The Battle of Monmouth took place on June the 28th, 1778 during the American War of Independence. On June the 18th the British evacuated Philadelphia and started for New York. George Washington determined to strike a sudden and crippling blow upon the British army. He set out along a parallel road, and by June the 27th was in a position at Allentown, New Jersey, to command the British flank. The British then turned east. George Washington's purpose was now to crush the British left wing, which was moving in the rear. General Charles Lee was sent to accomplish this manoeuvre. He was treacherous, and instead of acting in the offensive, as ordered, he threw away his advantage, and with 6000 men began a retreat without striking a blow. His men were nearly exhausted by the heat, and were falling into disorder when George Washington suddenly appeared. Word had been sent him of Charles Lee's strange action. Severely rebuking Charles Lee, Washington at once set about restoring order among the demoralized troops. Owing to his energy a disgraceful flight was changed into a drawn battle. The American loss was 362, that of the British 416. Charles Lee was court-martialed, and Clinton made good his escape to New York. Research Battle of Monmouth
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Research Battle of Monmouth