Not true, Washington was not the only general around, he was the only one who could keep general support for his command despite setbacks, and probably the only one who could keep the south (especially Virgina) fighting for Independence. The war can either by very short, find another Washingtonesque figure, or go in another direction entirely. After all a British observer at the time gives us a good picture at the ability of the British leadership at the time, "Any General but Howe could beat Washington, and General but Washington could beat Howe."