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Hessians on St. Nicholas Day: Arrest of Derrick Van Veghten

The 4th Annual Reenactment of the Arrest of Derrick Van Veghten by Hessian Jaegers comes to the historic Gen. Frelinghuysen House, home to Raritan Public Library.

 
The 4th Annual Reenactment of the Arrest of Derrick Van Veghten by Hessian Jaegers comes to the historic Gen. Frelinghuysen House, home to Raritan Public Library.
 
As George Washington retreated across New Jersey in the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, Hessian Jaegers came to Somerset County. On St. Nicholas Day, December 6, 1776, they seized Derrick Van Veghten at his home on the Raritan River, taking him captive as their guide for military maneuvers through the Watchung Mountains in pursuit of the Continental Army.

The reenactment is based on the original account of Capt. Johann Ewald who participated in the arrest and features reenactors of Hessian Jaegers and a reflection on the colonial Dutch holiday traditions of St. Nicholas Day. Please register for this event.

This program has been made possible by the Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage Association with the Raritan Historic & Cultural Committee.
 

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