British Withdrawal from New Brunswick

After failing to draw Washington into battle in central New Jersey, Howe ordered the evacuation of New Brunswick on June 22, 1777, pulling his forces back toward the coast. The withdrawal ended months of British occupation and signaled the abandonment of the overland approach to Philadelphia.

For New Brunswick residents, the British departure brought relief but also uncertainty. The town had been damaged by occupation, its economy disrupted, and its population divided by Loyalist and patriot sympathies. The withdrawal did not end the war's impact on the town — partisan raids, militia operations, and supply movements continued to affect the area for the duration of the conflict.