This is interesting and certainly different from my impressions of things that I have read over several years.
You are probably more of a student of these details than I myself am, but I have long had a completely different sense of those events.
I will read more. Thanks.
Fan of the RevWar hence my name.
Was a member of Friends of Monmouth Battlefield for many years. Went to many re-enactments until the big 225th. Got too busy since then with being married.
Good books including this are the American Heritage book of the American Revolution (really good) and the old narrative by Christopher Ward, “the War of the Revolution” (formerly “Rag Tag and Bobtail”).
Basically Lee was to start the attack by ambushing on Brit Freehold bivouac. They were there for some time then Lee decided to retreat, but had lousy communication. It ended up being a disorderly retreat as nothing was well coordinated and Wayne’s men were left behind gaining an advantage. The retreat is when Washington came up and chastised Lee. Then he stopped the retreat and lined up.