Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1925-06-26

I great distress, from a consciousness that
abilities and my military experience may not be
equal to the extensive and important trust. How
ever, the congress desire it, will enter upon
the momentous duty, and exert every power |
possess in their service, and for the support of
the glorious beg they will accept my
most cordial thanks for this distinguished testi-
mony of their appreciation But, lest
lucky event should happen unfavorable to my
reputation, beg it may be remembered, by every
gentleman in this ROOM that this day declare.
with the utmost sincerity, do not think myself
equal to the command honored with. AS TO
pay, sir, beg leave to assure the congress that,
as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted
me to accept the arduous employment at the ex-
pense of my domestic ease and happiness, do
not wish to make any profit from It. will keep
exact account of my expenses. Those, doubt
not. they will discharge, and that is all desire
There are few letters in existence from Wash
ington to his wife. He wrote her many, but 1t
seems to be established that Mrs. Washington,
short time before her DEATH destroyed all his let
tiers to her that she could lay hands on. June 18
he wrote her letter. part of which has been
preserved. After speaking of his appointment and
Of the necessity Of his going to Boston, he said:
You may believe me. my dear Patsy. when I
assure you. in the most solemn manner. that, so
far from seeking this appointment, have used
every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only
from my unwillingness to part with you and the
family, but from consciousness of its being
trust too great for my capacity. and that !
should enjoy more real happiness In one month
with you, at home. than have the most distant
prospect of finding abroad, II my stay were to
he seven times seven years But 1t q
kind of destiny that has thrown upon this
service. shall hope that my undertaking Is de-
signed to good purpose. It
was utterly out of my power to refuse this ap-
pointment without exposing character to such
censures would have reflected dishonor upon
myself and given pain to my friends. This.
sure, could not. and ought not, to be pleasing
to you, and must have lessened me considerably in
my own esteem. / shall rely, therefore, conf
IDENTIFY that Providence which has heretofore
been bountiful to me, not doubling that shall
return safe to you in the fall
General Washington left Philadelphia for Bos-
ton June % by horse. AT Trenton he met courier
riding In haste for Philadelphia with the news Of
Bunker HILL "How did the militia behave?D he
asked. Answered, he exclaimed, "Then the Iber-
ties Of the country are safe" He journeyed by way
of New York, everywhere acclaimed by an admir-
ing people The morning Of July the army was
drawn up Cambridge common and General
Washington drawing his sword, took command
under the authority of the Continental congress.
July he issued his first general order, as follows:
The Continental congress having now taken all
the troops of the several colonies which have been
raised or which may be hereafter raised for the
support and defense of the liberties of America.
into their pay and service, they are now the
troops OF the United Provinces Of North America;
and it Is hoped that all distinction of colonies will
be laid aside, that and the same spirit may
animate the whole. and the only contest be. who
shall render. this great and trying occasion,
the most essential service to the great and COM
mon cause Il whieh Fre all engaged. 1t is re-
cafrea ana expected ststS exact discipline be OBJ
sartA2 and due suselafnAtion prevail through the
vEois army iEfiHre in these most essential
POINTS mast aecessarz1s produce extreme hazard
Cserdeg and ccbfnsfsns Ind end in shameful dis
appoRtYnent and dssraee. The general most
sg~ngsSly requires and Expects due observance
d theso articles Of established for the gov
efnnssn4 OF sns army mich forbid profane cnrs-
las swearing and dr9T kenness; and In like man
nsr 81 rsGutres and nAtects of all officers and SOL
deere n0t enEagsd on actual duty punctual at
tendgnce divine sersice. to implore the bless
rags of Heavsa apoa sl1e means used for safety
ara deeenss
SO began thS War o. Independence. War had
noi ysG beeu deSiaFe6 ~ congress. The flag had
nos yet hesn ae9fted. But the Americans were In
ana Gsu. Georges Washington was at their
hea4