William Howe, the British commander-in-chief in North…
February 1777 CE
Howe said that if Germain sends him substantial reinforcements, he can launch multiple offensives, including sending ten thousand men up the Hudson River to take Albany, New York.
Then, in the autumn, Howe can move south and capture the U.S. capital of Philadelphia.
Howe had soon changed his mind after writing this letter: the reinforcements might not arrive, and the retreat of the Continental Army over the winter of 1776–77 has made Philadelphia an increasingly vulnerable target.
Therefore, Howe has decided that he will make the capture of Philadelphia the primary object of the 1777 campaign.
Howe sends Germain this revised plan, which Germain receives on February 23, 1777.