In the following spring the battles of Lexington and Concord, on April 19th, began the war of the American Revolution.  A few weeks later, a Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.  The delegates to it, understanding that they must prepare for war, proceeded to elect a Commander-in-Chief.  There was some jealousy between the men of Virginia and those of Massachusetts.  The former seemed to think that the latter assumed the first position, and indeed, most of the angry gestures had been made in Boston, and Boston had been the special object of British punishment.  Still, with what may seem unexpected self-effacement, they did not press strongly for the choice of a Massachusetts man as Commander-in-Chief.  On June 15, 1775, Congress having resolved “that a general be appointed to command all the continental forces raised or to be raised for the defence of American liberty,” proceeded to a choice, and the ballots being taken, George Washington, Esq., was unanimously elected.  On the next day the President of the Congress, Mr. John Hancock, formally announced the election to Colonel Washington, who replied: 

Mr. President, though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust.  However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty and exert every power I possess in the service and for the support of the glorious cause.  I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.  But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.

As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress, that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it.  I will keep an exact account of my expenses.  Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.[1]

[Footnote 1:  Ford, II, 477-78-79, 480-81.]

Accompanied by Lee and Schuyler and a brilliant escort, he set forth on June 21st for Boston.  Before they had gone twenty miles a messenger bringing news of the Battle of Bunker Hill crossed them.  “Did the Militia fight?” Washington asked.  On being told that they did, he said:  “Then the liberties of the country are safe.”  Then he pushed on, stopping long enough in New York to appoint General Schuyler military commander of that Colony, and so through Connecticut to the old Bay State.  There, at Cambridge, he found the crowd awaiting him and some of the Colonial troops.  On the edge of the Common, under a large elm tree broad of spread, he took command of the first American army.  It was the second of July, 1775.