28th June, 1778.
American and British troops clash at Monmouth New Jersey in what would be one of the largest single battles of the American Revolution.
With news of the Franco/American alliance reaching North America in May of 1778, the British high command concluded that they did not have the strength to hold both New York and Philadelphia while at the same time protecting their interests in the Caribbean. On paper the British still outnumbered the Americans by a wide margin, but with a French Fleet sailing towards Boston to bolster the American forces in New England, and with a newly trained and well equipped Continental Army marching out of Valley Forge, it was understood by the Crown that Philadelphia, which was the young nation’s Capital, would have to be abandoned.
General Washington, who was shadowing the British army, decided that the ideal place to strike the British would be Monmouth New Jersey. Though the Continentals had only marched out of Valley Forge 9 days before, Washington wanted to test the Army, which for the first time since its formation had received a comprehensive training regimen in the style of professional European forces. This battle would determine the American’s ability to fight the British on even footing on that day and for the duration of the conflict.
To lead the assault, Washington chose Charles Henry Lee. Lee, a veteran officer who had served with the British and various European nations, was likely the most experienced officer in the American Army. He was also a controversial figure. He had expected to be named Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, but was passed over in favor of Washington. Some of his colleagues loved him, and some despised him. He felt Washington inferior to him as a soldier, and did not hesitate to make this known to his political connections in Congress as well as some of his fellow officers. And he often showed open disdain to Washington among the rank and file troops. In fact, Lee initially declined the command, but when it was then offered to the Marquis de Lafayette he immediately changed his mind rather than allowing a Frenchman to receive the glory.
Washington gave Lee command of more than 4000 troops. Those troops were among the most experienced in the Continental Army, and were the first to receive Von Steuben’s training. With the large British baggage train strung out on nearly 12 miles of road, this attack on the rear guard would stall the British advance as well as give the bulk of the American forces scattered throughout the region time to form up.
Lee’s battle plan was sketchy from the start. He failed to provide details for the mass assault his men had been trained for, rather, he devised a series of small scale attacks that would not take advantage of his troop’s new training. With his men spread apart too far to provide effective fire, scattered volleys were fired and Lee ordered a general retreat.
In the meanwhile, Lafayette reported the situation to Washington, who personally brought the remainder of his forces into the fray. Washington came upon Lee’s retreating troops and reformed them immediately under the command of Lafayette. He then came upon Lee himself, publicly dressed him down, and relieved him of his command. On the British side, Lord Cornwallis, who was commanding the rear guard, concluded that he could rout the retreating American forces with a counter attack. What he did not expect to find was Washington himself personally leading more than 5000 reinforcements. With temperatures reaching more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat of the day began to take its toll. Hundreds on both sides suffered heat stroke, and Washington’s horse died from exhaustion. But, for the first time since Bunker Hill, the Americans stood toe to toe with the British, not giving an inch. For once American artillery had been placed in optimal firing positions, and the large scale British attacks they were famous for were repeatedly turned away by precise fire from the American lines. Just as at Bunker Hill, the British were turned back 3 times, with a 4th attack finally breaking through, but this time, instead of a wild retreat, the now disciplined Americans fell back in a orderly fashion, were quickly reinforced, and held their ground, forcing the British to stop their assault.
During the heat of the battle, the legend of Molly Pitcher was born. “Molly Pitcher” was the nickname given to women who would bring pitchers of water to the field artillerymen not just to keep the thirsty men from dehydration, but also to keep the cannons clean and operational. One such woman, Mary Hays, was attending to her husband’s cannon when he was badly wounded. She tended to his wounds, found that he could no longer fight, and immediately took his place among the cannon crew as if she had been doing it her entire life. She was nearly killed several times with musket balls, and reportedly a cannon ball passed through her clothing without scratching her. After the battle General Washington, having heard of her bravery under fire, made Hays a non-commissioned officer, and forever after she was known as Sergeant Molly.29th June, 1778 General Washington and his staff awake prepared to continue the fight. Throughout the night there had been sporadic fire, but little fighting. Washington’s scouts report back that most of the British army had retreated to New York during the night. The American Army had taken the field.
Monmouth would be the last large-scale battle of the Northern Campaign. The newly trained American forces were now too disciplined to fight in a head to head encounter, and the British could ill afford another disaster such as Bunker Hill again. The British high command would make the fateful decision to take the fight south.
Charles Henry Lee would tried under court-martial and found guilty of insubordination and cowardice in the face of the enemy. Lee would never hold command again, and nearly 100 years later his legacy would be further tarnished when several letters were discovered which detailed his plans to turn over his command to the British. General Nathanael Greene, one of the standouts at Monmouth, would be given command of the Southern Forces of the Continental Army. It would be his duty to keep the British at bay in the South until the French arrived. History would prove that he was more than up to the task…