The War of 1812 lasted nearly three years and caused much destruction to the east coast of the United States. Great Britain's naval might seemed too much for the US to repel. They would target a small town or harbor and either raid the village or burn the vessels in the harbor. Sometimes a militia would be there to stand guard and defend their neighbors but not always. In the months of June and July in 1814, British ships invaded Scituate Harbor, a small fishing village on the South Shore of Massachusetts, three times. And three times local militia were there to ward off British troops from making landfall. Until one day in September when the militia had all gone home and the locals worst fear came true. A British warship was spotted outside the harbor by Rebecca and Abby Bates and it was headed straight for town. Rebecca, 21 and Abby, 15, were the daughter of Scituate Lighthouse keeper Simeon Bates who happened to be away that day. Rebecca and Abby quickly dispatched their brother into town to warn the others and devised a plan. As the British approached Rebecca and Abby would play a fife and drum as loud as they could, as loud as an army. As the British were offloading men and equipment they could hear the fife and drum echo throughout the harbor getting louder and louder as if a full regiment were about to burst out of the shadows. Spooked, the British reloaded their gear and scurried out of the harbor. The town was saved and the Sisters of Scituate Light became legends as the Army of Two.