Washington Takes Command


Although sectional politics were involved in Washington's selection, in strictly military terms, he was the best-qualified native American. He had begun his military career in 1752 in the Virginia militia as one of four regional adjutants responsible for training. During the first phase of the French and Indian War, he served with gallantry as Edward Braddock's volunteer aide at the battle of the Monongahela, and later as the commander of Virginia's two Provincial regiments defending the colony's frontiers. In 1758 he commanded a brigade composed of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania units on the expedition against Fort Duquesne. Washington was the only American in that war to command so large a force.

When George Washington was given command of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775 he was 43 years old.  Although Washington said he did not think himself equal to the command he was honored with, he accepted command of the army. His instructions on 20 June told him to proceed to Massachusetts, "take charge of the army of the united colonies," and capture or destroy all armed enemies.

On June 23 1775, the new commander-in-chief  left Philadelphia, accompanied by Generals Charles Lee and Philip Schuyler and their aides.  They set out to form the thousands of citizen-soldiers surrounding Boston into an army of the United Colonies. Washington wrote his wife that he was in "full confidence of a happy meeting with you some time in the fall."  He then rode off to a campaign that would last for more than seven years