Battle of Monmouth

The Battle of Monmouth was fought as the British evacuated Philadelphia and marched across New Jersey following France's entry into the war. Clinton had replaced Howe as British commander and faced a difficult situation: with French naval power threatening his communications, he needed to consolidate in New York. Washington saw an opportunity to strike the British column and assigned General Charles Lee command of the attacking force. Lee was deeply pessimistic about American chances and conducted the initial attack halfheartedly. When British forces counterattacked, Lee ordered a retreat that quickly became a rout.

Washington encountered Lee and the retreating troops and his fury was incandescent. He confronted Lee directly — witnesses later argued whether he cursed him. Whatever was said, Washington instantly reversed the retreat, personally riding up and down the lines to reorganize the defense. He established a strong defensive position and repulsed several British attacks through the long afternoon in temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Both sides suffered heavily from heatstroke as well as enemy fire.

Mary Ludwig Hays — 'Molly Pitcher' — became a legend at Monmouth, carrying water to soldiers and reportedly manning a cannon after her husband was wounded. General Lee was court-martialed and convicted of disobedience and misconduct. Washington's personal performance was universally praised, demonstrating the transformation of the Continental Army under von Steuben's Valley Forge training. The battle demonstrated that American troops could now stand and fight toe-to-toe with the best British regulars in an open field engagement.