[159] Howe retreated to New York City where his army remained inactive until early the next year.[160] From January to May, Washington took up winter headquarters in Jacob Arnold's Tavern in Morristown, New Jersey,[161][162][163] while he received munition from Hibernia mines.[164] Meanwhile, "his troops stayed in [locals]’ homes"[165] or camped in the Loantaka Valley to the east.[166][167] While in Morristown, Washington disrupted British supply lines and expelled them from parts of New Jersey.[168] Washington later said the British could have successfully counterattacked his encampment before his troops were dug in.[168] The victories at Trenton and Princeton by Washington revived Patriot morale and changed the course of the war.[152]
The British still controlled New York, and many Patriot soldiers did not re-enlist or deserted after the harsh winter campaign. Congress instituted greater rewards for re-enlisting and punishments for desertion to effect greater troop numbers.[169] Strategically, Washington's victories were pivotal for the Revolution and quashed the British strategy of showing overwhelming force followed by offering generous terms.