The Rall Brigade 1776

  Prior to their arrival in American the regiments of the brigade were not impressive to many observers.  While the steadness and discipline of Fusilier Regiment Knyphausen was praised, Lossberg's and Rall's  drew unfavorable comments.  Fusilier Regiment Lossberg had the highest number of deserters of any regiment on its march from the capital to the ships;  fifteen men.  This was due to the regiment recruiting an great number of deserters from other countries into its ranks.  This was because of the garrison town it was quartered in which was on the outskirts of the country in a isolated area.

  William Fawcett, who was sent to muster the German troops being sent to American was less then impressed with Grenadier Regiment Rall.  He reported the battalion was inferior to the others he had seen.  The number of recruits were higher then the other battalions because its peacetime establishment was lower.  But he did add, "They are however in surprising forwardness; which is owing to the activity and cleverness of their colonel, who is one of the best officers of his rank, in the Landgrave's army."  While today we remember Johann Rall for the disaster at Trenton few remember him as a outstanding battalion commander.  But how did he get promoted  from battalion commander to brigade commnder?

  Originally  the three regiments were commanded by  Major General Werner von Mirbach.  But after the battle of Long Island a series of unfortunate events fell their commanding officers.  Mirbach suffered a stroke and was sent back  to Germany.  Colonel Carl von Bose who succeeded him also fell ill and left the command.  Next in seniority was Colonel Heringen from Regiment Lossberg who then died of dysentery.  His replacement,  Colonel Borce from Regiment Knyphausen was recovering from wounds.  So Johann Rall, a very junior colonel but excellent battalion commander found himself in command of a brigade. 

  British General Howe, who liked Rall and wanted to reward him for his fine service at White Plains and Fort Washington approved his independent command at Trenton.  Over the very strong objections from Rall's commander von Donop. This led to friction and a lack of cooperation between the two Hessian officers.   And the rest is history