When Washington died, it was Light Horse Harry who was chosen by Congress to deliver the funeral oration before both Houses. It was in this oration that he said those famous words:-- “He survives in our hearts--in the growing knowledge of our children, in the affection of the good throughout the World,-- ... first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen ... pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere, uniform, dignified and commanding ... the purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues.” _Washington Irving and Other Sources_ (_Retold_) CAPTAIN MOLLY _Proudly floats the starry banner; Monmouth’s glorious field is won; And in triumph Irish Molly stands beside her smoking gun._ Moll Pitcher, twenty-two years old, was dubbed _Captain_ at the Battle of Monmouth, and very proud she was of the title. Her real name was Molly Hays. She carried drinking-water on the battle-field, to refresh the soldiers; so they nicknamed her Moll Pitcher. At Monmouth, her husband, a Patriot, belonged to Proctor’s artillery. Moll was with him on the field. Six men, one after another, were killed or wounded at her husband’s gun. “It’s an unlucky gun,” grumbled the soldiers, “draw it aside and abandon it.” Just at that moment, while Moll was serving water to the soldiers, her husband received a shot in the head, and fell lifeless under the wheels of that very gun. Moll threw down her pail of water; and crying, “Lie there, my darling, while I revenge ye!” she grasped the ramrod that the lifeless hand of the poor fellow had let fall, and rammed home the charge. Then she called to the artillerymen to prime and fire. It was done. Pushing the sponge into the smoking muzzle of the gun, she performed the duties of an expert artilleryman, while loud shouts from the soldiers passed along the line. The gun was no longer thought unlucky. The fire of the battery became more vivid than ever. Moll kept to her post till night closed the action, and the British were driven back by the Patriots, Washington himself leading them to the attack. It was then that General Greene complimented Moll on her courage and conduct. The next morning he presented her to Washington, who received her graciously, and gave her a piece of gold, assuring her that her services should not be forgotten. Washington conferred upon her the commission of sergeant, and placed her name on the half-pay list for life. The French officers, charmed with her bravery, gave her many presents. She would sometimes pass along the French line with her cocked hat, and get it almost filled with crowns. She was always welcome at Headquarters. She wore a cocked hat and feather, and an artilleryman’s coat over her petticoat. One day, Washington found her washing clothes, and stopped to chat with her. “Well, Captain Molly,” he said, “are you not almost tired of this quiet way of life; and longing to be once more on the field of battle?”