A/N: This story is about Irving's Headless Horseman and how he came to Sleepy Hollow. I will try to be historically accurate as I can. I'm using what I have researched about Hessians and the Hessian that is buried at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to write this story. Enjoy!

Hesse-Kassel, 1775:

In a church, a man walked up the isle. He knelt before the image of a woman holding a small boy surrounded by light. He bowed his head and said, "Please look after me and my men as we leave to fight in the New World tomorrow Lord. Please let my mother and father, whom reside with you, know that I will return home. Also, I love them and miss them so much. Amen." He stood up and passed by two old women. "Hello Frau Kirkland, Frau Haines.", he said with a bow. "Good to see at least one soldier is at prayer before his voyage into Hell.", said Frau Haines. Frau Kirkland nodded in agreement. "True. I am glad Frau Abendroth's son takes her devotion to the Lord with him. It will surely do you good when you stand before God to be judged." , She added. "My dear ladies, you humble me by speaking of me like I was your own.", he said. Frau Kirkland opened her arms and hugged the man. "I pray you will be safe and return soon to us Johann." "Yes. Do be safe and may the Lord bless your life with good health.", Frau Haines added. Johann thanked them and left. Johann was loved by the people who knew him. He was strong, brave, and a prime example of good moral structure. He had excelled in his studies, and was the pride of his teachers. He sported the finest skills of horsemanship. Indeed, all the older men in Hess Kassel wanted Johann to marry their daughters. His most famous feature though, was that despite his militant nature, he was gentle to the small children. He was firm but fair. Many a father and mother would come to him for help, never caring of the fact he had no children of his own. Tomorrow would be a grey day for the people, because Johann would be leaving for war.

Atlantic Ocean, 1775:

Johann gazed at the sea. He had been away before, but this time was different. This time he felt he would never see his home again. "I 'ope ye said yer goodbyes mate.", an old sailor said. "I have. Maybe God in all his grace will see me home.", Johann said. The old sailor nodded and walked off to tend to his duties. Johann remained where he was. It would be the new year in a few weeks. "How fortunate that I will see the New World in the new year.", he thought to himself. Johann then thought of how far he had come, and how far home was. He thought of the lavish parties the Kirklands would hold. The beautiful church that looked over his town. The children he would play with. It was all behind him. Johann then thought of the land he was going to. He turned on his heal and went below deck to sleep.

New York, 1776:

"So, this is the New World.", Johann thought to himself as he saw the port city of New York (He is in Staten Island to be precise). The ship was docked, and Johann exited the ship. Johann was soon marching with his men. As he and his men marched towards their station. Johann inhaled and began to sing a favorite hymn of his. His men soon joined in. Johann continued to march, and the singing made the time pass. His mother had always said to him that singing your favorite hymn would pass the day and give you strength to carry on. Once they ended their singing, they had arrived at their first stop. They set up camp and were ready to rest.

Well there you have it. Its short but the chapters will get better (and longer) as we move forward. Here is a preview of the next chapter:

Siege of New York, 1776:

The Hessians and British chase Washington and his men out of New york. Johann and his unit stay in Tappan. As they settle around the fire to drink and eat what the women have prepared, Johann proposes they sieze the quiet town of Sleepy Hollow. Johann hopes to win the town for the English King, and display the might of his own Prince. However, he soon learns that one doesn't always need armies and weapons to conquer...

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