Completely surrounding the Americans would require a military genius beyond William Howe’s capacity. Able, sensible, and often plodding, the British commander seemed unsure of his course even though he now had the whip hand in New York. “I look upon the further progress for the campaign to be rather precarious,” he had warned Germain in late September. A sally to Rhode Island to secure another winter port might be possible, but he expected no help this year from Carleton’s army in Canada; nor were great victories likely from his own legions. Washington’s position in Manhattan seemed too strong
...more
