MONMOUTH, BATTLE OF, so-called, though the battle occurred at Freehold, N. J., which is in Monmouth co., and which point sir Henry Clinton had reached, after his evacuation of Philadelphia, when attacked by gen. Washington's little army. The battle took place June 28, 1778, and. was opened by gen, Lee, who commanded the advance of the American force, numbering about 4,000 men. Lee's attack was met by more serious resistance than he had anticipated; or, probably, his raw and worn-out. volunteers, who had hardly yet recovered from the terrible winter at Valley Forge, were in no condition to tight the British veterans. A rout of the Americans was the result, and they fell back on the main body, which was commanded by Washington in person. The latter was enraged at seeing the disorderly retreat, and upbraided Lee in the most violent and bitter manner. He then took command himself, rallied the fugitives, and a sharp engagement commenced. The American force was advantageously posted on it height, protected by marshy ground, and where they could use their artillery with good effect. Lee was per mitted to resume command of his men, and succeeded in holding his position until ordered at last to retire, which he did in good order. The left of the American line was
commanded by lord Stirling, and here some sharp tigliting took place, the British making strenuous but inadequate efforts to turn it. Failing in this, they directed their attention to the American right, under Greene, with Wayne posted in good position in an orchard, where he succeeded in keeping up a galling fire upon the enemy, under cover of the trees. The latter made every effort to oust the Americans from this position; and here col. Moncton fell at the head of his grenadiers while making an attack. It becoming evident to the British commander that the Americans were too strongly placed to be dislodged, he ordered his men to fall back. The battle ended with this movement, the Americans not being strong enough to follow up their slight advantage; and dtiring the night the British made a hurried retreat, undiscovered. This was one of the occasions during his life when gen. Wathington completely lost his temper: and for the error or cowardice which occasioned this, Lee was court-martialed, and his command was taken from him for one year.