The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1857-11-05
A Revolutionary Heroine.

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the fight from her own door, but after b
while ventured ont to carry water to Hollis,
for he nobly and unremFtingly worked on
in the very face of the foe. She had filled
her pitcher again, and was returning, when
she saw her husband fall to the ground
With banched cheek and terrible fore.
boding rushing over her heart, she lost no
time in reaching the spot.
Alas! he was dead A Bii5t of the efAmy
had killed him instantly. r'..-. r+
"Take the cannon away" s4id General
4 Wayne to one of the soldiers, 1--WE cannot
Ellthe post by as brave man us has been
killed." -~
"No," returned Molly, looking upon the
General with face like death, yet calm in
i'sl inspirations Of bravery heightened to
heroism, "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 load.
ed and discharged the cannon, while both
the officers and men beheId her with undis.
guised amazement. "
"There!" she exclaimed after the first
fire, stake that, ye remorselcss Englshmen,
and wait for the bext." -~' %
Again mid again, she discharged The can.
non, dealing death and destruction at every
shot
"Whom have we herew inquired General
Washington, attracted to the spot by the
singular spectacle.
can angel of the hosts Of Michael. The
powers of hell would drop before her!" re-
piled General Wayne,
Molly now determined on a coup de main.
Accordingly she loaded. A terrible crash
followed. Molly was thrown into the ofr
several feet, then she fell to the ground
with Violence. Three British Soldiers were
killed, and an officer of high rank was appa-
rently mortaly wounded. Many who stood
by were thrown down, and general confu.
sion prevailed.
The last discharge had broken the cannon
iI,o fragments!
For few minutes Molly was insensible,
but she SOFA rallied aud rose with steady
eye. The soldiers loudly applauded her,
notwithstanding which she Immediately
withdrew to her own home, followed by the
soldiers with the body Of her husband.
| On the following morning, Molly was
surprised BY visf: from Generals Wash.
ington, Wayne and lafayette, who had Oh
served her brave conduct at the late battle
gfJund. Molly retained her self command.
"Our army, madam, being about to leave
Monmouth, We take this early opportunity
to express to you our entire approval Of
your action yesterday" said Genera. Wash.
ington.
"Sir," replied Molly, II only wished tt
serve my country; the death of my HUSBAND
made me almost frantic"
"You merit a coat Of arms like our 5ooT
of Arc" observed Lafayette; "hcrs contain
ed two golden lilies, and sword pointing
upward, bearing crown" -.....
81 should prefer eagles in place of til!
tllIes." said Molly.
"You shall have an epaulette for you
coat of arms" said General Washington
rising in his accustomed dignity Of manner
, '@ here confer on you the rank of Captain
! as testimonial Of my great regard for you
services" .......... ...
The other Generals arose and crossn
their arms upon their breasts, beheld th
scene with smile Of qualification. ..
Many thanks, General said Molly; tn
tears rushing to her eyes, "but would thC
my husband had been spar,d for this hone
iastead OF myself" -sE sra #
81 trust you will come to glorious end,
remarked lafayette, "unlike the Maid c
Orleans, who was burned at the stake"
~ have come to that already" returne
Molly, sat least have been taken prisone
by the Indians, and confined to tree, wher
1 should have been burned alive, had not h
! Who was afterwards my husband, Iobl
offered his life for mine." a ISL 3.
Are you indeed that young girl who fig
/. useds1o conspicuorsly at the murder of Mis-
J McCrea: inquired General Wayne.
I. Molly bowed. sg , ..a-e
'Brave msdam," exclaimed L1fayett,
3"befoie we leave, permit me to salute yo
! after the custom of my country, when "
!, would honor noble ladies' like YOURSELF"
n ~s A blush suddenly overspread Molly
! cheek, us the chiyalrous General imprinte
u kiss upon erbrow. A few calm, earne
/. word, more like a benediction, Gener
4 Washington then addressed to Molly, al
= the distinguished visitors took their depa
ture. a sts ga %k tr ~
'.Mercy ON ts!" exclaimed Mrs. Roger
who had partially witnessed this curiol
scene, "you are nuw really a captain. tn
is the most:wonderful. thing lever heard
. in my life. ''tsl,aa8ag Eo sf 's3, aiE
. d The good woman quickly took occasi,
!. to circulate this circumstance all over d
vicinity. Many came to see the epaulett
which General Washington had bestow'
j upon Molly,a and thenceforth che was call
). aCaptain Molly" by the =peopleEof Mo
!. mouth. sfha sal e'"~ saf a% a' -'8At
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