I Was a Hessian Grenadier at the Battle of Trenton

Book excerpt: The Hessian soldiers who served as auxiliary troops for the British government during the American Revolution struck fear into the heart of American rebels even before they set foot on American shores. During the battle for New York in 1776, soon after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Hessians proved further enhanced their vaunted reputation when they literally mauled the rebels, helping Crown forces capture New York City, Fort Washington, and, before the year was out, almost all of New Jersey. Trusted with guarding the Delaware River once winter set in, seven of these Hessian battalions were posted at Trenton, Bordentown, Black Horse, and Mount Holly, New Jersey, closest to what was left of Washington's rebel army. This is the historically accurate story of the fictitious character Grenadier Johann Schräder, a member of Grenadier Regiment Rall, one of the tough Hessian battalions that were surprisingly defeated by the rebels at Trenton on December 26, 1776. Read how and why Schräder joined the Hessian Army in the summer of 1775, what training was like in Hessia, who his comrades were in the 2nd Company, Grenadier Regiment Rall, his journey to America, and his campaigning in New York and New Jersey, culminating at the famous battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776, the "battle that saved America."