Washington took high ground with them, but they stood respectfully firm, and finally had their way.

Not long after came another outbreak in the Connecticut line, with similar results.

These object lessons had some result, and by foreign loans and the ability of Robert Morris the country was enabled to stumble along; but it was a frightful and wearing anxiety to the commander-in-chief.
Washington saw at once that the root of the evil lay in the feebleness of Congress, and although he could not deal with the finances, he was able to strive for an improvement in the governing body.

Not content with letters, he left the army and went to Philadelphia, in the winter of 1779, and there appealed to Congress in person, setting forth the perils which beset them, and urging action.

He wrote also to his friends everywhere, pointing out the deficiencies of Congress, and begging them to send better and stronger men.