 The maneuver failed, with the Continentals escaping the trap, but the British took the field.Contemplating the contingency of an early withdrawal by the British from occupied Philadelphia, General George Washington sent Lafayette to Barren Hill (about halfway between Valley Forge and Philadelphia) to reconnoiter British intentions, as well as to interdict British detachments foraging for food in the surrounding countryside.On May 18, Lafayette left the Valley Forge camp with 2,100 troops and five pieces of artillery.