Question

A very embarrassed George Washington finally had to confess to Lee, "I brought no public papers of any sort (not even the rules which have been established in these cases,) along with me."

What does Washington define in this passage?

the effect of his embarrassment
the cause of his embarrassment
the type of relationship he has with Lee
the type of relationship he has with the public

Answer 1

I'd say the cause of his embarrassment. 

Answer 2

The cause of his embarrassment.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this passage George Washington is very embarrased because he had not brought public papers with him. So what defines Washington in this passage is his embarrassment.