<P> Washington's retreat left the remnants of his forces isolated, and, on November 16, the British captured an American army, taking 3,000 prisoners, amounting to the worst American defeat to date . Washington fell back four days later . Henry Clinton then captured Newport, an operation which he opposed, feeling the 6,000 troops assigned to him could have been better employed in the pursuit of Washington . The American prisoners were then sent to the infamous "prison ships", in which more American soldiers and sailors died of disease and neglect than died in every battle of the war combined . Charles Cornwallis pursued Washington, but Howe ordered him to halt, and Washington escaped unmolested . The outlook of the American cause was bleak; the army had dwindled to fewer than 5,000 men, and would be reduced further when the enlistments expired at the end of the year . Popular support wavered, morale ebbed away, and Congress abandoned Philadelphia . Loyalist activity surged in the wake of the American defeat, especially in New York . </P> <P> News of the campaign was well received in Britain; festivities took place in London, and public support reached a peak . William Howe was awarded the Order of the Bath by the King . The successes led to predictions that the British could win within a year . The American defeat revealed Washington's strategic deficiencies, such as dividing a numerically weaker army in the face of a stronger one, his inexperienced staff misreading the situation, and his poorly - trained troops, who fled in disorder when fighting began . In the meantime, the British entered winter quarters, and were in a good place to resume campaigning . </P> <P> On December 25, 1776, Washington stealthily crossed the Delaware, and overwhelmed the Hessian garrison at Trenton the following morning, taking 900 prisoners . The decisive victory rescued the army's flagging morale, and gave a new hope to the cause for independence . Cornwallis marched to re-take Trenton, though his efforts to this end were repulsed on January 2 . Washington outmanoeuvred Cornwallis that night, and defeated his rearguard the following day . The victories proved instrumental in convincing the French and Spanish that the Americans were worthwhile allies, as well as recovering morale in the army . Washington entered winter quarters at Morristown on January 6, though a protracted guerrilla conflict continued . While encamped, Howe made no attempt to attack, much to Washington's amazement . </P> <P> In December 1776, John Burgoyne returned to London to set strategy with Lord George Germain . Burgoyne's plan was to establish control of the Champlain - George - Hudson route from New York to Quebec, isolating New England . Efforts could then be concentrated on the southern colonies, where it was believed Loyalist support was in abundance . Howe instead argued capturing Philadelphia and defeating Washington was a priority . Germain approved this plan, leaving Howe unable to assist Burgoyne . Washington himself was baffled by Howe's choices . Alden argues Howe was influenced by the idea that, upon success, he would not receive credit, but Burgoyne . Controversy persists over whether Germain approved Burgoyne's plan after reading Howe's, and whether he shared this information with his subordinates . Howe was not given any explicit orders to assist Burgoyne, however, a copy Germain sent to Quebec explicitly stated Howe was to assist Burgoyne's efforts . Another letter stated Howe should launch his campaign against Philadelphia as intended, while allowing enough time to assist Burgoyne . Black argues Germain either left his generals too much latitude, or without a clear direction . </P>

Who allied with the british during the american revolution