A Defence of the Hessians

"A Defence of the Hessians" by J. G. Rosengarten is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a defense of the Hessian soldiers who served under the British flag during the American Revolutionary War, countering the negative perceptions and accusations against them that arose following their involvement in the conflict. Rosengarten aims to provide a more balanced view of their service and the political context surrounding it. In this comprehensive pamphlet, Rosengarten discusses the complex historical relationships between Hesse, England, and the broader context of the Seven Years' War, which set the stage for Hessian involvement in America. He narrates the history of Hesse’s military alliances, the motivations of the Elector Frederick, and the criticisms leveled against him for allegedly "selling" soldiers. Throughout the text, Rosengarten offers extensive evidence from historical records to refute claims of forced enlistments and emphasizes that the Hessian soldiers volunteered for service, enjoying favorable conditions and compensation. By focusing on the loyalty of the Hessians to England and their previous military solidarity, Rosengarten ultimately argues that their actions during the American Revolution are unjustly vilified.