He had some officers, such as Greene, Knox, and Benedict Arnold, whom he trusted.

Others, like Gates and Conway, were ceaseless intriguers.

To General Sullivan, who fancied himself constantly slighted and ill-treated, Washington wrote sharply to abolish his poisonous suspicions.
Howe had offered easy terms to those in New Jersey who should declare their loyalty and to meet this Washington advised the stern policy of outlawing every one who would not take the oath of allegiance to the United States.

There was much fluttering of heart on the New Jersey farms, much anxious trimming in order, in any event, to be safe.

Howe's Hessians had plundered ruthlessly causing deep resentment against the British.