Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/156

Rh blanket on the shoulders of her only son, a stripling of sixteen, bidding him depart and do his duty. To the entreaties of her daughter that her young brother might remain at home to be their protector, she answered that every arm able to aid the cause belonged to the country. "He is wanted and must go. You and I, Kate, have also service to do. Food must be prepared for the hungry; for before to-morrow night hundreds, I hope thousands, will be on their way to join the Continental forces. Some who have traveled far will need refreshment, and you and I, with Molly, must feed as many as we can." This speech has not come down to history with the sententious utterances of great generals and yet it was the basis of homely action that was of inestimable succor in the starting of that terrific struggle for liberty. Captain Draper was a thriving farmer; his granaries were filled and his wife's dairy was her special care and pride. All these resources she made contribute to her benevolent purpose. Assisted by her daughter and the domestic, she spent the whole day and night, and the succeeding day, in baking brown bread. The ovens of that day were suited for such an occasion, each holding bread sufficient to supply a neighborhood. These were soon in full blast and the kneading trough was plied by hands that shrank not from the task.

At that time of hurry and confusion, Mary Draper realized that none could stop long enough to dine, so she prepared to dispense her stores even as the men hurried along to join the army. With the aid of a disabled veteran of the French wars, who had been a pensioner in her family, she erected a long form by the roadside; large pans of bread and cheese were placed upon it and replenished as often as was necessary, while old John brought cider in pails from the cellar, which, poured into tubs, was served out by two lads who volunteered their services. Unquestionably if it had not been for this aid to the weary