250 Years Ago- "I Am Truly Sensible of the High Honour Done Me in this Appointment"

 

Published by Currier & Ives, c1876

This weekend is not only the 250th anniversary of the United States Armed Forces AND the 250th anniversary of the flag of the United States on June 14- June 15 is the anniversary of George Washington, New Kent's favorite's son (OK, favorite son-in-law) assuming command of the Continental Army. Unanimously voted to assume command of the forces outside the city of Boston by the Continental Congress, John Adams, who moved the nomination, gave this account in his autobiography-

I had no hesitation to declare that I had but one Gentleman in my Mind for that important command, and that was a Gentleman from Virginia who was among Us and very well known to all of Us, a Gentleman whose Skill and Experience as an Officer, whose independent fortune, great Talents and excellent universal Character, would command the Approbation of all America, and unite the cordial Exertions of all the Colonies better than any other Person in the Union. Mr. Washington, who happened to sit near the Door, as soon as he heard me allude to him, from his Usual Modesty darted into the Library Room. . . . 

 Below is the account of Washington's acceptance written by Virginia Delegate Edmund Randolph-

The President informed Colo. Washington that the Congress had yesterday, Unanimously made choice of him to be General & Commander in Chief of the American Forces, and requested he would accept of that Appointment; whereupon Colo. Washington, standing in his place, Spoke as follows.

“Mr. President, Tho’ I am truly sensible of the high Honour done me in this Appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities & Military experience may not be equal to the extensive & important Trust: However, as the Congress desire it I will enter upon the momentous duty, & exert every power I Possess In their service & 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 my self equal to the Command I ⟨am⟩ honoured with.

“As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to Assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this Arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease & 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 & that is all I desire.”