 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 is forces onto naval transports for an expedition to capture Philadelphia . 
