“Your pitcher, Molly,” stated her husband, the sergeant of artillery, “is welcome enough when the lads are thirsty and you bring it to them full of cool water. So what harm if they do name you after it? It’s proud you should be.”
“Sorra the bit do I mind it,” said Molly to Ben, a little later. “But it becomes a lady not to allow them too much familiarity, so it do.”
“BRAVO, MOLLY PITCHER!”
Generals Wayne, Greene and Lafayette had all been of the same opinion as to the proper means of distressing the enemy. In spite of the confidently expressed opinions of Lee they believed that the rear of the British should be attacked by a heavy force, while the main army should be held ready to give general battle. Washington held the same opinion and shortly afterward set about carrying it out. He was no longer in doubt as to Clinton’s route; the British were on the road through Freehold, meaning to embark at Sandy Hook.
As Lee was opposed to all attack, Washington, at Lafayette’s eager solicitation, gave command of the advance to that gallant young man.
“But,” said the commander-in-chief, “the command is rightfully Lee’s. However, if he has no objection, you may have it.”
Ben carried the request to General Lee. The latter’s face when he read the message was a study to the speculative eyes of the boy.
“Imbeciles!” muttered Lee, who was noted for his bluntness of speech as well as oddities of character. “But let them have their way.”
He wrote a reply stating that he willingly relinquished command of the advance. Ben placed this in his belt, saluted and darted out to his horse. But he had barely gathered up the reins when he heard the ring of hoofs almost beside him, and glancing around he saw the strong face of Tobias Hawkins.