Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/381

 struggle with the mother country, and the necessity of doing every thing reasonable to keep alive the ardent patriotism and self-sacrificing spirits of its wealthy aristocracy, rendered it every way desirable to choose a commander-in-chief from that colony. Accordingly, June 15th, Washington was nominated by Johnson of Maryland, and unanimously chosen. We who have the advantage of retrospect, can now see most clearly, that Washington was the man, if not the only man, competent for the discharge of the duties which were imposed upon him. All his previous course had tended to fit him for the post, and we may reverently believe, that God favored the cause of our country, when He raised up such a man to take command of her army, and conduct to a successful issue the American Revolution.

The next day Washington returned thanks to the House for the signal honor done him by Congress, and modestly expressing his doubt in respect to his fitness for the post, and asking it to be remembered by every gentleman in the room, in view of what might happen, that he did not think himself equal to the command placed in his trust, he begged to decline receiving any pay for his services. "As no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me," were his words, "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, Congress will discharge; and that is all I desire."

On the 20th of June, Washington received his commission, and the members of Congress pledged themselves, by a unanimous resolve, to maintain, assist, and adhere to him, with their lives and fortunes, in the cause of liberty and right. Four major-generals, Artemas Ward, Israel Putnam, Philip Schuyler, and Charles Lee, were appointed directly after; as were also eight brigadier-generals, Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, Joseph