Page 141 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

A Patriot’s view of the history and direction of our Country

Washington presented himself to the Second Continental Congress

in full uniform and announced he was prepared for war. For a man
of Washington's position and stature – personally, politically and

militarily – and from his original position while a state
representative in Virginia's House of Burgesses, this was significant

to the Second Continental Congress. For me, this act alone is why
he is the Father of our Country.

Washington was appointed commander of the colonial army

and for several reasons he was the most qualified. Unlike New

England, Virginia had not been subjected to the oppression of
England and with Virginia being the largest colony, and from the

south; the colonial movement to independence needed the support
of the south. For this, Washington's personal stature was needed.

As for Washington himself as commander of the army against the
better trained, equipped and larger English army, Washington was

not of the same qualifications. His battlefield experience was

-- 141 --