 And they probably felt that they had already done their duty and were looking forward to their time off. They knew that signing up meant risking their lives yet again, and this time perhaps against the king's regular soldiers, not just Hessian mercenaries. So nothing short of a heartfelt appeal from the man at the top would keep them in the army. With a hint of desperation, Washington said to them, and I quote, My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do.