Molly Pitcher's real name was Mary Hays McCauley, 1754-1832. McCauly earned her nickname "Molly Pitcher" by bringing pitcher after pitcher of water to the exhausted and thirsty men at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. In addition to "Molly Pitcher," McCauley also earned the nickname of "Sergeant" for her kind but strong manner in the midst of battle. She tended to the wounded and didn't hesitate to put a wounded Continental soldier on her back and carry him to safety. On finding her husband, a cannon gunner, wounded, Molly stepped forward and took the rammer staff from her fallen husband's hands. Continuing her husband's role of gunner, she stayed at her post until the conflict ended.

On hearing of her gallantry, General Washington himself issued her a warrant as a noncommissioned officer. A flagstaff and cannon stand at her gravesite at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A sculpture on the battle monument commemorates her courageous deed.

Medium : 1 print : lithograph, hand colored

Created/Published : Published by Currier & Ives, New York, between 1856 and 1907

Creator : Currier & Ives

Housed in the Prints & Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in one to two weeks

Product #: cph3b51060