So far it was an orderly demonstration, although not in keeping with military regulations; in fact the men had broken away from camp under the lead of noncommissioned officers.

But when they had been stimulated by drink the disorder became serious.

The humiliating feature of the situation was that Congress could do nothing, even in self-protection.

They appealed, to the Pennsylvania authorities and, when assistance was refused, the members of Congress in alarm fled in the night and three days later gathered in the college building in Princeton.
Congress became the butt of many jokes, but men could not hide the chagrin they felt that their Government was so weak.

The feeling deepened into shame when the helplessness of Congress was displayed before the world.