Washington had retired in good order and was still formidable. He
now realized clearly enough that Philadelphia would fall. Delay,
however, would be nearly as good as victory. He saw what Howe
could not see, that menacing cloud in the north, much bigger than
a man's hand, which, with Howe far away, should break in a final
storm terrible for the British cause. Meanwhile Washington meant
to keep Howe occupied. Rain alone prevented another battle before
the British reached the Schuylkill River. On that river
Washington guarded every ford. But, in the end, by skillful
maneuvering, Howe was able to cross and on the 26th of September
he occupied Philadelphia without resistance. The people were
ordered to remain quietly in their houses. Officers were billeted
on the wealthier inhabitants. The fall resounded far of what Lord
Adam Gordon called a "great and noble city," "the first Town in
America," "one of the Wonders of the World." Its luxury had been
so conspicuous that the austere John Adams condemned the "sinful
feasts" in which he shared. About it were fine country seats
surrounded by parklike grounds, with noble trees, clipped hedges,
and beautiful gardens. The British believed that Pennsylvania was
really on their side. Many of the people were friendly and
hundreds now renewed their oath of allegiance to the King.
Washington complained that the people gave Howe information
denied to him. They certainly fed Howe's army willingly and
received good British gold while Washington had only paper money
with which to pay. Over the proud capital floated once more the
British flag and people who did not see very far said that, with
both New York and Philadelphia taken, the rebellion had at last
collapsed.

Once in possession of Philadelphia Howe made his camp at