CHAPTER XII

MONMOUTH AND AFTER

"Where is virtue, where is patriotism, now; when almost every man has turned his thoughts to gain and pleasures, practising every art of change-alley or Jonathans; when men of abilities disgracefully neglect the important duties for which they were sent to Congress, tempted by the pitiful fees of practising attorneys; when members of that body artfully start a punt, succeed, and then avail themselves of the secrets of the House, and commence monopolizing and accumulate the public debt for their private emoluments?"— HENRY LAURENS, President of Congress.

A BATTLE was expected almost immediately. The night before the fight a party of the general officers resolved upon a memorial to the chief, praying that he would not expose his person in the approaching conflict. This memorial was to be presented by Washington's old companion in arms, Dr. Craik, who assured the officers that it would do no good. He then related the old Indian's prophecy, and confessed to his belief in its truth. On the following day, while the commander-in-chief, attended by his officers, was reconnoitring the enemy from an elevated part of the field, a shot from the British artillery struck a short distance from the horse's feet, throwing the earth over his person. Baron Steuben,

shrugging his shoulders, exclaimed, "Dat wash very near," while Dr. Craik, pleased with this confirmation of his faith in the Indian's prophecy, nodded to the officers who composed the party of the preceding evening, and then, pointing to Heaven, seemed to say, in the words of the savage prophet, "The Great Spirit protects him; he cannot die in battle."1

At five o'clock on the morning of June 28th, Washington learned that the British had begun to march. He sent orders to Lee to begin the attack on them, unless there should be very powerful reasons to the contrary, and promised to come up to his support. Lee moved nearer to the enemy, apparently with the intention of attacking. A party of British troops came toward his right flank, and gave what looked to Lafayette like a fair opportunity of cutting it off. The Marquis rode up to Lee, and asked if an attack could not be made in that quarter.

"Sir," replied Lee, "you do not know the British soldiers; we cannot stand against them; we shall certainly be driven back at first, and we must be cautious."

Lafayette replied that British soldiers had been beaten before, and he soon after sent word to Washington that his presence was extremely desirable.

1 Custis, "Recollections," p. 222.

Before Washington received this message, he met American soldiers, who told him that they were retreating by order of Lee. Washington in surprise and anger rode forward until he found his second in command, when he expressed his astonishment at the unaccountable retreat, to which Lee replied "that the attack was contrary to his advice and opinion in council."1

During the hotly spoken words, Hamilton, present as aide, leaped from his horse, and, drawing his sword, cried, "We are betrayed; your excellency and the army are betrayed, and the moment has arrived when every true friend of America and her cause must be ready to die in her defence."

Washington, excited as he was, had no taste for melodrama.

"Col. Hamilton," he said, "you will take your horse." 2

The chief then ordered Lee to the rear. Sending certain officers to check the advance, he formed the second line himself. A white charger, which he was riding for the first time, wearied, sank under him, and died. Washington mounted a chestnut blood-mare, which his servant Billy was leading, and on this he rode along the line, urging the men to receive the enemy, and promising them support from the southern troops. Of the

1 Correspondence of John Laurens, p. 197.

2 Custis, "Recollections," p. 413.

language which the heroic soldier used throughout this desperate day, an officer who was present, being asked if he had ever heard the commander swear, replied: "It was at Monmouth, and on a day that would have made any man swear. Yes, sir, he swore on that day, till the leaves shook on the trees, charming, delightful. Never have I enjoyed such swearing before, or since. Sir, on that ever-memorable day he swore like an angel from Heaven." This is the side of Washington's nature illustrated also by the anecdote, preserved by Chief Justice Marshall, who fought in the army, and suffered at Valley Forge, of the chief's throwing an inkstand at an officer guilty of cowardice. His love of courage was also shown after this battle of Monmouth. At one gun six men had fallen. As the last dropped, his wife, who was carrying water, seized the ramrod and carried on the work of an artilleryman. After the battle, Washington received her, gave her money, presented her with the commission of sergeant, which her husband had held, and recommended her for half pay for life. As Captain Molly she has become immortal. Of the result of Washington's efforts to save the day, he himself wrote:—

"Before this will have reached you, the account of the battle of Monmouth will probably get to Virginia; which, from an unfortunate and bad beginning, turned out a glorious and happy day.”

"In the morning we expected to renew the action; when, behold, the enemy had stole off as silent as the grave in the night, after having sent away their wounded. Getting a night's march of us, and having but ten miles to a strong post, it was judged inexpedient to follow them any further, but move towards the North River, lest they should have any design upon our posts there."

Washington had spent the night, wrapped in his cloak, upon the field of battle. Lafayette said of him:

"General Washington was never greater in war than during this action. His presence stopped the retreat, his arrangements gave victory. His good appearance on horseback, his calm bravery, relieved by the animation produced by the misfortune of the morning, gave him the look best suited to excite enthusiasm."

The President of Congress wrote to him, "Love and respect for your Excellency is impressed on the heart of every grateful American." Congress :

"Resolved, unanimously, that the thanks of Congress be given to General Washington for the activity with which he marched from the camp at Valley Forge in pursuit of the enemy; for his distinguished exertions in forming the line of battle; and for his great good conduct in leading on the attack and gaining the important victory of Monmouth over the British grand army, under the command of General Sir Henry Clinton, in their march from Philadelphia to New York."

John Laurens wrote to his father:

"The merit of restoring the day is due to the General; and his conduct was such throughout the