Battle of Monmouth

Background. Washington had commanded the Continental Army since the war's outbreak in 1775, and after the defeats of 1777 he placed his army of 11,000 men in winter quarters at Valley Forge in December 1777. In February 1778 the French-American Treaty of Alliance tilted the strategic balance toward the Americans, forcing Britain to abandon hopes of a military victory and adopt a defensive strategy.

Command Context. Sir Henry Clinton, who had served in North America since 1775 and participated in Howe's 1776 assault on New York, was formally appointed British Commander-in-Chief in America on February 4, 1778, after Howe resigned following the 1777 campaigns. Word of the appointment reached him in April, and he assumed command in Philadelphia in May 1778.

Approach to Contact. As the British traversed New Jersey, they were harassed by increasingly strong American forces. By June 27, 1778, Lee's vanguard was within striking distance of the British column. Washington sought to do more than harass Clinton: while avoiding the risk of a major battle, he hoped to inflict a heavy blow surpassing his 1776 success at Trenton.

Setting at Monmouth Court House. The battle took place near the Village of Monmouth Court House in modern-day Freehold Borough, New Jersey, and Manalapan. By spring 1778 the formerly loyalist Monmouth Court House had come under patriot control, part of the shifting local situation as the armies maneuvered through the region.