The Strategist

  Today on our trip we followed the movements of Washington chronologically from the winter before Valley Forge to the summer after.  Through the extremes of cold and heat, Washington continued to prove himself as an astute political and military leader.  With perfect timing, he moved into the area across the Delaware from Trenton just as Howe was leaving. With a bold plan in place, he made sure all of the boats along the river were moved to the Delaware side of the river to prevent the invasion of Philadelphia and then went about collecting his own fleet of Durham boats that were the best made at the time.  On December 25, in the middle of fog, freezing rain, and a river full of ice, Washington led his men across the river for an attack on Trenton.  He had the use of the McConkey and Johnston?? Ferries, and also had plans for two other officers to cross at different points and meet him on the other side for the battle.  The other two crossings failed, but Washington succeeded in routing 500 Hessians, capturing 900 and killing around 100.  It is believed the Hessian hubris had a part to play because their lack of respect for the American army led them to underestimate them.  This battle and the Battle of Princeton that followed about 10 days later are considered to be turning points in that they proved the mettle of the Continental Army as well as the capability of Washington.A second “turning point” followed the army’s winter at Valley Forge.  This was the Battle of Monmouth and according to the historian at that site, Washington never intended to make a battle stand, but to harass the British from the rear in a show of strength and also to box the enemy in at New York. These objectives were contrary to the British General Clinton’s.  Clinton believed he could fight the Americans and win, and so when he turned the rear of the army back to fight, his intention was to win.  One interesting side note is that it was at the Battle of Monmouth that Washington met General Lee (who wanted to dethrone Washington and take control of the army for himself) and they exchanged some words when they met.  No one knows the content of this exchange, but it is assumed Washington cleared up any misunderstandings about who was in charge. 

 

Most historians describe the Battle of Monmouth as a draw, but Garry the historian at the sight disagrees.  He believes that Washington accomplished his objective of making a “show” without unnecessary losses.  It was never intended to be a full blown battle.  And so this and one other myth was dispelled at the site—the myth of Molly Pitcher.  According to battle folklore there was a woman amid the battle, notably showing up more than one place at once, bringing water to the soldiers who were fighting in 90 degree plus temperatures, very much like the weather was for our tour.  There is a woman named Mary Hays who helped carry ammo for the cannons, but no Mary Pitcher that can be documented.

 

This brings me to another myth or maybe not a myth.  In Bodle’s book, on Valley Forge, he downplays the role Von Steubon played in the battle of Monmouth.  The Monmouth historians, as well as the Valley Forge park rangers, both agree that Von Steubon played a large role in shaping the Continental Army.  In the case of Monmouth, Garry Stone stated that Von Steubon’s technique for closing ranks and quick-marching, helped the Americans cross the bridge safely and quickly so that the cannons from Comb’s Hill could barrage the British and keep them from advancing. I guess this is a case in point that historians can disagree in both interpretation and how much emphasis they place on any one piece of research.

 

Overall,this was a cool (not literally) battle sight.  It was quite a bit more interesting than Princeton in both the presentation by the historian and also in understanding the strategy of Washington.  A couple of myths were dispelled, but Von Steubon, contrary to what Bodle says came back into the picture for me. I think it may be true what Bodle said in his book about the Battle of Monmouth not lending itself to Von Steubon’s tactics, but it was illustrated in at least one case that all of the drilling and practice came in handy.