The fall resounded far of what Lord Adam Gordon called a "great and noble city," "the first Town in America," "one of the Wonders of the World." Its luxury had been so conspicuous that the austere John Adams condemned the "sinful feasts" in which he shared.
About it were fine country seats surrounded by parklike grounds, with noble trees, clipped hedges, and beautiful gardens.

The British believed that Pennsylvania was really on their side.

Many of the people were friendly and hundreds now renewed their oath of allegiance to the King.
Washington complained that the people gave Howe information denied to him.

They certainly fed Howe's army willingly and received good British gold while Washington had only paper money with which to pay.

Over the proud capital floated once more the British flag and people who did not see very far said that, with both New York and Philadelphia taken, the rebellion had at last collapsed.
Once in possession of Philadelphia Howe made his camp at Germantown, a straggling suburban village, about seven miles northwest of the city.
Washington's army lay at the foot of some hills a dozen miles farther away.