During the American Revolution, many generals fought under the command of George Washington. Many of these generals would go on to play important parts in the new government of the United States. However, one general passed out of public service before the revolution would end.

This general was the man whose ego and character created dissents and mistrust on the general staff. In the end, Lee was relieved of his command in 1778 after a court-martial. This man was major general Charles Lee.

Lee was born in Cheshire England. He became a British army officer and participated in the French and Indian war. He served under Braddock in his disastrous campaign in 1755, the unsuccessful campaign against Ticonderoga and the capture Montreal. He would also serve with Burgoyne in Portugal and Poland.

Later on, he would move to Virginia and become a supporter of colonial independence. In 1776, the Continental Congress commissioned Lee as a major general in the Continental army because of his prior military experience. He would serve with some distinction early on in the war, even though he felt he was a better commander than Washington was. This combined with his ego, would in the end, result in a court-martial after the battle of Monmouth and an eventual cashiering from the army in 1780.

You can read about Lee and some of his exploits by looking at the web sites that discuss him and his involvement in the American Revolution.

1. The Long Retreat
   This article by Arthur S. Lefkowitz, discusses the defense of New Jersey and retreat of the Continental Army in 1776. There is a biography of Lee on this Web site.
2. Charles Lee Biography
   From Infoplease.com, read this biography of Charles Lee. It sketches his military accomplishments both before and during the American Revolution.
3. Fort Moultrie and the Battle of Sullivan's Island
   Read about the Battle that saved Charleston from British capture. Lee was given the credit for saving Charleston despite his advice to Moultrie that the fort should be abandoned. Located on the Charleston Multemedia Project web site.
4. Charles Lee Entry in the Staff Ride Glossary
   Read this entry in the Staff Ride website glossary about Charles Lee.
5. Battle of Monmouth
   Read about the battle of Monmouth and the downfall of General Lee from the Electronic New Jersey web site.