Beadle's New Dime Novels: Captain Molly

About this issue

This is a Beadle and Adams dime novel from 1885 titled "Captain Molly; or, The Fight at Trenton, Christmas, 1776" by Mrs. Mary A. Denison. The narrative follows Hessian General Rahl, who commands forces occupying Trenton during the American Revolution. After a minor skirmish that the Hessians win, Rahl broods over a rejection letter from Elsie Vernon, a beautiful American patriot sympathetic to the colonial cause. When informed that Elsie is the niece of the wealthy Tory widow Lady Walsingham—and of an invitation to her party on December 26th—Rahl's dark mood hardens into grim determination. Meanwhile, the Hessians have captured Lieutenant-Colonel Washburn, an American officer, whom Rahl confronts in his tent with contempt for the colonial cause. The plot interweaves romantic tension, military conflict, and the spy element suggested by the title character.