"Very true," responded Lee; "but let them evacuate if they will. The risk of a battle is too great to run. I would build a bridge of gold for them if they would retreat over it."
Washington, Lafayette, Wayne, and Cadwalader were the only members of the council who favored an immediate attack. Without deciding the question, Washington requested each one to furnish his opinion in writing. Before this was done, however, the city was evacuated. On the eighteenth day of June the whole British army crossed the Delaware into New Jersey, eleven thousand strong, with an immense baggage and provision train, and marched for New York by way of New Brunswick and Amboy.
The American army was in pursuit as speedily as possible.
"We must compel an engagement," said Washington, eager to give the foe a sound drubbing before it was too late.
"And we must do it as soon as possible," answered Lafayette.
"There is no time to lose, neither," said Greene.
General Lee was opposed to a general engagement.
They were near Monmouth Court-house, and it was the night of June 27.
General Lee had command of the advance, five thousand picked men, and his orders were, "Attack the enemy to-morrow."