struggle with the mother country, and the necessity of doing every thing reasonable to keep alive the ardent patriotism and self-sacrificing spirits of its wealthy aristocracy, rendered it every way desirable to choose a commander-in-chief from that colony. Accordingly, June 15th, Washington was nominated by Johnson of Maryland, and unanimously chosen.[1] We who have the advantage of retrospect, can now see most clearly, that Washington was the man, if not the only man, competent for the discharge of the duties which were imposed upon him. All his previous course had tended to fit him for the post, and we may reverently believe, that God favored the cause of our country, when He raised up such a man to take command of her army, and conduct to a successful issue the American Revolution.
The next day Washington returned thanks to the House for the signal honor done him by Congress, and modestly expressing his doubt in respect to his fitness for the post, and asking it to be remembered by every gentleman in the room, in view of what might happen, that he did not think himself equal to the command placed in his trust, he begged to decline receiving any pay for his services. "As no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me," were his words, "to accept this arduous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those, I doubt not, Congress will discharge; and that is all I desire."
On the 20th of June, Washington received his commission, [2] and the members of Congress pledged themselves, by a unanimous resolve, to maintain, assist, and adhere to him, with their lives and fortunes, in the cause of liberty and right. Four major-generals, Artemas Ward, Israel Putnam, Philip Schuyler, and Charles Lee, were appointed directly after; as were also eight brigadier-generals, Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, Joseph
- ↑ Mr. Curtis has a long and interesting note on this point, the conclusion of which is, "There can be no doubt, that Washington was chosen commander-in-chief for his unquestionable merits, and not as a compromise between sectional interests and local jealousies."—"History of the Constitution," vol., p. 41-58.
- ↑ It was in the following words: "To George Washington, Esq.:—We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be general and commander-in-chief of the army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised by them, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their services, and join the said army for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof; and you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service. And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, and diligent in the exercise of their several duties. And we do also enjoin and require you, to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in the army, and that the soldiers be duly exercised, and provided with all convenient necessaries. And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect, by the rules and discipline of war, (as here given you,) and punctually to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of these United Colonies, or committee of Congress. This commission is to continue in force, until revoked by this, or a future Congress.
Signed,John Hancock, President"
