The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1913-06-06

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gress of committees" had addressed it.
self-not protests and resolves, but
quick and efficient action.
The very day it met, body of dar-
| ing provincials under Ethan Allen had
walked into the open gates of Ticon-
| deroga and taken possession of the
stout fortress lin the name of the
Great Jehovah and the Continental
! congress-" and two days later a sim
liar exploit secured Crown Point to the
insurgents.
The Country United.
Active war had begun; an army was
set down before Boston-a rude army
that had grown to be sixteen thousand
strong within the first week of it's
rally; the country was united in gen
eral resistance, and looked to the con-
gress to give it organization and guild
ance
Colonel Washington had come to the
congress in his provincial uniform.
and found himself great deal sought
after in it's committees.
Not only the drawing of state papers
which would once more justify their
cause and their resort to arms in the
eyes Of the word, but the actual mus
tering and equipment of an army,
quick fertilization, the gathering of
munitions and supplies, the raising of
money and the organization of com
missariat, the restraint of the In
dams upon the frontier, was the
business in hand, and Washington
advice was invaluable when such mat
tiers were afoot.
Washington Prompt to Act.
He showed no hesitation as to what
should be done
His own mind had long ago been
made up; and the sessions Of the con-
gress were not ended before Virginia
was committed beyond all possibility of
drawing back.
The 1st of June saw her last house
of burgesses convene; for by the Sth
of the month Dunmore was fugi-
tive-had seen the anger Of a Will
liamsburg mob blaze hot against him,
and had taken refuge in man-of-war
lying up the river.
The province was ready for revolu-
ton, and Washington was ready to go
with 1t.
1t meant more than Washington
thought that he had come to Phila-
delphia habited like a soldier.
1t had not been his purpose to draw
all eyes upon him; it was merely his
instructive expression Of his own per-
sonal feeling with regard to the crisis
that had come. But it was IN its way
a fulfilment of prophecy.
When the first Virginian convention
chose delegates to attend the con
gress OF 1874, "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, if 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 Vireinisns.
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 it, without expect.
ing it.
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
iect TO no common authority; hardly
know what allegiance it bore; might
fall to pieces unless it were adequate
" 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 commander,
and summon the whole country to re-
cruit it.
A Leader Outside New England.
There was an obvious political ne
cessitv 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.