The Wilmingtonian, And Delaware Advertiser

[From the New-York Statesman]
Female Patriotism. In the speech of Mr. Pearce, on the bill for the relief of Penelope Denny, he mentioned the under petticoat of Mrs. Bailey, of Stonington, instead of Groton the scene of her patriotic heroism. (Mr. Barber, her next door neighbor, might have corrected Mr. P.) The introduction of so singular an article in a Congressional debate, might excite a smile, unless accompanied by an explanation. In 1814, when Commodore Decatur's squadron was blockaded by Commodore Hardy, Stonington, was attacked by the enemy, and gained immortal honor by repulsing them. Attacks were also threatened on New-London and Decatur, daily, nightly, and hourly, either in earnest or by way of harassing diversion. On one occasion, the hostile ships were within half an hour's sail of New-London. The forts and lines were manned there and at Groton, half a mile distant on the opposite side of the river. In the urgency of the case, two 18 or 24 pounders which were unoccupied, were taken by the citizens not on duty, and mounted on an old breast-work, and measures taken to furnish ammunition for them. In the constant state of alarm that existed, the goods had been removed from the stores, and the clothing from the houses in the village for fear of a repetition of its fate in 1781, when it was burnt and plundered. Paper being found insufficient for cartridges, flannel was sought for, and very little found. In this critical emergency, with the enemy almost within gunshot, Mrs. Bailey, wife of Capt. Elijah Bailey, postmaster, a genuine daughter seventy-six, who had remained firm at her post, loosened and kicked off her flannel, bidding them take it in defence of her country, and if any other garment would be of service they might have that also. Major Smith, present high sheriff of the county, gave his drawers for the same purpose. The petticoat, however, was not made into cartridges by the gallant volunteers, who made a standard of it, declaring they would fight under it to the last drop of their blood rather than strike it to the enemy. President Monroe, on his tour through Connecticut, was introduced to Mrs. Bailey, and told the story, which was repeated to Lafayette on his visit to that place and seeing the heroine of the anecdote.