VI. 1774. CHAPTER a reconciliation would ultimately be effected on such terms as the colonists would accept; that is, by desisting from oppressive claims, and restoring things to their original position. It was his opinion, nevertheless, that the colonists were bound, in duty to themselves and posterity, to vindicate and maintain their ancient liberties, their rights as men and British subjects, and that they ought to be prepared, with all their resources and strength, to meet the issue to which stern necessity might impel them. On this ground he stood firm, never wavering for a moment, looking steadily at the object in view, and regarding the struggles and hazards in attaining it as dust in the balance. * Anecdote of Mr. Wirt relates an anecdote of him, which shows in what estimation he was held by the members of the first Congress. Soon after Patrick Henry returned home, being asked "whom he thought the greatest man in Congress," * It is not easy to determine at what precise date the idea of independence was first entertained by the principal persons in America. English writers, arguing from the conduct of the colonists, have commonly charged them with secretly harboring such designs at a very early period. This is not probable. The spirit and form of their institutions, it is true, led them to act frequently as an independent people, and to set up high claims in regard to their rights and privileges; but there is no sufficient evidence to prove, that any province, or any number of prominent individuals, entertained serious thoughts of separating entirely from the mother country, till very near the actual commencement of the war of the revolution. It was the belief, before the meeting of the Congress, particularly of the more cautious and moderate, that petitions to the King and Parliament, by a body of representatives assembled from all parts of the colonies, would be respected, and in the end procure redress. They, on the contrary, who, like Washington, had no confidence in the success of this measure, looked forward to the probable appeal to arms, but still without any other anticipations, than, by a resolute vindication of their rights, to effect a change in the conduct and policy of the British government, and restore the colonies to their former condition. It was not till these petitions were rejected with a show of indifference, if not of contempt, that the eyes of all were opened to the necessity of unconditional submission, or united resistance. From that time the word independence was boldly pronounced, and soon became a familiar sound to the ears of the whole people. * VI. 1775. he replied, "If you speak of eloquence, Mr. Rutledge of CHAPTER South Carolina is by far the greatest orator; but, if you speak of solid information and sound judgment, Colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on that floor." This opinion was verified by every act of his life. His knowledge, on the subjects to which he gave his attention, was most thorough and exact; and all the world has agreed, that no other man has given such proofs of the soundness of his judgment. The business of the Congress being over, Washington went back to the occupations of his farm. Little leisure was left him, however, for these favorite pursuits. It had long been a custom in Virginia to form independent companies for military discipline. These companies chose their own officers, adopted uniforms, and provided themselves with colors, arms, and drums, being governed by the general regulations of the militia laws. Companies of this description had recently been encouraged by Governor Dunmore, who had an Indian war upon his hands, and was fitting out a formidable expedition to the West. Returns to the occupa tions of his farm. Oct. 27. Chosen to command companies. Their martial spirit was quickened, when it was perceived that their services might be wanted in a cause of volunteer vastly greater moment. As the first military character in the province, Colonel Washington was much consulted by the officers, and his counsels were implicitly followed. He had hardly returned from the Congress, when he was solicited by the independent company of Prince William County to take command of them as field-officer. Other companies tendered him the same honor; and it seemed to be the unanimous expectation of the people, that, in the event of a war, he would be placed at the head of the Virginia forces. He yielded to the solicitations of the companies, reviewed them at the different points of rendezvous, animated them by his example; and his advice and instructions were received by them as orders, which they were bound to obey. * Life of Patrick Henry, 3d edition, p. 113. CHAPTER VI. 1775. second Virginia Convention. The second Virginia Convention met at Richmond on the 20th of March, 1775. Washington attended as a delegate. The proceedings of the general Congress were first Attends the taken up, examined, discussed, and approved. Patrick Henry then introduced resolutions to establish a more efficient system of embodying, arming, and disciplining the militia. This proposition was startling to some of the members, who thought so bold a step premature, till the result of the last petition to the King should be more fully known. It was carried by a majority, however, who, like Washington, after the experiments already tried, had no faith in the success of petitions. A committee, of which Washington was a member, was accordingly selected to report a plan. Deference would naturally be paid to his superior knowledge and experience in military affairs, and it may be presumed that the scheme was chiefly modelled by him. In defending the above resolutions, Patrick Henry made the celebrated speech, in which he said; "We must fight! I repeat it, Sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us! " On a com- Encouragement of arts and manufactures. The Convention next took notice of the internal state of the province. To remedy the wants, which the people would suffer from the cessation of imports, it was proposed to devise a plan for the encouragement of arts and manufactures. Washington was likewise on the committee for digesting and preparing this plan. Various articles were enumerated, most essential for use, which it was believed might be manufactured in the colony, and methods were indicated for accomplishing so desirable an end. The people were advised to form themselves into societies and committees for mutual intelligence and aid, to offer premiums, and to promote the culture of wool, cotton, flax, and hemp. The members of the Convention agreed, that they would use home manufactures in preference to any others, and recommended this patriotic practice to their constituents. The former delegates were rechosen to represent Virginia in the next Continental Congress. On the day this VI. 1775. choice was made, Washington wrote to his brother, ap- CHAPTER proving his zeal in training an independent company, and adding; "I shall very cheerfully accept the honor of commanding it, if occasion require it to be drawn out, as it is my full intention to devote my life and fortune in the cause we are engaged in, if needful." The time of need soon arrived. Rechosen a the second Congress. delegate to continental CHAPTER VII. 1775. Meeting of the second Congress. May 10. CHAPTER VII. Meeting of the second Congress. - Washington chosen Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Repairs to Cambridge, and takes the Command. - State of the Army. His Intercourse with Congress. - Numerous Affairs devolve on him. - Correspondence with General Gage. — The Expedition to Quebec. - Councils of war respecting an Assault on Boston. Organization of a new Continental Army. - Difficulties in procuring Recruits. Militia called out. - Maritime Affairs.- Armed Vessels.— General Howe takes Command of the British Army. - Condition of the American Army at the End of the Year. Washington's Arrangement of his private Affairs. WHEN the second Congress assembled, on the 10th of May, 1775, the relations between the colonies and Great Britain had assumed an aspect no longer doubtful. The petition of the former Congress, though received by the Continental King, had been treated with silent neglect, and had produced no change of measures or purpose. The tone of the ministry and proceedings of Parliament indicated a fixed determination to persevere in their oppressive demands, and to achieve by force what they could not effect by the menaces of power, or the terror of the civil arm. Hostilities had in fact commenced. The tragical day at Lexington and Concord had occurred. The inexcusable rashness of General Gage, in sending troops into the country on an errand of plunder and bloodshed, had roused the indignation of the inhabitants; and the yeomanry of New England were flying to their arms and rallying around the standard of American liberty. An army, respectable for numbers, strong in spirit and the justice of their cause, had collected in the vicinity of Boston, prepared for combat, and resolved to resist any further encroachments of the now declared enemies to their country. Crisis of affairs. Such was the crisis, which presented itself to the Congress when they met, and which called for the exercise of all their wisdom and firmness. Notwithstanding the |