Cornwallis remained in New Jersey through the winter, where an ongoing series of skirmishes kept the German and British forces under his command constantly on edge. Persistent attacks on Cornwallis's own regiment, the 33rd, prompted him to plan a significant retaliatory attack. In early spring 1777, Cornwallis surprised Benjamin Lincoln's garrison at Bound Brook on April 13, very nearly capturing Lincoln. In June, General Howe ordered a movement in force into New Jersey apparently in an attempt to draw Washington into battle from a strong position in the Watchung Mountains. This move failed, although Cornwallis very nearly cut off a portion of Washington's army in the June 26 Battle of Short Hills. These engagements had no long-term impact, and Howe withdrew his forces onto naval transports for an expedition to capture Philadelphia.