Monmouth

General Lee’s failed attempt against the British rear guard, gave Cornwallis, he believed, the opportunity to defeat Washington’s army and ordered his command to press the attack in the stifling summer heat. As the Continentals fell back, Washington consolidated his …

1778-06-28

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General Lee’s failed attempt against the British rear guard, gave Cornwallis, he believed, the opportunity to defeat Washington’s army and ordered his command to press the attack in the stifling summer heat. As the Continentals fell back, Washington consolidated his troops in a new line on the heights of Perrine Farm Ridge. Exhausted by the day’s fighting, and now faced by the artillery in the new Continental position, the British soldiers faltered and the pursuit collapsed. Cornwallis brought forward his artillery to counter the Continental batteries and as the artillery duel went on for hours, the British tried to flank the Continental left, but were forced back. Washington then ordered Green’s artillery to Combs hill, which began to rake the British behind the hedgerow forcing them to retire. Washington then went on the offensive and after heavy fighting, the British pulled back. Washington was ready to continue the battle the next day, but Cornwallis resumed the march to New York City during the night.

Freehold Borough, New Jersey

The Battle of Monmouth was fought near Monmouth Court House on June 28, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War. It pitted the Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington, against the British Army in North America, commanded by General Sir Henry Clinton. It was the last battle of the Philadelphia campaign, begun the previous year, during which the British had inflicted two major defeats on Washington and occupied Philadelphia. Washington had spent the winter at Valley Forge rebuilding his army and defending his position against political enemies who favored his replacement as commander-in-chief. In February 1778, the Franco-American alliance tilted the strategic balance in favor of the Americans, forcing the British to abandon hopes of a military victory and adopt a defensive strategy. Clinton was ordered to evacuate Philadelphia and consolidate his army. The Continental Army shadowed the British as they marched across New Jersey to Sandy Hook, from where the Royal Navy would ferry them to New York. Washington's senior officers urged varying degrees of caution, but it was politically important for him not to allow the British to withdraw unscathed. Washington detached around a third of his army and sent it ahead under the command of Major General Charles Lee, hoping to land a heavy blow on the British without becoming embroiled in a major engagement. The battle began badly for the Americans when Lee botched an attack on the British rearguard at Monmouth Court House. A counter-attack by the main British column forced Lee to retreat until Washington arrived with the main body. Clinton disengaged when he found Washington in an unassailable defensive position and resumed the march to Sandy Hook.

Wikipedia: Battle of Monmouth

Continental Army

Great Britain