Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-10-08

strange sight Of her white muslin dress amid
the bloody strife She returned TO her post
Of watching with breathless anEietv, for the
battle Eaged closer and fercer. Unconscious
II she would break forth into words OF en-
couragement for her favorire generals, as she
distinguished their uniforms, or the noble
horses which they rode falling dead beneath
than.
Once more she ventured out to carry water
to Hollis, for he nobly and unremittingly
worked on in the face Of the foe. She had
reflled her pitcher, when, turning, she saw
Hollis fall to the ground. With a blanched
cheek, and a horrible foreboding rushing
over her heart, she lost 10 time in reaching
the spot.
Alas 3! he was dead A shot of the enemy
had killed him instantly
"Take that cannon away" said General
Wayne to one of the soldiers I'VE cannot
fill the place by as brave man as has been
killed."
"No " returned Molly, looking upon the
General with a face like death, yet calm in
its inspiration of bravery heightened to he
roism; " the cannon shall not be removed for
the want of some one to serve it, since my
brave husband is no more, for I viii use my
utmost exertions to avenge his death"
Molly was now fairly aroused. She loaded
and discharged the cannon, while the officers
beheld her with undisguised admiration.
"There !" she exclaimed, after the first
fire; take that, We remorseless enemies, and
wait for the next"
Again and again she discharged the cannon,
| dealing death and destruction at every shot.
"Who have we here" inquired General
! Washington, attracted to the spot by the
| singular spectacle.
IAN angel of the host of Michael The
power of hell would drop before her" re-
piled General Wayne
Molly now determined on coup de maitre.
! Accordingly she reloaded the cannon with
| double the ordinary quota, then discharged it,
A terrible crash succeeded. Molly was
thrown into the air several feet, then she fell
| to the ground with violence. Three British
soldiers were killed, and an officer Of high
rank was apparently mortally wounded.
| Many who stood by were thrown down, and
general confusion prevailed.
| This last discharge had broken the cannon
| into fragments!
| For few minutes Molly was insensible,
| but she soon rallied and rose with a steady
| eye. The soldiers loudly applauded her,
Notwithstanding which she Immediately with
drew to her home, followed by two soldiers
with the body of her husband.
On the following day Molly was surprised
| by visit from Generals Washington, Wayne
| and Lafayette, who had witnessed her brave
conduct at the battle ground. Molly retained
| her self-cOmmand.
'Our army, madam, being about to leave
| Monmouth, we took this opportunity to ex-
| press to yon our entire approval of your &C
| ton yesterday" said General Washington.
Sir said Molly, az only wished to serve
my country; the death of my husband made
me almost frantic"
{" You merit coat Of arms like our Joan
of Are" observed Lafayette; hers con
tanned two golden lilies and sword pointing
upward, bearing crown"
| 81 should prefer eagles in place Of the Ill
les" said Molly.
'Iou shall have an epaulette for your coat
of arms" said General Washington, rising in
his accustomed dignity of manner: 81 here
| confer upon you the rank Of captain, as a tes-
timonial Of my regard for your service"
| The other generals arose, and, crossing
| their arms upon their breasts, beheld the
scene with a smile of qualification.
"Many thanks, General" said Molly the
tears rushing to her eyes, "but would that my
husband had been spared to receive this hon.
or instead Of myself"
Il trust that you will come TO a glorious
end" remarked General Lafayette; 1'unIike
the Maid Of Orleans, who was burned at the
stake"
Il have come to that already" returned
| Molly; "at least I have been taken prisoner
| by the Indians, and confined to tree. where
L should have been burned alive had not he
who was afterwards my husband nobly offer
| ed his life for mine"
Are you indeed that young girl who fig
ured so conspcuously at the murder of Miss
McCrea? inquired General Wayne.
Molly bowed
Brave madam !" exclaimed General Lafay-
cite before we leave permit me to salute
| you after the custom of my country, wher
we would honor noble ladies like YOURSELF
A blush suddenly overspread Molly's cheek
as the chivalrous general imprinted a kiss up
on her brow. A few calm, earnest words
| like benediCtion, General Washington ad
ded to Molly, and the distinguished visitors
took their departure.
"Mercy on us p exclaimed Mrs Rogers
who had partially witnessed this scene; ''yor
are now really a captain this is the mos
wonderful thing l ever heard of in all my
| life"