Alfred Patrick

Hessian Soldier, American Pioneer Alfred Patrick

Hessian Soldier, American Pioneer: A March to Destiny, is a work of historical fiction based on the life of Johann Jakob Rierschneck, "father" of Rasnake, Rasnic, and Rasnick clans. In this improbable, dramatic, action-filled novel, Johann Jakob Rierschneck, a young German farmer, is conscripted into his prince's army, wrested from his family and sweetheart, and shipped to America to fight for the British against their colonists in the American Revolutionary War. The soldier endures perils, hardships, and deprivations on a stormy, tumultuous ocean crossing. In addition to dangers in battles, on picket lines, and while foraging and scouting, the young man tolerates scarce and often almost inedible rations as well as inadequate clothing and shelter. Jakob cheats death in battles but suffers loneliness, heartaches, and unimaginable hardships in America. But the soldier begins to dream. Can he remain in America if he survives the war? Can he become an American farmer? A landholder? Can he bring his sweetheart to America? His family?