Cat and Mouse

This chapter discusses the first phases of a major part of the British military strategy for 1777, the Philadelphia campaign. Howe’s plans called for a major offensive with the main army to seize Philadelphia to decisively defeat Washington and the main American army. Before boarding his brother’s ships for the journey to Philadelphia by sea, Howe attempted a series of maneuvers against Washington in New Jersey, but the Americans avoided Howe’s traps. Once Howe, his army, and supplies sailed, they had a huge advantage in mobility due to the Royal Navy. In the weeks at sea, Washington had to rely on limited and fragmentary intelligence as he tried to figure out Howe’s ultimate destination. It was during this period—mid-July to August—that Washington proved himself to be a true commander-in-chief compared to Howe, who acted more as an army commander and not a commander-in-chief.