ABSTRACT
Back in Philadelphia, Clinton superseded Howe as British commander-in-chief. Clinton was soon made to feel repercussions of the Franco-American alliance. Clinton was soon made to feel repercussions of the Franco-American alliance. With fewer men, Clinton might not be able to hold Philadelphia as well as New York: he was told to abandon Philadelphia, at any rate for the time. The American army at Valley Forge had had some reinforcements and a good deal of training at von Steuben's hands. It might be capable of heading off Clinton's weary, straggling column, or even of smashing it to pieces. Lee said it would be madness to tackle British regular troops in such strength. Clinton's men worn out though they were, resisted stubbornly; Clinton's baggage train was well ahead: and at the end of the day Clinton was able to continue the march. Clinton's ships as well as his army were reinstalled there in July 1778.
