Description:

Smith Samuel

Maryland Committee of Inspection 1776 Important Return for "Battalion of Flying Company from Berks County"


SAMUEL SMITH, Manuscript Document Signed, Return of Henry Haller’s Battalion, November 21, 1776, Spanktown [Rahway, New Jersey. 1 p., 7.75" x 6.25." Expected folds; some browning; very good.  From the Library of Charles I. Forbes, tucked away since 1958!

 

Partial Transcript

A Provision Return of Collo Henry Hallers Battalion of Flying Camp from Berks County Pennsylva Now in Camp at Spank Town November ye 21st 1776 for 3 Days Allowance

Lieut Collo Major five Captains & 4 Lieuts Adjutant Absent  Saml Smith Qr Mr

[Docketing: Colo Halters Fly Camp 1092 Rat / Nov. 21st 1776

 

Historical Background

In the spring of 1776, the focus of the Revolutionary War shifted from Boston to both an attack on Canada and a defense of the Middle Colonies, especially New York City. The Continental Army could not accomplish both tasks, and Congress would not enlarge it. Part of the compromise was the creation of the Flying Camp to be organized from the militias of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. General Hugh Mercer took command of the Flying Camp in early July to defend Pennsylvania and New Jersey and assist with operations around New York. Until it could be organized, the Pennsylvania militia would serve in the Flying Camp’s fortifications around Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Meanwhile, local committees in Pennsylvania were raising troops and sending them to the Flying Camp for service. These factors, as well as Washington’s need for reinforcements to counter British actions around New York led to confusion regarding the precise units that made up the Flying Camp.

 

Colonel Henry Haller’s Berks Battalion suffered heavy casualties in early fighting before being fully organized. This document reflects the toll of battle on Haller’s Battalion, as only a few of the companies approached full strength. The battalion also has only seven companies, instead of the normal eight. Encamped near the current site of Rahway, New Jersey, Haller’s battalion was on active duty near Newtown in January 1777.

 

 

Henry Haller (1731-1793) was born in the German Palatinate and moved to Alsace, France, where he was part of the Ducal body guard. He deserted from the ducal body guard and emigrated to the American colonies to escape. He was in Philadelphia in 1750, and married in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1760. By 1765, he was a tailor and innkeeper in Reading. He represented Berks County in the provincial assembly from 1776 to 1781. In 1775-1776, Haller commanded the first battalion of Major Hiester as a lieutenant colonel and was soon promoted to colonel. From 1779 to 1780, Haller served as Wagonmaster General for the Continental Army. After the war, he moved up the Schuylkill Valley, beyond the Blue Mountains to Brunswick township.

 

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