To
ascertain
more fully their route, I have order-
ed a fresh party on their left, and towards the head of their
column.
ed a fresh party on their left, and towards the head of their
column.
Hamilton - 1834 - Life on Hamilton - v1
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? 186 THE LIFE OF
If we had nothing to fear from any offensive operations of
the enemy, policy may require very extensive and important
offensive operations on our part, which will make it neces-
sary we should be prepared in the amplest manner at all
points.
In a word, in what manner so ever the remainder of the
contest is to be prosecuted, whether it is to depend upon
fighting or negotiation, a powerful army, well furnished
with every apparatus of war, will put it in our power to
meet all contingencies, with confidence and advantage, and
to pursue the true interests of these States, through any com-
bination of circumstances that shall present itself, with firm-
ness and decision.
Whether any or what change may happen in the local
situation of the army, in the approaching campaign, or what
disposition in your department may be requisite in conse-
quence, are matters which, for particular reasons, I cannot
yet determine. A council will soon be held, in which will
be decided a general plan of operations for the army. When
this is done, you will receive your instructions accordingly:
in the mean time, you will proceed in the plan already on
foot. With great esteem, I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. W.
These sentiments were repeatedly urged upon congress
by the commander-in-chief, and the utmost efforts were
made to check the growth of that supineness which, che-
rished by the false expectations of the country, threatened
the most alarming consequences.
Within a short time after the date of this letter, a nego-
tiation was again opened for the exchange of prisoners.
The report of the board of war had shown that there
were in captivity, at the commencement of the year, nearly
seventeen hundred men.
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? HAMILTON. 187
The treatment they received excited the utmost indig-
nation. During the summer the privates had been crowd-
ed into sugar houses, deprived of their clothing, kept on
short allowances, and debarred the privileges of being visit-
ed by an American commissary. During the winter, both
officers and men were confined in the provost guard, or in
prison-ships, enduring unparalleled rigour, and rapidly sink-
ing under privations and disease.
These circumstances operated strongly on the feelings
of the army. The negotiations which had failed were re-
newed, and, with the sanction of congress, it was deter-
mined to proceed to an exchange, without reference to
certain controverted points. With this view, on the fourth
of June Washington addressed the following letter to Co-
lonel Hamilton, paying him the gratifying compliment of
discretionary powers.
"SIR,
"Mr. Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to
meet Mr. Boudinot, or any other person appointed by me
for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners, I
have therefore to desire you (Mr. Boudinot being absent)
to hear any proposals Mr. Loring may have to offer on this
subject, and to do definitively whatever may be necessary
towards the execution of a general exchange of prisoners;
and I do hereby assure you, that your proceedings in this
instance will be ratified by me.
G. Washington.
li. Col. Hamilton.
The mission was in part successful, and an exchange of
the prisoners in Philadelphia followed.
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? CHAPTER IX.
[1778. ]
While the United States, strengthened by an alliance
with France, were indulging the most sanguine anticipa-
tions of success, the British councils were full of embar-
rassment and uncertainty. Stimulated by hatred of their
great rival, they found their generous people again rushing
forward to lavish their treasures, and expend their blood
in a cause which the national sentiment had at first con-
demned; but how to achieve their object, or what new
system of warfare to adopt, which could promise a more
favourable result, was the great, the perplexing question.
It had been found that New-England was fully able to
cope with any aggression that might be made upon her.
The efforts in New-York, though more successful, had
secured a station for one army, but had resulted in the
capture of another. The campaign of the Jersies had
been little more than a mere marauding inroad, and the
possession of Philadelphia, after vast losses, without weak-
ening the confidence of the Americans in their eventual
success, had placed their enemy in a position to extricate
themselves from which, seemed to be the great object of
solicitude. Results, the obvious consequences of this mad
attempt to subjugate a people, who must be divided and
debased before they can be conquered, were attributed to
the incapacity of Sir William Howe; and, in the idle hope
that a new leader of her armies might better reward the
efforts of the nation, the command was confided to Sir
Henry Clinton.
The intelligence that a French armament was destined to
America, confirmed the purpose which had long been enter-
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? 190 THI LIFE OF
tained of surrendering the prize of the last campaign, and
concentrating the whole strength at New-York, there to
await such a plan of operations as future events should
develope.
The increased and augmenting force of the Americans,
rendered their position in a city without works, and incapa-
ble of being fortified, extremely perilous. Subsistence for
the army becoming daily more difficult of attainment,
which a blockade of the Delaware, by a French fleet, would
entirely intercept, and the effective strength which on its
embarkation in the preceding year had reached nearly
eighteen thousand men, notwithstanding the reinforcements
in the autumn, was reduced by losses and desertions to little
more than eleven thousand.
What would be the future operations of the enemy, be-
came now the interesting problem with the Americans.
By many it was supposed that the threatened danger of
their West India possessions would be seized, as a pretext
to withdraw from the United States, which was counte-
nanced by the evacuation of the Fort's Lee* and Washing-
ton, and by the reduced number of the troops in New-
York, now amounting only to six thousand three hundred
men. By others, an attempt on the Highlands was expect-
ed; but this belief, the inadequacy of the force in Canada,
necessary to co-operate, did not justify: Washington mean-
while had ascertained! their purposes, and hoped to crush
them by a decisive blow.
* May 21st, 1778.
t The most active surveillance was kept up at this time as to the movements
of the British army. This duty was especially confided to Captain Allan
McLane, who rendered invaluable services by his zeal, intelligence, and
activity. The following is a letter addressed to him by Colonel Laurens.
Head-duarters, May 26th, 1778.
sir:
I have received your letter and communicated its contents to his excellency.
Intelligence becomes every moment more interesting. The grand fact of the
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? HAMILTON. 191
The British army broke up from their encampment on
the eighteenth of June, and proceeding down the Delaware,
landed in New-Jersey, at Gloucester, and on the same day
marched to Haddonsfield. As soon as this information
reached head-quarters, the commander-in-chief having de-
tached General Dickinson to collect the Jersey militia,
who had received orders from Governor Livingston, al-
ways zealous and on the alert, to hold themselves in imme-
diate readiness, and having commanded General Maxwell
to follow the route of the enemy, convened a council of
war to decide upon the plan of operations. At this council
it was determined by a majority of its members to avoid
either a general or partial engagement in opposition to
the sentiments of Greene, Wayne and Cadwallader, who
urged the opinion, that their true policy was to harass the
enemy on their retreat, and without an unnecessary ex-
posure of the army to seize the first opportunity of bringing
on an engagement.
The opinion of General Lee, who was particularly stre-
nuous in opposing an attack, and whose reputation for mili-
tary experience gave it a preponderating weight, caused
enemy's design to evacuate the city being ascertained, no pains should be
spared to discover, if possible, the precise moment when the event is to take
place, and the route which their army will pursue ; whether they mean to
cross the Delaware and march through Jersey, or cross the Schuylkill and
march down to Chester, to embark there, on account of the tedious navigation
through the chevaux-de-frize, and because they may cover their real march by
a pretended attempt on this army. Endeavour to discover the number of
transports, their situation on the river; as well as that of the ships-of-war.
whether the horses that have been embarked were really dragoon horses, or
only those that are superfluous, as their heavy artillery and baggage is em-
barked, and they would march as light as possible through Jersies, provided
they go that way. What are the bridge-boats that you speak of? do you
mean those that may be put together for facilitating the embarkation on board
the transports? His excellency desires if you have sufficient ground for
suspecting , that you will immediately secure them and send them to
camp. "
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? 192 THE LIFE OF
great offence to the personal friends of Washington. He
not only urged the impolicy of active operations, but endeav-
oured to sustain it on grounds extremely mortifying to the
pride of the American army.
Colonel Hamilton, whose ardour for battle was fully sup-
ported by a sense of duty, in an eulogium which he pronoun-
ced upon General Greene, thus expressed himself in refer-
ence to this determination.
"I forbear to lift the veil from off those impotent councils,
which by a formal vote had decreed an undisturbed passage
to an enemy retiring from the fairest fruits of his victories,
to seek an asylum from impending danger, disheartened by
retreat, dispirited by desertion, broken by fatigue ;-- re-
treating through woods, denies, and morasses, in which his
discipline was useless, in the face of an army superior in
numbers, elated by pursuit, and ardent to signalize their
courage. 'Tis enough for the honour of Greene to say, that
he left nothing unessayed to avert and to frustrate so degra-
ding a resolution; and it was happy for America, that the
man whose reputation could not be wounded without
wounding the cause of his country, had the noble fortitude
to rescue himself and the army he commanded from the
disgrace with which they were both menaced, by the cha-
racteristic imbecility of a council of war. "
The first movements of Sir Henry Clinton, rendering it
doubtful which course he proposed to take, Washington, em-
barrassed by the decision of the council, and yet unwilling
to assume the responsibility of precipitating an engagement,
took a circuitous route, by which he reached Hopewell, a
place about five miles from Princeton, about noon of the
twenty-third of June, where he halted until the morning of the
twenty-fifth, having detached a small force under Arnold to
take possession of Philadelphia. Meanwhile the enemy,
with Dickinson and Maxwell harassing their left, and Gene-
ral Cadwallader and Colonel Morgan annoying their rear
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? HAMILTON. 193
and right flank, gained the vicinity of Allentown. A letter
written by Hamilton, by the orders of General Washington,
to Cadwallader, from this point, explains the delay of the
army, which has been the subject of animadversion.
"DEAR SIR,
"I have just receivedyours this day from the Draw Bridge.
The army marched this morning to this place. It was my
intention to have taken post near Princeton; but finding the
enemy are dilatory in advancing, I am doubtful of the pro-
priety of proceeding any farther, till their intention is as-
certained. I wish you to inform me more particularly of
the obstructions which have been thrown in their way, that
I may be better able to judge whether their delay is owing
to necessity or choice. Any circumstance that may serve
to throw light upon this question, I shall be obliged to you
for, as it is of very great importance. If their delay is vo-
luntary, it argues a design to draw us into a general action,
and proves that they consider this to be a desirable event.
They may, perhaps, wish to draw us off from (he Delaware,
far to the left, and then by a rapid movement gain ovr right
flank and rear.
"I should be glad of your sentiments ful'y as to their pro-
bable designs, and the conduct which it will be most proper
for us to observe in consequence. You will be pleased to
continue to advise me punctually of every movement and
appearance of the enemy.
"Let me remind you of mentioning always (he hour at
which you write, which is of the greatest moment. "
"While the army was at this post, and Sir Henry Clinton
was balancing between the route to Staten Island, which
would expose him to the danger of crossing the Raritan with
an army in his rear, and that which, leading to Amboy by
way of Monmouth, gave him the advantage, if necessary,of
vol. i. 25
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? 194 THK LIFE Or
entrenching himself on the high grounds of Middletown,
Washington called a second council of general officers, in
which, supported by Greene, Wayne, and La Fayette, he
urged the policy of pursuing the enemy, and bringing on an
engagement before they could reach the eminences in their
front.
The former opinion, by the overruling influence of Lee,
still prevailed; and Washington was thus again placed in
the dilemma, either of assuming the responsibility of an at-
tack, or of subjecting himself to the imputation of pusillani-
mously sacrificing the opportunity, which the advantage of
the ground, and his superior force seemed to promise of a
decisive victory. As soon as the council had broken up,
Colonel Hamilton, anxious for the fame of his chief, and fear-
ing that he might yield to the perplexity of his situation,
called upon General Greene, and urged him to unite with
him in pressing Washington to force an engagement. As
they approached the General, sitting in his tent, he arose,
and said, " Gentlemen, I anticipate the object of your visit;
-- you wish me to fight. " Greene and Hamilton then reca-
pitulated the reasons which had been advanced in the
council; avowing it as their opinion, that if the British were
suffered to retreat unmolested, they were disgraced. --
Washington concurred, and an attack was decided upon.
Unable to induce the council to recede from their decision,
he succeeded in obtaining their assent to the detachment
of fifteen hundred men, under General Scott, to join the
corps on the left flank of the enemy. Even the strength of
this detachment was a subject of controversy; but the lion-
hearted Wayne, firmly resisting the idea of inactivity, refu-
sed to sign the resolutions of the council, and the point was
ultimately carried.
General Washington determined to take decisive mea-
sures. In pursuance of this purpose, Wayne was sent for-
ward with a thousand men to join the advanced corps,
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? HAMILTON. 195
now exceeding four thousand troops. The strength of this
body rendering it a command proper for a Major General,
and Lee yielding his priority, La Fayette was assigned to
it by Washington, with instructions to Colonel Hamilton
to accompany him, and aid in the execution of their design.
The orders pointed strongly to the junction of this de-
tachment, with the troops under Scott, to harass the ene-
my, impede their march, and if possible bring on an en-
gagement.
"As the detachment," observes the Marquis, "began to
march, Lee, hearing that his concession of the command
was viewed with surprise, came up to La Fayette, and
stating his feelings, said that to him he confided his ho-
nour. " The Marquis, too generous to resist this appeal,
assured him, that if no action occurred that day, and Gene-
ral Lee should come out with the next detachment, that he
would yield him the command.
Meanwhile the advanced detachment pushed forward to
Cranberry, from whence Hamilton writes on the twenty-
fifth, confirming the information that the enemy had filed
off from Allentown, to the heights of Monmouth, the posi-
tion it had been apprehended they would attain, and says,
"I recommend to you to move towards this place as soon as
the convenience of your men will permit. I am told that Co-
lonel Morgan is on the enemy's right flank:--we had a slight
skirmish with their rear this forenoon, on the Monmouth
road, leading from Allentown. " On the twenty-sixth, he
writes to General Washington, who had moved forward on
the evening of the twenty-fifth, and arrived at Cranberry
next morning.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
Robins' Tavern, 8 miles from Allentown, 12 o'clock.
"SIR,
"We have halted the troops at this place, eight miles from
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? 196 THE LIFE OF
Allentown. The enemy, by our last reports, were four
miles from this, and had passed the road which turns off
towards South Amboy, which determines their route to-
wards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is, the extreme
distress of the troops for want of provisions. General
Wayne's detachment is almost starving, and seem both un-
willing and unable to march till they are supplied. If we
do not receive an immediate supply, the whole purpose of
our detachment must be frustrated.
"On my arrival at Cranberry last evening, I proceeded, by
desire of General the Marquis, immediately to Hyde's
Town and Allentown, to take measures for co-operating
with the different parts of the detachments, and to find what
was doing to procure intelligence. I found every precau-
tion neglected ; -- no horse was near the enemy, or could
be heard of till late in the morning; so that before we could
send out parties, and get the necessary information, they
were in full march, and as they have marched pretty expe-
ditiously, we should not be able to come up with them
during the day, even if we did not suffer the impediment we
do on the score of provisions.
"We are entirely at a loss where the army is, which is
no inconsiderable check to our enterprise. If the army is
wholly out of supporting distance, we risk the total loss of
the detachment in making an attack. If the army will
countenance us, we may do something clever. We feel
our personal honour, as well as the honour of the army and
the good of the service, interested, and are heartily desirous
to attempt whatever the disposition of our men will second,
and prudence authorize. It is evident, the enemy wish to
avoid, not to engage us. An officer is just come in, who
informs he left the enemy's force near five miles off, still in
march.
To ascertain more fully their route, I have order-
ed a fresh party on their left, and towards the head of their
column. They have three brigades in rear of their bag-
gage"
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? HAMILTON. 197
In the after part of the same day he again writes to Ge-
neral Washington, who, at the head of the main body, was
detained at Cranberry by a heavy storm.
HAMILTON TO "WASHINGTON.
"SIR,
"The result of what I have seen and heard respecting the
enemy is, that they have encamped with their van a little
beyond Monmouth Court-House, and their rear at Mana-
lapans river, about seven miles from this place. Their
march to-day has been very judiciously conducted; their
baggage in front, and their flying army in the rear, with a
rear guard of one thousand men about four hundred paces
from the main body.
To attack them in this situation, without being supported
by the whole army, would be folly in the extreme. If it
should be thought advisable to give the necessary support,
the army can move to some position near the enemy's left
flank, which would put them in a very awkward situation,
with so respectable a body in their rear, and would put it
out of their power to turn either flank, should they be so
disposed. Their left is strongly posted; and I am told
their, right is also. By some accounts, one part of his army
lies in the road leading from the Monmouth road to South
Amboy. It is not improbable that South Amboy may still
be the object. I had written thus far when your letter to
the Marquis arrived. This puts the matter on a totally dif-
ferent footing. The detachment will march to-morrow
morning at three o'clock to Englishtown. "
This order was given in consequence of the delay of the
main body, by which the advanced corps, being too far on
the right, would be unsupported, in case of an attack, as
had been indicated in Hamilton's letter of the morning.
Early on the twenty-seventh, the detachment under the
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? 198 THE LIFE OF
Marquis moved forward to Englishtown. The change in
the position of the enemy rendering it proper to reinforce
the advanced corps, and partly to relieve Lee's feelings,
Washington detached him with two brigades to English-
town to support La Fayette. In order to assure his pur-
pose, he was instructed, that any operation in which the
advance had engaged, should be persevered in; and with
this understanding, the command was confided to him.
The main body then moved forward, and encamped within
three miles of that place, -- Morgan hovering on the right
flank of the enemy, and Dickinson, with the Jersey militia,
on the left.
On the evening of the twenty-seventh, Hamilton, who
had rejoined the main body by order of Washington
wrote to General Lee, directing him, from the apprehen-
sion that the enemy might move off at night, or early in the
morning, to detach a party of six or eight hundred men, to
lie near them, and to skirmish, so as to produce some de-
lay; while Lee was directed to give orders to Colonel
Morgan to make an attack for a similar purpose: a pre-
vious order had been issued to Lee to call the officers to-
gether, and plan the attack; and an hour was appointed
by him for their conference; but before they met, he rode
out, and on the inquiry for orders, were informed that he
had none to give.
In the interim, the enemy had taken a strong position
with their right flank, on the skirt of a small wood, and
their left secured by a forest, and a morass running towards
their rear, a wood also covering their front.
The main body of the Americans being put in motion
to support him, Lee was ordered to commence the attack.
Colonel Hamilton, who had rejoined the Marquis before
break of day, as soon as he saw the probability of the van
of the advanced corps being engaged with the enemy, re-
turned to Washington, who was coming up with the
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? HAMILTON. 199
main body, and advised* him to throw the right wing of
the army round by the right, and to follow with the left
wing directly in General Lee's rear, to support him; and
an order was immediately given to Greene to file off with
the right wing, and take a position so as to protect the right
of the army, which was done. Hamilton then went for-
ward to reconnoitre. Lee, after having advanced a short
distance, ordered a halt; he then again moved forward,
and in half an hour after, Wayne was directed by Lee to
leave his own detachment, and take command of the front.
Scott's brigade then advanced up the morass on one side,
Varnum's following its rear. Wayne, on reaching the front,
sent intelligence to Lee that the enemy were moving in
great disorder, and urged him to push on the rear. He con-
tinued to advance, crossing the morass near the road where
they were marching. Their whole force then in view halt-
ed; a body of British horse, covered by infantry, instantly
charged the foremost regiment under Colonel Butler, who,
pouring in a well-directed fire, broke them, and threw their
covering party into disorder. The pursuit was kept up,
when the enemy opened a fire from their artillery inclining
to the right of the Americans, in order to gain an eminence,
where their veterans formed with admirable coolness, as
they came up in succession. Wayne hoping to gain the ad-
vantage of the ground, formed Scott's brigade, under a
heavy discharge of artillery, and still pressed on, when
an order was received from Lee, who Hamilton states
"meditated the disgrace of the Americans," to retreat.
The enemy seeing the situation of this detachment whol-
ly unsupported, passed a column through the village, and
gained a position between it and the remainder of the
army, when they again made a spirited charge with their
* Proceedings of a Court-Martial for the trial of General Lee, held at
Brunswick, July 4th, 1778. Fitzgerald's testimony, p. 33. Tilghman's, p. 26.
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? 200 THE LIFE OF
horse, and the whole advance was compelled to retire;
which they did, under cover of a wood, until they reached
the body under Lee. Hamilton having urged in vain that
possession should be taken of a hill which commanded the
plain on which the enemy were coming up, and that there
the battle should be fought,* rejoined Washington, to re-
port what he had done. He thus represented the situation
of the advance ;f that when he came up with Lee, the
enemy was drawn up with their right near a wood, their
left in open ground covered by cavalry; that the American
columns were within cannon shot of the enemy; that he
rode up to the front of the column, and perceiving that their
cavalry were filing off towards the left, as if to attempt
Lee's right, he suggested to him that a column should
wheel on their right, and attack them. This suggestion was
approved; and Hamilton, by Lee's order, directed La Fay-
ette to wheel by his right, gain, and attack the enemy's
flank. At this instant, while Washington was standing
with his arm extended over his horse, during a halt for a
few moments, where the roads forked, a small party came
rapidly up, from whom he learned that the advanced corps
was on the retreat. He instantly, giving way to a burst of
indignation, sprung upon his horse, and having ordered Co-
lonel Harrison, who had returned from reconnoitring, to as-
certain the truth, pushed forward to the rear of the advan-
ced corps, and rallied the retreating troops.
To every inquiry as to the cause of the retreat, an un-
satisfactory answer was given. Colonel Ogden, who fol-
lowed, exclaimed with an oath, "we are flying from a
shadow. " The troops were then in the greatest disorder,
ignorant what direction to pursue.
Washington meanwhile reached the knoll, where Lee
was, -- he immediately ordered Wayne to renew the *
* Lee's Defence, p. 53. t Hamilton's testimony, p. 20.
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? HAMILTON. 201
combat, directed cannon to be brought up, which was done
by Colonel Oswald, and a brisk cannonade ensued. Then
calling up Colonels Ramsay and Stewart, he vehemently
exclaimed, that they were the officers on whom he should
depend to give the enemy a check. While these regiments
were forming, Lee approached. Washington demanded of
him, in haste, the cause of the retreat. He replied -- Sir,
Sir, with hesitation, stating that it was owing to contradic-
tory information and disobedience of orders, and that he
did not choose to beard the British army in such a situation;
and that besides, the attack was contrary to his opinion.
Washington replied, that whatever was his opinion, he ex-
pected his orders would have been obeyed.
At this moment, Hamilton rode up, and exclaimed to Lee,
"I will stay with you, my dear General, and die with you.
Let us all die here, rather than retreat. " Perceiving the
enemy advancing on the artillery, which, by the orders of
General Knox had been posted on the right,* he advised
that a detachment should march to their succour; when, after
a short interval, Colonel Livingston pushed forward and re-
pulsed them with spirit.
Hamilton then rode towards the rear; when finding Co-
lonel Olneyf retreating, with Varnum's brigade, and fear-
ing that the artillery in their front would be lost, he order-
ed the brigade to form along a fence near him, with all pos-
sible despatch, which they immediately did, and charged at
the point of the bayonet, where Hamilton, who had assist-
ed in forming them, and had placed himself at their head,
had his horse shot under him; when, hurt by the fall, J and
overcome by the heat, (for he had ridden throughout the
action without his hat,) he was compelled to retire.
This party, after exchanging a sharp fire, gave time for
* Hamilton's testimony, p. 20. f Colonel Olney's testimony, p. 40.
| Hamilton's testimony, p. 21.
vol. I. 26
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? 202 THE LIFE OF
the artillery to fall back; but too weak to prevent the ene-
my from outflanking them, retreated with considerable loss.
These two successive checks by Livingston and Olney,
afforded time to make a disposition of the left wing, and to
form the second line of the army upon an eminence, and in
a copse in the rear covered by a morass. On this elevation,
Stirling, who commanded that wing, placed cannon, which
protected the charges of the infantry, and produced a great
impression on the enemy, and stopped their progress.
Greene, as soon as he heard of the retreat, pushed for-
ward, and selected a position on the right, which Hamilton
had advised Lee to take, crowned it with artillery, and
kept off the British advancing on the right, while he
severely enfiladed the left. Wayne then advanced, and
pouring in a close fire, drove the enemy beyond the morass,
near which Butler had at first repulsed them. Washington
followed up the attack, by orders to General Poor, with
two brigades, to move on the right, and Woodford on their
left, while Knox brought his artillery to bear upon their
front. These dispositions were made; but obstacles pre-
vented their reaching the enemy until night had closed in.
The Americans, worn out by the intense heat, reposed on
the field of battle, hoping to renew the action in the ensu-
ing day; but the enemy taking advantage of the darkness,
pressed on, and succeeded in embarking at Sandy-Hook.
Washington, unfortunately, believing that no serious injury
could be inflicted upon them, leaving only a small force to
hover around them, moved up for the protection of the
Hudson.
This narrative shows the conspicuous services of Hamil-
ton in this engagement; and such was Washington's sense
of their importance, that he caused a high eulogium upon
him to be inserted in his despatch to congress, which
Hamilton, from motives of delicacy, induced him to ex-
punge. A letter from camp, published at that time, thus
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? HAMILTON. 20S
speaks of the conduct of Washington's staff: "I am happy
to have it in my power to mention the merit of Colonel
Hamilton. He was incessant in his endeavours during the
whole day, in reconnoitering the enemy, and in rallying
and charging; but whether he or Colonel Laurens deserves
most of our commendation is somewhat doubtful -- both
had their horses shot under them, and both exhibited singu-
lar proofs of bravery. They seemed to court death, under
our doubtful circumstances, and triumphed over it as the
face of war changed in our favour. Fitzgerald had a slight
contusion with a musket ball; he and Meade claim the
highest encomiums. Colonel Olney at the head of Var-
num's brigade, made a successful charge with the bayonet;
Colonel Barber received a ball through the side. The
artillery under Knox and Oswald were much distinguished. "
The result of this engagement, so honourable to its valour,
aroused the greatest indignation in the army. The im-
mediate friends of Lee sought to exculpate his conduct on
the ground of discretionary orders, and an alleged contra-
diction of intelligence; and when brought before a court-
martial, he did not hesitate to claim merit from the course
which he had taken: but a large majority of the general
officers, those especially who had been sent forward
to bring on an engagement, the whole of Washington's
staff, and the colonels of the several regiments, who received
the first impression of the enemy, indulged the loudest
complaints. Wayne, whose valour had beenon this occasion,
as on every other, eminently conspicuous, demanded Lee's
arrest; and an investigation became unavoidable.
The court over which Stirling presided commenced its
session on the fourth of July, and adjourned on the twelfth
of August, after several interruptions, having found him
"guilty of disobedience of orders in not attacking the
enemy; of misbehaviour, by making an unnecessary and
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? 204 THE LIFE OF
disorderly retreat; and of disrespect to the commander-irir
chief:" and Lee was suspended fro/n his command for
twelve months, which he never resumed, -- a sentence
which, with a divided vote, was confirmed by congress. *
The defence made by Lee, was regarded as highly dis-
ingenuous; and as will be seen from the following letter,
an answer was contemplated by Colonel Laurens, but
abandoned, from the delicacy due to an officer, whose
sentence was then before congress.
MY DEAR HAMILTON,
You have seen, and by this time considered, General
Lee's infamous publication. I have collected some hints
for an answer; but I do not think, either that I can rely upon
my own knowledge of facts and style to answer him fully,
or that it would be prudent to undertake it without counsel.
An affair of this kind ought to be passed over in total si-
lence, or answered in a masterly manner.
The ancient secretary is the Recueil of modern history
and anecdotes, and will give them to us with candour, ele-
gance, and perspicuity. The pen of Junius is in your hand;
and I think you will, without difficulty, expose in his de-
fence, letters, and last production, such a tissue of falsehood
and inconsistency, as will satisfy the world, and put him
forever to silence.
I think the affair will be definitively decided in congress
this day. He has found means to league himself with the
old faction, and to gain a great many partizans.
* December 5th, 177S. -- The votes in congress were as follows:--
Negatives. --Messrs. Whipple, N. H. ; S. Adams, Lovell, Mass. ; Carmichael,
Maryland; M. Smith, Virginia; Harnett, N. C. ; Langwortby, Georgia.
Affirmative. --Messrs. Frost, N. H. ; Holten, Mass. ; Collins, Rhode
Island; Sherman, Ellsworth, Connecticut; Scudder, New-Jersey; Searle,
Pennsylvania; Henry, Maryland; F. L. Lee, Virginia; Penn, Williams, N.
C. ; Laurens, Drayton, S. C.
Having written a very offensive letter to congress, he was on the 10th of
January, 1780, dismissed the service.
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? HAMILTON. 205
Adieu, my dear boy: -- I shall set out for camp to-mor-
row.
John Laurens.
Although this purpose was abandoned, the family of
Washington could not endure the continued imputations
cast upon him by Lee. The biting sarcasms, and offensive
manner which he had evinced on his trial, towards Lau-
rens particularly, rankled in the bosom of that officer, whose
indignation was increased by the relation of very offensive
epithets, said to have been applied by him to his command-
er. Soon after the investigation by congress had been
closed, a challenge was delivered on his behalf to General
Lee, by his friend Hamilton, which resulted in a duel, in
which Lee was slightly wounded, who subsequently disa-
vowed the use of the language which had been imputed to
him.
Believing that no serious injury could be inflicted on the
enemy, the army remained in New-Jersey until intelligence
being received of the arrival of a French fleet, under Count
D'Estaing, it crossed the Hudson, and took a position in the
vicinity of White Plains, favourable to either of the objects
which might be concerted, -- a descent on New-York or
upon Rhode-Island. On the return of Laurens to head
quarters, with information of the approach of the fleet, in-
structions having been received from congress, Hamilton,
whom Washington stated "was well informed of the situa-
tion of the army, and of his sentiments on every point,"
was despatched to have an interview with the French ad-
miral, and to give him a representation of the situation of
the combatants.
? 186 THE LIFE OF
If we had nothing to fear from any offensive operations of
the enemy, policy may require very extensive and important
offensive operations on our part, which will make it neces-
sary we should be prepared in the amplest manner at all
points.
In a word, in what manner so ever the remainder of the
contest is to be prosecuted, whether it is to depend upon
fighting or negotiation, a powerful army, well furnished
with every apparatus of war, will put it in our power to
meet all contingencies, with confidence and advantage, and
to pursue the true interests of these States, through any com-
bination of circumstances that shall present itself, with firm-
ness and decision.
Whether any or what change may happen in the local
situation of the army, in the approaching campaign, or what
disposition in your department may be requisite in conse-
quence, are matters which, for particular reasons, I cannot
yet determine. A council will soon be held, in which will
be decided a general plan of operations for the army. When
this is done, you will receive your instructions accordingly:
in the mean time, you will proceed in the plan already on
foot. With great esteem, I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. W.
These sentiments were repeatedly urged upon congress
by the commander-in-chief, and the utmost efforts were
made to check the growth of that supineness which, che-
rished by the false expectations of the country, threatened
the most alarming consequences.
Within a short time after the date of this letter, a nego-
tiation was again opened for the exchange of prisoners.
The report of the board of war had shown that there
were in captivity, at the commencement of the year, nearly
seventeen hundred men.
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? HAMILTON. 187
The treatment they received excited the utmost indig-
nation. During the summer the privates had been crowd-
ed into sugar houses, deprived of their clothing, kept on
short allowances, and debarred the privileges of being visit-
ed by an American commissary. During the winter, both
officers and men were confined in the provost guard, or in
prison-ships, enduring unparalleled rigour, and rapidly sink-
ing under privations and disease.
These circumstances operated strongly on the feelings
of the army. The negotiations which had failed were re-
newed, and, with the sanction of congress, it was deter-
mined to proceed to an exchange, without reference to
certain controverted points. With this view, on the fourth
of June Washington addressed the following letter to Co-
lonel Hamilton, paying him the gratifying compliment of
discretionary powers.
"SIR,
"Mr. Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to
meet Mr. Boudinot, or any other person appointed by me
for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners, I
have therefore to desire you (Mr. Boudinot being absent)
to hear any proposals Mr. Loring may have to offer on this
subject, and to do definitively whatever may be necessary
towards the execution of a general exchange of prisoners;
and I do hereby assure you, that your proceedings in this
instance will be ratified by me.
G. Washington.
li. Col. Hamilton.
The mission was in part successful, and an exchange of
the prisoners in Philadelphia followed.
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? CHAPTER IX.
[1778. ]
While the United States, strengthened by an alliance
with France, were indulging the most sanguine anticipa-
tions of success, the British councils were full of embar-
rassment and uncertainty. Stimulated by hatred of their
great rival, they found their generous people again rushing
forward to lavish their treasures, and expend their blood
in a cause which the national sentiment had at first con-
demned; but how to achieve their object, or what new
system of warfare to adopt, which could promise a more
favourable result, was the great, the perplexing question.
It had been found that New-England was fully able to
cope with any aggression that might be made upon her.
The efforts in New-York, though more successful, had
secured a station for one army, but had resulted in the
capture of another. The campaign of the Jersies had
been little more than a mere marauding inroad, and the
possession of Philadelphia, after vast losses, without weak-
ening the confidence of the Americans in their eventual
success, had placed their enemy in a position to extricate
themselves from which, seemed to be the great object of
solicitude. Results, the obvious consequences of this mad
attempt to subjugate a people, who must be divided and
debased before they can be conquered, were attributed to
the incapacity of Sir William Howe; and, in the idle hope
that a new leader of her armies might better reward the
efforts of the nation, the command was confided to Sir
Henry Clinton.
The intelligence that a French armament was destined to
America, confirmed the purpose which had long been enter-
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? 190 THI LIFE OF
tained of surrendering the prize of the last campaign, and
concentrating the whole strength at New-York, there to
await such a plan of operations as future events should
develope.
The increased and augmenting force of the Americans,
rendered their position in a city without works, and incapa-
ble of being fortified, extremely perilous. Subsistence for
the army becoming daily more difficult of attainment,
which a blockade of the Delaware, by a French fleet, would
entirely intercept, and the effective strength which on its
embarkation in the preceding year had reached nearly
eighteen thousand men, notwithstanding the reinforcements
in the autumn, was reduced by losses and desertions to little
more than eleven thousand.
What would be the future operations of the enemy, be-
came now the interesting problem with the Americans.
By many it was supposed that the threatened danger of
their West India possessions would be seized, as a pretext
to withdraw from the United States, which was counte-
nanced by the evacuation of the Fort's Lee* and Washing-
ton, and by the reduced number of the troops in New-
York, now amounting only to six thousand three hundred
men. By others, an attempt on the Highlands was expect-
ed; but this belief, the inadequacy of the force in Canada,
necessary to co-operate, did not justify: Washington mean-
while had ascertained! their purposes, and hoped to crush
them by a decisive blow.
* May 21st, 1778.
t The most active surveillance was kept up at this time as to the movements
of the British army. This duty was especially confided to Captain Allan
McLane, who rendered invaluable services by his zeal, intelligence, and
activity. The following is a letter addressed to him by Colonel Laurens.
Head-duarters, May 26th, 1778.
sir:
I have received your letter and communicated its contents to his excellency.
Intelligence becomes every moment more interesting. The grand fact of the
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? HAMILTON. 191
The British army broke up from their encampment on
the eighteenth of June, and proceeding down the Delaware,
landed in New-Jersey, at Gloucester, and on the same day
marched to Haddonsfield. As soon as this information
reached head-quarters, the commander-in-chief having de-
tached General Dickinson to collect the Jersey militia,
who had received orders from Governor Livingston, al-
ways zealous and on the alert, to hold themselves in imme-
diate readiness, and having commanded General Maxwell
to follow the route of the enemy, convened a council of
war to decide upon the plan of operations. At this council
it was determined by a majority of its members to avoid
either a general or partial engagement in opposition to
the sentiments of Greene, Wayne and Cadwallader, who
urged the opinion, that their true policy was to harass the
enemy on their retreat, and without an unnecessary ex-
posure of the army to seize the first opportunity of bringing
on an engagement.
The opinion of General Lee, who was particularly stre-
nuous in opposing an attack, and whose reputation for mili-
tary experience gave it a preponderating weight, caused
enemy's design to evacuate the city being ascertained, no pains should be
spared to discover, if possible, the precise moment when the event is to take
place, and the route which their army will pursue ; whether they mean to
cross the Delaware and march through Jersey, or cross the Schuylkill and
march down to Chester, to embark there, on account of the tedious navigation
through the chevaux-de-frize, and because they may cover their real march by
a pretended attempt on this army. Endeavour to discover the number of
transports, their situation on the river; as well as that of the ships-of-war.
whether the horses that have been embarked were really dragoon horses, or
only those that are superfluous, as their heavy artillery and baggage is em-
barked, and they would march as light as possible through Jersies, provided
they go that way. What are the bridge-boats that you speak of? do you
mean those that may be put together for facilitating the embarkation on board
the transports? His excellency desires if you have sufficient ground for
suspecting , that you will immediately secure them and send them to
camp. "
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? 192 THE LIFE OF
great offence to the personal friends of Washington. He
not only urged the impolicy of active operations, but endeav-
oured to sustain it on grounds extremely mortifying to the
pride of the American army.
Colonel Hamilton, whose ardour for battle was fully sup-
ported by a sense of duty, in an eulogium which he pronoun-
ced upon General Greene, thus expressed himself in refer-
ence to this determination.
"I forbear to lift the veil from off those impotent councils,
which by a formal vote had decreed an undisturbed passage
to an enemy retiring from the fairest fruits of his victories,
to seek an asylum from impending danger, disheartened by
retreat, dispirited by desertion, broken by fatigue ;-- re-
treating through woods, denies, and morasses, in which his
discipline was useless, in the face of an army superior in
numbers, elated by pursuit, and ardent to signalize their
courage. 'Tis enough for the honour of Greene to say, that
he left nothing unessayed to avert and to frustrate so degra-
ding a resolution; and it was happy for America, that the
man whose reputation could not be wounded without
wounding the cause of his country, had the noble fortitude
to rescue himself and the army he commanded from the
disgrace with which they were both menaced, by the cha-
racteristic imbecility of a council of war. "
The first movements of Sir Henry Clinton, rendering it
doubtful which course he proposed to take, Washington, em-
barrassed by the decision of the council, and yet unwilling
to assume the responsibility of precipitating an engagement,
took a circuitous route, by which he reached Hopewell, a
place about five miles from Princeton, about noon of the
twenty-third of June, where he halted until the morning of the
twenty-fifth, having detached a small force under Arnold to
take possession of Philadelphia. Meanwhile the enemy,
with Dickinson and Maxwell harassing their left, and Gene-
ral Cadwallader and Colonel Morgan annoying their rear
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? HAMILTON. 193
and right flank, gained the vicinity of Allentown. A letter
written by Hamilton, by the orders of General Washington,
to Cadwallader, from this point, explains the delay of the
army, which has been the subject of animadversion.
"DEAR SIR,
"I have just receivedyours this day from the Draw Bridge.
The army marched this morning to this place. It was my
intention to have taken post near Princeton; but finding the
enemy are dilatory in advancing, I am doubtful of the pro-
priety of proceeding any farther, till their intention is as-
certained. I wish you to inform me more particularly of
the obstructions which have been thrown in their way, that
I may be better able to judge whether their delay is owing
to necessity or choice. Any circumstance that may serve
to throw light upon this question, I shall be obliged to you
for, as it is of very great importance. If their delay is vo-
luntary, it argues a design to draw us into a general action,
and proves that they consider this to be a desirable event.
They may, perhaps, wish to draw us off from (he Delaware,
far to the left, and then by a rapid movement gain ovr right
flank and rear.
"I should be glad of your sentiments ful'y as to their pro-
bable designs, and the conduct which it will be most proper
for us to observe in consequence. You will be pleased to
continue to advise me punctually of every movement and
appearance of the enemy.
"Let me remind you of mentioning always (he hour at
which you write, which is of the greatest moment. "
"While the army was at this post, and Sir Henry Clinton
was balancing between the route to Staten Island, which
would expose him to the danger of crossing the Raritan with
an army in his rear, and that which, leading to Amboy by
way of Monmouth, gave him the advantage, if necessary,of
vol. i. 25
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? 194 THK LIFE Or
entrenching himself on the high grounds of Middletown,
Washington called a second council of general officers, in
which, supported by Greene, Wayne, and La Fayette, he
urged the policy of pursuing the enemy, and bringing on an
engagement before they could reach the eminences in their
front.
The former opinion, by the overruling influence of Lee,
still prevailed; and Washington was thus again placed in
the dilemma, either of assuming the responsibility of an at-
tack, or of subjecting himself to the imputation of pusillani-
mously sacrificing the opportunity, which the advantage of
the ground, and his superior force seemed to promise of a
decisive victory. As soon as the council had broken up,
Colonel Hamilton, anxious for the fame of his chief, and fear-
ing that he might yield to the perplexity of his situation,
called upon General Greene, and urged him to unite with
him in pressing Washington to force an engagement. As
they approached the General, sitting in his tent, he arose,
and said, " Gentlemen, I anticipate the object of your visit;
-- you wish me to fight. " Greene and Hamilton then reca-
pitulated the reasons which had been advanced in the
council; avowing it as their opinion, that if the British were
suffered to retreat unmolested, they were disgraced. --
Washington concurred, and an attack was decided upon.
Unable to induce the council to recede from their decision,
he succeeded in obtaining their assent to the detachment
of fifteen hundred men, under General Scott, to join the
corps on the left flank of the enemy. Even the strength of
this detachment was a subject of controversy; but the lion-
hearted Wayne, firmly resisting the idea of inactivity, refu-
sed to sign the resolutions of the council, and the point was
ultimately carried.
General Washington determined to take decisive mea-
sures. In pursuance of this purpose, Wayne was sent for-
ward with a thousand men to join the advanced corps,
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? HAMILTON. 195
now exceeding four thousand troops. The strength of this
body rendering it a command proper for a Major General,
and Lee yielding his priority, La Fayette was assigned to
it by Washington, with instructions to Colonel Hamilton
to accompany him, and aid in the execution of their design.
The orders pointed strongly to the junction of this de-
tachment, with the troops under Scott, to harass the ene-
my, impede their march, and if possible bring on an en-
gagement.
"As the detachment," observes the Marquis, "began to
march, Lee, hearing that his concession of the command
was viewed with surprise, came up to La Fayette, and
stating his feelings, said that to him he confided his ho-
nour. " The Marquis, too generous to resist this appeal,
assured him, that if no action occurred that day, and Gene-
ral Lee should come out with the next detachment, that he
would yield him the command.
Meanwhile the advanced detachment pushed forward to
Cranberry, from whence Hamilton writes on the twenty-
fifth, confirming the information that the enemy had filed
off from Allentown, to the heights of Monmouth, the posi-
tion it had been apprehended they would attain, and says,
"I recommend to you to move towards this place as soon as
the convenience of your men will permit. I am told that Co-
lonel Morgan is on the enemy's right flank:--we had a slight
skirmish with their rear this forenoon, on the Monmouth
road, leading from Allentown. " On the twenty-sixth, he
writes to General Washington, who had moved forward on
the evening of the twenty-fifth, and arrived at Cranberry
next morning.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
Robins' Tavern, 8 miles from Allentown, 12 o'clock.
"SIR,
"We have halted the troops at this place, eight miles from
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? 196 THE LIFE OF
Allentown. The enemy, by our last reports, were four
miles from this, and had passed the road which turns off
towards South Amboy, which determines their route to-
wards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is, the extreme
distress of the troops for want of provisions. General
Wayne's detachment is almost starving, and seem both un-
willing and unable to march till they are supplied. If we
do not receive an immediate supply, the whole purpose of
our detachment must be frustrated.
"On my arrival at Cranberry last evening, I proceeded, by
desire of General the Marquis, immediately to Hyde's
Town and Allentown, to take measures for co-operating
with the different parts of the detachments, and to find what
was doing to procure intelligence. I found every precau-
tion neglected ; -- no horse was near the enemy, or could
be heard of till late in the morning; so that before we could
send out parties, and get the necessary information, they
were in full march, and as they have marched pretty expe-
ditiously, we should not be able to come up with them
during the day, even if we did not suffer the impediment we
do on the score of provisions.
"We are entirely at a loss where the army is, which is
no inconsiderable check to our enterprise. If the army is
wholly out of supporting distance, we risk the total loss of
the detachment in making an attack. If the army will
countenance us, we may do something clever. We feel
our personal honour, as well as the honour of the army and
the good of the service, interested, and are heartily desirous
to attempt whatever the disposition of our men will second,
and prudence authorize. It is evident, the enemy wish to
avoid, not to engage us. An officer is just come in, who
informs he left the enemy's force near five miles off, still in
march.
To ascertain more fully their route, I have order-
ed a fresh party on their left, and towards the head of their
column. They have three brigades in rear of their bag-
gage"
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? HAMILTON. 197
In the after part of the same day he again writes to Ge-
neral Washington, who, at the head of the main body, was
detained at Cranberry by a heavy storm.
HAMILTON TO "WASHINGTON.
"SIR,
"The result of what I have seen and heard respecting the
enemy is, that they have encamped with their van a little
beyond Monmouth Court-House, and their rear at Mana-
lapans river, about seven miles from this place. Their
march to-day has been very judiciously conducted; their
baggage in front, and their flying army in the rear, with a
rear guard of one thousand men about four hundred paces
from the main body.
To attack them in this situation, without being supported
by the whole army, would be folly in the extreme. If it
should be thought advisable to give the necessary support,
the army can move to some position near the enemy's left
flank, which would put them in a very awkward situation,
with so respectable a body in their rear, and would put it
out of their power to turn either flank, should they be so
disposed. Their left is strongly posted; and I am told
their, right is also. By some accounts, one part of his army
lies in the road leading from the Monmouth road to South
Amboy. It is not improbable that South Amboy may still
be the object. I had written thus far when your letter to
the Marquis arrived. This puts the matter on a totally dif-
ferent footing. The detachment will march to-morrow
morning at three o'clock to Englishtown. "
This order was given in consequence of the delay of the
main body, by which the advanced corps, being too far on
the right, would be unsupported, in case of an attack, as
had been indicated in Hamilton's letter of the morning.
Early on the twenty-seventh, the detachment under the
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? 198 THE LIFE OF
Marquis moved forward to Englishtown. The change in
the position of the enemy rendering it proper to reinforce
the advanced corps, and partly to relieve Lee's feelings,
Washington detached him with two brigades to English-
town to support La Fayette. In order to assure his pur-
pose, he was instructed, that any operation in which the
advance had engaged, should be persevered in; and with
this understanding, the command was confided to him.
The main body then moved forward, and encamped within
three miles of that place, -- Morgan hovering on the right
flank of the enemy, and Dickinson, with the Jersey militia,
on the left.
On the evening of the twenty-seventh, Hamilton, who
had rejoined the main body by order of Washington
wrote to General Lee, directing him, from the apprehen-
sion that the enemy might move off at night, or early in the
morning, to detach a party of six or eight hundred men, to
lie near them, and to skirmish, so as to produce some de-
lay; while Lee was directed to give orders to Colonel
Morgan to make an attack for a similar purpose: a pre-
vious order had been issued to Lee to call the officers to-
gether, and plan the attack; and an hour was appointed
by him for their conference; but before they met, he rode
out, and on the inquiry for orders, were informed that he
had none to give.
In the interim, the enemy had taken a strong position
with their right flank, on the skirt of a small wood, and
their left secured by a forest, and a morass running towards
their rear, a wood also covering their front.
The main body of the Americans being put in motion
to support him, Lee was ordered to commence the attack.
Colonel Hamilton, who had rejoined the Marquis before
break of day, as soon as he saw the probability of the van
of the advanced corps being engaged with the enemy, re-
turned to Washington, who was coming up with the
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? HAMILTON. 199
main body, and advised* him to throw the right wing of
the army round by the right, and to follow with the left
wing directly in General Lee's rear, to support him; and
an order was immediately given to Greene to file off with
the right wing, and take a position so as to protect the right
of the army, which was done. Hamilton then went for-
ward to reconnoitre. Lee, after having advanced a short
distance, ordered a halt; he then again moved forward,
and in half an hour after, Wayne was directed by Lee to
leave his own detachment, and take command of the front.
Scott's brigade then advanced up the morass on one side,
Varnum's following its rear. Wayne, on reaching the front,
sent intelligence to Lee that the enemy were moving in
great disorder, and urged him to push on the rear. He con-
tinued to advance, crossing the morass near the road where
they were marching. Their whole force then in view halt-
ed; a body of British horse, covered by infantry, instantly
charged the foremost regiment under Colonel Butler, who,
pouring in a well-directed fire, broke them, and threw their
covering party into disorder. The pursuit was kept up,
when the enemy opened a fire from their artillery inclining
to the right of the Americans, in order to gain an eminence,
where their veterans formed with admirable coolness, as
they came up in succession. Wayne hoping to gain the ad-
vantage of the ground, formed Scott's brigade, under a
heavy discharge of artillery, and still pressed on, when
an order was received from Lee, who Hamilton states
"meditated the disgrace of the Americans," to retreat.
The enemy seeing the situation of this detachment whol-
ly unsupported, passed a column through the village, and
gained a position between it and the remainder of the
army, when they again made a spirited charge with their
* Proceedings of a Court-Martial for the trial of General Lee, held at
Brunswick, July 4th, 1778. Fitzgerald's testimony, p. 33. Tilghman's, p. 26.
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? 200 THE LIFE OF
horse, and the whole advance was compelled to retire;
which they did, under cover of a wood, until they reached
the body under Lee. Hamilton having urged in vain that
possession should be taken of a hill which commanded the
plain on which the enemy were coming up, and that there
the battle should be fought,* rejoined Washington, to re-
port what he had done. He thus represented the situation
of the advance ;f that when he came up with Lee, the
enemy was drawn up with their right near a wood, their
left in open ground covered by cavalry; that the American
columns were within cannon shot of the enemy; that he
rode up to the front of the column, and perceiving that their
cavalry were filing off towards the left, as if to attempt
Lee's right, he suggested to him that a column should
wheel on their right, and attack them. This suggestion was
approved; and Hamilton, by Lee's order, directed La Fay-
ette to wheel by his right, gain, and attack the enemy's
flank. At this instant, while Washington was standing
with his arm extended over his horse, during a halt for a
few moments, where the roads forked, a small party came
rapidly up, from whom he learned that the advanced corps
was on the retreat. He instantly, giving way to a burst of
indignation, sprung upon his horse, and having ordered Co-
lonel Harrison, who had returned from reconnoitring, to as-
certain the truth, pushed forward to the rear of the advan-
ced corps, and rallied the retreating troops.
To every inquiry as to the cause of the retreat, an un-
satisfactory answer was given. Colonel Ogden, who fol-
lowed, exclaimed with an oath, "we are flying from a
shadow. " The troops were then in the greatest disorder,
ignorant what direction to pursue.
Washington meanwhile reached the knoll, where Lee
was, -- he immediately ordered Wayne to renew the *
* Lee's Defence, p. 53. t Hamilton's testimony, p. 20.
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? HAMILTON. 201
combat, directed cannon to be brought up, which was done
by Colonel Oswald, and a brisk cannonade ensued. Then
calling up Colonels Ramsay and Stewart, he vehemently
exclaimed, that they were the officers on whom he should
depend to give the enemy a check. While these regiments
were forming, Lee approached. Washington demanded of
him, in haste, the cause of the retreat. He replied -- Sir,
Sir, with hesitation, stating that it was owing to contradic-
tory information and disobedience of orders, and that he
did not choose to beard the British army in such a situation;
and that besides, the attack was contrary to his opinion.
Washington replied, that whatever was his opinion, he ex-
pected his orders would have been obeyed.
At this moment, Hamilton rode up, and exclaimed to Lee,
"I will stay with you, my dear General, and die with you.
Let us all die here, rather than retreat. " Perceiving the
enemy advancing on the artillery, which, by the orders of
General Knox had been posted on the right,* he advised
that a detachment should march to their succour; when, after
a short interval, Colonel Livingston pushed forward and re-
pulsed them with spirit.
Hamilton then rode towards the rear; when finding Co-
lonel Olneyf retreating, with Varnum's brigade, and fear-
ing that the artillery in their front would be lost, he order-
ed the brigade to form along a fence near him, with all pos-
sible despatch, which they immediately did, and charged at
the point of the bayonet, where Hamilton, who had assist-
ed in forming them, and had placed himself at their head,
had his horse shot under him; when, hurt by the fall, J and
overcome by the heat, (for he had ridden throughout the
action without his hat,) he was compelled to retire.
This party, after exchanging a sharp fire, gave time for
* Hamilton's testimony, p. 20. f Colonel Olney's testimony, p. 40.
| Hamilton's testimony, p. 21.
vol. I. 26
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? 202 THE LIFE OF
the artillery to fall back; but too weak to prevent the ene-
my from outflanking them, retreated with considerable loss.
These two successive checks by Livingston and Olney,
afforded time to make a disposition of the left wing, and to
form the second line of the army upon an eminence, and in
a copse in the rear covered by a morass. On this elevation,
Stirling, who commanded that wing, placed cannon, which
protected the charges of the infantry, and produced a great
impression on the enemy, and stopped their progress.
Greene, as soon as he heard of the retreat, pushed for-
ward, and selected a position on the right, which Hamilton
had advised Lee to take, crowned it with artillery, and
kept off the British advancing on the right, while he
severely enfiladed the left. Wayne then advanced, and
pouring in a close fire, drove the enemy beyond the morass,
near which Butler had at first repulsed them. Washington
followed up the attack, by orders to General Poor, with
two brigades, to move on the right, and Woodford on their
left, while Knox brought his artillery to bear upon their
front. These dispositions were made; but obstacles pre-
vented their reaching the enemy until night had closed in.
The Americans, worn out by the intense heat, reposed on
the field of battle, hoping to renew the action in the ensu-
ing day; but the enemy taking advantage of the darkness,
pressed on, and succeeded in embarking at Sandy-Hook.
Washington, unfortunately, believing that no serious injury
could be inflicted upon them, leaving only a small force to
hover around them, moved up for the protection of the
Hudson.
This narrative shows the conspicuous services of Hamil-
ton in this engagement; and such was Washington's sense
of their importance, that he caused a high eulogium upon
him to be inserted in his despatch to congress, which
Hamilton, from motives of delicacy, induced him to ex-
punge. A letter from camp, published at that time, thus
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? HAMILTON. 20S
speaks of the conduct of Washington's staff: "I am happy
to have it in my power to mention the merit of Colonel
Hamilton. He was incessant in his endeavours during the
whole day, in reconnoitering the enemy, and in rallying
and charging; but whether he or Colonel Laurens deserves
most of our commendation is somewhat doubtful -- both
had their horses shot under them, and both exhibited singu-
lar proofs of bravery. They seemed to court death, under
our doubtful circumstances, and triumphed over it as the
face of war changed in our favour. Fitzgerald had a slight
contusion with a musket ball; he and Meade claim the
highest encomiums. Colonel Olney at the head of Var-
num's brigade, made a successful charge with the bayonet;
Colonel Barber received a ball through the side. The
artillery under Knox and Oswald were much distinguished. "
The result of this engagement, so honourable to its valour,
aroused the greatest indignation in the army. The im-
mediate friends of Lee sought to exculpate his conduct on
the ground of discretionary orders, and an alleged contra-
diction of intelligence; and when brought before a court-
martial, he did not hesitate to claim merit from the course
which he had taken: but a large majority of the general
officers, those especially who had been sent forward
to bring on an engagement, the whole of Washington's
staff, and the colonels of the several regiments, who received
the first impression of the enemy, indulged the loudest
complaints. Wayne, whose valour had beenon this occasion,
as on every other, eminently conspicuous, demanded Lee's
arrest; and an investigation became unavoidable.
The court over which Stirling presided commenced its
session on the fourth of July, and adjourned on the twelfth
of August, after several interruptions, having found him
"guilty of disobedience of orders in not attacking the
enemy; of misbehaviour, by making an unnecessary and
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? 204 THE LIFE OF
disorderly retreat; and of disrespect to the commander-irir
chief:" and Lee was suspended fro/n his command for
twelve months, which he never resumed, -- a sentence
which, with a divided vote, was confirmed by congress. *
The defence made by Lee, was regarded as highly dis-
ingenuous; and as will be seen from the following letter,
an answer was contemplated by Colonel Laurens, but
abandoned, from the delicacy due to an officer, whose
sentence was then before congress.
MY DEAR HAMILTON,
You have seen, and by this time considered, General
Lee's infamous publication. I have collected some hints
for an answer; but I do not think, either that I can rely upon
my own knowledge of facts and style to answer him fully,
or that it would be prudent to undertake it without counsel.
An affair of this kind ought to be passed over in total si-
lence, or answered in a masterly manner.
The ancient secretary is the Recueil of modern history
and anecdotes, and will give them to us with candour, ele-
gance, and perspicuity. The pen of Junius is in your hand;
and I think you will, without difficulty, expose in his de-
fence, letters, and last production, such a tissue of falsehood
and inconsistency, as will satisfy the world, and put him
forever to silence.
I think the affair will be definitively decided in congress
this day. He has found means to league himself with the
old faction, and to gain a great many partizans.
* December 5th, 177S. -- The votes in congress were as follows:--
Negatives. --Messrs. Whipple, N. H. ; S. Adams, Lovell, Mass. ; Carmichael,
Maryland; M. Smith, Virginia; Harnett, N. C. ; Langwortby, Georgia.
Affirmative. --Messrs. Frost, N. H. ; Holten, Mass. ; Collins, Rhode
Island; Sherman, Ellsworth, Connecticut; Scudder, New-Jersey; Searle,
Pennsylvania; Henry, Maryland; F. L. Lee, Virginia; Penn, Williams, N.
C. ; Laurens, Drayton, S. C.
Having written a very offensive letter to congress, he was on the 10th of
January, 1780, dismissed the service.
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? HAMILTON. 205
Adieu, my dear boy: -- I shall set out for camp to-mor-
row.
John Laurens.
Although this purpose was abandoned, the family of
Washington could not endure the continued imputations
cast upon him by Lee. The biting sarcasms, and offensive
manner which he had evinced on his trial, towards Lau-
rens particularly, rankled in the bosom of that officer, whose
indignation was increased by the relation of very offensive
epithets, said to have been applied by him to his command-
er. Soon after the investigation by congress had been
closed, a challenge was delivered on his behalf to General
Lee, by his friend Hamilton, which resulted in a duel, in
which Lee was slightly wounded, who subsequently disa-
vowed the use of the language which had been imputed to
him.
Believing that no serious injury could be inflicted on the
enemy, the army remained in New-Jersey until intelligence
being received of the arrival of a French fleet, under Count
D'Estaing, it crossed the Hudson, and took a position in the
vicinity of White Plains, favourable to either of the objects
which might be concerted, -- a descent on New-York or
upon Rhode-Island. On the return of Laurens to head
quarters, with information of the approach of the fleet, in-
structions having been received from congress, Hamilton,
whom Washington stated "was well informed of the situa-
tion of the army, and of his sentiments on every point,"
was despatched to have an interview with the French ad-
miral, and to give him a representation of the situation of
the combatants.
