters rendered invaluable service. Carrying bored rifles, which at that time were made only by German gun-smiths of Pennsylvania, they surpassed all other Americans in marksmanship. Aiming especially at the officers, they caused such havoc among the British regiments.
Several companies of riflemen, amounting, it is said, to more than fourteen hundred men, have arrived here from Pennsylvania and Maryland; a distance of from five hundred to seven hundred miles. They are remarkably stout and hardy men; many of them exceeding six feet in height. They are dressed in white frocks, or rifle shirts, and round hats. These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their aim; striking a mark with great certainty at two hundred yards distance. At a review, a company of them, while on a quick advance, fired their balls into objects of seven inches.
The splendid work, done by these German marksmen, induced Congress on May 25, 1776, to call for the formation of an entirely German batallion, whose eight companies should be made up half of Pennsylvanians, and half of Marylanders. The Germans of Pennsylvania, however, not content with doing their share, provided in a few weeks five complete companies. This batallion distinguished itself at Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and in the border fights at the headwaters of the Susquehannah and Potomac Rivers.
Journals of Congress: Saturday, May 25, 1776
German Achievements in America, Rudolf Cronau, 1916. p. 45.
A military journal during the American revolutionary war, from 1775 to 1783; by James Thatcher, 1827, p. 33.
© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments
