Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-10-08
THE STORY OF 4 BRAVE WOMAN.

1t was warm and sulJry morning in tho
last Of June. The inhabitants of Monmouth
we're all astir with the knowledge that the
two armies were in their midst, and by their
motions sustaining the probability that gen
erai action was about to be hazarded. The
British army, now commanded by Sir Henry
Clinton, had assumed one of the strongest
situations. Upon the high grounds about
Monmouth Court House. they laid their flank
on the border Of small wood, the last guard
ed by a deeper one, and the rear running to-
ward Il morass.
The army was disposed in such an adjacent
position as to be able to harass the enemy in
the rear, and take advantage of their first
movement. The other Generals, LAFAYETTE,
Green, Wayne, Stewart and Scott, were di-
rected to hold their troops in readiness to
support the front
Early in the morning notice was given that
the van OF the enemy was in motion. Gen.
Lee Immediately prepared to make an attack
upon them, and he was soon joined by Gener-
| ais Dickinson and Morgan, with their spirited
troops.
In full view of the house of Hollis and Mol
~, this action commenced Hollis put on his
military suit at once. The spirit which ami
mated every true American was newly arous-
| ed at this spectacle, and he was impatient to
| lnlngic IN the SItlfe.
| "Will you go, Hollis 81 asked Molly, anx-
iously
Yes, dearest Can I remain here tamelv,
and not offer my assistance in the defence of
my country? ] shall be only private, but
there will be work enough for me to do"
| Remember the fate of your father" fall
| tered Molly.
" Thought you were brave my own wife"
said Hollis, with smile of affectionate pride
Battle scenes have not lost their charms
! for me yet, though | confess to unusual mis-
| givings this morning." replied Molly.
| . shall return at night, darling, it may be
with new glory attached to the honorable
name which my father transmitted to me- [
must fight those red coats, Molly. God bless
you, and good bye for the present." returned
| Hollis, bringing her to his heart with part
ing caress,
a blessing so with you husband" said
| Molly, as Hollis sped rapidly from the door,
The enemy advanced so near Molly's house
that She could quite plainly distinguish THAR
motions.
Oh, that | were mani" she exclaimed :;
8 would give those British tyrants free doses
of death, To think Of their approach to our
very doors Of their burning the beautiful
homes Of some of our neighbors, because they
would not turn traitors !"
She discovered Hollis engaged in the duty
of cannoneer, and she watched MS motions
with the deepest interest. As the morning
opened into day, the weather became intense
ly warm not leaf Of a tree moved, and the
sun poured down such volumes of heat, the
earth seemed brazen and parched to painful
endurance.
Hollis will suffer with thirst ~ Molly be-
thought herself; :" will go and carry him
pitcher OF water from the cool spring"
She hastily communicated her intentions
to Mrs Rodgers, the housekeeper, and threw
on her hat.
:" would advise you," demonstrated Mrs.
Rodgers, ''to keep within the house to-day.
The Britishers will kill you, like as any way,
if you go out there"
Il shall CO." replied Molly Glow good
the water will taste to him when he is strug-
Cling so hard in this heat!"
Her glance now fell upon Hollis again his
hair was thrown back from his forehead, he
had cast aside his coat, and he was loading
and discharging the cannon with al sdmira-
BILE GOODNESS, while the balls of the enemy
whizzed about his head. Molly was strongly
| impressed by the picture he had never
looked SO glorious to her before, save when
he was about to sacrifice his life at the pine
| tree, the central object of savage ire. She
could not be restrained longer. Skipping
away to the cold spring a few rods distant,
she filed the pitcher, and, remembering Hol-
lis liking for spearmint, paused moment to
break off a few leaves of the rich bed, firing
ing the bank at her feet. These she settled
in the pitcher as she ran up to Hollis. He
received her offering gladly, blessed her for
the thought in low voice, and drank the
| whole before he resumed his duty.
Molly ran away again rppard1asa IF he
many eyes which had been attracted by the