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Dorothea Graham Jensen
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A Buss from Lafayette
Teens
Author Insight
"Hessians" with Attitude
Very interesting chapter on the Hessians in Fisher's book. Apparently the soldiers from Hesse (and other German regions) were stalwartly professional soldiers. Like their British counterparts, however, they felt very superior to the American forces. "In America they shared a deep contempt for the Rebeller, as they called their opponents. They despised the American language of liberty and freedom as the cant of cowards, traitors, and poltroons. They were skilled professional officers, proud to serve in the Hessian army. Though they hoped to make their fortunes in America, they were not mercenaries in the usual sense." David Hackett Fisher: Washington's Crossing (Pivotal Moments in American History) (p. 59). Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.
Book Excerpt
A Buss from Lafayette
I listened closely as the man explained that Lafayette’s actions at Brandywine had so impressed General Nathanael Greene that had he sent the young Frenchman on a reconnaissance mission commanding a few hundred men. Lafayette had led them on a surprise attack on some Hessians near Gloucester, in the Jerseys. Though outnumbered, it was said that Lafayette and his men “fought like demons,” and it was not until the British commander, Cornwallis, sent out some grenadiers from the main camp that Lafayette withdrew.
The stranger took another gulp of the rum. “Greene said afterwards that Lafayette ‘seemed to search for danger.’ High praise indeed for such a young man in his first command.”
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