d, absolutely enraged the Frenchman. The reasons for this move are unclear, however, it was widely whispered that Lee, English born, had plans to sabotage the plans of Washington in order to make his own predictions more accurate and accountable. This theory may be a bit far-fetched, but there is also much evidence supporting Lee’s enormous ego, and his unquenchable thirst for glory. As shown through his actions at Monmouth, these accusations seem less inconceivable and more undeniable. At 3:00 AM on Sunday, June 28, 1778, the cumbersome British wagon train began to march toward the safety of Sandy-Hook. It was still conveyed by Knyphausen’s force of 1500 men . Before 8:00 AM the second division of the British troops, under Gen. Cornwallis, passed into Dutch Lane. This was followed closely by the third division, under the personal command of Sir Clinton, which extended back to the Monmouth Courthouse. Around 5:00 AM, General Dickinson, in command of the New Jersey militia with about 800 men, got word to Washington that the British had begun to move toward Middletown. The General immediately ordered Lee to move to attack the enemy. At the same time, he sent his army in motion toward the British advance. Just before 8:00 AM, Wayne, with 700 men and a battery of six-pounders, was directed to make a frontal attack on the second division, which was commanded by Cornwallis. While Wayne attacked, Lee would gain its’ read and capture it. Wayne had hardly begun to fire, when Lee sent orders to feint the attack. This aroused Lafayette’s suspicions, and he immediately sent two messages to Washington urging him to come to field of action . This proved to be one of the many saving actions in the day’s progress. Lee began to move when he heard of General Dickinson engaging the enemy, and, apparently, the enemy was falling back. He moves, but moves lethargically. He has yet to scout the ground, an assignment he had been g...
