AMREV-HESSIANS-L Archives

From:
Subject: Dietrich Frede, Hessian and Loyalist
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 16:22:05 EDT

I am new to this list, and only recently learned that my husband's ancestor,
DIETRICH FREDE (spelled many other ways: Dedrick/Freedee, Freedy, etc.), was
a Hessian (a Waldecker) and a United Empire Loyalist. I am so grateful for
the wonderful information available from the Johannes Schwalm Historical
Association, Bruce Burgoyne, and John Merz.

However, I have a few questions that perhaps more experienced individuals
can help me with.

Dietrich arrived in New York as a private with the Third English-Waldeck
Regiment (2nd Company) in 1776. (He had enlisted for 6 years.) He was wounded
in the battle of Fort Washington. He was transferred to the 4th Company in
1779, and then back to the 2nd Company in 1782.

Is it common practice for soldiers to be moved around from one company to
another? Would the fact that FREDE was a shoemaker have had any bearing on
this switching around?

In trying to trace FREDE's movements from Burgoyne's chronology of events
for the 3rd English Waldeckers, it seems FREDE is still in New York in 1778.
Then the Regiment set sail (2nd Company aboard the Britannia) in November for
West Florida via the West Indies.

In 1779, the Regiment arrives in Pensacola, West Florida. At this time
FREDE is transferred to the 4th Company. Here is where I get a little confused.
Some of the Waldeckers were sent to Baton Rouge (5th Company and
Grenadiers), but perhaps not the 4th Company. In August, the 2nd Company was also sent
to Baton Rouge. In September those who went to Baton Rouge surrendered to
the Spanish and these men were made prisoners of war.
These Waldeck prisoners later deserted or were sent to Mexico and Cuba.

Can I safely assume FREDE is still at Pensacola?

In May 1781, the Spanish captured Pensacola, including a garrison of 1200
men, etc. Evidently the Waldeckers were taken to Havana, and then on to New
York in June.
In October of 1781, the British surrendered, but Spain still held 145
Waldeck prisoners of war (including FREDE?).

In July of 1782, those Waldeckers captured at Pensacola were ordered by the
Spanish to resume duty. According to Burgoyne, at this time (1782) FREDE is
transferred back to Company 2. However, also in 1782, FREDE's 6-year
enlistment would have been up.

In 1783, the Waldeck Regiment returned to Europe. I do not think FREDE was
with them.

I have FREDE's son's Canadian land petitions which state that Dietrich Frede
served as a sargeant with the King's Rangers and Loyal Rangers during the
Revolutionary War, and was counted among the men listed in January 1783. At
this time he had served for 1 year and 6 months. This takes us back to late
1781 and 1782!

In 1834, FREDE's name was indeed entered on the United Empire Loyalists list
for his service during the War. But it was his two sons who got his name on
the list, posthumously.

I'm sorry for this long query. I'm troubled by the time line and wonder if
someone can increase my understanding! Should I assume that when FREDE was
returned to the New York with the prisoners of war, he deserted and joined the
King's Rangers?

Many thanks!

Bonnie Proctor
Michigan

(Researching Proctor and Freedy for my husband)

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