Col. Hand’s men swiftly moved from marching column to line abreast in a motion that did credit to their practice on the parade ground. They fixed bayonets and loaded their muskets. The command came to advance.

They were about half way to the shed as the Hessians started pouring out. Some were in uniform, others missing their coats, but all carried their muskets and were rapidly changing from a mass of men into a line of soldiers.

“Halt… Present… FIRE!!” The Pennsylvanians stopped as the men raised their muskets to their shoulders. On the command to fire a rapid staccato roared up the line and blue white smoke suddenly obscured the view.

A gentle breeze carried the smoke away. They began to advance again. We could see the Hessians line. The men responding to the orders of their officers and sergeants.

Twice more the Pensylvanians fired and advanced. The hessians were enveloped in blue smoke as they returned fire. We could see no more.

“Column! On the double time. ADVANCE!”

We ran forward.