Duel: John Laurens vs. General Charles Lee

Date: December 23, 1778
Location: Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Weapons: Pistols

Cause of the Duel

After the Battle of Monmouth, General Charles Lee publicly and repeatedly criticized General George Washington’s conduct, calling his decisions “a gross error” and portraying himself as the true hero of the fight.

These remarks circulated widely and were seen as undermining Washington’s honor and authority.

John Laurens, a member of Washington’s staff and fiercely loyal to him, confronted Lee and demanded he retract the insults. Lee refused and added further disparaging comments. Laurens considered the insults intolerable and issued a formal challenge.

Quotes from the Combatants

Several lines from Lee have survived in letters and testimony:

Lee on Washington:
He called Washington’s actions at Monmouth “a damnable mistake,” and claimed he had been made “a sacrifice to popularity.”

When Laurens challenged him, Lee replied:

“I shall never recant the truth, nor apologize for what honor requires me to say.”

Laurens himself left fewer direct quotes, but Alexander Hamilton, who was present, reported that Laurens said he sought the duel to obtain “proper satisfaction for the injury done General Washington’s reputation.”

Outcome of the Duel

• Both men fired once.
• Lee was struck in the right side, the bullet grazing his ribs.
• Laurens was unharmed.
• Lee survived the wound but was publicly humiliated; the duel signaled that his attacks on Washington were unacceptable among Continental officers.

Witnesses / Seconds

For John Laurens:

• Alexander Hamilton (second)
• Colonel John Eager Howard (attended)

For Charles Lee:

• Major Evan Edwards (second)
• Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens (no relation) was also reported present in some accounts, though Edwards was the official second.