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Who was Molly Pitcher?
"Molly Pitcher" was a nickname given by Revolutionary War soldiers to the women, often wives of the soldiers or camp followers, who brought water to hot and thirsty artillerymen during battle. The water was by some accounts for drinking, by others for swabbing the guns - and probably used for both.
However, the name "Molly Pitcher" is most commonly associated with Mary Ludwig Hays McCauly of Carlisle, PA - where she is well remembered by her contemporaries and family.
Mary Ludwig Hays McCauly
Mary was born Mary Ludwig to a family of German immigrants in 1754. (At the time, Molly was a common nickname for Mary). At the age of 13 (or maybe 20 - the details vary), she went to work as a domestic for General William Irwin. She met and married her first husband William Hays shortly thereafter. When her husband joined the Continental Army, Mary went with him as a camp follower (with the permission of his commanding officer) and served carrying water to the troops during battle.
Molly's Claim to Fame - The Battle of Monmouth
Mary's claim to fame came during the Battle of Monmouth in June of 1778. The weather that day was unusually hot, and Mary was kept busy carrying water to the troops.
Her husband, an artilleryman, fell, either injured or with heat stroke. The gun was insufficently crewed to continue and was ordered to pull back. Instead, Mary stepped forward and took over her husbands position as rammer for the gun, allowing it to continue on in the battle.
According to the account of one soldier present during the battle a British cannonball literally passed through Mary's skirts between her legs - carrying away a bit of her petticoat. She was heard to remark that it was a good thing it didn't pass higher as it might have carried away something else! Without hesitation, she continued her work.
Legend has it that Mary's bravery was brought to the notice of General George Washington, who gave her a battlefield commission as Sergeant. She was afterwards known fondly as "Sergeant Molly".
Her husband, an artilleryman, fell, either injured or with heat stroke. The gun was insufficently crewed to continue and was ordered to pull back. Instead, Mary stepped forward and took over her husbands position as rammer for the gun, allowing it to continue on in the battle.
According to the account of one soldier present during the battle a British cannonball literally passed through Mary's skirts between her legs - carrying away a bit of her petticoat. She was heard to remark that it was a good thing it didn't pass higher as it might have carried away something else! Without hesitation, she continued her work.
Legend has it that Mary's bravery was brought to the notice of General George Washington, who gave her a battlefield commission as Sergeant. She was afterwards known fondly as "Sergeant Molly".
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After the Revolutionary War
After the war Mary returned to work as a domestic - or a maid. Her husband William Hays died and she later remarried to a friend and fellow soldier of her first husbands by the name of John McCauly. Some accounts say this was not a happy marriage for her.
In 1822 the Legislature of Pennsylvania awarded Mary McCauly a pension of $40 a year in recognition of her service to her country. She died in 1832 and is buried in the old cemetary at Carlisle, PA. A monument was erected for her there.
The Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher, is awarded to recognize women who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the U.S. Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery Communities.
In 1822 the Legislature of Pennsylvania awarded Mary McCauly a pension of $40 a year in recognition of her service to her country. She died in 1832 and is buried in the old cemetary at Carlisle, PA. A monument was erected for her there.
The Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher, is awarded to recognize women who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the U.S. Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery Communities.
New Heroes Videos
Another "Molly Pitcher" - Molly Corbin
Another woman is also known as "Molly Pitcher" - and she, too, is a Revolutionary War Heroine. Molly Corbin, born 1751, also accompanied her husband to war. When he fell at Fort Washington in 1776, she took over his place at the cannon and was, herself, injured and her arm nearly severed by grapeshot.
Molly Corbin lived until about 1800. She recieved charity payments from the Invalid Regiment and later a small pension from Congress.
Molly Corbin lived until about 1800. She recieved charity payments from the Invalid Regiment and later a small pension from Congress.
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References and more information
- Carlisle's Molly Pitcher
- Family and contemporaries memories of the real Mary Ludwig Hays McCauly
- Historic Valley Forge
- Answer to question about Mary Hayes prior to the battle of Monmouth.
- Molly Pitcher
- A short video presentation about Molly Pitcher. Some of the facts are in conflict with other accounts, however.
- Wikipedia entry for Molly Pitcher
- The Wikipedia entry for Molly Pitcher
- The Story of Molly Pitcher
- The story of Molly Pitcher from the Fort Sill History website
- Molly Pitcher - Revolutionary War Heroine
- My original article about Molly Pitcher - written for the Ask Me Anything blog
