After General Howe’s forces defeated the Americans at Brooklyn Heights and White Plains, Washington’s strategy called for drawing the British forces inland. General Howe not only moved inland to the northwest that is towards Manhattan but further West to New Jersey. General Howe defeated the Continental army of George Washington not only in 1776 but also during the winter months of 1775. The British controlled the New York harbour until the end of the war. They used this harbour as a base to attack other targets.