The only wonder is that there should have been even one man so great in mind and character that he could rise at a single bound from the level of a provincial planter to the heights of a great national leader.  He proved himself such in all ways, but in none more surely than in his ability to consider all men simply as men, and, with a judgment that nothing could confuse, to ward off from his cause and country the dangers inherent in colonial habits of thought and action, so menacing to a people struggling for independence.  We can see this strong, high spirit of nationality running through Washington’s whole career, but it never did better service than when it stood between the American army and undue favor to foreign volunteers.

Among other disagreeable and necessary truths, Washington had told Congress that Philadelphia was in danger, that Howe probably meant to occupy it, and that it would be nearly impossible to prevent his doing so.  This warning being given and unheeded, he continued to watch his antagonist, doing so with increased vigilance, as signs of activity began to appear in New York.  Toward the end of May he broke up his cantonments, having now about seven thousand men, and took a strong position within ten miles of Brunswick.  Here he waited, keeping an anxious eye on the Hudson in case he should be mistaken in his expectations, and should find that the enemy really intended to go north to meet Burgoyne instead of south to capture Philadelphia.

Washington’s doubts were soon to be resolved and his expectations fulfilled.  May 31, a fleet of a hundred sail left New York, and couriers were at once sent southward to warn the States of the possibility of a speedy invasion.  About the same time transports arrived with more German mercenaries, and Howe, thus reinforced, entered the Jerseys.  Washington determined to decline battle, and if the enemy pushed on and crossed the Delaware, to hang heavily on their rear, while the militia from the south were drawn up to Philadelphia.  He adopted this course because he felt confident that Howe would never cross the Delaware and leave the main army of the Americans behind him.  His theory proved correct.  The British advanced and retreated, burned houses and villages and made feints, but all in vain.  Washington baffled them at every point, and finally Sir William evacuated the Jerseys entirely and withdrew to New York and Staten Island, where active preparations for some expedition were at once begun.  Again came anxious watching, with the old fear that Howe meant to go northward and join the now advancing Burgoyne.  The fear was groundless.  On July 23 the British fleet set sail from New York, carrying between fifteen and eighteen thousand men.  Not deceived by the efforts to make him think that they aimed at Boston, but still fearing that the sailing might be only a ruse and the Hudson the real object after all, Washington moved cautiously to the Delaware, holding himself ready to strike in either direction.