66. The Road to Monmouth Traditional Cache

George Washington and the Continental Army pursued British regulars across New Jersey following the British evacuation of Philadelphia in June 1778. Washington's intention was to prevent or substantially delay the British from reaching the coast of New Jersey before French war ships arrived in support of the American Revolution. On June 28, 1778, the pursuit ultimately led to the collision of the two armies one mile west of present-day State Highway 9. Today, the site of the battle is a peaceful 2,360-acre area of rolling hills, dense woods, and boggy marshes in Manalapan, New Jersey.

The morning of Sunday, June 28, 1778, found the British Army of 20,000 men camped around the village of Freehold, while the main American Army of 8,500 men was camped at Manalapan Bridge which is four miles west of Englishtown. In Englishtown, General Charles Lee and an advance force of 5,000 men had orders to attack the rear of the British Army. As the British broke camp to continue their march, General Lee moved to encircle the British rear guard. Lee’s men skirmished with the Queen’s Rangers and the field artillery of both sides erupted in a thunderous cannonade.

The Americans attacked, Lee realized that half of the British Army was returning to attack him. He had no sooner made the attack, then he ordered a retreat saying that Americans could not stand before British regulars. As Lee led a retreat across the Rhea Farm, Lafayette sent a courier to Washington, who was following with the main army, saying that his presence was sadly needed on the field of battle.

Suspecting trouble, Washington, followed by his staff, put spurs to their horses and meeting the retreating officers, rode through them, up to intercept Lee and demanded the reason for such a disgraceful proceeding delaying action while the main Continental Army regrouped. Lee stammered some excuse, and was ordered to the rear. With his officers, Washington reformed the lines, attacked on all sides with vigor and forced the enemy to retreat. It is on this occasion that Washington is known to have sworn most dreadful oaths at Lee. In the words of one of the officers, "He swore until the leaves shook on the trees.” There is no entirely reliable account of what exactly was said, but this has been reported to be the only occasion on which Washington was heard to swear in public, and he is said to have called Lee a "damned poltroon" (a craven coward, or worthless wretch).

After this Washington took command of the battlefield, regrouped the troops and counterattacked the British. The fighting continued until dark, and the next morning the British troops were found to have retreated out of reach.

There are indications that Washington had no intention of taking any further action over the incident, but Lee forced the issue by writing a note to Washington, using language considered by the standards of the day to be inappropriate, and demanding an apology for the language Washington had used in addressing him during their encounter the previous day. Washington replied, politely but firmly indicating his displeasure. This further enraged General Lee, who wrote a second note demanding a court of inquiry. Washington's patience was exhausted, and he responded by having General Lee arrested and courtmartialed.

This cache is one of "The American Revolution Geo~Trail" caches throughout New Jersey. These special geocaches are hidden at many historic locations which have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. To participate in the optional Geo-Trail, after you find the geocache, locate the secret code and record it into your passport which you will print from this website. Information at njpatriots.com

The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.