When quantities of clothing were ready for use, they were not delivered at Valley Forge owing to lack of transport.

Washington expressed his contempt for officers who resigned their commissions in face of these distresses.

No one, he said, ever heard him say a word about resignation.

There were many desertions but, on the whole, he marveled at the patience of his men and that they did not mutiny.

With a certain grim humor they chanted phrases about "no pay, no clothes, no provisions, no rum," and sang an ode glorifying war and Washington.