[177] British commander Howe resigned in May 1778, left America forever, and was replaced by Sir Henry Clinton.[178]

Valley Forge and Monmouth
Main articles: Valley Forge and Battle of Monmouth
Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge by John Ward Dunsmore (1907), depicting Washington and Marquis de Lafayette at Valley Forge
Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth by Emanuel Leutze (1851–1854), depicting Washington at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey in June 1778
Washington's army of 11,000 went into winter quarters at Valley Forge north of Philadelphia in December 1777. They suffered between 2,000 and 3,000 deaths in the extreme cold over six months, mostly from disease and lack of food, clothing, and shelter.[179] Meanwhile, the British were comfortably quartered in Philadelphia, paying for supplies in pounds sterling, while Washington struggled with a devalued American paper currency. The woodlands were soon exhausted of game, and by February, lowered morale and increased desertions ensued.[180]
Washington made repeated petitions to the Continental Congress for provisions. He received a congressional delegation to check the Army's conditions and expressed the urgency of the situation, proclaiming: "Something must be done. Important alterations must be made."