3. Enlistments threatened the existence of the Continental Army in December
Besides the humiliating defeats endured by the Continentals in 1776, many other problems plagued George Washington during the retreat through New Jersey. His men had not been paid for months; many had never been paid at all. Food was scarce, what little had been supplied by Congress often proved to be spoiled. Clothes issued earlier in the summer had worn out, especially shoes and boots. Unseasonably cold weather set in during November and continued into December. Congress received Washington’s many letters describing the condition of his men, considered them, debated, and did nothing. Having not given themselves the authority to levy taxes, there wasn’t much they could do, besides begging the states for help.
Once Washington’s army crossed into Pennsylvania he paused his retreat. He had two things in his favor. One, the Delaware River was in flood, with ice floes hampering navigation. Two, it was the custom of the British Army, in fact, all European armies, to close down offensive operations during the winter months. Washington also had a well-organized espionage network informing him of British plans and the disposition of troops. The British established a chain of outposts across New Jersey and settled down for the winter. Temporarily safe from further pursuit, Washington turned his attention to convincing his troops to extend their enlistments for an additional six weeks. He could promise little besides what the men had already been promised and not received. Yet if he did nothing he would have no army at all as the New Year began.