Molly Pitchers in the South.
--We have seen a letter from a young lady in
Tennessee, to a young lady friend in this city, in which she says, ‘"be sure that there are many thousands of Molly Pitchers in the
South, who, if circumstances shall require, will be found on the tented field defending our altars and our homes."’ This allusion to
Molly Pitcher brings to mind one of the most heroic incidents connected with the history of our Revolutionary war with
Great Britain.
The celebrated
Molly Pitcher distinguished herself at the battle of
Monmouth, of which
Headly, in his ‘"Life of
Washington,"’ gives the following account:
‘
"It was during this part of the battle (when
Gen. Lee was struggling nobly against the overwhelming numbers that pressed on him) that an Irishman, while serving his gun, was shot down.
His wife, named Molly, only twenty-two years of age, employed herself, while he loaded and fired his plece, in bringing water from a spring near by. While returning with a supply she saw him fall, and heard the officer in command order the gun to be taken to the rear.
She immediately ran forward, seized the rammer, declaring she would avenge his death.
She fought her piece like a hero to the last.
The next morning,
Greene, who had been struck with her bravery, presented her to
Washington, who immedrately promoted her to a sergeant, and afterwards put her name on the half-pay list for life.--Previous to this, she fired the last gun when the
Americans were driven from
Fort Montgomery.
At the close of the Revolution,
Molly Pitcher took up her residence in
Carlisle, where she was known as
Molly McCauley.
She lived to an advanced age, much respected by all, and was buried with military honors.--
N. Y. Day Book. ’
