Westfield High School - Weather Vane Yearbook (Westfield, NJ)

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The WEATHER VANE 19 3 2 WASHINGTON AT THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH June 28, 1778, is not remembered as the occasion of a great and conclusive victory. In fact, the battle was indecisive. This day, however, is recorded as one which witnessed some of the greatest acts of bravery and fortitude occurring during the Revolution. This date recalls a time when the spirits and fortunes of the American army were at their lowest ebb. The dreadful winter of hardships at Valley Forge was just drawing to a close, and the two years of warfare seemed wasted years marked by little or no accomplishment. It was in the face of such discouragement that General Washington and his troops set out to follow the British, moving from their gay Philadelphia quarters to New York. The soldiers, many of them barefooted, stumbled on until they finally overtook the British troops at Monmouth. General Charles Lee, now known as a traitor, thrust into his position by influence in Congress, was to lead an attacking party of six thousand. Although Lee gave the order for an attack, lie delayed so long and the assault was so mismanaged that the army was thrown into confusion and a retreat was begun. The day was apparently lost. The Americans were retreating through a narrow defile when Washington came upon the field. Aided by his wonderful self-control, sound judgment, lofty patriotism, and sublime courage”, and by means of his “herculean efforts” he took command and rallied the troops. Seconded by such staunch courage as that shown by the renowned Molly Pitcher during this same battle, the Americans held their own. The fighting continued until evening, when darkness drew hostilities to an end. Shielded by night, Clinton and his British troops withdrew to the heights of Middletown. The battle, as has been stated, had been indecisive, but a practical advantage lay with the Colonial forces as is shown by the three hundred and sixty-odd Americans killed, to the four hundred and more British deaths. Of more moment, however, was the restoration of faith—the people’s in their army, and the army's in themselves and their great leader. Eleanor Alexander, ’32. Eighteen

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