Neither men nor supplies could be obtained; neither transportation nor provision for the march could be promised.

Then, too, in addition to all this, came a wholly new set of stumbling-blocks arising among the allies.

Everything hinged on the naval force.

Washington needed it for a short time only; but for that crucial moment he must have not only superiority but supremacy at sea.
Every French ship that could be reached must be in the Chesapeake, and Washington had had too many French fleets slip away from him at the last moment and bring everything to naught to take any chances in this direction.

To bring about his naval supremacy required the utmost tact and good management, and that he succeeded is one of the chief triumphs of the campaign.