This occasions us much uneasiness.

But Heaven, which has hitherto been his shield, I hope will still continue to guard so valuable a life.[1] [Footnote 1: Hapgood, 171.] Robert Morris, who had already achieved a very important position among the Patriots of New York, wrote to Washington: Heaven, no doubt for the noblest purposes, has blessed you with a firmness of mind, steadiness of countenance, and patience in sufferings, that give you infinite advantages over other men.

This being the case, you are not to depend on other people's exertions being equal to your own.

One mind feeds and thrives on misfortunes by finding resources to get the better of them; another sinks under their weight, thinking it impossible to resist; and, as the latter description probably includes the majority of mankind, we must be cautious of alarming them.
Washington doubtless thanked Morris for his kind advice about issuing reports which had some streaks of the rainbow and less truth in them.
He did not easily give up his preference for truth.
Common prudence [he said] dictates the necessity of duly attending to the circumstances of both armies, before the style of conquerors is assumed by either; and I am sorry to add, that this does not appear to be the case with us; nor is it in my power to make Congress fully sensible of the real situation of our affairs, and that it is with difficulty (if I may use the expression) that I can, by every means in my power, keep the life and soul of this army together.

In a word, when they are at a distance, they think it is but to say, Presto begone, and everything is done.