June 16th

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ON THIS DAY IN 1775

ACCEPTS APPOINTMENT AS
COMMANDER CONTINENTAL ARMY

ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT AS GENERAL
AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF
Friday, June 16, 1775

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The president* from the chair informed Geo: Washington Esq. that he had the order of the Congress to acq[ain]t him, that the Congress had by a unanimous vote made choice of him to be general and com[mander] in chief to take the supreme command of the forces raised and to be raised, in defence of American Liberty, and desired his acceptance of it. Whereupon Colonel Washington, standing in his place, spoke as follows:**

George Washington surrounded by officers and soldiers as he takes command of the Continental army in a field a Cambridge.

General George Washington Takes Command 
Library of Congress

“Mr. President: Tho’ 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 desires I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I Possess In their Service for the 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 Gentn. 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 have accepted this Arduous employment at the expence of my domestt. ease and happiness I do not wish to make any profit from it: I will keep an exact Account of my expences; those I doubt not they will discharge and that is all I desire.”

* President, Second Continental Congress (John Hancock) 

** — CLNN

Sources and Abbreviations

The book cover for George Washington: The Interview Powered by A.I. published by Broadwoods Publishing.

GEORGE WASHINGTON:
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