The wish to talk privately with members of Congress was called an insulting way of avoiding recognition of that body.

In spite of this, even the stalwart Adams and the suave Franklin were willing to be members of a committee which went to meet Lord Howe.

With great sorrow Howe now realized that he had no power to grant what Congress insisted upon, the recognition of independence, as a preliminary to negotiation.

There was nothing for it but war.
On the 15th of September the British struck the blow too long delayed had war been their only interest.

New York had to sit nearly helpless while great men-of-war passed up both the Hudson and the East River with guns sweeping the shores of Manhattan Island.