It was a question of fact, hard, unrelenting fact, now to be determined by battle, and on him had fallen the burden of sustaining the cause of his country.

In this spirit he accepted his commission, and rode forth to review the troops.

He was greeted with loud acclaim wherever he appeared.

Mankind is impressed by externals, and those who gazed upon Washington in the streets of Philadelphia felt their courage rise and their hearts grow strong at the sight of his virile, muscular figure as he passed before them on horseback, stately, dignified, and self-contained.

The people looked upon him, and were confident that this was a man worthy and able to dare and do all things.
On June 21 he set forth accompanied by Lee and Schuyler, and with a brilliant escort.