It was the same ever recurring effort to keep the American army, and thereby the American Revolution, alive.

There was nothing in this task to stir the blood and rouse the heart.

It was merely a question of grim tenacity of purpose and of the ability to comprehend its overwhelming importance.

It was not a work that appealed to or inspirited any one, and to carry it through to a successful issue rested with the commander-in-chief alone.
In the frost and snow he withdrew to Valley Forge, within easy striking distance of Philadelphia.

He had literally nothing to rely upon but his own stern will and strong head.