on august 14, 1775, washington appointed him to become the army's first quartermaster general, under order of congress. even though he preferred to be on the front line, people said he was good at his job. because he failed to properly supply washington and the troops at valley forge, questions were raised. people said he had warehoused and sold supplies, instead of bringing them to washington and his troops. after a talk with washington, mifflin asked to be relieved as quartermaster general but was persuaded to resume those duties because congress did not find a replacement.