In June 1778, the war suddenly moved — straight into the hottest weather anyone could remember. With France now fighting beside America, the British abandoned Philadelphia and marched across New Jersey toward New York, and Washington’s army marched out of Valley Forge to chase them.

Somewhere in that long, dusty column — with the wagons, the followers, and the artillery — walked Mary Hays, pitcher in hand, beside her husband William’s guns. This lesson follows the march toward the meeting neither army could avoid: Monmouth.

Lesson 1G of the Molly Pitcher Life Story series from Capite Universe — history brought to life for kids ages 6–14, and for families and classrooms who love learning through story.