The young man wrote to Margaret in care of Franklin this account of the day which followed his return to camp:
"Thank God! I saw on the face of our Commander the same old look of unshaken confidence. I knew that he could see his way and what a sense of comfort came of that knowledge! More than we can tell we are indebted to the calm and masterful face of Washington. It holds up the heart of the army in all discouragements. His faith is established. He is not afraid of evil tidings. This great, god-like personality of his has put me on my feet again. I was in need of it, for a different kind of man, of the name of Arnold, had nearly floored me."
"'Sit down here and tell me all about Franklin,' he said with a smile.
"I told him what was going on in Paris and especially of the work of our great minister to the court of Louis XVI.
"He heard me with deep interest and when I had finished arose and gave me his hand saying:
"'Colonel, again you have won my gratitude. We must keep our courage.'
"I told him of my unhappy meeting with Arnold.
"'The man has his faults--he is very human, but he has been a good soldier,' Washington answered.
"The thought came to me that the love of liberty had lifted many of us above the human plane of sordid striving.
"Solomon came into camp that evening. He was so glad to see me that he could only wring my hand and utter exclamations.