The Ordway new era., 1913-08-29

When the first Virgfnian convention
chose delegates to attend the, con
gress Of 1774. 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 eloquence 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 business"
Self Poise Of the virsinIans.
No wonder the gentlemen from Vir-
ginia. coming with such confidence to
the congress. made the instant i'm
preston they did for mastery and
self-poise!
There are some fine 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 1t.
A Struggling Army.
The irregular army swarming be-
fore Boston was without standing or
government. 1t had run hastily to-
gether out OF four colonies: was sub
ject to no common authority: hardly
know what allegiance 1t bore; might
fall to pieces unless II were adequate.
ly commanded
The congress in Philadelpha was
called upon to recognize and adopt 1t,
give It leave and authority to act for
all the colonies. give 1t commander.
and summon the whole country to re-
cruit it.
A Leader Outside New England.
There was an obvious political ne
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
an acceptable and efficient leader. and
to choose him outside New England.
To John Adams the choice seemed
simple enough. There was no soldier
In America. outside New Engiand-nor
inside either-to be compared. wheth-
er in experience or distinction. with
Washington. the gallant. straightfor-
ward, earnest virginian he had learn
ed SO to esteem and trust there in
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 its commando
gentleman from Virginia. who was
among u.s. he said. "and very well
known to all of us: gentleman
whose skill and experience as an on
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
ter than any other person in the
union"
Washington. taken unawares, rose
and slipped in confusion from the
room.
Washington the Unanimous Choice.
Some Of his own friends doubted
the expediency Of putting virginian
at the head of New England army.
but the more clear-sighted among the
New Englanders did not. and the se-
lection was made. after little hesita.
ton. unanimously.
Washington accepted his commits
sion with that mixture of modesty and
pride that made men love and honor
him. You may believe me. my dear
Patsy" were his simple words to his
wife. when assure you in the most
solemn manner. that. so far from seek
ing this appointment, have used ev-
cry endeavor in my power to avoid
1t. not only from my unwillingness to
part with you and the family. but
from q consciousness Of its being a
trust too great for my capacity. !.
But as It has been a kind OF destiny
that has thrown me upon this service.
shall hope that my Undertaking It
is designed to answer some good pur.
pose. 1t was utterly out Of
my power to refuse this appointment,
without exposing my character to
such censures as would have reflected
dishonor upon myself and given pain
to my friends"
Washington Accepts With Modesty.
He spoke in the same tone to the
congress. II beg It may be remem-
bered." he said. by every gentleman
In this room. that I this day declare
with the utmost sincerity I do not
think myself equal to the command I
am honored with"
His commission was signed on the
18th Of June: on the 21st he was on
the road to the north-the road he
had travelled twenty years ago to con.
suit with Governor Shirley In Boston
upon questions of rank. and to fall
into Mary Philipse's snare by the
way; the road he had ridden after the
races but three yearr ago IN MT