The Battle
The Battle of Monmouth was one of the largest engagements of the entire war. When the British evacuated Philadelphia in June 1778 and marched across New Jersey toward New York, Washington attacked their rear guard near Monmouth Court House.
The battle was fought in extreme heat — temperatures exceeded 100°F, and soldiers on both sides collapsed from heatstroke. After General Charles Lee’s initial retreat, Washington personally rallied the troops and stabilized the line. Vose’s regiment participated as part of the main army.
The battle proved that the Continental Army could stand toe-to-toe with British regulars — the Valley Forge training had worked. The British withdrew during the night and completed their march to New York.
Capt. Francis Green
Captain Green fought at Monmouth with Vose’s 1st Massachusetts. This was the first major test of the Von Steuben-trained army, and the Massachusetts regiments acquitted themselves well. Green’s continued service through Saratoga, Valley Forge, and now Monmouth demonstrates the sustained commitment of the Green line to the Continental cause.