Page 34 - ASM Book 9/2020

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Washington Took Command of Ragtag Army
General George Washington often stopped and talked with citizens as he journeyed T to take command of the new Continental Army.
he Second Continental Congress unanimously appointed George Washington on June 15, 1775, as Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Army. John Adams made the nomination.
At the time of his appointment Washington told Congress that he did not want to receive a salary. His only request was that his expenses be paid when the war ended.
Congress commissioned him with the rank of Commanding General. He had never commanded a large army in the field. His only prior military experience was during the French and Indian War, when he held the rank of major in the Virginia militia.
The new general took command on July 3, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where thousands of militiamen from all over New England kept the British Army corralled inside Boston. The siege prevented the British army from leaving the city.
“This day I declare with the utmost sincerity,
I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honoured with.”
-Washington’s Address to the Continental Congress after being appointed Commander-in-Chief