HAMILTON CF Jensen: The Battle of Monmouth!

[WASHINGTON]
Ev’ryone attack!

[LEE]
Retreat!

[WASHINGTON]
Attack!

[LEE]
Retreat!

[WASHINGTON]
What are you doing, Lee? Get back on your feet!

[LEE]
But there’s so many of them!

[WASHINGTON]
I’m sorry, is this not your speed?!
Hamilton!

[HAMILTON]
Ready, sir!

[WASHINGTON]
Have Lafayette take the lead!

—Hamilton © 2015 by Lin-Manuel Miranda 

After they occupied it the winter of 1777-8, the British departed Philadelphia, apparently en route to New York City. Washington decided to attack the rear of the British column. Lafayette was originally supposed to lead this attack. Once it was decided that a larger force would be sent after the British, however, General Lee insisted he should be in command because of his “seniority.” Lee's forces caught up with the British column at Monmouth, NJ.

After his initial attack, Lee prematurely ordered a retreat, which outraged Washington. (Witnesses said his furious oaths nearly took the leaves off the trees.)

Lafayette, on the other hand, distinguished himself at this battle. (After this, Lee was courtmartialed and never served in the Continental army again.)

Brave Lafayette stood ready to command our troops that day.

But General Lee took precedence, so led the battle fray,

Then messed it up completely when he ordered a retreat,

And all thought Lafayette should have been in the driver's seat.