The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-10-29
Capt. Moliy--A Revolutionary He
PGine

At the battle of Monmouth, Mistress
Molly Hollis, whose husband was in the
American Army serving cannon, watch
ed the fight from her own door, but after
while ventlred out to carry water to
Hollis, for he nobly and unremittingly
worked on il the very face of the foe. She
had retiIled her pitcher, when turning,
she saw Hollis fall to the ground. With
blanched check and a terrible forebod-
ing rushing over her heart, she lost no
time in reaching the spot.
Alas! he was dead A shot of the enemy
had killed him instantly.
'Take the cannon away" said General
Wayne, to one of the soldiers; eve cannot
fill the post by a brave as man as has been
killed."
No" returned Molly, looking upon
the General with face like DEATH yet
calm in its inspirations of bravery heigh-
tened to heroiSm; 1.-THE cannon shall not be
removed for the want of some one to
serve it; since my brave husband is no
more, | will use my utmost exertions to
avenge his DEATH"
Molly was now fairly aroused. She
loaded and discharged the cannon, while
tie officers bcheld her with undisguised
admiration.
'Thcro." she exclaimed, after the first
fire; take that We remorseless English
men, and wait for the next.
Again and again, she discharged the
cannon, dealing death and destruction at
every shot.
"Whom have we lerc?" inquired Gen
Washington, attracted to the spot by the
singular spectacle.
An angel Of the hosts of Michael The
powers of hell would drop before her." re-
pitrled General Wayne.
Molly now determined on coup de
ma'm. Accordingly she loaded. A
terrible crash succeeded Molly was thrown
into then air several feet the she fell to the
ground wltha violence Three British
soldiers were killed, and an officer of high
rank was apparently MORALLY wounded.
Many who stood by We're thrown down
and general confusion prevailed.
The last discharge had broken the can
non into fragments.
For al few minutes Molly was insensible
but she soon rallied and rose with a steady
eye. The soldiers loudly applauded her,
Notwithstanding which she Immediately
withdrew to her own home, followed by
two soldiers with the body other husband.
On the following morning Molly was
surprised by visit from Generals Wash
mGton, Wayne and Layfayette, who had
witnessed her brave conduct at the late
battle ground. Molly retained her self
command.
Our army, madam, being about to
leave Monmouth, we took this early OPP
portunlty to express to you our entire APP
prevail ofyour action of Yesterday" said
General Washington.
Sir" replied Molly, I only wished
to serve my country; the death of my
husband made ME almost frantic"
You merit a coat of arms like our
Joan of Arc" observed Lafayette; ''he's
contained two golden lilies, and sword
pointing upwards, bearing a crown"
II should prefer eagles in place of the
lilies" said Molly.
" You shall have an epaulette for your
coat Of arms, said General Washington,
rising in his accustomed dignity of man
ner; " | here confer upon you the rank of
Captain, as testimonial otmy regard for
your services"
The other Generals arose and crossing
their arms upon their breasts, beheld the
scene with smile of qualification.
May thanks, General" said Molly;
the tears rushing to her eyes but would
that my husband had been spared for this
honor instead OF myself"
6 trust you will come to a glorious
end,"-remarked Lafayette, "unlike