He was always dignified, calm, and courteous, but he had an alarmingly direct way with him, especially when he was annoyed.

He was simple almost to bluntness, but now and then would use a grave irony which must have made listening ears tingle.

Congress was patriotic and well-intentioned, and on the whole stood bravely by its general, but it was unversed in war, very impatient, and at times wildly impracticable.

Here is a letter which depicts the situation, and the relation between the general and his rulers, with great clearness.
March 14, 1777, Washington wrote to the President: "Could I accomplish the important objects so eagerly wished by Congress,--'confining the enemy within their present quarters, preventing their getting supplies from the country, and totally subduing them before they are reinforced,'-- I should be happy indeed.

But what prospect or hope can there be of my effecting so desirable a work at this time ?" We can imagine how exasperating such requests and suggestions must have been.