He resigned the command of the army into the hands of Sir Henry Clinton, and embarked for Great Britain.

About the same time, orders were received for the evacuation of Philadelphia.

The part it was now evident France was about to take in the war, and the naval force which had been prepared by that power before she declared herself, rendered that city a dangerous position, and determined the administration to withdraw the army from the Delaware.
The preparations for this movement could not be made unobserved; but they indicated equally an embarkation of the whole army, or an intention to march to New York through Jersey.

The last was believed by the American chief to be most probable; and he made every exertion to take advantage of the movement.

His detachments were called in, and the state governments were pressed to expedite the march of their levies.
In the mean time Sir Henry Clinton hastened his preparations for the evacuation of Philadelphia; and the opinion that he intended to reach New York through Jersey, gained ground.
General Maxwell, with the Jersey brigade, was ordered over the Delaware to take post at Mount Holly, and to join Major General Dickenson, who was assembling the militia of that state for the purpose of co-operating with the continental troops, in breaking down the bridges, felling trees in the roads, and otherwise embarrassing the march of the British General.
[Sidenote: June 17.] In this state of things intelligence was received that a great part of the British army had crossed the Delaware, and that the residue would soon follow.
The opinion of the general officers was required on the course now to be pursued.