The officers were powerless, and it looked as if the disaffection would spread, and the whole army go to pieces in the very face of the enemy.
Washington held firm, and intended in his unshaken way to bring them back to their duty without yielding in a dangerous fashion.

But the government of Pennsylvania, at last thoroughly frightened, rushed into the field, and patched up a compromise which contained most perilous concessions.

The natural consequence was a fresh mutiny in the New Jersey line, and this time Washington determined that he would not be forestalled.

He sent forward at once some regiments of loyal troops, suppressed the mutiny suddenly and with a strong hand, and hanged two of the ringleaders.

The difficulty was conquered, and discipline restored.
To take this course required great boldness, for these mutinies were of no ordinary character.