Peter Muhlenberg

Muhlenberg, Peter, Major-General, an officer of the American Revolutionary army, distinguished for his talents and bravery, born October 1, 1746, at the Trappe, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was the eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. Peter, with his two brothers, Frederick Augustus and Henry Ernest, were sent to Germany to receive an education. Peter became restive under the restraints there imposed, and returned home, where he completed his studies under the direction of his father, who prepared him for the exercise of the ministry in the Swedish Lutheran Church. His denomination deeming episcopal ordination necessary, Peter went to England in 1772, together with Bishop White, then also a candidate for holy orders, and they were ordained at the same time by the Bishops of London and Ely. A few years subsequent to his return, he officiated as a clergyman; but after the commencement of the Revolution, he was urged to take a military command, and, having resolved to lay aside his clerical robes, when he entered the pulpit for the last time, he preached upon the duties men owe to their country; and, in the course of his sermon, told his hearers that "there was a time for all things--a time to preach and a time to fight--and now was the time to fight." After the services were concluded, he stripped off his gown in the pulpit, and, appearing in full uniform, read his commission as Colonel, and ordered the drummers to beat up for recruits. He had no difficulty in forming his regiment--his parishioners crowding to its standard in great numbers. His first campaigns were fought in Georgia and South Carolina. He was popular with his soldiers, and received flattering commendation from Washington. In February, 1777, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General; and in the autumn of that year was an active participant in the battles of the Brandywine and Germantown. During the campaign of 1778 he was present at the battle of Monmouth; in 1779, he commanded the reserve at the storming of Stony Point; and, in 1780, when Leslie invaded Virginia, he opposed him, holding at that time the chief command. When the subsequent movement on the same State was made by Benedict Arnold and Phillips, he acted under Baron Steuben, and when Cornwallis entered Virginia, he was next in command to La Fayette. He was present also at the siege of Yorktown, and commanded the first brigade of light infantry; and the surrender of that place virtually ended the struggle. He continued in the army, however, until it was disbanded, and received the commission of a Major-General. After returning to civic life, he located his abode in Pennsylvania, and was immediately elected a member of the Supreme Executive Council of that State. In 1785 he was chosen Vice President of the Commonwealth, Dr. Franklin being chosen President at the same time. Upon the adoption of the Federal Constitution, he was elected a member of the first Congress of the United States; and he was also a member of the third, as well as of the sixth Congress. In 1797 he was one of the Presidential Electors. In 1801 he was elected to the Senate of the United States, but in the following year resigned the office, and was appointed by Mr. Jefferson Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Pennsylvania. In 1803 he was made Collector of the Port of Philadelphia, which situation he held at the time of his death, October 1, 1807, being then 61 years of age. General Muhlenberg possessed a sound judgment, was cool and self-collected in danger, and indefatigable in the performance of his duty, but apparently indifferent to fame. These traits of character rendered him a popular and truly excellent soldier; and no one doubted his moral integrity, whether he was officiating as a clergyman, or was engaged in the councils of the nation.

Blake, John Lauris. A Biographical Dictionary: comprising a summary account of the lives of the most distinguished persons of all ages, nations, and professions; including more than two thousand articles of American biography. Philadelphia: H. Cowperthwait & Co., 1859, p. 888.

Submitted by Nancy.