Not deceived by the efforts to make him think that they aimed at Boston, but still fearing that the sailing might be only a ruse and the Hudson the real object after all, Washington moved cautiously to the Delaware, holding himself ready to strike in either direction.

On the 31st he heard that the enemy were at the Capes.

This seemed decisive; so he sent in all directions for reinforcements, moved the main army rapidly to Germantown, and prepared to defend Philadelphia.

The next news was that the fleet had put to sea again, and again messengers went north to warn Putnam to prepare for the defense of the Hudson.

Washington himself was about to re-cross the Delaware, when tidings arrived that the fleet had once more appeared at the Capes, and after a few more days of doubt the ships came up the Chesapeake and anchored.
Washington thought the "route a strange one," but he knew now that he was right in his belief that Howe aimed at Philadelphia.