Orders were immediately given to Colonel Stewart and Lieutenant Colonel Ramsay to form their regiments for the purpose of checking the pursuit; and General Lee was directed to take proper measures with the residue of his force to stop the British column on that ground.  The Commander-in-chief then rode back to arrange the rear division of the army.

[Sidenote:  He attacks the enemy at Monmouth Court-house.]

These orders were executed with firmness; and, when forced from his ground, Lee brought off his troops in good order, and was directed to form in the rear of Englishtown.

This check afforded time to draw up the left wing and second line of the American army on an eminence, covered by a morass in front.  Lord Stirling, who commanded the left wing, brought up a detachment of artillery under Lieutenant Colonel Carrington, and some field pieces, which played with considerable effect on a division of the British which had passed the morass, and was pressing on to the charge.  These pieces, with the aid of several parties of infantry, effectually stopped the advance of the enemy.

[Sidenote:  The action severe but not decisive.]

Finding themselves warmly opposed in front, the British attempted to turn the left flank of the American army, but were repulsed.  They then attempted the right with as little success.  General Greene had advanced a body of troops with artillery to a commanding piece of ground in his front, which not only disappointed the design of turning the right, but enfiladed the party which yet remained in front of the left wing.  At this moment, General Wayne was advanced with a body of infantry to engage them in front, who kept up so hot and well directed a fire, that they soon withdrew behind the ravine, to the ground on which the action had commenced immediately after the arrival of General Washington.[8]

[Footnote 8:  General Lafayette, in a communication made to the author respecting this battle, expresses himself thus:  “Never was General Washington greater in war than in this action.  His presence stopped the retreat.  His dispositions fixed the victory.  His fine appearance on horseback, his calm courage, roused by the animation produced by the vexation of the morning, (le depit de la matinee) gave him the air best calculated to excite enthusiasm.”]

The position now taken by the British army was very strong.  Both flanks were secured by thick woods and morasses; and their front was accessible only through a narrow pass.  The day had been intensely hot, and the troops were much fatigued.  Notwithstanding these circumstances, General Washington resolved to renew the engagement.  For this purpose he ordered Brigadier General Poor, with his own and the North Carolina brigade, to gain their right flank, while Woodford with his brigade should turn their left.  At the same time the artillery was ordered to advance, and play on their front.  These orders were obeyed