At sundown Washington rode forward; his practiced eye told him that the British position was an awkward one to attack; but if they were allowed to proceed a dozen miles further their position would be stronger still, for the heights of Middletown would greatly favor them. In consequence he made up his mind to attack at dawn. His orders were given to Lee in the presence of officers.
“Make your disposition for an attack,” said Washington. “Keep your men lying on their arms; be ready for action at the shortest notice.”
The commander-in-chief then rode back to the main body, and during the remainder of the night was busy with preparations for the coming struggle. At sunrise, Ben Cooper, who had remained during the night with the advance, brought news that the British were in motion. By another rider General Washington sent a command to Lee to advance and attack, saying that he was coming on rapidly to support him. Then the main army was ordered to discard its blankets, knapsacks and other heavy equipment so that its progress should not be retarded.
The Hessian commander, Knyphausen, had charge of the British advance, which included all the baggage. And in the early morning while he slowly made his way into the valley between Monmouth and Middletown, Clinton with the fighting men held the camp on the heights of Freehold. This body did not move from the latter position until after eight in the morning, when they also took up the line of march through Middletown.
It was a region covered by wood and morass, and General Lee had no great opportunity to reconnoiter the enemy; seeing Clinton’s army on its march, he told his officers it was only a detachment. Ordering Wayne with a body of infantry and a few pieces of artillery to skirmish in the rear, he set out with the remainder of his force to, as he said, head the detachment off. At the same time he sent a rider to Washington telling him of the movement and adding that he was confident of success.
The army under Washington was making excellent time; as they reached Freehold church a cannon boomed in the distance, telling them that the fight had opened. At once the command was given to quicken the advance. Washington, with his officers grouped about him, was giving his final instructions. Ben Cooper and the other young riders were within call, ready and eager to bear any messages that might need sending. The commander-in-chief had just finished his orders to Greene who was to push on with a division along a side road and so flank the enemy, when a farmer mounted upon a plough horse rode up, wild-eyed and scarcely able to speak.
“They are retreating!” he cried.
“Who?” demanded some one.
“Our army; and the British are after them!”
Washington, who stood by the side of his great white horse, turned an angry face upon the man.