Johann and his men were exhausted. The battle had been fierce, but it had sent Washington on the run. The house they had entered was turned over. "The family was in a hurry to leave.", said one soldier. "I agree Ludwig. The family that lived here only took what they could carry with them.", Johann replied. He looked around the house and took the remaining bread, and other food stuff. He looked and saw the other soldiers were carrying away the finery. Johann was the last to leave. They continued to their next destination, Tappan.
Tappan, New York 1776:
Johann was starved, and couldn't wait to eat. He was given his ration of dinner and sat with the men around the fire. "Gentlemen, we must decide where we shall strike next. There are rebel units all around the Hudson River Valley. However, sources say that they are small compared to our unit's size.", The British commander said. "I propose we keep the rebelious subjects scattered. They are rendered cowards when they can't combine their forces.", suggested a soldier. "Excellent idea Mr. Smith. We keep the weeds from growing as my mother would say. However, I see a problem remains with the people. I'm certain his Majesty just doesn't want us to just act like savages with his subjects.", the officer then said. "Then here is my proposal. We shall offer the people a chance to pledge their loyalty to the King.", replied another soldier. The Commander nodded. Suddenly, a loyalist appeared. He had in his hand several papers. "I have maps and charts of the whole Valley sir.", he said. "Thank you my good fellow.", replied the commander. He looked at the map. "I have hardly heard of these villages. Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and Kingston..Well..I have heard of Kingston.", he continued. "I am from Tarrytown sir.", said the loyalist. He then explained that Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow were debating on who to support. "May I speak sir?", Johann asked. "Yes. You may.", said the commander. "If Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow can't decide who they should support, perhas it is best we go there and establish ourselves.", Johann explained. "Excellent suggestion Johann! Well spoke.", The British commander said. "In that case, we should move forward right away if we wish to beat the rebellion.", said Ludwig. All the men nodded and all made an early retirement to sleep that night.
The next day they began their march to Tarrytown. Johann was one of the first to cross into the town from the wooded road. He was quartered by a loyalist farmer known for his horses. "Help yourself sir. I have plenty of food and creatures to spare.", he said. He looked about the farm, and saw the object of his desire. It was a healthy steed, named Sampson. "Sir, how much for the steed over there?", Johann asked. "You want Sampson? My boy, you need not ask. I will give him to you at no price. Anything to serve his Majesty and the men who fight for him. God save King George!", the farmer replied. "Danke.", said Johann with a smile. The old farmer fetched his horse for Johann. Johann allowed the creature to smell him. Sampson soon decided he liked his new master, and nudged Johann.
A few days later, Johann and his men were on the road to Sleepy Hollow. Tarrytown was divided by the peoples political views. Getting out of Tarrytown proved tougher than it looked though. Not long after they left the town they got into a slirmish with local patriots. Johann noticed how upset Sampson had become and was trying to steady him. He had just soothed his mount when suddenly, a musket ball pierced his arm. Another hit him in his leg. Johann fell to the ground wounded. He dragged himself back on to his mount and continued to aid his men. Finally, the battle was over. Johann's injuries ached, but he denied the pain and led his men onward to Sleepy Hollow.
The ambush had taken the day, and the men were forced to camp. The camp physician tended to Johann. Johann went to sleep early that night. While he slept in his tent, he had an all too real dream of what could await them in Sleepy Hollow.
Dream:
Johann was in the middle of fighting the rebelion. There was smoke and the sound of artillery had filled the air. Men were dying all around him. He looked around in a panic. He had just exited a house that was burning carrying a small bundle in his hand. He handed the bundleoff to a woman. He heard his men shouting for him. As he was heading back he heard a cannon go off!
End Dream:
Johann woke with a start. Relief washed over him when he realized it was all just a dream. At least he hoped it was just a dream. Since, he was wide awake now, he decided to watch the sunrise. It was a marvelous sight to see night turn to day. When the morning mist lifted, he saw the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow.
Oh my..Looks like Johann has found Sleepy Hollow. I'm sure you dear readers have now realized that this fanfic will not be 100% accurate, but I'll be willing to answer questions and shall leave foot notes when a fact pops up in the story. Remember, Reviews are love! Cheers!
