 Complete the following phrase:  Washingtons failure to prevent the British from occupying New York at the end of 1776 and Philadelphia in September 1777, along with his conduct of the war, led to criticism within Congress and his own officer corps about his abilities as commander-in-chief. By November 1777, he was hearing rumors of a Strong Faction within Congress that favored his replacement by General Horatio Gates, who had won major victories in September and October at the 