The Howe brothers have been granted authority as peace commissioners by Parliament, with limited powers to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict

King George III is not optimistic about the possibility of a peace, "yet I think it right to be attempted, whilst every act of vigour is unremittingly carried on".

Their powers are limited to granting of "general and special pardons" and to "confer with any of his Majesty's subjects".

On July 14, pursuant to these powers, Admiral Howe had sent a messenger with a letter addressed to "George Washington, Esq." across the harbor.

Washington's adjutant, Joseph Reed, had politely informed the messenger that no person with this title is in their army.

Admiral Howe's aide writes that "the Punctilio of an Address" should not have prevented the letter's delivery, and Howe is said to be visibly annoyed by the rejection.

A second request, addressed to "George Washington, Esq., etc." is similarly rejected, although the messenger is told that Washington will receive one of Howe's adjutants.

In this fruitless meeting, held July 20, Washington points out that the limited powers the Howe brothers had been given are not of much use, as the rebels have done no wrong requiring an amnesty.