Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1925-06-25

frightened into no delay. cautious in his APP
proach bold and desperate in his onset calm and
brave. but l-furnished and distracted army like
pillar OF nrs.--Rev. Joel Headley New York;
The news Of Lexington reached George Wash
tngton at Mount Vernon as he was preparing to
leave for Philadelphia TO attend the Second Con-
tinental congress. That body began its sessions
May 10 In Carpenters hall. Legally 1t was no more
legislative body than was the First Continental
congress, but changed conditions perforce made It
legislative we'll as deliberate.
Before the middle of June the selection Of
commander Ia chief was seen to be necessary.
though Gen. ARENAS Ward was In command Of the
ten thousand or more Americans surrounding Bos-
ton. June IS congress resolved that a general
be appointed to command all the continental forces
raised or TO be raised. for the defense Of Ameri-
can liberty" and that five hundred dollars, per
month, be allowed for the pay and expenses Of
the general" There were many embarrassing
features In the situation concerning the choice.
John Adams, who was a conspicuous actor. gives
this Illuminating glimpse In his diary:
. Accordingly, when congress had assembled
rose IN my place, and in short speech the
subject would admit, presented the state OF the
colonies the uncertainty In the minds Of the
people, their great expectations ana anxiety. the
distresses Of the army, the danger OF ts dissolu-
probability that the British army would take ad-
vantage Of delays march out OF Boston. and
snread desolation as Tar as they could 20 / con-
cluded with a notion In form. that congress
would adopt the army at Cambridge and appoint
a general; that though this was not the proper
time nominate general, yet. as had reason
20 believe this point of the greatest dim
Guilty. had no hesitation 20 declare. that I had
but one gentleman in my mind for that important
command. and that was gentleman from yfr-
ginia who was among as. and very well known 10
Ali Of us: gentleman whose skill and experiences
as an odncer. whose independent fortune, great
talents, and excellent universal character, would
comm and-ths= appreciation OF all America. and
uEte the cordial exertionH OF ali the colonies bet
ter than any person in the colonies
Mr. Washington, who happened e sit near the
door as soon as he heard aliudS to him, from
his usual nodesty darted into the library room
M Hancock. who president which gave
me an opportunity TO observe his countenancs
while was speaking on the state OF the col
heard me with visible pleasure; bat when came
10 describe Washington for the commandef. 1
os Mortacatson sno resentment Msrs
expressedi as forcsbiy his face could exhibit
ana that dd not soften the presidents physl-
ognony at all
sbe subject came under debate, ana sew.raI
gsntIemsn declared themselves against the APP
4 nv personal objections against hlms@but becauae
ne troops wers ali frou8 New EnSIand and mad a
~~nsraI 81 thesf swn appeared to be sasssned visa
him. and had proved themselves able 70 lmpKason
s s1..cssd or desired a that time Mr. psnaiston
81 virginia and Mr.. sherman of Connecticut were
= 49, expllet n aeclariae this oplnson Mr Gust
ma several others more faInty sxrsssS
tfsasx oppostttou fiseTfeaFs 81 descendants In
4. amy and In New England The euh
ne ne al ~ posponsd to day In ss ss
liroe pminn taken ont Of doors, 70 obtain 4
ma. and the voices we're generally a.
$3.50 favor OF washington that ths az
sentisnt membsxs " ere psxHumneu q wsfhdx8w
heir ogSostisn. sad - NJ wnssn1nsson We no
and unanimously elected. and ths army aaopesd
George washington played cardR whaf 0stv
be never knew poker. He would have made cor
zeoun player In the language az players OF tins
greaf national game be had -e0ld feet before. bms
lever during II was TIE same way with hin a
. Ntm