The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1913-06-06

that had come, But II was in its way
a fulniment OF prophecy.
When the FIRST virginian convention
chose delegates to attend the con-
gress OF I77t. some OF the tickets on
the ballot assigned reasons for the
choice expressed in them. Randolph
should preside In congress; Lee and
Henry should display the different
kinds OF eloduence for which they
were renowned: Washington should
command the army, II an army should
be raised; Bland should open the
treasures of ancient colonial learning;
Harrison should utter plain truths;
and Pendleton should be the penman
for businesss
Self Poise OF the viralnians.
No wonder the gentlemen from vir-
ginia. coming with such confidence TO
the congress. made the instant inn
preston they did for mastery and
self-poisei
There are some fne fellows come
from Virginia" Joseph Reed had re-
ported, but they are very high We
understand they are the capital men
of the colony"
Washington alone awaited his cue.
Now he was to get 1t, without expect
ing II.
A Struggling Army.
The irregular army swarming be-
fore Boston was without standing or
government. II had run hastily to-
gether out OF four colonies; was sub
iect to no common authority: hardly
know what allegiance IT bore; might
fall to pieces unless II were adequate
ly commanded
The congress in Philadelphia was
called upon to recognize and adopt It,
give It leave and authority to act for
all the colonies, give It a commander.
!, and summon the whole country to re-
cruit IT,
A Leader Outside New England.
There was an obvious political me-
} cessity that the thing should be done,
. and done promptly. Massachusetts
did not wish to stand alone; New Eng
/. land wanted the active assistance of
, the other colonies; something must be
: attempted TO secure common action.
+ The first thing to do was to choose
4 an acceptable and efficient leader. and
I TO choose him outside New England
To John Adams the choice seemed
: simple enough There was no soldier
q In America, outside New England-nor
! inside either--to be compared. wheth-
0 or In experience or distinction. with
Q Washington. the gallant. straightfor
\ ward. earnest Virginian he had learn.
! ed so to esteem and trust there In
9 Philadelphia.
John Adams Names Washington.
He accordingly moved that congress
: adopt the army at Cambridge" and
, declared that he had but one gentle
man in mind" for it's commando
gentleman from Virginia. who was
among us" he said. land very well
|, known to all OF us: gentleman
whose skill and experience as an Off
GER. whose independent fortune, great
talents, and excellent universal char
!, acter. would command the approba
= ton OF all America. and unite the cor
dial exertions OF all the colonies bet
Z ter than any other person In the
! union"
Washington. taken unawares. ROSE
! and slipped In confusion from th'
y room.
!, Washington the Unanimous Choice.
Some OF HIS own friends doubted
!. the expedienoy OF putting VirginiaI
= at the head OF New England army
but the more clear-sighted among tn,
New Englanders did not. and the Sc
lection was made, after a little hesita
ton. unanimously.
Washington accepted his commits
sion with that mixture OF modesty ant
pride that made men love and homo
him. 'You may believe me. my dea
Patsy" we're his simple words TO hi
wife. when assure you In the mos
solemn manner. that so far from seek
ing this appointment, ] have used CIV
cry endeavor In my power to avoi'
/ II, not only from my unwillingness 4
: part with you and the family. bu
) from consciousness OF its being
trust too great for my capacity /.
Bat as Il has been kind OF destin,
that has thrown me upon this service
shall hope that my undertaking
Ia designed to answer some good puI
pose. II was utterly out
:, my power to refuse this appointment
without exposing my character I
such censures as would have retlecte
dishonor upon myself and given pal
:, TO my friends"
Washington Accepts With Modesty.
n He spoke In the same tone 90 tn
=. congress. Il beg Il may be remen
"a bered.a he said. by every gentlema
On In this room. that ! this day declar
with the utmost sincerity I do nc
e think myself equal TO the command
Ia am honored with"
a. His commission was signed on th
II. 18th OF June; on the 2lst he was o
"a. the road TO the north--the road h
AZ had travelled twenty years ago to col
suit with Governor Shirley in Bosto
Iu- upon questions OF rank. and to IA
20 into Mary Philipse's snare by III
way: the road he had ridden after III
on races, but three years ago, to pi