The story of a Hessian : A tale of the revolution in New Jersey

"The story of a Hessian" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It follows Caspar Reinhart, a Hessian blacksmith forced into British service during the American Revolution, and the family he leaves behind in Hesse-Cassel, tracing the moral, religious, and political pressures that shape their choices. Set between a German village and wartime America, the tale contrasts courtly pretensions with common suffering, and centers on faith, conscience, and the hope of a new life across the sea. The opening of the novel moves from a wolf-hunt near Nonnenwald to a child’s funeral that collides with the landgrave’s hunting party, revealing the villagers’ grief over men sold to fight in America. Gertrude Reinhart spurns the prince’s money, is gently reassured by Count Maurice about the humane treatment of prisoners, and finds her first tears and comfort. A dramatic wolf raid in the churchyard makes little Gustaf a hero, and Philip’s honesty in returning Maurice’s lost locket draws praise and encouragement for his carving. A Moravian missionary preaches consolation, stirring hope that leads the family to consider emigrating; Margaret and Philip struggle but come to renewed resolve, while Philip quietly lays aside his own artistic dream for the family’s good. The narrative then explains how German princes sold their subjects, before shifting to Philadelphia’s “Mischianza,” where Caspar, serving as a smith, protects a disguised American agent and earns his gratitude. Spited by Captain Burger, Caspar is ordered onto perilous intelligence work in New Jersey; he slips downriver by night, and the scene closes as he rescues a stranded child from a bear. (This is an automatically generated summary.)