Task: Question Understanding
Input (English): Passage: Howe resupplied in Nova Scotia and headed for New York City with the British fleet, as it was considered the key to securing the continent. The British forces assembled in New York Bay, including more than 100 ships and thousands of troops. Howes army landed unopposed on Staten Island on July 2, and British ships continued to arrive from England and Carolina for a siege of the city.  Howes troop strength totaled 32,000 well-trained soldiers, including 8,000 Hessian (soldier), while Washingtons troop strength consisted of 23,000 soldiers, 19,000 of whom were raw recruits and militia.  On August 22, Howe landed 20,000 troops at Gravesend, Brooklyn and approached Washingtons fortifications. Washington chose to fight despite the objections of his generals, as he had received false information that Howes army had only 8,000 to 9,000 troops. Howe New York and New Jersey campaign on August 27 and inflicted 1,500 Patriot casualties, while the British suffered 400 casualties.  Washington and his generals decided to retreat, and he instructed General William Heath to make available every flat-bottomed riverboat and sloop in the area. General William Alexander, Lord Stirling held off the British Army and covered the retreat, and the army safely crossed the East River under the cover of darkness to Manhattan Island without loss of life or material—although the British captured General Alexander.
Question: Who had less soldiers, Howes or Washingtons?
Output (English): span