After early colonial losses to the british in new york,

General Washington withdrew his troops to Pennsylvania.

Explanation:

Predicting a British offensive, Washington moved troops from Boston to New York. In August of 1776, the British exceedingly outnumbered and defeated the Continental Army at the Battle of Brooklyn.  

Washington then moved his troops into White Plains, but the failures at the Battle of White Plains and Forts Washington and Lee finally led Washington to retreat his troops to Pennsylvania.