BGuthrie Photos: NJ -- Freehold -- Monmouth Battlefield State Park

NJ -- Freehold -- Monmouth Battlefield State Park:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. MMOUTH_110530_007.JPG: Force of a Musket Ball: This 69 caliber musket ball was fired and penetrated this oak tree during the May, 1991 Firelock Shoot. Notice how deep it penetrated and how it splintered the tree. This is a good example of the force of a Revolutionary War musket ball.
2. MMOUTH_110530_023.JPG: D'Annae: A French, Swedish-Style 4-pounder The Battle of Monmouth – 28 June 1778 In 1777, the Continental Army was in desperate need of more field artillery. When 31 Swedish-style 4-pounders arrived in New Hampshire in April, Commander-in-Chief George Washington directed that "they will be forwarded to Camp, as fast as circumstances permit." The French welcomed the war between their British enemies and the Americans. To support the rebellion, in 1776, the French royal arsenals released tons of surplus weapons. Their conduit to America was a fictitious trading company headed by the flamboyant playwright, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. During 1777, Beaumarchais' ships delivered 100, 4-pounders to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and another 53 to Charleston, South Carolina. A few of these were heavy, old-fashioned (1732) guns. The rest were the lighter, more mobile, "Swedish-style" guns.
3. MMOUTH_110530_037.JPG: General Von Steuben: September 17, 1730 - November 28, 1794: Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Baron von Steuben was born September 17, 1730 in Magdeburg, Prussia (Germany) to a military family. Reared in the rigorous military school of Frederick the Great, von Steuben served with distinction in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and as an Aide-de-Camp to the Prussian King. In the fledgling US, after the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress sought foreign assistance in the struggle against the British. In 1777, Benjamin Franklin met von Steuben, who then came to America that December, offering his service without rank or pay, to aid the Revolution. In January 1778, the Continental Congress accepted von Steuben's service as a volunteer in the Continental Army and ordered him to report to General Washington's quarters at Valley Forge as soon as possible. Even in the face of desperate conditions, including frost, disease, inadequate shelter and lack of supplies, von Steuben gave military training and discipline to the citizen soldiers fighting for American independence. In May 1778, Congress approved General Washington's recommendation to appoint von Steuben as Inspector General of the Continental Army. On June 28, 1778, at the Battle of Monmouth, the benefits of von Steuben's training were evidenced by the American troops opposing the British Army. The heroic American performance, a turn in the tide of the war, is attributed in large part to the work of von Steuben. Colonel Alexander Hamilton, an eyewitness, declared that von Steuben's system of drilling, reviews and inspection imbued the officers and soldiers with the confidence that, from now on, they were on equal ground with the armies of the enemy. Von Steuben was instrumental in further American victories, including the defeat of the British at Yorktown in 1781, where the Baron received the overture of capitulation from the British General Cornwallis. During 1778-1779, von Steuben prepared a complete set of regulations for Continental troops, the "Blue Book", which became the United States Army training manual. In 1783, von Steuben became an American citizen. In 1784, von Steuben was discharged from the military with honor and turned his energies to preparing for the defense of New York harbor and designing the plans for a military academy that were later realized at West Point. In 1786, the State of New York, wishing to express its gratitude for his service, granted him 16,000 acres north of the Mohawk River. Von Steuben died on November 28, 1794, and was laid to rest in a hero's grave in Remsen, New York, where we read the following inscription: "Indispensable to the Achievement of American Independence" Erected 2004 by the Steuben Society of America and the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield in grateful recognition of his valiant service to America in her struggle for liberty.
4. MMOUTH_110530_047.JPG: In honor of the Battle of Monmouth heroine, Molly Pitcher, June 28, 1778 Gift of the Historical Societies of Monmouth County, N.J., D.A.R., Monmouth County Heritage Committee, and friends. Dedicated October 28, 1978
5. MMOUTH_110530_053.JPG: Stop # 1: Combs Hill Cannonade: During the early afternoon, the Continental and British Armies were stalemated as they cannonaded each other across Spotswood Middle Brook. Major General Green then appeared on this hill with four artillery pieces and began bombarding the British. Caught in a crossfire from the Continental guns, the British were forced to pull back. Te British artillery withdrew, then the British infantry withdrew as quickly as their troops could be collected. General Washington sent men forward to harass the retreating enemy. When the British counterattacked, the Continental artillery drove them back a final time, giving the Continental Army a major psychological and political victory.
6. MMOUTH_110530_078.JPG: Monmouth Battlefield State Park: During the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, 1778, the hills and meadows in front of you disappeared under clouds of gun smoke. When the firing subsided, over 600 men were dead, dying or wounded, and the Continental Army held the field. The Battle of Monmouth was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. In 1776 and 1777, the British Army had repeatedly defeated the main Continental Army. By the beginning of 1778, General George Washington and the Continental Army desperately needed a victory. On June 18th, concerned that the French might block the Delaware River, the British abandoned Philadelphia and began marching their army of 20,000 British, German and Loyalist troops across New Jersey to their main base in New York City. On June 19th, Washington and 13,000 men, fresh from Von Steuben's military training at Valley Forge, set out to intercept the Crown forces. The Battle began at about 10AM, two miles east of here at Monmouth Courthouse and continued for over seven hours, making it one of the longest battles of the Revolution. By 5:30 PM, the British had retreated and the firing ceased. At dawn on the following day, Washington moved fresh troops forward to resume the battle, but the British forces had slipped away during the night to continue their journey to New York City. The Battle of Monmouth was a political triumph for the Continental Army and General Washington. The Continental Army had met the British in open field, held their own and forced them to retreat. It was their first victory in two years. Monmouth Battlefield State Park's 1,818 acres are now peaceful. Wildlife is abundant in the woods and marshes, while the fields produce crops of corn, wheat and soybeans. You can take a "History Hike" to see where the battle was fought, stroll along a shady woodland path, or cross the meadows watching for red fox, songbirds, or red-tailed hawks.
7. MMOUTH_110530_126.JPG: Stop #4 Hold the Hedgerow! -- 28 June 1778. 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM -- Major General Charles Lee had only 800 men to try to stall more than 2,000 advancing British troops. The Continentals beat back one cavalry charge before the British grenadiers were upon them. After 3 to 5 minutes of firing at each other at point blank range, the British dragoons broke through the fence south of the Continental line. Outflanked, the Continentals abandoned the hedgerow and fled across the bridge, but not before decimating the ranks of British grenadiers. The ground east of the hedgerow was strewn with dead and wounded. The delay was brief, but long enough. By the time Lee's last groups had crossed the bridge, thousand of Continentals were formed on Perrine's Hill, ready and waiting.
8. MMOUTH_110530_143.JPG: Stop #5 The British Rush the Hedgerow: -- 28 June 1778. 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM -- Riding like a New Market Jockey," British Commander-in-chief, Sir Henry Clinton rushed his men forward hoping to crush the Continental advance force against Spotswood Middle Brook. If he could destroy the Continental Army, he might win the war and promotion. The British pursued Major General Charles Lee's Continentals across the fields behind you. As they climbed the hill, Clinton rode in front "crying out ‘Charge, Grenadiers, never heed forming'." If his men attacked quickly, they might destroy the Continental battalions before they could cross the bridge. At first, Clinton's tactics seemed to be working. British guardsmen, grenadiers, and dragoons smashed through the Continental defenders of a woods, and the Americans fled to the fence in front of you. As a wild mob, the British infantry rushed the hedged fence and its 800 Continental defenders. Briefly – for 3 to 5 minutes – the charge stalled here as the two sides fired at each other at point-blank range. Then the dragoons broke through the fence. The Continentals abandoned the hedgerow and hurried for the bridge. The grenadiers plunged after them, but the Americans were quicker and escaped. Clinton's gamble had failed, and the ground was littered with red-coated bodies.
9. MMOUTH_110530_149.JPG: The British Grenadiers: -- 28 June 1778. 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM -- Grenadiers were the heavy infantry of 18th-century armies. Normally, British regiments were composed of 10 companies – 8 line companies, 1 light infantry company, and 1 grenadier company. Agile, intelligent men were chosen for the light infantry while the regiment's biggest men were placed in the grenadier company. Tall bearskin caps made the grenadiers appear even larger. During most of the Revolution, the British grouped their light infantry companies and grenadier companies into light infantry and grenadier battalions. At Monmouth, the heaviest fighting fell to the two battalions of British grenadiers. A Grenadier Describes the Attack on the Hedgerow: Such a march may I never again experience. …the sun beating on our heads with a force scarcely to be conceived in Europe, and not a drop of water … We rose on a small hill … notwithstanding a heavy fire of Grape, when judge of my inexpressible surprise, General Clinton appeared at the head of our left wing accompanied by Lord Cornwallis, and crying out ‘Charge, Grenadiers, never heed forming'; we rushed on amidst the heaviest fire I have yet felt. I had the fortune to find myself … in the midst of a large body of Rebels who had been driven out of the wood by the 1st Battalion of Grenadiers, accompanied by not more than a dozen men who had been able to keep up with us; luckily the Rebels were too intent on their own safety to regard our destruction. Lt. Bunbury of the 49th killed one of them with his sword, as we all might have done, but seeing a battalion running away with their colours, I pushed for them with my few fellows I had, but to my unutterable disappointment they out ran us in a second. … Our battalion lost 98, 11 officers killed and wounded. -- Lt. William Hale, 45th Regiment, 2nd Grenadiers, in a letter to his parents, July 4, 1778.
10. MMOUTH_110530_193.JPG: Battle at the Parsonage: -- 28 June 1778. 5:00 PM -- 5:30 PM -- Desperate fighting took place here as retreating Continental infantry held off a battalion of British grenadiers. "General Wayne, occupying a barn and orchard in front, gave them a very warm reception." -- Dr. James McHenry, Secretary to George Washington. In the last action of the Battle, Brigadier-General Anthony Wayne led 400 Continentals across the bridge toward the withdrawing British Army. Seven hundred yards to your right, Wayne attacked the 1st Battalion of British Grenadiers. The Grenadiers rallied and began pushing back Wayne. As the Continentals neared the parsonage farm, Lord Stirling sent orders to Wayne to take cover here in the buildings and yards. Protected by walls and fences, the Continentals of Malcolm's, Spencer's, and the 3rd Pennsylvania regiments held off the Grenadiers while Continental gunners pounded them from the north and south. Unable to use their bayonets, the Grenadiers retreated yet again. The Battle of Monmouth was over. "I was at Monmouth Battle in a sharp encounter against the British grenadiers, … I commanded the platoon on the left of our party and being close pressed by the right of the enemy in front lost three of my men, …. Lord Stirling's artillery played on the enemy so well that they ran back, and we immediately rallied and returned to our own ground where we remained under arms until next morning." -- 1st Lieutenant Alexander Dow, Malcolm's Additional Continental Regiment.
11. MMOUTH_110530_220.JPG: Perrine Hill Front Line The Battle of Monmouth -- 28 June 1778, 12:30 PM -- Stop 2 Seeking to avoid a bloody battle with the approaching British, Washington selected this strong defensive position. Here, a circle of brooks and swamps protected the Continental troops. Commander-in-Chief Washington and Major-General Lord Stirling organized their men in three lines. You are standing where two battalions of light infantry were posted. To their right were Pennsylvania troops. Behind you, two-thirds of the way up the hill, was a line of cannon and several more brigades of infantry. Out-of-Sight, just over the ridge, the Marquis de Lafayette commanded the reserves. The 1st Pennsylvania Brigade saw no infantry action, but much shot and shell. Col. William Irvine wrote "the brigade I commanded was posted in front of our whole army, … not withstanding, we lost but 5 killed and a few wounded." Some of the Brigade's casualties were in Col. James Chamber's 1st Pennsylvania Regiment. June 30, he wrote his wife, Kitty: "We gave the enemy a fine drubbing at Freehold Church …. Our Division was drawn up in front of our artillery in a small hollow, while the enemy's artillery was placed on an eminence in front of our brigade. Of course, we were in a right line of their fire, both parties playing their cannon over our heads, and yet only killed two of our men, and wounded four of my regiment with splinters of rails. Yesterday, we buried upwards of two hundred and fifty of the bold Britons who were to conquer the world!"
12. MMOUTH_110530_237.JPG: Perrine Hill Front Line The Battle of Monmouth -- 28 June 1778, 12:30 PM -- Stop 2 Seeking to avoid a bloody battle with the approaching British, Washington selected this strong defensive position. Here, a circle of brooks and swamps protected the Continental troops. Commander-in-Chief Washington and Major-General Lord Stirling organized their men in three lines. You are standing where two battalions of light infantry were posted. To their right were Pennsylvania troops. Behind you, two-thirds of the way up the hill, was a line of cannon and several more brigades of infantry. Out-of-Sight, just over the ridge, the Marquis de Lafayette commanded the reserves. The 1st Pennsylvania Brigade saw no infantry action, but much shot and shell. Col. William Irvine wrote "the brigade I commanded was posted in front of our whole army, … not withstanding, we lost but 5 killed and a few wounded." Some of the Brigade's casualties were in Col. James Chamber's 1st Pennsylvania Regiment. June 30, he wrote his wife, Kitty: "We gave the enemy a fine drubbing at Freehold Church …. Our Division was drawn up in front of our artillery in a small hollow, while the enemy's artillery was placed on an eminence in front of our brigade. Of course, we were in a right line of their fire, both parties playing their cannon over our heads, and yet only killed two of our men, and wounded four of my regiment with splinters of rails. Yesterday, we buried upwards of two hundred and fifty of the bold Britons who were to conquer the world!"
13. MMOUTH_110530_284.JPG: The Battle of Monmouth 26 June 1778 Stop 2 "The Commander in Chief was every where, his Presence gave Spirit and Confidence and his command and authority soon brought every thing into order and Regularity." Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 July 1778 For hours, through a rain of shot and shell, General George Washington rode back and forth along this hill, encouraging his men, seeing to the care of the wounded, and, as the British began withdrawing, directing the counterattack. Tall, athletic, and fearless, Washington radiated strength. An onlooker, Dr. William Read, recorded seeing "Gen. Washington riding to and fro along the line, sometimes at full speed, looking nobly, excited, and calling loudly to the troops by the appellation of brave boys. He saw Washington standing to the right of the line...saw a cannon ball strike a wet hold in the side of a hill, and the dirt fly at him. The General, coolly standing in his stirrups, was said to say to the officers that urged that than was no place for him, he being observed by the enemy, ‘the he was admiring the manner in which Proctor was handling their right." Monmouth was a much-needed victory for the General and his army. After the defeats at Brandywine and Germantown and the loss of Philadelphia, there had been mutterings in Congress and the Continental Army that someone else might make a better Commander in Chief. After the Battle of Monmouth, there was no question. Washington was well on his way to becoming our first President and "Father of our Country." The Great Cannonade The Battle of Monmouth -- 28 June, 1778 1:15 PM – 5:30 PM -- "... Shot and Shells flying as thick as Hail." Major General Nathanael Greene For several long, hot and exhausting hours during the afternoon of June 28, 1778, the largest land artillery battle of the American Revolution raged. The climax of the battle took place here when, for almost three hours, ten Continental guns positioned on this hill fired upon then British guns located along the hedgerow on the hill in front of you. The rain of shot and shell terrorized and astounded the infantry on both sides. Colonel Shreve, wrote "the cannonade was heavier than ever known in the field.... Cannon ball flew plentifully, and I cowardly dodged, which saved my head." While British shot spattered mud on General Washington's uniform and his staff tried to get him to move, Washington calmly stood in his stirrups watching his artillery pound the Royal Highlanders. The Continental artillery finally won the engagement when four additional guns were positioned on Combs Hill to attack the British left flank. Caught in the crossfire from the Continental guns, the British artillery withdrew, quickly followed by the British infantry.
14. MMOUTH_110530_299.JPG: Mary "Molly" Hayes Stop #4 "You girls should have been with me at the battle of Monmouth and learned how to load a cannon." - Mary Hays McCary to Susan Hackendorn, c. 1830 As the temperature approached 100 degrees, and gunners collapsed from heat exhaustion, a plucky Irish water carrier stepped forward to help work Captain Francis Proctor's cannon. Memories of her heroism evolved into myth of "Molly Pitcher." When the British infantry pursued General Scott's Continentals across the Sutfin farm, they were stopped by a barrage of canister and grapeshot. Most of the Continental artillery then switched to other targets, leaving Captain Proctor to bombard the battalion of Royal Highlanders pinned down in Derick Sutfin's cider orchard. Private Joseph Martin, described watching, as " A woman…attended with her husband at the piece the whole time. While in the act of reaching a cartridge and having one of her feet as far before the other as she could step, a cannon shot from the enemy passed directly between her legs without doing any other damage than carrying away all the lower part of her petticoat. Looking at it with apparent unconcern, she…continued her occupation." The woman was Mary Hays, wife of William Hays, Gunner, Captain Francis Proctor's company of the Pennsylvania or 4th Continental Artillery Regiment. After the war, the Hayses settled in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where, after outliving two husbands Molly died in 1832.
15. MMOUTH_110530_312.JPG: Battlefield Archaeology The Battle of Monmouth – 28 June 1778 Where Was Molly Hays during the Battle of Monmouth? Documents and Archaeology provides clues. During the Battle, Commander-in-Chief George Washington watched approvingly as Captain Francis Proctor's artillery company cannonaded the British. Joseph Plumb Martin noted that it was a 4-pounder "which kept up a constant fire upon the enemy." Later, one of Washington's subordinates, Major-General Lord Stirling, described how the British "Infantry appeared also in the Rear of Sutfin's, some of them advanced to the front of the Orchard, these we drove back with Grape and Canister Shot." Battlefield archaeologists have established the precise location of the orchard. It is marked by a concentration of lead canister shot and 2-ounce iron grape shot. You are standing at the probable location of Molly Hays' cannon. Four pieces of 2-ounce grape shot found here appear to be the remains of a cartridge broken by Proctor's gun crew.
16. MMOUTH_110530_318.JPG: Washington Resumes the Offensive The Battle of Monmouth -- 28 June 1778, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM -- Stop #6 As the enemy withdrew their artillery and began withdrawing their infantry, Commander-in-Chief George Washington began a cautious offensive designed to boost American morale without risking the destruction of the Continental Army. First, Washington sent two battalions of light infantry circling through the valley to your left to harass the British detachments retreating across the Sutfin Farm. Later, south of the Middle Brook, Brigadier-General Anthony Wayne attacked the British grenadiers. For the thousands of Continentals watching from Perrine's and Comb's Hills, it was a glorious sight to see Continental soldiers "drive" the "Redcoats" from the field. Washington had turned a tactical stalemate into a major political victory. Col. Joseph Cilley of New Hampshire commanded the lead battalion on the left. In a July 22nd letter, he described the resulting skirmish with the Royal Highland Regiment: "His excellency ordered me to take … 350 rank and file, … to see what I could do with the enemy's right wing, which was formed in an orchard in our front. Marched on toward them until I came within about 40 rods, when I ordered my battalion to form the line of battle, … The enemy began a scattering fire. I ordered my men to advance, …. When the enemy saw that we were determined to push close …, they gave way and took post in a … wood and gave me a very heavy fire, …. I advanced within a few rods, gave them a heavy fire which put them in confusion. They run off. I killed a number on the field. Took between twenty and thirty prisoners. Should have pursued further, but the extreme heat of the weather was such that several of my men died of the heat."
17. MMOUTH_110530_331.JPG: Highlanders Decline Combat The Battle of Monmouth -- 28 June 1778, 4:10 PM – 4:20 PM -- Stop #7 "What a pity it is to throw away such men as these" -- Captain-Lieutenant John Peebles, Royal Highland Regiment Here, in what was Derick Sutfin's cider orchard, 300 Royal Highlanders found themselves in an awkward position. Over 700 Continental infantry were approaching their right flank (up the hill behind you), while a Continental cannon fired round after round into the treetops above their heads. Should they stay and fight? The hardy, brave Scots were too valuable to waste in a needless firefight. Wisely, their commander decided not to fight here. Instead, he led his men south along the fence looking for a good position from which to assail the Continentals. as the Continentals advanced, they found their way blocked by an orchard fence (no longer standing). Colonel Cilley sent a platoon to skirmish with the Highlanders and slow them down while the rest of the battalion took down the fence. One of the skirmishers, Joseph Martin, later remembered that "we pursued without order. As I passed through the orchard, I saw a number of the enemy killed by our field piece." The Scots withdrew through the fields, stopping twice to fire upon the pursuing Continentals. Then the Scots forded the brook and rejoined Clinton's army. Archaeology confirms Highlanders' Position: While in Sutfin's orchard, the Scots had been sniped at by American rifle and musket men and bombarded with lead canister and 2-ounce grape shot from Captain Proctor's 4-pounder field piece. Many of these projectiles remained in the ground until 1990 when archaeologists began to excavate the site. Careful computer analysis of the data revealed the location of the Royal Highlanders. Archaeology by BRAVO (Battlefield & Archaeological Volunteer Organization)
Wikipedia Description: Monmouth Battlefield State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a 1,810-acre (7.32 km�) New Jersey state park located on the border of Manalapan and Freehold Township. This park preserves the historical battlefield on which the American Revolutionary War's Battle of Monmouth was waged.

Appearance and information:

Monmouth Battlefield State Park preserves a rural, eighteenth century landscape of orchards, fields, woods and wetlands encompassing miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding; picnic areas, and a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse entitled, the Craig House.

The park's visitor center rests atop Combs Hill?a hill once commanded by the Continental Army artillery. Within the park's visitor's center one may observe an array of excavated artifacts from the notable eighteenth century battle.

During the final weekend in June (or the weekend nearest to 28 June), an annual reenactment of the 1778 American Revolutionary War battle is performed.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced at the beginning of April 2008 that Monmouth Battlefield and 8 other New Jersey State Parks would be closed as part of Governor John Corzine's budget cuts.

History of the battlefield:

On 28 June 1778, as Sir Henry Clinton and his troops parted from the Monmouth Court House, George Washington and his Continental Army troops plotted an ambush on the rear column of Clinton's British Army soldiers, though the battle soon ended in a standoff.

The Battle of Monmouth is most notable for creating the American legend of Molly Pitcher; a housewife who boldly took her husband's place at the cannon only moments after his peril. In honor of Pitcher, an aging white cenotaph was erected nigh the property of the battlefield.

--

Battle of Monmouth
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Battle of Monmouth was an American Revolutionary War battle fought on June 28, 1778 in New Jersey. The main Continental Army under George Washington attacked the rear of the British Army column commanded by Sir Henry Clinton as they left Monmouth Court House (modern Freehold Township).

Prelude:

In May 1778 the British commander, General Clinton, was under orders to evacuate Philadelphia and concentrate his troops at the main British base in New York City, as France had entered the war on the side of the Americans. On June 18, the British began to evacuate Philadelphia, and began their approximately 100-mile march to the northeast across New Jersey to New York City. The British force comprised 11,000 British regulars, a thousand Loyalists from Philadelphia, and a baggage train 12 miles (19 km) long. As the British advanced, the Americans slowed their advance by burning bridges, muddying wells and building abatis across the roads.

Major General Charles Lee, Washington's second-in-command, advised awaiting developments as he did not wish to commit the American force, newly-trained by Baron von Steuben, against the British regulars. However, Washington determined that the British column was vulnerable to attack as it traveled across New Jersey with its baggage train, and moved from Valley Forge in pursuit.

Washington was still undecided how to attack the British column, and held a council of war. The council, however, was divided on the issue. None of Washington's generals was in favor of a general action, with Brigadier General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, the boldest of the staff, urging a partial attack on the British column while it was strung out on the road. Lee was still cautious, advising only harassing attacks with light forces. On June 26, 1778, Washington chose to send 4,000 men as an advance force to strike at the British rear guard as they departed Monmouth Courthouse, in order to delay the British withdrawal until the main American force could give battle.

The Battle:

Lee, as Washington's senior subordinate, was initially appointed commander of the advance force, but turned it down because of his doubts about the plan. However, when the force was increased to 5,000 men and the command offered to the Marquis de Lafayette, Lee changed his mind and insisted on the command.

Lee met with his subordinates but failed to give them proper orders, resulting in a piecemeal and disorganized attack on June 28 against the British rear guard under Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. After several hours of fighting in the hot weather, the British counterattacked and Lee ordered a retreat, which rapidly became a rout.

Washington, advancing with the main force along the Monmouth road, encountered Lee and his fleeing troops, with the British in pursuit. After a heated discussion with Lee, Washington relieved him of command and sent him to the rear. He then rallied Lee's troops, who delayed the British pursuit until the main force could take up positions further to the west.

The remnants of Lee's forces then withdrew to the main American force, where the newly-trained Continental Army troops held the British, repelling several attacks. The British fell back, rested, and resumed their march to the northeast during the night. The exhausted Americans could not pursue.

The next morning the Americans found the British had slipped away during the night, continuing their march without incident to Sandy Hook, arriving there on June 30. The British force was then transported by the Royal Navy across Lower New York Bay to the safety of Manhattan.

The battle was a tactical British victory, as the rearguard successfully covered the British withdrawal. However, strategically it was an American victory, as they were left in possession of the field, and had demonstrated that the Continental Army regiments could stand against the British regulars.

Aftermath:

Monmouth was the last major battle in the northern theater, and the largest one-day battle of the war when measured in terms of participants. Lee was later court-martialed at the Village Inn located in the center of Englishtown, where he was found guilty and relieved of command for one year.

The legend of "Molly Pitcher" is usually associated with this battle. According to one story, she was the wife of an American artilleryman who came to battle with her husband, bringing water for swabbing the cannons and for the thirsty crews, and took her husband's place at the cannon after he fell. The story is based on a true incident, but has become embellished over the years. Two places on the battlefield are marked as sites of the "Molly Pitcher Spring".

Although never accorded formal preservation, Monmouth Battlefield is one of the best preserved of the Revolutionary War battlefields. Each year during the last weekend in June, the Battle of Monmouth is reenacted at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in modern Freehold Township and Manalapan.

Archive:

The Monmouth County Historical Association at 70 Court Street in Freehold Borough, New Jersey houses a collection of documents which includes personal accounts, journals, pension applications, letters, and miscellaneous printed material. It is a subject collection acquired through various donors.
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