Massachusetts 1 Lighthouse Stamps

From August 2001 Trip Photos

"Old Scituate Lighthouse isn't a unique structure but as with each light the story is unique. The light keepers often had to travel for a day or more to get supplies. When they went they would leave their children to tend the light. Abigail and Rebecca Bates were under 12 years old when they were left home to tend the light. They looked up from their lighthouse duties and saw a British war ship. The small boats were already launched full of British troops. The girls ran into the woods and played their fife and drum as loud as they could. The people in town heard this, saw the warship but were helpless due to distance to get to the lighthouse before the British. The British heard the fife and drum and thought the American troops were ready for them so they turned and sailed off. The girls were dubbed the youngest Army of two in the war of 1812. Enjoy, Elaine"