During his years leading the Continental Army, there are dozens of examples of his courage, both large and small. Perhaps one of the greatest examples was his gift for instilling courage in those around him and in himself. Even in the darkest circumstances for himself and his army, he was able to provide strength and courage to them all. In a British attack on New York, “Washington's army was defeated and suffered the surrender of 2,800 men. He ordered the remnants of his army to retreat across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania” (“Biography of George Washington”). Washington could have surrendered with the vast majority of his army, but instead he showed courage and decided to fight another day. Washington and his army had to face affliction and suffering especially during the harsh winters they had to endure. Conditions were horrible for various reasons: epidemics; freezing due to lack of accommodation; and rarely enough food, ammunition or clothing. Many men deserted the army, but miraculously Washington was able to show courage and boldness to keep his army together. By his sheer will and determination, “the soldiers felt perfect confidence in the wise leadership of the Commander in Chief, and his splendid courage, foresight, and marvelous power of endurance won the final freedom of the long-suffering colonies” (“George Washington: The Commander in Chief"). Eventually, under his rule and valor, the army captured the British soldiers at Yorktown, Virginia. “Washington was declared a national hero” (“George Washington”). Washington not only showed extraordinary courage in battles, but he also showed profound courage simply by becoming president. There had never been a president in the new country before, so he had no previous examples or precedents. In the records of