Washington was a Necessary Man.
Without him the struggle would not then have continued.

Sooner or later America would have broken free from England, but he was indispensable to the liberty and independence of the Colonies then.
This thought brooded over him at all times, not to make him boastful or imperious, but to impress him with a deeper awe, and to impress also his men with the supreme importance of his life to them all.

They grew restive when, at Princeton, forgetful of self, he faced a volley of muskets only thirty feet away.

One of his officers wrote after the Trenton campaign: Our army love their General very much, but they have one thing against him, which is the little care he takes of himself in any action.

His personal bravery, and the desire he has of animating his troops by example, makes him fearless of danger.