"Washington was informed of the situation and hastened.."

Part IV Washington General and Commander in chief, of the army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised, by them, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service, and join the said Army for the Defence of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.

The British rear guard, of considerable strength, under Cornwallis, was at Monmouth Court House when Lee and Lafayette made contact with it on the 28th of June. Lafayette had graciously relinquished any separate authority which he might have exercised and engaged in the ensuing action under Lee's orders. The British turned upon Lee; confusion arose in his command, and very soon many of his troops were streaming to the rear. Washington was informed of the situation and hastened to the scene of conflict, where he was able, with the assistance of near-by officers, to halt part of the frightened troops and form them into line. His remarks to Lee were forceful, but "dictated by duty, and warranted by the occasion."
Despite the fact that General Lee was placed in charge of the reestablished line, his anger because of General Washington's remarks and actions did not cool following the battle, and within the next few days he foolishly wrote the Commander in Chief two insolent letters. He was tried for this and for misconduct on the battlefield, found guilty, and sentenced to be suspended from command for the term of 12 months. Congress approved the sentence of the court-martial and ordered the proceedings of the trial to be published. Shortly after the expiration of the sentence, Congress ordered that General Lee be informed that they "have no farther occasion for his services in the army of the United States."