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CHAPTER IV.

Colonel Washington appointed commander in chief of the American forces....Arrives at Cambridge....Strength and disposition of the two armies....Deficiency of the Americans in arms and ammunition....Falmouth burnt....Success of the American cruisers....Distress of the British from the want of fresh provisions....Difficulty of re-enlisting the army....Plans for attacking Boston....Possession taken of the Heights of Dorchester....Boston evacuated.

FROM the period of his marriage, the attentions of colonel Washington who had retired to Mount Vernon, were, for several years, principally directed to the management of his estate, which had become considerable, and which he carefully improved. He continued a most respected member of the legislature of his country, in which he took an early and a decided part in the opposition made to the claims of supremacy asserted by the British parliament: He was chosen by the independent companies formed through the northern parts of Virginia, to command them; and was elected a member of the first congress which met at Philadelphia, in which body, he was soon distinguished as the soldier of America. He was placed on all those committees whose duty it was to make arrangements for defence; and when it became necessary to appoint a commander in chief, his military character, the solidity of his judgment, the steady firmness of his temper, the dignity of his person and deportment, the confidence inspired by his patriotism and integrity, I f

VOL. II.

and the independence of his circumstances, combined to designate him in the opinion of all, for that high and important station.

That local jealousy and rivalship which on other occasions would have displayed themselves, were on this not only stifled by the patriotic enthusiasm of the moment, but by that policy which induced the sagacious delegation from New England to prefer a commander in chief from the south, because that measure would probably engage the southern colonies more cordially in the war.

On the 14th of June, (1775) he was unanimously chosen general, and commander in chief of the army of the united colonies, and all the forces now raised, or to be raised by them."*

On the succeeding day, when the president communicated this appointment to him, he modestly answered, that though truly sensible of the high honour done him, yet he felt great distress from a consciousness that his abilities and military experience, might not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the congress desired it, he would enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power he possessed in their service, and for support of the glorious cause. He begged them to accept his cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation, and then added,

......." But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the

* See Note, No. XVI, at the end of the volume.

room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with."

He declined all compensation for his services, and avowed an intention to keep an exact account of his expenses, which he should rely on congress to discharge.

A special commission was made out for him;* and a solemn resolution was unanimously entered into, declaring that congress would maintain, assist, and adhere to him as the general and commander in chief of the forces raised, or to be raised, for the maintenance and preservation of American liberty, with their lives and fortunes.

He prepared, without delay, to enter upon the arduous duties of his office; and, having passed a few days in New York, where general Schuyler commanded, and where several important arrangements were to be made, he proceeded with the utmost dispatch to Cambridge, which was the head quarters of the American army.

As all orders of men concurred in approving his appointment, all concurred in expressing the satisfaction which that event had given them, and

* Artemus Ward, of Massachussetts, who had commanded the troops before Boston; colonel Lee, a British officer, who had distinguished himself in Portugal, but had resigned his commission in the service of the king; Philip Schuyler, of New York; and Israel Putnam, of Connecticut, now also before Boston; were appointed to the rank of major generals: and Mr. Horatio Gates, who had held the rank of a major in the British service, was appointed adjutant general.

their determination to afford him the most entire support. Yet even at that time, the address from the provincial congress of New York seemed to disclose some jealousy of the danger* to which liberty was exposed from a military force; and the very expression of their confidence that, when peace should be restored, he would return to the walks of private life, betrayed their fears that so much power once acquired might not readily be relinquished.

Massachussetts manifested more than usual solicitude to demonstrate the respect entertained for their general. A committee of the congress of that province waited to receive him at Springfield, on the confines of the colony, about one hundred miles from Boston, and to escort him to the army, where he arrived on the second of July. Immediately after his arrival, an address was presented to him by the house of representatives, breathing for him the most cordial affection, and testifying for him the most exalted respect. His answer†

* After expressing their joy at his appointment, the address proceeds to say:

"We have the fullest assurances that whenever this important contest shall be decided by that fondest wish of every American soul....an accommodation with our mother country, you will cheerfully resign the important deposit committed into your hands, and reassume the character of our worthiest citizen."

↑ The answer given by general Washington to this warm and flattering address, commenced in the following terms:

"Gentlemen,

"Your kind congratulations on my appointment and arrival, demand my warmest acknowledgments, and will be ever

was well calculated to keep up the favourable impressions which had been made, the preservation of which was essential to the success of that arduous contest into which the united colonies had entered.

The first moments after his arrival in camp were employed in reconnoitring the enemy, and examining the strength and situation of the American troops.

The main body of the British army, under the immediate command of general Howe, was intrenching itself strongly on Bunker's hill, about a mile from Charlestown, and about half a mile in advance of the works which had been thrown up by the Americans on Breed's hill. Three floating batteries lay in Mystic river near the camp, and a twenty gun ship below the ferry, between Boston and Charlestown. There was also on the Boston side of the water, on Cop's or Cope's hill, a strong battery which had greatly annoyed the provincials while in possession of Breed's hill, and which now served to cover and strengthen the

retained in grateful remembrance. In exchanging the enjoyments of domestic life for the duties of my present honourable, but arduous situation, I only emulate the virtue and public spirit of the whole province of Massachussetts, which, with a firmness and patriotism without example, has sacrificed all the comforts of social and political life, in support of the rights of mankind, and the welfare of our common country. My highest ambition is to be the happy instrument of vindicating these rights, and to see this devoted province again restored to peace, liberty, and safety.

GEO. WASHINGTON."

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