Red Cannon Fire and a White
Petticoat
By Brenda Black
Continental Army Private Joseph Martin
recorded an interesting scene in his journal for June 28, 1778.
Author Esther Pavao repeats his words in an article published by
Revolutionary-War.net.
“A woman whose husband belonged to
the artillery and who was then attached to a piece in the engagement,
attended with her husband at the piece for the whole time. While in
the act of reaching a cartridge and having one of her feet as far
before the other as she could step, a cannon shot from the enemy
passed directly between her legs without doing any other damage than
carrying away all the lower part of her petticoat. Looking at it with
apparent unconcern, she observed that it was lucky it did not pass a
little higher, for in that case it might have carried away something
else, and continued her occupation.”
Meet Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, better
known in history books as "Molly Pitcher." She gained the
title that late June day at the Battle of Monmouth where Mary Hays
carried water from a spring to the thirsty soldiers under heavy fire
from the British. All through the day, amid choking smoke, groaning
troops and frightening battle, the private's young wife carried water
in a pitcher back and forth to her husband and his fellow artillery
gunners. When her husband collapsed from either heat stroke or injury
and was carried off the battlefield, Mary Hays took his place at his
cannon.
It was not uncommon for women to be
near the heat of battle. Many wives of enlisted men joined a group of
camp followers led by Martha Washington. They took care of the
troops, washed clothes, made food, and helped care for the sick or
injured soldiers. But Mary's bravery and composure with fire-hot
cannons blazing, earned her a special thanks from General George
Washington. And a hundred years later, a marker graces her grave,
commemorating her exemplary service.
Young Mrs. Hays knew in her early 20's
what it takes a lifetime for most to comprehend. Love, loyalty and a
level head can keep you going when war rages all around. Mary surely
loved the man she married to take such risks and to have been so
frequently near him in battle that she knew how to operate his
weapon. Her devotion to her husband mirrored that of her unfettered
care for all of her patriot brothers. What an amazing young woman!
Add to her qualities wit and wisdom so ingrained that not even a
cannon ball could knock her off her game.
Though Mary was motivated by love,
mobilized by loyalty and empowered with level-headed thinking, there
had to be another big “L” present in that trench 235 years ago.
The credit for Mary's petticoat junction with a cannon ball has to go
to the Lord Himself! Together, I'd say that cool blue water, red hot
determination and pure white God protection kept the military bride
and a host of young patriots alive for another day.
This holiday weekend, when you hear
the tummy-rumbling bang of fireworks, think back to a day when a
young woman faced the enemy fearlessly and helped make it possible
for you to enjoy such entertainment in freedom. Never forget how
great the bravery of those who fought for liberty. Always remember
that certain battles are worth the risk and to take arms for the
cause of others is a noble task. And one more thing: Thank God for
all your “near misses.” For most certainly, the Lord has spared
you time and again from the fire of the enemy.
 |
| http://monmouthchapternjssar.org/Main-Molly-Pitcher.html |
“Fear of man will prove to be a
snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs
29:25)
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