Last Sunday I had the opportunity to attend the reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth (Or Freehold or Monmouth Courthouse) at Monmouth Battlefield State Park which is located outside of present day Freehold, NJ. There were about 100 re-enactors present and some 1500 people observing the event. The Crown forces included Hessians Grenadiers (von Donops) as well as British and Loyalist units. They had cavalry, artillery and infantry. The American forces included Continentals, Riflemen, Militia and artillery. These men and women put on a great show. Yes, this is Freehold and there was a Molly Pitcher in the battle. We live nearby and I regret that we did not arrive earlier so that we could spend more time talking to the re-enactors in their camps. We are truly fortunate to have people willing to do this. If you have the opportunity to attend one of these events by all means do so. Earlier this year I attended an Ocean County Historical Society meeting where one of the von Donop group demonstrated what the average Hessian soldier wore and carried as required equipment. They had to have been in good shape. Living in New Jersey, the Crossroads of the Revolution, I am close to the site of many battles and skirmishes. I first heard of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Society at a reenactment of the battle of Shoal Harbor on Raritan Bay in the town where I live. Much to my surprise I later learned that my Hessian ancestor, Andreas Schmeltz, were neighbors in the Hessian triangle in PA. Terry Troutman