From Erhard Christian Hechtfischer
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Ickelheim near Windsheim, January 25, 1778, in German: I
write to express my joy at your countrymen’s success; may
God establish their freedom. I am a former citizen of Ansbach.
My compatriots are fighting in America against their will; even
when they embarked at Oschenfurt the infantry exchanged
fire with the jägers. The clergy must have prayed in vain for
them not to go; they are all good Americans. I am so devoted
to your cause that I have decided to sacrifice a substantial parish
and offer my services with nothing to recommend me except
that I am an honorable man. Within six months I can be
fluent in French and English. If I were assured that I might be
accepted, I should like to come to Paris. The Markgraf is there;
so please keep my name to yourself.>
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