Both sides face their own problems as…
November 1775 CE
The Americans are so short on gunpowder that soldiers are given spears to fight with in the event of a British attack.
Many of the American troops remain unpaid and many of their enlistments will be up at the end of the year.
On the British side Howe, who had replaced Gage as commander in October, is faced with different problems.
Wood is so scarce that they begin cutting down trees and tearing down wooden buildings, including the Old North Meeting House.
To add to this, supplying the city has become increasingly difficult because of winter storms and the rise in rebel privateers.
The British troops are so hungry that many are ready to desert as soon as they can.
Worse, scurvy and smallpox have broken out in the city.
Washington's army faces similar problems with smallpox, as soldiers from rural communities are exposed to the disease.
Washington moves infected troops to a separate hospital, the only option available given the public stigma against inoculation.
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