CHAPTER II.

OON after the peace of Paris, 1763, a new system for governing the British colonies, was adopted. One abridgment of their accustomed liberties followed another in such rapid succession, that in the short space of twelve years they had nothing left they could call their own. The British parliament, in which they were not represented, and over which they had no control, both claimed and exercised the power of taxing them at pleasure, and of binding them in all cases.

Claims so opposed to the spirit of the British constitution, and which made such invidious distinctions between subjects residing on different sides of the Atlantic, excited a serious alarm among the colonists. Detached as they were from each other by local residence, and unconnected in their several legislatures, a sense of common danger made apparent to them the wisdom and propriety of forming a new representative body, composed of delegates from

each colony, to take care of their common in

terests.

With very little previous concert, such a body was formed and met in Philadelphia, in September, 1774, and entered into the consideration of the grievances under which the people laboured. To this congress Virginia deputed seven of her most respectable citizens: Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, and Edmund Pendleton; men who would have done honour to any age or country. They were appointed in like manner to attend a second congress on the 10th of May, in the following year. The historians of the revolution will detail with pride the proceedings of this assembly the firmness with which they stated their grievances, and petitioned for redress; the eloquence with which they appealed to the people of Great Britain, the inhabitants of Canada, and their own constituents; the judicious measures they adopted for cementing union at home, and procuring friends abroad. They will also state the unsuccessful termination of all plans proposed for preserving the union of the empire, and that Great Britain, proceeding from one oppression to another, threw the colonies out of her protection, made war upon them, and carried it on

with a view to their subjugation. All these matters, together with the commencement of hostilities at Lexington, and the formation of an American army by the colony of Massachusetts, for defending themselves against a royal army in Boston must here be passed over. Our business is only with George Washington. The fame he had acquired as commander of the Virginia forces, together with his well-known military talents, procured for him the distinguishing appellation of the Soldier of America. Those who, before the commencement of hostilities, looked forward to war as the probable consequence of the disputes between Great Britain and her colonies, anticipated his appointment to the supreme command of the forces of his native country.

An incident illustrative of his religious habits at this period of his life, is preserved on unquestinoable authority. During the session of Congress, a gentleman, residing in the city of Philadelphia, anxious to learn the chief of the strangers who had assembled from the several colonies, observed to Mr. Secretary Thompson, that he had heard much of Mr. Washington from Virginia, and would be glad to know how he could distinguish him. Mr. Thompson replied, "You can easily distinguish him when Congress goes to prayers-" Mr. Washington is the

gentleman who kneels down." Thus, in the prime of life, did he, who was as noted for his modesty as for his merit, manifest to the world his sense of the overruling providence of God.

As long as he continued a member of Congress, he was chairman of every committee appointed to make arrangements for defence. These duties were soon superseded by more active employment in the field. As soon as Congress had determined on making a common cause with Massachusetts, against which a British army had commenced hostilities, they appointed, by an unanimous vote, George Washington, commander-in-chief of all the forces raised or to be raised for the defence of the colonies. His election was accompanied with no competition. The same general impulse on the public mind, which led the colonies to agree in many other particulars, pointed to him as the most proper person for presiding over their armies.

To the president of Congress announcing this appointment, General Washington replied in the following words:

"Mr. PRESIDENT,

"Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress

from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks, for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.

"But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with.

"As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me 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 they will discharge, and that is all I desire."

A special commission was made out for him, and at the same time an unanimous resolution was adopted by Congress, "that they would maintain and assist him, and adhere to him with their lives and fortunes, for the maintenance and preservation of American Liberty."