Page:Charles Lee Papers 1873 Vol 3.djvu/275

256 THE LEE PAPERS.

standing the attempt, by a low evasion, to prove that the orders I gave were only to advance on the enemy, it is clear from Captain Mercer's evidence, that General Wayne and Colonel Buttler were ordered, not only to advance, but, in precise terms, to attack ;—it is clear, that I did, with the three Brigades on the right, make the only movement possible to accomplish this end—it is clear that I did not wish, or give any orders for a retrogade manoeuvre from the first point of action, and that, even when I was informed of our left being abandoned, the retreat, however necessary, was, I am ashamed to own it, done contrary to my orders, and contrary to my intentions. I say I am ashamed to own it ; for if the British cavalry had vigorously pushed on our right, they might have turned our flank, taken us in reverse, and we had been lost. There is but one supposition, and indeed only one (and that, for the General's honour, is too monstrous to be admitted), that would render me criminal; it is, that he had positively commanded me, that after the attack commenced, whatever were my circumstances or whatever were my numbers, from thence I should not, from any consideration, recede an inch. Now, if such I had conceived to have been his intention, so great is my opinion of the valour, zeal, and obedience of the troops, and so well I think I know myself, that I do really believe we should all have perished on the first spot ; but I never had, (it was almost impossible that I should have) an idea that such was his plan ; and it is evident that it was not ; consequently, in seeking a better position in our rear, I could be guilty of no disobedience. Upon the whole, admitting the orders I received to have been (as it has been insinuated) to attack, without any consideration of the force, or situation of the enemy, they were as fully and rigidly obeyed, circumstanced as I was, as it was possible for any human officer to obey orders of such a nature. In the next place, if the General's instructions are construed to be, that I should find the means of bringing on a general engagement, it is difficult to im-