June 28, 1778

Charles Lee Fails at Battle of Monmouth

An attempt by the Continental Army to intercept the British army on its way to New York goes horribly wrong when Charles Lee, whom Washington had placed in command of the attack, failed to do so. Instead, Lee's troops began to retreat and then flee after the British main force turned around to counter the Americans. Washington relieved Lee and personally attempted to stop his troops from running from the field. Fortunately for the Americans, Rhode Island's Nathanael Greene held his line against a fierce attack by forces under Charles Cornwallis. Technically something of a draw, the battle turns out to be the last major one fought in the north and leads to Lee's court-martial and dismissal from the army.