Washington Journal., 1942-09-18

taking a much needed rest, being "tuckered
OUT. Steuben resumed his long ride west
ward.
West of Englishtown he met Washington
hurrying his main column toward Monmouth
Courthouse. Washington was taken aback
when he learned Of Lees inaction and APP
parent Indifference. AS they marched on
they were met by Col. Laurens, who told his
chief about the torpor of Lees troops. Pre-
sently Laurens' report was confirmed by
Hamilton, his fellow aide, whom Washington
in his impatience for tidings had sent for
ward. Another galloper from the front
brought the alarming news of an American
reverse there.
Washington, who on the strength of Steu-
ben's early reports about Clinton's exposed
hank already believed victory in his grasp,
was almost beside himself with v~exation.
Putting spurs to their horses, he and his
whole suite galloped hot haste toward the
sound Of the canon fire, covering a distance
of nearly Is miles in sitting heat. On their
painting horses, drenched in sweat and plast-
cred with dust, they arrived on the battle
scene only in time to meet Lees disordered
troops streaming toward the rear.
An Historic Meeting
Washington galloped up to Lee, who was
hating irresolute at a point midway between
Hightstown and Freehold, and, pulling up
his lathered horse, demanded:
"What is the meaning of this, sir?''
Lee stammered: "Sir, sir?"
Washington p~eremptorily repeated his
question.
Falteringly, Lee replied: "You know the
attack you ordered was contrary to my adj
vice and opinion, so | awaited your coming,
sir
Then, according to John Laurens, who was
present, 'the COMMANDMENT Chief swore fit
to shake the leaves from the trees. He swore
like an avenging angel from high heaven,
ending his explosives with the stern com
mand: "Back to the rear, STRIP, adding
~sardonically: 81 expect this order to be
obeyed." General Lee retired crestfallen.
Charging into the thick of it, Washington
and all his suite with drawn sabers strove
to stem the flow of retreating men, here and
there belaboring some fugitive with the fiat
OF their swords, thus setting themselves to
the difficult task Of reforming the broken line.
Value of Steuben's Discipline
Then was seen the value of Steuben's teach
ings. AT his sharp words Of command, inter
mingled with German and French oaths, the
fleeing subalterns and men halted, turned
about face and, Drawing the enemy's fire,
countercharged with fixed bayonets, stopping
the foe in his tracks. 1t was the first time
the American troops underwent such an or
deal. Col. Canoe in his "History Of the U. S.
Army says:
cat Monmouth Court House the advance guard of the
Americans came upon the rear guard of the British. Wash
ington had ordered Lee to attack, hoping to get the enemy's
wagon train. Evidently through jealousy or detection Lee
not only failed to carry out his commanders intentions,
but was actively responsible for the breaking up Of his
troops and their retirement to the rear. Although they
were pursued by the British and, through lack of proper
leadership, retreated in disorder, nevertheless they were
capable Of being reformed quickly into a proper battle line,
altar n uvou1d oPuoor1 houa 1oon n o.oo,o1s..- -oA.oo4
Again the work of Steuben became the deciding factor.
The Americans, having rallied, drove off the British
George Bancroft in his "History Of the
United States" says that Lee called Steu-
ben's effort to turn defeat into victory "a
piece of madness that could not succeed. y
Young Col. Hamilton thought his last hour
had come and prepared to sell his life as
dearly as possible. Even Col. Laurens, with
all his trust in the Baron's powers, hoped
only for a more orderly retreat.
But, 10 and behold, the American troops,
thanks to their four months of intensive
training, stood and delivered. Washington
breathed a sigh of relief and turned over the
command of his involved left wing to Steu-
ben, while he himself rode back to bring up
the main body Of his right wing on the double
quick.
Before Washington could return with his
endorsements Clinton, helped by some of
Knyphausen's Hessians, attacked Anthony
Wayne's division with great spirit. but
Wayne's men, thanks to their bayonet train
ing by Steuben, withstood the assault with
the cold steel and repulsed the charging He's
slams at the Monmouth parsonage. It was
there that the Redcoat's gallant leader, Lieut..
Col. Monckton was killed. Kapp describes
the action thus:
Washington's choice Of Steuben to collect the men on
the left wing was fortunate. So accustomed had the soldiers