Food might reach Boston in ships but supplies even by sea were insecure, for the Americans soon had privateers manned by seamen familiar with New England waters and happy in expected gains from prize money.

The British were anxious about the elementary problem of food.

They might have made Washington more uncomfortable by forays and alarms.

Only reluctantly, however, did Howe, who took over the command on October 10, 1775, admit to himself that this was a real war.

He still hoped for settlement without further bloodshed.