He was influential at the French court and came back with abundant promises, which were in part fulfilled.
Washington himself and Oliver Cromwell are perhaps the only two civilian generals in history who stand in the first rank as military leaders.
It is doubtful indeed whether it is not rather character than military skill which gives Washington his place.

Only one other general of the Revolution attained to first rank even in secondary fame.

Nathanael Greene was of Quaker stock from Rhode Island.

He was a natural student and when trouble with the mother country was impending in 1774 he spent the leisure which he could spare from his forges in the study of military history and in organizing the local militia.

Because of his zeal for military service he was expelled from the Society of Friends.
In 1775 when war broke out he was promptly on hand with a contingent from Rhode Island.