Major Peter Hartman (Character Details)

By Cara Conley
August 7, 2026
Photo mock-up of what Peter most likely looked like in the winter of 1778 (image created by HYS)

Brief Character Description

Major Peter Hartman was a Pennsylvania militia officer, recruiter, and the older brother of Abigail Hartman Rice. During the Revolutionary War, he played an important role in moving supplies and sick and wounded soldiers between Valley Forge and the hospital complex at Yellow Springs. He regularly traveled by wagon, bringing food and supplies from local families to Valley Forge and returning with soldiers who needed medical care. His work brought him into direct contact with Washington Hall and the surrounding Hartman and Rice properties. For our purposes, Peter should be portrayed as a man in his late thirties. An actor anywhere from his mid-thirties to early forties would be appropriate for the role.

Character Background in the Summer of 1778

By the summer of 1778, Peter Hartman was about 38 years old and an experienced Pennsylvania militia officer. Born on April 2, 1740, Peter was the older brother of Abigail Hartman Rice and had become known locally as Major Peter Hartman. He served in the Pennsylvania militia under Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bull, also recorded in some sources as Thomas Ball, and was involved in recruiting men for military service.

During the winter of 1777–1778, Peter made regular journeys between the local community, Valley Forge, and Yellow Springs. He helped transport food and other supplies from nearby families to the army camps and then returned with sick and wounded soldiers who needed treatment at the hospital complex. These journeys were difficult and stressful, particularly during the harsh winter when roads were poor and military supply lines were strained. His work helped keep supplies moving while also bringing hundreds of sick and injured soldiers through the local community.

Peter’s role was closely connected to the work of his sister Abigail and her husband, Zachariah Rice. While Zachariah helped construct Washington Hall and Abigail helped nurse soldiers, Peter helped move the people and supplies that allowed the hospital to operate. His military rank also made him an important connection between the local community and the Pennsylvania militia.

Character Physical Description

Peter Hartman was a German immigrant descendant who was about 37 to 38 years old during the winter of 1777–1778 and the summer of 1778. We do not currently have a known portrait of Peter, so there is no reliable record of his exact physical appearance.

For our purposes, we are looking for an actor who can portray a physically active man in his late thirties who spent much of his time traveling by wagon, recruiting soldiers, transporting supplies, and working around military camps. He should appear capable and practical rather than like a professional Continental Army officer.

Costume Details

  • Plain linen shirt with a simple collar or neck opening.
  • Plain waistcoat in a muted color, such as brown, gray, blue, or natural wool.
  • Knee breeches made from wool or linen.
  • Plain linen or wool stockings.
  • Sturdy leather shoes with simple buckles or ties.
  • Simple wool or felt hat suitable for an outdoor working man.
  • Plain linen or wool outerwear appropriate for travel and extended time outdoors.
  • Simple leather belt or other practical accessories suitable for a militia officer and wagon traveler.
  • Do not use a standardized military uniform. Pennsylvania militia units did not have a standard uniform during 1777 and 1778. Peter would most likely have worn ordinary civilian clothing rather than the type of uniform associated with Continental Army officers.
  • If desired, a simple military-related accessory can help identify his role as a militia officer, but his overall appearance should remain civilian.
    • TLDR: Peter should look like a practical, middle-class Pennsylvania man who has taken on military responsibilities, not like a professional Continental Army officer. His clothing should consist primarily of ordinary civilian garments made from linen and wool. He should look prepared for long days outdoors, traveling by wagon, handling supplies, and escorting sick soldiers. Avoid modern military interpretations, standardized Continental uniforms, elaborate officer’s coats, bright colors, fine silks, or other clothing associated with wealthy gentlemen or professional officers.

We can assist with costuming depending on sizing. Regardless of sizing, we have accessories available for Peter, however, we encourage people interested in portraying Peter to bring some of their own accessories (such as a fake rifle, a hat, etc).

Interested in acting as Peter in our Town Tours and Village Walks Event in 2026?

Please click through to this form, select Peter from the dropdown menu, and fill out the rest of the form! We will be in contact with you shortly!

(You can also scan the QR code below with your mobile phone to be brought to the same form for more details)