The Voyage of The First Hessian Army from Portsmouth to New York, 1776

A newly translated account pulls listeners into the cramped, tense atmosphere of Portsmouth in early May 1776, when General Heister’s Hessian troops are finally ordered to sail for New York. The narrative details how political pressure from the British crown and a stubborn insistence on keeping the divisions together delay the departure, while a mixed fleet of warships, frigates, fire‑ships and dozens of merchant vessels gathers under Commodore William Hotham. The meticulous description of the sealed orders and the ceremonial signal that finally lifts anchor sets the scene for a remarkable transatlantic undertaking.

Soon the convoy is battered by a fierce storm that turns disciplined soldiers into seasick passengers, and the chaos of rolling decks and men overboard creates a palpable sense of dread. Amid the turmoil the fleet passes the rocky Scilly Islands, witnesses the respectful salute of passing Danish and Swedish East‑Indian ships, and endures near‑collisions that leave gaping holes and water‑logged hulls. These early trials reveal the fragile balance between military ambition and the unforgiving power of the Atlantic, inviting listeners to experience the suspense and camaraderie of a historic voyage before its next chapter unfolds.