The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-02-01
MISCELLANY.
From Washington and his Generals
BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.
BY J. T. HEADLT.


New Jersey, on its way to New York. The Who'll,
0 country was filled with the marching columns
the baggage train alone stretched tcece miles alo
c the road. On the rear of this army, in order tC
o cut II and the baggage train from the main body
, Washington determined TO fall and sent forward
0 five thousand men to commence the attack. The
command of this belonged to Lee, but he refusing
TO accept II, it was given TO Lafayette. The for
mer, however, thinking it would have an ugly look
to decline serving in such an important battle as
this promised 10 be, changed his mind and
asked for the post assigned him, which was
I generously granted by Lafayette. The morn
ing OF the 2Sth Of June, was one of the sultriest
OF the year; yet at an early hour, Lee, who was
but five miles from Monmouth. where the British
army had encamped that night put his troops in
motion. Pushing rapidly on through the wooded
country, he at length emerged on the plain OF
Monmouth which like that of Marengo, seemed
made on purpose for 4 battlefield. Forming his
men IN the woods, TO conceal them from the enc
my, he and Wayne rode forward to reconnoitre
and 10 all the ample plain below them was dark
with the moving masses. To the stirring sound
OF music, the steady columns of the grenadiers
moved sternly forward their bayonets elittering
in the morning sunlight, while far as the eve could
reach. followed after the immense train-horses
and Wagons toiling through the sand and filling
the air with dust.
Wayne descended like torrent upon this line
Of march, and soon the sharp rattle of musketrv.
and roar Of cannon, and heavy smoke, told where
he was pouring his troops 10 the charge. Lee, in
tie mean time with the rest of his division took
clrcultous march TO fall on the head of the corr
with which Wayne was engaged. when he learned
that Tie whole British army had wheeled about
and was huITying back TO protect the rear, That
PLAIN then presented q magnificent appearance
Far away the cloud of horses and Wagons was
seen huTyng from the field while nearer by, the
glhterng columns fellon after another in the or
del OF baitle-the artillery opened like n sudden
conHagration on the plain-the cavalry went dash
ing forward TO the chargeand amid the pealing of
trumpets unroling OF standards, and shouts of
men, the battle commenced.
But at this moment, Lee who had not expect
ed 10 meet strong force, and not liking to have
a.heavy battle thrown on him, with a morass in
his rear, ordered a retreat; and the brave WAYNE.
grinding lis teeth In rage, compelled 10 fall
back, and came very near being cut off in the at
tempt. Across the morass retrcating, with the
victorious columns Of the British in full pursuit.
In the mean time Washington, ignorant of this
| shameful retreat, was marching up with the other
division of the army. As the sound of the first
cannonade broke dull and heavy over the woods.
the troops we've hurried forward, and the troops
eager for the encounter, threw aside their KNAPP
sacks, and many Of them their coats, and with
| shouts pressed rapidly on. 1t was terrible dav
the thermometer stood n Hiaay-sir-and as that
sweltering army toiled through the sand and dust.
| many sunk in their footsteps oyerpowered BY the
heat, Washington had dismounted where two
roads met and stood with his arm thrown over
the neck of his white steed that was reeking with
sweat, listening 10 the cannonading III the dis
tAnce, and watching Lis eager columns rs thev
swept over the road. Far in advance he heard
the thunder of artillery that was moving down
ms ranks, willie before him futteled the flag
Of ms country, soon also TO lie envelopcd in the
smoke Of battle a horseman bursting into his
presence, cried ont that Lee was in full retreat.
bearing down with his divided ranks. full on his
own advancing columns. The expressions of his
face at that moment was dreadful, and with q
burst Of Indignation flat started those around Kim
he sprung TO the saddle and, and pnneing the
roweis in his steod, launched ike 4 thunderLolt
way. Il cloud Of dust alone told where he and
: his suit sped onward and those who looked on
him then, with his usual pale face flushed, and
his blue eve emitting, knew that storm was soon
TO burst somewhere. He swept in 4 headong
galiop 10 the van OF the retreating army, and the
moment his white horse was seen. the brave fel-
lows, who hid long been half Lelten, sent ND a
shout that was heard the whole length of the lines
and LING lire " Gsiiagton, rent the air. Flnging
haSty inquiry 10 Osgood as TO the reason of this
retreat, who replied with terrible oath Sir are
are teel'g iog shado'r; he salloped TO the rear
: ami refining up his horse beside Lee bent on him
face of fearful expression and Numbered in his
ear, as he leaned over his saddle-bow '.Sir de-
sire to A1oc lra is the reason and uIence arises this
disorder and confusion 9 1t not the words but
the smohered tone ofpassiOn in which .hcv were
uttered, and the manner which was severe as {,
. blow, that made the rchuke 20 terrible Wheeling
ms sieed he spuTred up TO Oswald's and Stewart S
J regiments, saying On you depend. TO check
TINS pursuit; and riding along the ranks he reused
then courage TO the highest pitch by his stirring
appeals, while that glorious shout of Iona ire
Hasiingto1, again shook the field The sudden
gust Of passion had swept by but the storm that
ever sinmbered in his bosom was now fairly Ip,
and galloping about on his splendid charger his
tall and commanding form towering above all a.
bout him, and his noble countenance lit I'D with
enthusiasm, he was the impersonation of all that
Is great and heroic in man. In n moment the
9 aspect of the field was changed-the retreatinc
masses halted-offcers were seen hurrying about
IN every direction, their shouts and orders ringing
= above the roar of the enemy's guns. The ranks
opened, and under the CALLING fire of the enemy.
the steady battalions wheeled. and formed in
} order. Washington then rode back to Lee, and
pointing TO the firm front he had arrayed against
the enemy, exclaimed VII vou SIR. command IN
that place 9 He replied yes 'WeH,' then said
he, erpect yOu 10 check the enemy inqnediately'-
Your orders shall be obeyed,' replied the stung
commander; and will not be the first TO leave
the field The battle then opened with renewed
fury. snd Washington hurried back to bring his
own division into action.
1t was the glorious triumph of discipline, and
the power of one master mind, TO see how those
retreatlng troops recovered their confidence, and
formed under the very fire of their pursuers be-
lore the panic had been communicated TO the 9TH
or portion of the army
But the danger had only just commenced the
lew regiments which had been thrown forward
could not long withstand the heavy shock 10
which they were exposed. Swept by the artillery
and enyeloped in fire, they were gradually forced
back over the field. They fought brarely, as ii
they knew the fate of the battle rested on their
frmness, yet the advanced corps finally fell back
on the reserve. On this too, the victorious Ie-
gions of the enemy Numbered with deafening
shouts-the grenadiers pressed furiously forward
the cavalry hung ike 4 cloud on our TANKS
while the steadily advancing cannon CALLED the
ranks with most destructive fire. Our whole
line OF battle began to shake. Washington, with
the rear division. had not vet come I'D and every