As a trading city, particularly while the commerce of the North remained interrupted, it had become a place of great business.

It was a stronghold for privateers and their prizes, and always contained stores and shipping of immense value.
The temptations to its conquest were sufficiently numerous.

Ten thousand choice troops, with a large and heavy train of artillery, were accordingly dispatched from New York for its investment, which was begun in February, 1780, and conducted by the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, Sir Henry Clinton, in person.

He conducted his approaches with a caution highly complimentary to the besieged.

The fortifications were only field works, and might have been overrun in less than five days by an audacious enemy.