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Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object name |
Painting |
Title |
Battle of Monmouth (Washington Rebukes Lee) 1778 |
Artist or maker |
John Ward Dunsmore (1856-1945) |
Date |
1908 |
Place of origin |
USA |
Physical description |
This picture shows General Washington (on white horse) rebuking General Charles Lee (on brown horse) due to his decision to call for a retreat so soon after he order an attack on the British at the Battle of Monmouth. "...The American overtook the British at Monmouth, and Lee at once attacked, but he had no sooner made the attack, then he ordered a retreat saying that Americans could not stand before British regulars. At this Lafayette sent a courier to Washington, who was following with the main army, saying that his presence was sadly needed on the field of battle. Suspecting trouble, Washington, followed by his staff, put spurs to their horses and meeting the retreating officers, rode through them, up to Lee and demanded the reason for such a disgraceful proceeding. Lee stammered some excuse, and was ordered to the rear. With his officers, Washington reformed the lines, attacked on all sides with vigor and forced the enemy to retreat. It is on this occasion that Washington is known to have sworn most dreadful oaths at Lee. In the words of one of the officers, "He swore until the leaves shook on the trees." |
Past exhibit |
Dunsmore: Illustrating the American Revolutionary War |
Current exhibit |
Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation |
Gallery label |
Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation (2025): At the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey Washington ordered an attack. General Charles Lee was in charge of the troops but felt they could not stand before British regulars and ordered a retreat. At this Lafayette sent a courier to notify Washington of Lee’s action. Washington rode to meet the retreating Lee and demanded the reason for insubordination. Lee gave his excuse but Washington ordered him to the rear. With his officers, Washington reformed the lines, attacked on all sides with vigor and forced the enemy to retreat. It is on this occasion that Washington is rumored to have uncharacteristically sworn and cursed at Lee. In the words of one of the officers, "He swore until the leaves shook on the trees." |
Catalogue number |
1936.02.019 |
Collection name |
Paintings and Sculpture |
Credit line |
Gift of George A. Zabriskie Memorial, 1936 |
People |
Dunsmore, John Ward Washington, George Lee, Charles Marquis de Lafayette, Gilbert du Moitier |