We can find them all through the correspondence, but here in May, 1780, they come out with peculiar vividness.

They are qualities arising from a wide foresight, and from a sure and quick perception.

They are not the qualities of a slow or heavy mind.
On June 1 came the news of the surrender of Charleston and the loss of the army, which was followed by the return of Clinton to New York.

The southern States lay open now to the enemy, and it was a severe trial to Washington to be unable to go to their rescue; but with the same dogged adherence to his ruling idea, he concentrated his attention on the Hudson with renewed vigilance on account of Clinton's return.
Adversity and prosperity alike were unable to divert him from the control of the great river and the mastery of the middle States until he saw conclusive victory elsewhere fairly within his grasp.

In the same unswerving way he pushed on the preparations for what he felt to be the coming of the decisive campaign and the supreme moment of the war.