With the return of warmer weather that spring, Washington convened a council of war on May 8 to decide when and how to start the campaign season. The signing of a trade and military alliance with France back in February had given the Patriots new hope for going on the offensive, but French ground and naval reinforcements would not arrive until the summer. Unsure about Clinton’s plans, Washington’s staff and division commanders recommend remaining at Valley Forge until the British Army departed Philadelphia.
"We beg leave to offer it as our opinion, after a free and unreserved discussion of the subject, that the line of conduct most consistent with sound policy, and best calculated to promote the interest and safety of the United States—is to remain on the defensive and wait events; without attempting any offensive operation of consequence, unless the future circumstances of the enemy, should afford a fairer opportunity, than at present exists, for striking some successful blow; in the mean time employing our utmost exertions, to put the army in the most respectable state, possible, both with respect to numbers, appointments and discipline; and to establish and fill our magazines, with arms, military stores, provisions and necessaries of every kind; so as to be upon a proper footing more effectually to counteract, any measures of offence, which may be hereafter adopted, by the enemy, or to undertake, at a more convenient season, any offensive entreprise, that may be found necessary against them."
Council of War to Gen. George Washington, (Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, scribe), 9 May 1778