Though the rifle had become a familiar piece on the American Frontier it had played but limited role in the military.  That was about to change.  In April of 1808 the United Stated Congress created five new infantry regiments, three new regiments of dragoons, and a Regiment of Rifle.

At this time there was only one Rifle Regiment, it was known simply as The Regiment of Rifle (During 1814 three other Regiments of Rifle would be formed and this Regiment would become The First Regiment of Rifle. The regiment was unlike any other US military unit.  They were experienced frontiersmen and were highly trained.  They were expected to learn everything that the infantry knew, including proper drill.  They also served as scouts, Flankers, snipers, hunters, and were often sent out in advance of the infantry.  Some note this unit as the beginning of US Special Forces. 

Their uniforms also were unlike anything in the military. They were clad entirely in green.  Green gaitored trousers with buff colored fringe on the outside of the leg and a linen hunting shirt also with buff colored fringe.  They were armed with the Harpers Ferry 1803 rifle.  A short but accurate weapon unlike rifles of the previous generation.

Moses Whitney’s Company was formed in New England.  During the spring of 1811 they were stationed at Newport, RI.  On April 29 they received orders to join the 4th Infantry which was rallying near Philadelphia at the Lazaretto Barracks on the Schuylkill .  The rifle company would join the 4th infantry’s nearly 600 “as noble fellows as ever trod the tented field.”  The troops were equipped for the upcoming march.  Due to problems with the weapons the rifle company turned in rifles to be sent for repairs and they were issued the 1795 Springfield Musket, the same weapon the infantry carried.

Capt. Whitney would resign his military commission at this post.  The company was taken over by Abraham Hawkins a First Lieutenant with the 4th infantry. The company would march across Pennsylvania to Fort Pit.  From Fort Pitt they went by flat boat (the rifle company in the first boat) to Newport, KY.  Abraham Hawkins traveled overland to Vincennes and received orders for the 4th infantry and the Rifle Co. to proceed up the Wabash River to Vincennes in the Indiana Territory.  The arrived at Vincennes in late September. With only a few days to recover from the rigorous river trip they left Fort Knox, just north of the city, on Sept. 26 and marched toward what would become the battle of Tippecanoe.

Adam Walker was a musician with the Rifle Regiment at Tippecanoe and his journal is one of the few first person accounts of the battle.  Walkers Journal

Today

There are several groups of reenactors which portray the Regiment of Rifle.  They represent the entire time period that the rifle company existed from 1808 to its last post at Fort Atkinson, NE in 1821.  The unit in South West Indiana is the only group which portrays the Late Whitney’s Company.  They consider Fort Knox in Vincennes, IN as home base and the annual Muster on the Wabash as a home event.  The unit is recruiting for new members and welcomes all who would like to join.  For more information contact the unit at 1stUSRR @ gmail.com