General George Washington: A Military Life. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2006. Realistic Visionary: A Portrait of George Washington. The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of An American Icon. Quoted in Ron Chernow, Washington: A Life (New York: Penguin, 2010), 188.Įllis, Joseph J. 'Journals of the Continental Congress, 16 June 1775. Butterfield (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1951), 92.Ģ. 'Benjamin Rush to Thomas Rushton, 29 October 1775,' in Letters of Benjamin Rush, Vol. Henry, what I now tell you: from the day I enter upon the command of the American armies, I date my fall, and the ruin of my reputation.' 3 Before speeding to Boston, Washington purchased several texts on organizing and leading large armies.ġ. Encountering Patrick Henry after the vote, Washington's eyes filled with tears as he told his fellow Virginian 'Remember Mr. In private letters, Washington thought himself unworthy of the monumental task he faced. In his acceptance speech of June 16, Washington sounded the appropriate chords of humility in stating, 'I am truly sensible of the high Honor done me in this Appointment… I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with.' 2

He declined a salary, asking only that he be reimbursed for expenses he accrued during the conflict.

In his statements after his appointment, Washington pledged obedience to the civilian authorities in Congress. Benjamin Rush explained that, 'He has so much martial dignity in his deportment that you distinguish him to be a general and a soldier from among ten thousand people.' 1 Washington's presence also helped his cause several contemporaries described his appearance as majestic. Politically, Washington was a moderate revolutionary a sober leader determined to defend colonial rights. Lastly, Washington's fellow Virginians convinced many congressmen of his singular determination to the patriot cause. At forty-three, he was vigorous and young enough to survive the long campaigns of a protracted conflict. Congress sought a commander with direct combat experience, and few had more than Washington. To make the rebellion a truly continental endeavor, the participation of Virginia-the wealthiest and most populous colony-was essential.

Washington's selection made sense for several reasons. Washington's unanimous choice signified the beginning of a process to create a national military force. An army drawn from all of the colonies with a Virginia commander would make the Massachusetts cause a struggle shared by the entire continent. Those unfamiliar with his politics and reputation sounded out the Virginia delegation for information.Ī need for unity and common cause among the colonies motivated delegates to consider Washington. Washington commanded a loyal following among many of his fellow delegates. Others thought that an outsider in command would truly make the militia a 'Continental' army. Several New England congressmen believed that their officers should command the army surrounding Boston. The New England forces lacked guns, ammunition, training, and most importantly leadership. The selection of a commander of the militia forces gathering outside Boston after the battles of Lexington and Concord constituted an important priority for the Congress. One of Washington's first acts included designing a buff and blue colored uniform sewn by an indentured servant at Mount Vernon named Andrew Judge Washington wore it throughout his time in Philadelphia. Washington had a respected military reputation based on his time serving in the French and Indian War, lending him respectability and a certain level of expertise. Immediately he was placed on several committees that handled military preparedness in the colonies. George Washington arrived at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on May 9, 1775.

The commander in chief