Scouting well in front of Washington’s main body, General Lee sent a message back to headquarters asking for permission to attack the British rear the next morning, 28 June 1778, to pin Clinton in place while the main Continental army came up the road and deployed for battle.
"I did not receive your order to halt1 until the head of the Detachment was within a mile of English Town Creek—I immediately halted on the receipt—indeed it was not my intention to proceed further than the first brook or Water—I have taken a tolerable strong Post in the wood where I shall wait for further orders—unless the expediency of making some movement is so forcible as to oblige me—I the Enemy certainly lay at Monmouth last night at least the rear of e’m, but whether They mov’d or no this morning is uncertain—The People here are inconceivable Stupid—I have sent two lively young foot men (for They have no horses) to reconnoitre."
Maj. Gen. Charles Lee to George Washington, 27 June 1778www.founders.archives.gov