_http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~plowscrew/_ (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~plowscrew/) In my studies, I have seen that MANY Hessians deserted and became Americans. Since there were so many Germans, still speaking German, in VA and PA, it was a snap! I am not sure the Continentals cared that much about them deserting, either, since they had "no dog in the hunt" but had been pressed into service by their Duke. Sharon