From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 182
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."
At midnight a horseman was galloping up to Washington's headquarters, when the sentinel challenged him.
"Doctor Griffith, chaplain and surgeon in the Virginia line, on business highly important with the
commander-in-chief."
"Officer of the guard!" cried the sentinel. That officer appeared. Doctor Griffith repeated his errand.
"Impossible; my orders are positive," replied the guard.
"But I must," persisted the doctor.
"You cannot," repeated the guard. "The commander-in-chief is intensely engaged."
"Present, sir, my humble duty to his excellency, and say that Dr. Griffith waits upon him with secret and
important intelligence, and craves an audience of only five minutes duration."
He was soon ushered into Washington's presence.
"The nature of the communication I am about to make to your excellency must be my apology for disturbing
you at this hour of the night," observed the doctor. "While I am not permitted to divulge the names of the
authorities from which I have obtained my information, I can assure you they are of the very first order,
whether in point of character or attachment to the cause of American independence. I have sought this
interview to warn your excellency against the conduct of Major-General Lee in to-morrow's battle. My duty is
fulfilled, and I go now to pray to the God of battles for success to our arms, and that He may always have your
excellency in His holy keeping."
Doctor Griffith retired, and the battle of Monmouth was fought on the next day. Washington, with his aides,
was approaching the scene of action, when he met a little fifer boy who archly observed:
"They are all coming this way, your honor."