George Washing was chosen this day to lead the
Continental forces against the British.
Washington's selection as the Commander &
Chief was not a foregone conclusion and there were several others who
expected to receive the appointment. However, George Washington's
nomination was unanimously approved by the Continental Congress. A sum
of $500 per month was established to pay the Commander & Chief,
but Washington refused pay, asking only that his expenses be reimbursed.
Washington did not seek this position,
but he was one of the few men suited for this position; both in
military experience and in his place and position as a wealthy
Virginia leader. His selection to lead the colonial army, let everyone
know that the colonies were behind Massachusetts in its struggle with
the king. His steady leadership through the war brought about the
impossible victory over the worlds greatest military of the
time.
George Washington received his
commission as General and Commander and Chief on
June 19, 1775 and resigned it December 23, 1783 after the war. His
willingness to resign from such a powerful position has resonated with
Americans for generations.
See the words of the commission below
from the American Battlefield Trust.
Washington's Commission
Commission from the Continental
Congress, 19 June 1775
The Continental Congress appoints George Washington
as Commander and Chief of the Continental Army.
In Congress
The delegates of the United Colonies of New-hampshire,
Massachusetts bay, Rhode-island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey,
Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent & Sussex on Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina
To George Washington Esquire
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism,
conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint you
to be General and Commander in chief of the army of the United
Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of
all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said
army for the defence of American Liberty and for repelling every
hostile invasion thereof And you are hereby vested with full power and
authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the
service.
And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and
soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders &
diligent in the exercise of their several dut⟨ies.⟩ And we do also
enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust
reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed
in th⟨e⟩ army and that the soldiers are duly exercised an⟨d⟩ provided
with all convenient necessaries.
And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules
and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to
observe and foll⟨ow⟩ such orders and directions from time to time as
you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United
Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.
This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this or a
future Congress.
By order of the Congress
John Hancock
President
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/washingtons-commission
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