Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-07-03
HEROINE OF THE REVOLUTION.

attacked by the BRUSH with an army
doubling in numbers that commanded
by Washington. The patriot entrench-
ments were stormed with shot and
shell. The ranks were fast nearing de-
pletion. An Irish Cannonader 10y the
name of Roach was shot down while
loading the cannon.
Seeing this the orders were given to
retreat, when rushing through the
ranks came Molly. the wife of Roach.
She had seen her husband fall before
the fire of the enemy. The soldiers
looked on in wondermcnt at her dar-
ing amid "A shower of British bullets.
Jumping on the carriage, she turned TO
the retreating forces and with wild
shrek commanded them to return TO
the fight.
Come, patriots, we can strike an
other blow" she said pointing TO the
ammunition meath the carriage.
Fired by her spirit the troops re-
turned to the battle and defeat was
turned into victory. the English being
completely routed. The woman after
wards participated in other battles and
became known among the Continental
soldiers as Irish Mollie." Yet
meager monument at Monmouth is all
that tells of the heroism she displayed.
Historians have forgotten too many
like her.
The saddest event in the history of
the revolution is not prominently men
toned in history. 1t was that particu-
lar act on the part of Benedict Arnold
which resulted in the execution of Major
Andre. Arnold was an officer in Wash
ington's army, who, though brave, had
a proud and nervous spirit. He fancied
4 I. a L I
for his services. and. having plunged
himself into debt by his expensive style
of living, these things soured his heart,
and as is the case with ungenerous
minds he never acknowledged his own
faults, nor forgave an injury. He ac-
cordingly set about to revenge himself
by plotting treason against his coun-
try and his countrymen.
Shortly after forming this design he
placed himself in correspondence with
Gen. Henry Clinton in charge of the
British forces. He simultaneously
wrote to Gen. Washington asking TO be
given command Of West Point. then an
important post on the Hudson river.
Washington acquiesced and Arnold de-
cided to betray the post into the hands
of the British, if he could get suit
able price.
Major Andre, a gallant young officer,
was sent by Gen'l Clinton to arrange
terms with Arnold. Andre did not wish
to engage in such business, but he
obcyed and went up the Hudson in an
English sloop-of-war for this purpose.
Arnold agreed to meet them at GER
tain spot. and when night came on,
sent a little boat TO bring him ashore.
He landed at the foot of mountain
called the Long Glove, on the western
side of the river. few miles from Haver-
straw. where he found the traitor hid in
a clump of bushes. Little did poor An
Dire foresee the fatal consequences of
this step. All the star-lit night they
sat and talked; daylight came and
the business was not concluded. Arm
mold dismissed the boatmen, and led
his companion TO solitary farm house
on the rivers bank where the papers
were finally drawn up and hid in one
of Andres stockings.
Andre felt how exposed he was to
danger in the enemy's country. and
heartily wished himself back TO the
sloop.
Forced now, however, to go by land,
Arnold gave him pass TO go through
the American lines; and. at sunset. he
set Off on horseback. with a guide
They crossed the river. and. getting
along on their dangerous journey with
but few alarms. the guide left the next
morning. and Andre rode brislily on.
congratulating himself upon leaving all
danger behind. for ne was rapidly
nearing the English lines. when there
was a loud shout. stand. halt and
three men issued from the woods, one
selling the bride. and the others pre-
senting their guns.
Andre told them he had pass 10
White Plains, ON urgent business from
Gen. Arnold, and begged them not to
letain him; but the men, Suspecting
that all was not right, began to search
him: and. hauling off his boots. they
discovered his papers in his stockings.
Finding himself detected. he offered
them any sum of money If they would
let him go. NO answered the sturdy
men. mot il you would give us ten
thousand guineas;" fOr, though poor,
they were above selling their country
at any price. Andre was sent prisoner
to Gen. Nashington's camp. Arnold,
Dn learning the news of his capture,