Hi, The oath you speak about was required by everyone. There was a group of Quakers in PA who refused and were transported to jail and then into VA because they would not sign it... (long story and off topic for here.) So I'm sure all Hessians who stayed did at some time sign it.. Nelda Nelda L. Percival nee Gilpin, IBSSG http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~bonsteinandgilpin/ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gillock/ http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~bonsteinandgilpin/

>>> The oath you speak about was required by everyone. <<< I am not sure that this is entirely true. I know that the Continental Congress passed an act in early 1776 requiring everyone over age 21 to sign. In New Hampshire, the signing was completed in the autumn of 1776. Thereafter, at least in New England, I have never encountered the requirement that the oath be taken after the first act. I am aware that Pennsylvania and Viriginia didn't ratify the Continental Congress act until 1777. The bottom line is that "one size does not fit all." Bob Brooks