On the contrary, he was educated by circumstances; but the metal came out of the furnace of experience finely tempered, because it was by nature of the best and with but little dross to be purged away.

In addition to all this he acquired for the moment what would now be called a European reputation.

He was known in Paris as an assassin, and in England, thanks to the bullet letter, as a "fanfaron" and brave braggart.

With these results he wended his way home much depressed in spirits, but not in the least discouraged, and fonder of fighting than ever.
Virginia, however, took a kinder view of the campaign than did her defeated soldier.

She appreciated the gallantry of the offer to fight in the open and the general conduct of the troops, and her House of Burgesses passed a vote of thanks to Washington and his officers, and gave money to his men.