ARNOLD'S TREASON, AND THE WAR IN THE SOUTH The spring of 1780 was the beginning of a period of inactivity and disappointment, of diligent effort and frustrated plans.

During the months which ensued before the march to the south, Washington passed through a stress of harassing anxiety, which was far worse than anything he had to undergo at any other time.

Plans were formed, only to fail.

Opportunities arose, only to pass by unfulfilled.

The network of hostile conditions bound him hand and foot, and it seemed at times as if he could never break the bonds that held him, or prevent or hold back the moral, social, and political dissolution going on about him.
With the aid of France, he meant to strike one decisive blow, and end the struggle.