On 24 June, Washington and his senior commanders debated whether they should pursue the British. Echoing the sentiments of most of of those present, General Greene urged Washington to seek battle with the enemy as he marched north toward New York City.
"If we suffer the enemy to pass through the Jerseys without attempting any thing upon them I think we shall ever regret it. I cannot help thinking we magnify our difficulties beyound reallities. We are now in the most awkward situation in the World—we have come with great rapidity until we got near the Enemy and then our courage faild us and we halted without attempting to do the enemy the least injury. Your Excellency may remember I mentiond this matter at Buckingham—People expects something from us & our strength demands it. I am by no means for rash measures but we must preserve our reputation. I think we can make a very serious impression with out any great risque and if it should amount to a general action I think the chance is greatly in our favor. How ever I think we can make a partial attack without suffering them to bring us to a general action."
Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene to Gen. George Washington, 24 June 1778www.founders.archives.gov