Molly Pitcher |
Was Molly Pitcher One Person?Mary Ludwig Hayes McCauly was born on October 13, 1744, in a town near Trenton, New Jersey. She later moved to Pennsylvania. When she was only a young teenager, she married William Hayes, a barber. Hayes would join the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Mary's story may or may not be partly folklore. Some historians believe her story is the composite of several "Molly's" who helped on the battlefields of the Revolutionary War. Mary McAuley was the First Molly PitcherMary McCauly is best known today for the role that she played in the 1778 Battle of Monmouth (N.J.) as a Continental Army camp follower and original "Molly Pitcher". Like many women of the day she carried pitchers of waters for thirsty soldiers or for their smoldering cannons. She probably earned the nickname from soldiers on the battlefield shouting "Molly! Pitcher!" Molly was a common nickname for women named Mary. Learn more about the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse "Well, That Could Have Been Worse"Mary earned her legendary status during the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse. After her husband collapsed from the 100-degree heat, or from being wounded, Mary bravely took over as the gunner and continued to fire the cannon herself throughout the scorching day. According to legend, a British cannonball flew between her legs and tore her skirt, to which she responded, "well, that could have been worse." After the Revolutionary WarAfter the Revolutionary War came to a close, both William and Mary settled in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After William Hayes' death, Mary married Revolutionary War veteran John McCauly. In 1822, Mary Ludwig Hayes McCauly was awarded a Revolutionary War pension by the Pennsylvania State Legislature for her service at the Battle of Monmouth. "Molly Pitcher" died on January 22, 1832, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 1876, a special marker was laid on her grave commemorating her service as "Molly Pitcher" in the Revolutionary War. The Legend of Molly Pitcher Interactive SORT
Mary Ludwig Hayes McCauly was born on October 13, 1744, near Trenton, New Jersey, and later moved to Pennsylvania. As a teenager, she married William Hayes, a barber who later joined the Continental Army. Some historians believe the story of "Molly Pitcher" might be based on several women, not just Mary. Mary McCauly Was the First Molly PitcherMary became known for her role in the 1778 Battle of Monmouth. As a camp follower, she brought water to thirsty soldiers and helped cool down cannons. Soldiers may have called out "Molly! Pitcher!" which led to her nickname. "Molly" was a common name for women named Mary at the time. "Well, That Could Have Been Worse"During the Battle of Monmouth, Mary's husband collapsed—either from the heat or from being hurt. Mary stepped in and took over his job, firing the cannon for the rest of the day. One story says a cannonball ripped her skirt, and she calmly said, "Well, that could have been worse." After the Revolutionary WarAfter the war, Mary and William lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After William died, she married another veteran, John McCauly. In 1822, she received a pension from Pennsylvania for her service. Mary died on January 22, 1832. In 1876, a special marker was placed on her grave to honor her as "Molly Pitcher."
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