Washington had entered winter quarters at Morristown, having retaken most of the state from the British.

However, provisions for both armies are limited, and commanders on both sides have sent out parties to forage for food and other supplies.

For the past few months, they have engaged in a forage war, in which each targets the foraging parties of the other.

This leads to numerous skirmishes and minor confrontations including the Battle of Millstone.

The British also snipe with each other over the subject of provisions.

Lord Percy resigns his command after a series of disagreements with Howe come to a head over the ability of the Newport station to provide forage to the New York and New Jersey forces.