The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-26
Tho Battle of Monmouth Tomorrow.

Tho Battle OF MONMOUTH lO.nOFrOW.
The, elaborate preparations that are
being made for the celebration of the
l25th anniversary Of the battle of Mon
mouth are worthy of the patriotism Of
the people of New Jersey The ami
versary proper Is on the 18th Of June, but
as that day OF the month this year hap
pens to fall on Sunday, the celebration
il to occur on Saturday the 27th-to-
morrow.
The programme indicates an observ-
ance of this memorable day in American
history that is one in spirit with the event.
A large body of State troops, as large
probably as the combined armies OF
WASHINGTON and Sir HENRY CLINTON,
is to occupy the field from Freehold ba ok,
we understand, as far as Englshtown and
beyond, where LEE, with the advance,
and WASHINGTON, with the main body OF
the American army. were posted on the
evening before the engagement. There
is to be sham battle. The evolutions Of
both armies are to be repeated.
What commands Of State troops are to
play the thankless parts Of the Red Coats
and Hessians we are not informed, but
We appeal in advance to the patriotic
youth who will be present az spectators to
be as tolerant in their attitude toward
these unfortunates as possible. In the
passion play at Ober-A mmergau the most
respected man in the community ia al
ways cast as JUDAS. These stage Hes
SLAMS will not be liking their Job. That
must be borne in mind. Then, too, they
are to be licked in the end, and that is to
be taken into account as palliating cir
cumstance.
Again, who is the ill-starred Jersey
man who is to play the even more trying
part Of Gen. CHARLES LEE, that American
officer whom WASHINGTON found in dis
graceful and disorderly retreat? His is
not task to be envied, even though under
the lash Of WAsH1NGToN's scorn and fury
he did line up and fight desperately at
the end. WASHINGTON swore when he
met LEE in that retreat. The Father of
his Country swore. 1t cannot be denied.
History leaves no room for doubt.
Damn you, sir, what do you mean by
this disgraceful retreat when you knew I
was coming to your support?'
That is what g. WARRINGTON said.
The brilliant and dashing young Marquis
DE LAFAYETTE heard 1t. What is more.
he saw WASHINGTON 8 face when he said
it, and it was mental picture the bravo
young Frenchman never forgot.
His Excellency's face, convulsed with
rage was absolutely terrifying to behold
says LAFAYETTE.
1t utterly cowed the turbulent, bully
ing LEE as he never was cowed before.
And Monmouth ended LEES career.
Court-martialled and suspended from
command for his conduct on that day,
he went off in the sulks to Virginia, wrote
insulting letters to Congress- and was re-
| tired altogether
And right here, permit US to ask, is
there suitable monument on the scene
of this incident9 Is there towering shaft
Of granite to commenora that i'm
mortal Damn? II not, why not?
| And MOLLY PITCHER, is she, too, to
be represented in the great rehearsal
of this stirring sceneNof the spirit Of 70?
| Dauntless MoLLYl carrying water to the
fighting soldiers in the whitening heat
of that late June day! Glorious MOLLY!
Selling the ramrod as it fell from the
wounded cannoneer's hand and herself
ramming home the load that an instant
after went tearing through the Hessian
ranks! MOLLY lives In fine relief ON the
imposing battle monument at Freehold.
She will not be forgotten, at least by the
orators, next Saturday.
As military achievement, the battle
OF Monmouth was Of less moment than
many other engagements Of the Rsvo-
luton. It's moral effect was enormous.
LEES retreat turned to victory by the
sheer impetus of WASHINGTON heroic
indomitable spirit; Sir HENRY CHM