To modern day, there is a strip of land that once had makeshifts and huts overlooking the town. This place would be known as "The Hessian Camp". According to a journal written from a Johann Bense in a Brunswick unit, the Germans were tempted several times with chances of freedom. One option was to give 80 silver talers as a ransom. If he didn't have the money? Well, if a civilian decided to pay the money for him, that lucky or unlucky Hessian could expect to work for that person for 3 years.
(A replica hut that probably looked like what they stayed in)
The second option was to join the American Army and get 8 talers as a thanks. After the end of the war, they were to be given 100 acres of land.
Because the Hessians did not join the American Army, they were treated badly. There was not enough room and many men had to lay in the open, in any sort of weather.
How much is really known about the camp in Reading? Not much. Modern photos reveal what is left today.
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