The Life of George Washington, Vol. 3 | Page 9

[Sidenote: He attacks the enemy at Monmouth Court-house.]
These orders were executed with firmness; and, when forced from his
ground, Lee brought off his troops in good order, and was directed to
form in the rear of Englishtown.
This check afforded time to draw up the left wing and second line of
the American army on an eminence, covered by a morass in front. Lord
Stirling, who commanded the left wing, brought up a detachment of
artillery under Lieutenant Colonel Carrington, and some field pieces,
which played with considerable effect on a division of the British
which had passed the morass, and was pressing on to the charge. These
pieces, with the aid of several parties of infantry, effectually stopped
the advance of the enemy.
[Sidenote: The action severe but not decisive.]
Finding themselves warmly opposed in front, the British attempted to
turn the left flank of the American army, but were repulsed. They then
attempted the right with as little success. General Greene had advanced
a body of troops with artillery to a commanding piece of ground in his
front, which not only disappointed the design of turning the right, but
enfiladed the party which yet remained in front of the left wing. At this
moment, General Wayne was advanced with a body of infantry to

engage them in front, who kept up so hot and well directed a fire, that
they soon withdrew behind the ravine, to the ground on which the
action had commenced immediately after the arrival of General
Washington.[8]
[Footnote 8: General Lafayette, in a communication made to the author
respecting this battle, expresses himself thus: "Never was General
Washington greater in war than in this action. His presence stopped the
retreat. His dispositions fixed the victory. His fine appearance on
horseback, his calm courage, roused by the animation produced by the
vexation of the morning, (le depit de la matinée) gave him the air best
calculated to excite enthusiasm."]
The position now taken by the British army was very strong. Both
flanks were secured by thick woods and morasses; and their front was
accessible only through a narrow pass. The day had been intensely hot,
and the troops were much fatigued. Notwithstanding these
circumstances, General Washington resolved to renew the engagement.
For this purpose he ordered Brigadier General Poor, with his own and
the North Carolina brigade, to gain their right flank, while Woodford
with his brigade should turn their left. At the same time the artillery
was ordered to advance, and play on their front. These orders were
obeyed with alacrity; but the impediments on the flanks of the British
were so considerable that, before they could be overcome, it was nearly
dark. Farther operations were therefore deferred until next morning;
and the brigades which had been detached to the flanks of the British
army continued on their ground through the night, and the other troops
lay on the field of battle with their arms in their hands. General
Washington passed the night in his cloak in the midst of his soldiers.
The British employed the early part of the night in removing their
wounded; and, about midnight, marched away in such silence that their
retreat was not perceived until day.
As it was certain that they must gain the high grounds about
Middletown before they could be overtaken; as the face of the country
afforded no prospect of opposing their embarkation; and as the battle
already fought had terminated in a manner to make a general

impression favourable to the American arms; it was thought proper to
relinquish the pursuit, leaving a detachment to hover about the British
rear, the main body of the army moved towards the Hudson.
The Commander-in-chief was highly gratified with the conduct of his
troops in this action. Their behaviour, he said, after recovering from the
first surprise occasioned by the unexpected retreat of the advanced
corps, could not be surpassed. General Wayne was particularly
mentioned; and the artillery were spoken of in terms of high praise.
The loss of the Americans in the battle of Monmouth was eight officers
and sixty-one privates killed, and about one hundred and sixty
wounded. Among the slain were Lieutenant Colonel Bonner of
Pennsylvania, and Major Dickenson of Virginia, both of whom were
much regretted. One hundred and thirty were missing; but a
considerable number of these afterwards rejoined their regiments.
In his official letter, Sir Henry Clinton states his dead and missing at
four officers, and one hundred and eighty-four privates. His wounded at
sixteen officers and one hundred and fifty-four privates. This account,
so far as respects the dead, can not be correct, as four officers and two
hundred and forty-five privates were buried on the field by persons
appointed for the purpose, who made their report to the
Commander-in-chief; and