So now you're probably wondering, what from this story is fact and what is fiction? When it comes to Molly Pitcher, many of the stories surrounding her are based in fact. However, a lot of the specific details are unknown.
Fact:
Molly Pitcher was a patriot wife who carried water to soldiers and helped operate a cannon at the Battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War.
She did take over her husband William's cannon after he collapsed during the battle.
The Battle of Monmouth did take place on a brutally hot day in June.
According to a witness report, a cannonball really did pass between Molly Pitcher's legs without injuring her, and she said, "Well, that could have been worse," before returning to her cannon.
The name Molly Pitcher came from the soldiers shouting, "Molly! Pitcher!" whenever they needed water.
Fiction:
Sarah, Charles, Richard, and the circumstances surrounding them are all fictional and made up for the purposes of this story
Additional facts:
Molly's name was not actually Molly, even though that's how she is known through history. Molly's name was actually Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley. After the death of her husband, William Hays', Mary married John McCauley, a war veteran.
The name "Molly Pitcher" may also refer to Margaret Corbin. Margaret and her husband, John, were in the same regiment as William and Mary Hays. Margaret will be the subject of another short story in the future.
YOU ARE READING
Historical Fiction: A Collection of Short Stories
Historical FictionWhen her husband, William, joined the Continental Army, Molly Hays was certain that she would go with him. Braving the dangers of war and military life, Molly makes a name for herself - Molly Pitcher.
