sentences:  Henry helped recruit new troops for Washington, but his efforts were hampered by several issues, including the weakness of Henry's office.In December 1776, with the General Assembly alarmed at reports Washington's army was in retreat as the British occupied Philadelphia, legislators granted Henry temporary expanded powers, something that Jefferson was still unhappy about years later, feeling that Henry was trying to set himself up as dictator.In March 1777, Henry wrote to Washington seeking permission to recruit soldiers for terms of up to eight months.