The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-17
DID WASHINGTON CURSE LEEs
Gen. Darlington Demonstrates That
Profane Language Was Not Used,

Gen. Henry u. CddflngtpU mas IttcilAAS
written an interesting work on wash
ington the Soldier" in which a somewhat
neglected phase OF that great mans won
derful career is treated with the particu-
larity II deserves. The author finds him
TO have had the qualities and qualifica-
lions which great soldiers have always
had. and his expert examination into the
strategy OF the head of the continental
armies makes Il clear TO his countrymen
not only that he was "hrst In war" but
that the military authorities of Europe,
his contemporaries, were of the same
opinion. OF course in both cases IL is
not quite an unpreiudiced opinion, Eng
land being as unpopular throughout the
world n century ago as she Is today, and
for precisely the same reason
Without going into detail In this partic-
ular question. Gen. Darlington raises an
other which he fairly settles Whether
or not Gen. Washington cursed Gen.
Charles Lee for ordering a retreat at the
battle of Monmouth The facts, as
brought out by the writer here, seem to
be as follows: Charles Lee was profess
sional soldier of accepted and tried skill.
But he was exceedingly Jealous of Wash
ington and believed himself far better fit
ted for the supreme command than the
Virginian, whom he thought to be without
the proper professional training. This
dislike led to Lees constant endeavor to
place obstacles in Washingtons way, ir
and out of season.
II has recently been shown that Lee
was even more of traitor than Benedict
Arnold and that his ordering the retreat
upon that occasion was In pursuance Of
his agreement to deliver his army into
British hands. This would have been
the undoubted result of his cowardly
order had not word been brought to
Washington In time. About noon on
June q. ITS the noise of cannonading as
sured the commander-in-chief that Lees
5000 men had Joined battle with Clinton's
British regulars, equal in number. But
Just as he was assured from the increase
In the firing that the battle was going for
the Americans frightened messengers be-
gan to bring the news that the CONT
nentals were in full retreat, If not on the
edge of a disastrous panic and rout
Washington rode forward to a bridge
near by. over which the fugitives must
pass, and there took command. He
could see his regiments still in forma-
ton, on the ground near by. all falling
back under Lees orders. without know
ing why. As each regimental or general
officer came to the bridge Washington
halted him. give him orders which result
ed In a new line of battle, and the field
soon began to assume something of the
aspect of an armed struggle. The last
detachment came up with Lee at its
head. To his surprise the retreat was
no longer n retreat, with. Lafayette hold
ing a second line until the whole army
should be under discipline.
1t was upon Lees coming up that
Washington Is said to have used profane
language toward him. The facts seem
to be much against this. Lee, before see
ing Washington. asked of his subordi-
mates what the new disposition OF the
troops meant Informed that Washing
ton had directed It, and understanding his
own authority 20 be superseded by the
presence OF his superior officer. he came
forward to report for duty, with an ex-
cuse on his lips-a lie. of course. since
this was In accordance with his treason
able plan. But Washington, hot with
righteous Indignation. seemed TO grow be-
fore his guilty eyes, as he demanded, in
the sternest and most peremptory man
ner.
what does this mean, sir? Give me
instantly an explanation of this retreatr'
Lee could only stammer and murmur
"Sir3 Sir7" when he was ordered To the
rear, But. determined to brazen II out,
he wrote letter to Washington, asking
for an explanation OF his language.
court-martial on July l. and there Lee
was found guilty on three charges and
suspended from command for q year.
General Darlington has gone over all
the alleged authorities for the profanity
which Washington was said TO have used
Though IL Ia probably true that here
profanity wns justified. II It ever can be
no one competent 10 speak lends his
name to the statement that it was used
That Lee himself did not press. the
charge Is concluslve,-Chicago Record.