Wholesale Perceptions of Battle

After a difficult winter at Valley Forge, George Washington led the Continental Army in pursuit of the British from Philadelphia to New York City. On June 28, 1778, the army caught up with the British and defeated them at Monmouth Court House. Washington's planning, orders, and actions dominate the story. After the initial setback of his advance guard under Charles Lee, Washington matched each enemy movement with decisive actions, achieving a tactical victory with major strategic implications. His leadership earned renewed respect from Congress, the American people, and the enemy, solidifying his position as the face of the Revolutionary effort. This book uses first-person accounts to analyze the battle, contrasting with modern interpretations that often distort the story and overemphasize the court martial of Charles Lee.