Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1840-03-24
THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.
JUNE 2Sth l77S.

Communicates for the National Intelligencer,1
From the Gusts Recollections and Private
Memoirs of the Life and Character of Wash
ineton.
The Commander-in-Chief (Washington)
having completed his arrangements for bring
ing the enemy TO general action, proceeded
slowly toward Monmouth Courthouse, early
on the morning of the 2sth of June, 1873.
In the council of war, there were but two
voices for risking a general engagement Cad
wallader, a gallant fellow, and devoted IN his
attachment TO the chief, and Anthony Wayne,
who always said aye, when fighting was to be
had on any terms.
Washington certainly assumed a great re-
sponsibility in risking an engagement, contra
~ to the opinions of a large majority of his
Generals, and Notwithstanding the vast dispar-
iy of his forces when compared with those of
his adversary-the disparity consisting more
in the material Of which the respective armies
was composed Than in their numerical estim-
aies. But it is to be remembered that the two
principal actions of the grand army in the pre-
ccding campaign, though bravely contested,
had resulted unfortunately. Since the close
of the campaign of IT, an alliance had been
formed with France, whose fleets and armies
were hourly expected on our coasts, while the
demands of the people and those often loudly
expressed, were for battle. Urged by these
considerations, the American Chiefdetermined,
happen what would, to fight Sir Henry Gin
ton, so that he should not evacuatc Philadel-
phia, and reach his strong hold in New York
unscathed. Crossing the Delaware, the Am
erican approached his formidable foe, who,
tr usting in his superiority of numbers, disci-
pline, and appointment, was leisurely wend-
ing his way towards Staten Island, the place
of embarkation for New York.
AS a soldier, Washington was by nature the
very soul Of enterprise but, fortunately for
his fame and for his country, this daring spirit
was tempered by a judgment and prudence the
most happy in their characters and effects
And yet an lllustrious patriot and statesman
Of the revolution, and most accomplished wri-
ter, Mr.. Jefferson, has said that the Pater Pa
lrie was rather the Fabius than the Marcellus
Of war, his extreme caution fitting him bettor
for the cool and methodidal operations of
sieges than for IN, daring strategy OF surprise,
or the close and stubborn con flict Of the field.
ANeyer was there such a misconceptiOn OF a
great soldiers attributes. Did not this mod
ern Fabius, in the very depth OF winter, and
after overcoming mighty obstacles, surprise
his enemy at Trenton, and recall Victory to
his standard, when Hope was almost sinking
in despair
Did he not, by a m~lsterly mannuvre and
midnight march, surprise his enemy In Prince
ton, and add yet another laurel 10 the one ac-
auiYed by tho capture OF the Hessians Did
he not, with AN army hastily raised, and de-
fcatcd at Brandywine, in twcnty-three days
thereafter surprise the enemy at Germantown !
! And, though victory was denied him by a force
of circumstances no human power could have
controlled, vet the boldness Of the enterprise,
and the success attending i, ia the outset, pro-
duced such a confidence abroad In our cour-
age and resources as 10 lead 10 our alliance
with a powerful nation. Did he not surprise
the enemy al Monmouth And, although I'M
toward events served to cripple the operations
ofthe early part ofthe day, yet the setting sun
: shnne upon tie battle field IN possession OF the
Americans, the enemy retreLiing, and their
dead and wounded left as trophies 10 the VIC
tors. Such were the memorable instances IN
which Washington, with troops newly raised,
and badly provided with every necessary OF
war. struck a, his veteran and w~cll-appointed
foe when least expected, producing the happi-
esi influences upon the American cause, both
al home and abroad for it is perfectly well
known that the battle of Germantown decided
Tie ministry Of France 10 form the alliance
that so materially contributed 10 the %conclu-
sion of the war and the consumalIon Of our IN
dependence.
A. The Commander-in-Chief accompanied
by a numerous suite, approached the vicinity
OF the Monmouth Courthouse, he was met BY
, a LILLE fler boy, who archly observed, "Ihey
: are an coming tins way, your honor" ""ho
, are coming, my little mar :" asked General
+, Knox. "Why, our boys, your honor, ou'
/ boys and the British night after them," replied
The little musician. Impossible exclaimed
IL. Washington. And giving the spur 10 his char
, ger. proceeded az full gallopto an eminence a
/ shor distance ahead. There, 10 bis sEtHeias