The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-02-26
WASH|NG1ON'S ELECTION
WAS DICTATED BY
RARE WISDOM

he ulfncult question was, who
should be commander-in-ch chief? Adams
in his diary, gives us glimpses of the
conflict of opinions and interests with
in doors. There was the southern
party, he said, which would not brook
the idea of New Englanharmy com
manded by New England general.
Whether this jealousy was sincere,
wrote he, or whether it was mere
pride, and a naughty ambition of
furnishing a southern general to COM
mand a northern army, | cannot say;
but the intention was very visable to
me, that Colonel Washington was
their object; and so many of our
staunchest men were in the plan that
we could carry nothing without it.
There was another embarrassment.
which was never publicly known, and
which was carefully concealed BY
those who knew it. The Massachu-
sets and other New England del
egates were divided. Mr. Hancock
and Mr.. Gushing hung back; Mr..
Paine did not come forward, and even
Mr.. Samuel Adams was irresolute. Mr..
Hancock himself had an ambition to
be appointed ommander-in-c chief
Whether he thought an election
complaint due to him, and intended
to nave the honor OF declining it, or
whether he would have accepted it,
know not To the compliment he had
some pretentions; for, at that time
his eXertions, sacrifices, and general
merits in the cause of his country had
been incomparably greater than those
OF Colonel Washington But the de-
licacy of his health, and his entire
want OF experience in actual service.
tho an excellent militia officer were
decisive objections TO him in nv
mind
Adams says that even the southern
delegates were NOT united for Wash
ington. But he claims the credit Of
bringing congress to a decision. Ris-
ing in his place one day and stating
briefly but earnestly the exigencies
OF the case, he moved that congress
adopt the army at Cambridge and
appoint a general. Tho this was not
the time to nominate the person, vet.
adds he, as | had reason to believe
this was point OF some difficulty, |
had no hesitation to declare, that |
mad but one gentleman in nv mind
Tor that important command, and that
was a gentleman from Virginia, who
was among us and very we'll known to
all OF us; a gentleman whose skill and
experience as an officer, whose in
dependent fortune, great talents, and
excellent universal character would
command the appreciation of all
America, and unite the cordial exer-
ton OF all the colonies better than
A.
Washington, who happened to sit near
the door, as soon as he heard me al
Jude to him from his usual modesty,
darted out of the ROOM Mr.. Han
cock, who was our President, which
gave me opportunity to observe his
countenance, while | was speaking on
the state of the colonies, the army at
Cambridge and the enemy, heard me
with visable pleasure; but when !
came to describe Washington for the
commander, | never remarked a more
sudden and striking change of coun.
tenance. Modification and resentment
were exprest as forcibly as his face
could exhibit them"
The election was by ballot and was
unanimous 1t was formally announc.
ed to him by the president the
next day, when he had taken his seat
IN congress. Rising in his place, he
briefly expressed his high and grateful
sense OF the honor conferred on him
and his sincere devotion to the cause
But he added, Test some unluckl,
event should happen unfayorable to my
reputation, | beg it may be remem,
bered by every gentleman in the room
-,
sincereity, ! do not think myself eaua
TO the command ! am honored with
AS to pay, | beg leave to assure til,
congress that, as no pecuniary con,
sideration could have helped me &c
accept this arduous employment, al
the expense of my domestic ease and
happiness, ! do not wish to make any
profit of it, | will keep an exact ac,
count of my expenses, Those, ! doubt
not, they will discharge. and that /,
all ! desire"
Az this time WASHINGTON wrote tive
letters; one to his wife and one tc
his brother Augustine which are pat
terms of sentiment aud dcrcacy o
feeling.
"On the 10Th of June he received
his commission He set on
ON horseback the 2lSt of June, =
hey had scarcely proceeded twent,
miles from Philadelphia when the,
were met by courier, squirting will
all speed, bearing dispatches iron
The army to congress. communicating
the tidings of the battle of Runke
I'M. Washington eagerly inquired
particulars: above all, how acted tn
Il Al. II
their ground bravely; sustained tn
enemy's fire; reserved their own unit
at close quarters, and then delivere,
IT with deadly effect. it seemed as
weight of doubt and solictitude wer
iiited from his heart. The liberties o
the country are safep exclaimed he
Escorted by troop of light hors
and a cavalcade OF citizens he pro
ceeded to the headquarters provide
Tor him at Cambridge As he en-