Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1925-06-18

frightened delay cautious in his
proaoh, bold and desperate in his onset, calm and
collected in retreat, he at the head of his
brave. but tll-furnished and distracted army IKE
pillar of hre.-Rev. Joel Headey (New York;
The news of Lexington reached George Wash
tngton at Mount Vernon he was preparing TO
leave for Philadelphia to attend the Second Con-
tinental congress. That body began its sessions
May 10 In Carpenters hail. Legally it was no more
a legislative body than was the First Continental
congress- but changed conditions perforce made It
legislative well deliberate.
Before the middle of June the selection of
commander in chief to be necessary
though Gen. ARENAS Ward was in command of the
ten thousand Americans surrounding Bos
ton. June 10 congress resolved that general
be appointed to command all the continental forces
raised to be raised, for the defense of AmeH
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 a conspicuous actor gives
this Illuminating glimpse In his diary:
Accordingly, when congress had assembled
rose in my place, and in short speech the
colonies. the uncertainty in the minds of the
people, their great expectation and anxiety, the
ton, the difficulty collecting another, and the
probability that the British army would take adj
vantage of delays. march out of Boston, and
spread desolation far they could go. I con-
cluded with motion, In form, that congress
a general; that though this not the proper
time to nominate a general, yet as had reason
to believe this was point of the greatest diff
Guilty had no hesitation to DECLARE that had
but one gentleman in mind for that important
ginia who was among us. and very we'll known to
all Of u.s. gentleman whose skill and experience
as an officer whose Independent fortune great
talents and excellent universal character, would
command the appreciation of all America, and
unite the cordial exertons of all the colonies bet
ter than any person in the colonies
Mr. Washington who happened t. sit near the
his usual modesty, darted into the library
Mr. Hancock who president, which gave
me an opportunity to observe his countenance
while / was speaking the state of the col
onies the army at Cambridge and the enemy
heard me with visible pleasure; but when came
to describe Washington for the commander I
never remarked more sudden and striking change
expressed forcbly his face could exhibit
them Mr.. Samuel Adams seconded the motion.
and that did not soIten the plesiuents phySA-
ognomy at all
THE subject came under debate, and several
gentlemen declared themselves against the APP
nointment of Mr.. Washington, not on account of
anv personal objections against him, but because
the troops were all from New England and had
him, and had proved themselves able to imprison
the British army in Boston which was all they
expected desired at that time Mr. Pendleton
If Virginia and Mr.. Sherman of Connecticut were
very explicit in declaring this opinion Mr.. Cush-
ing and several others more family expressed
their opposition, and their fears OF disccntents In
the army and in New England The sub
iect was postponed to future day. In the mean
time pains taken, out of doors, to obtain
unanirnity. and the voices were generally
Clearly in favor of Washington that the dis
ser tient members persuaded to withdraw
their opposition and Mr. Waashington was nom
mated I believe, by Mr.. Thomas Johnson of Mary
laid unanimously elected. and the army adopted.
George Washington played cards. What pity
he never knew poker He would have made gor-
geous player. In the language of players OF The
great national game. he had 'cold feet before but
never during" 1t was the same way with him in
fighting Anyway, here's his speech of ae-
ceptance
Mr.. President Though / truly sensible OF
the high honor done in this appointment. yet