May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
Benjamin Weiser. "A Muster Roll of Captain Benjamin Weiser's Company, of the German Battalion of Continental Troops, Commanded by Colonel Nicholas Houseaker [sic--Haussegger], Esqr. in the Service of the United Colonies. In Barracks Philada: Octobr. 3d. 1776." Elephant folio sheet, 2 pages, signed and dated at Philadelphia, October 3, 1776. Surviving documents and correspondence relating to the "German Battalion" or "German Regiment" are extremely rare and this muster roll is the earliest return we have found for this unusual corps. It was composed of German-Americans, half of its companies being recruited in Pennsylvania (such as Weiser's, whch was raised in Lancaster County) and half in Maryland. The muster roll is laid out in tabular form, with columns listing date of commission or enlistment, and name of soldier on the obverse or first page of the return, with a listing of numbers "Present and "Absent" on the recto, then attested to and certified by appended signature and date its commanding officer. Listed were Captain Benjamin Weiser, 1st Lieutenant Jacob Bower, 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Yeiser, and Ensign Jacob Kreamer, followed by 4 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 Drum & fife "on Furlow", 1 fifer "Pro Temp. Discharged Sept. 16th.", and 48 Privates. CONDITION: very good overall, ink strong, light uniform toning to paper, slightly darker along outer fold lines; to small edge chips at folds and one 3/4 x 1/8" insect browse hole in center of sheet, not affecting text. JLK