Charles Lee was a British-born American military officer who served as a general of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He also served earlier in the British Army during the Seven Years War. He sold his commission after the Seven Years War and served for a time in the Polish army of King Stanislaus II Augustus. Lee was appointed as the first commander of the Southern Department. He served in this post for six months, until he was recalled to the main army. During the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778, Washington needed a secondary commander to lead the frontal assault. He unwillingly chose to put Lee in charge, as he was the most senior of his generals. At first, Lee was so reluctant to take part in the attack that Washington bestowed command onto the Marquis de Lafayette. Upon this, Lee had a change of heart and requested that Lafayette cede command, which he gladly did.

Washington ordered him to attack the retreating enemy, but instead, Lee ordered a retreat after only one volley of fire. After seeing this, Lafayette sent a messenger to Washington informing him of this behavior. Lee’s troops retreated directly into Washington and his troops, who were advancing, and Washington dressed him down publicly. Lee responded with insubordination, for which he was arrested. On July 2, 1778, Lee was court-martialed at Brunswick, New Jersey by a jury presided by Lord Stirling on charges, Lee was found guilty, and he was relieved of command for a period of one year. Lee tried to get Congress to overturn the court-martial’s verdict. When this failed, he made open attacks on Washington’s character. Lee’s popularity then plummeted. Colonel John Laurens, an aide to Washington, challenged him to a duel, in which Lee was wounded in his side. Lee was released from his duty on January 10, 1780.