Howe’s caution narrowed his own window for decisive victory in 1776

Evidence

By waiting to start his ground campaign until his full force reached New York in mid-August, Howe cut the time for optimal military operations in 1776 by six weeks even as his eager troops spoke of finishing off the rebels in a “season.” With naval dominance, the maze of rivers and islands around New York City gave Howe a chance to trap Washington’s army there and end the rebellion before winter extended it into 1777. Through an excess of caution, he reduced his time to deal a fatal blow. — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 238

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Howe’s excessive caution at Bunker Hill cost him the decisive victory in 1776 — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 236