Washington was a genius of a spymaster. A lot of his victories came from that. He really loved the art, and used to stage elaborate schemes to fool the enemy.
Indeed...one of my favorite stories was the Quaker woman from Philly who gave him key information before Germantown, I believe. Another one relates to the NJ hunter/trapper (quite a character, he) who informed on troop movements. He never seemed to have trouble getting people to risk it all for him and the Patriot Cause...one reason was that they trusted him completely.
I was going to mention that, so I'm glad you did.
PLUS, never underestimate the visual of riding a white horse! I'm serious. He was tall and cut a dashing figure on foot, or on horseback.
I went to Washington Jr. High, and his portrait (Gilbert) hung in the front hall and in every classroom. Did you know that his eyes could follow you down the hall? Kept all of us rambunctious kids in line.