Learn Our History Today: On June 28, 1778, the Americans and the British clashed near Monmouth Courthouse, New Jersey in what was known as the Battle of Monmouth. At dawn, on June 28, troops from the Continental Army, under General Charles Lee, engaged the rear of the British Army as it was retreating from Philadelphia to New York. Lee had taken time to prepare a plan of attack, and had not given his subordinates any instructions, causing his troops suffer dearly. The British Army was quickly turned around from their retreat, along with all their artillery, which was brought to bear on Lee’s detachment with devastating effect. The Continentals were soon in headlong retreat. Upon hearing the roar of the British Artillery, General George Washington rode to the scene of the retreat were he confronted General Lee. There was a bitter and angry exchange between the two men. Following this exchange, General Washington rode forward and rallied the retreating Americans, forming them into defensive positions. Assault after assault by the redcoats were beaten back by the Continentals, with Washington riding up and down the lines, greatly exposing himself to British fire and encouraging his troops. After a long, hard day of battle there was no conclusive victor. The battle was the longest of the entire Revolutionary war, and also the hottest, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Heat stroke had downed more men than had bullets. The Battle of Monmouth also produced one of the most enduring legends of the American Revolution. During the battle, Margaret Hayes, the wife of a continental soldier, went about the battlefield delivering pitchers of water to parched Continental soldiers. In addition, she even helped man a cannon when her husband, who was part of the crew of the gun, was wounded. In the years following the battle, Mary evolved into Molly Pitcher, an icon for the women who supported the men during the American Revolution.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 21:34:14 +0000
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