His first decision was to attack, but a furious gale thwarted his purpose, and he then prepared for the inevitable step.
Washington divined Howe's purpose and there was a tacit agreement that the retiring army should not be molested.

Howe destroyed munitions of war which he could not take away but he left intact the powerful defenses of Boston, defenses reared at the cost of Britain.

Many of the better class of the inhabitants, British in their sympathies, were now face to face with bitter sorrow and sacrifice.

Passions were so aroused that a hard fate awaited them should they remain in Boston and they decided to leave with the British army.

Travel by land was blocked; they could go only by sea.