After General Howe’s forces defeated the Americans at Brooklyn
Heights and White Plains, Washington’s strategy called for drawing the British
forces inland. General Howe not only moved inland to the northwest that is
towards Manhattan but further West to New Jersey. General Howe defeated the
Continental army of George Washington not only in 1776 but also during the
winter months of 1775. The British controlled the New York harbour until the
end of the war. They used this harbour as a base to attack other targets.