After some previous defeats, Washington had spent the winter rebuilding his army. However,
they had made a treaty with the French which gave them an advantage over the British. Clinton,
the British millitary leader had currently occupied Philidelphia, and this action from the
Americans forced them to retreat Philidelphia and begin the journey to Sandy Hook. At Sandy
Hook they would be picked up by the Royal Navy. While they were travelling, the Americans
followed the British, to prevent them from escaping. Washington had been going through some
political disputes, and if he let the British go that would further hurt his reputation. Washington
sent his partner Lee, ahead with a portion of the army to start the attack, but the attack was
poorly planned, and they were forced to retreat until the rest of their army arrived. Clinton,
the British military leader, had split his army into two groups for the journey to Sandy Hook.
There was a larger portion of the army, and a smaller portion that was in charge of taking the
armys baggage. The Americans continualy pursued the larger portion, and as Clinton was leaving
the Monmouth Courthouse, Lee tried to isolate them. However, the attack was poorly coordinated
and they were forced to temporarily retreat, until Washington could catch up with them. Eventually
Washington and Lee forced Clinton and his army to retreat. The two armies camped that night and
during the night Clinton and his men secretly escaped and arrived at the Royal Navy. The Americans
had won the battle, but they didn't prevent the British from escaping.
