This battle that took place in New Jersey on a staggeringly hot day in 1778 was a turning point in the American War for Independence. It was also one of the few times American troops took on British regulars in traditional battle and were not defeated and it is where Molly Pitcher took her fallen husband's place in battle. For Washington, it was an important victory. For British General Clinton it was a successful rearguard action.
As the campaigning season of 1778 dawned, the British decided to evacuate Philadelphia and concentrate their military effort in New York City. Some 20,000 British and Hessian troops marched across the narrow waist of New Jersey to Sandy Hook, from whence they could sail to Staten Island.
General Washington hoped for an opportunity to strike them and test his newly trained troops. His second-in-command, General Charles Lee, was sent with the American vanguard of 5,000 men to attack and defeat the British rearguard and capture their baggage train. Faulty reconnaissance, inept orders and rapidly arriving British reinforcements threatened to rout the American vanguard, but Washington’s timely arrival saved the day. Relieving General Lee as he rode forward, Washington stabilized the lines. More American forces were fed into the fray, and the battle swayed for several hours across the New Jersey countryside, with great gallantry displayed by both sides.
As the day ended, with their baggage train now safe, the British halted their attacks, and began to yield the ground. Washington ordered a limited counter attack to end the battle.
Monmouth, considered a "draw" by most historians, was not only the longest battle of the war; it was also the last major engagement fought in the North.
One 22x34-inch game map, one countersheet, charts and tables, 2 six-sided dice, scenario booklet, English rules. |
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