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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume 1 AUGUST 1774 - AUGUST 1775 --John Adams to Abigail Adams
June 17[1775] I can now inform you that the Congress have made Choice of the modest and virtuous, the amiable, generous and brave George Washington Esqr., to be the General of the American Army, and that he is to repair as soon as possible to the Camp before Boston.(1) This Appointment will have a great Effect, in cementing and securing the Union of these Colonies. The Continent is really in earnest in defending the Country. They have voted Ten Companies of Rifle Men to be sent from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, to join the Army before Boston.(2) These are an excellent Species of Light Infantry. They use a peculiar Kind of [. . .] [ca]ll'd a Rifle--it has circular or [. . .] Grooves within the Barrell, and carries a Ball, with great Exactness to great Distances. They are the most accurate Marksmen in the World.
I begin to hope We shall not sit all Summer.
I hope the People of our Province, will treat the General with all that Confidence and Affection, that Politeness and Respect, which is due to one of the most important Characters in the World. The Liberties of America, depend upon him, in a great Degree.
I have never been able to obtain from our Province, any regular and particular Intelligence since I left it. Kent, Swift, Tudor, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Winthrop, and others wrote me often, last Fall--not a Line from them this Time.
I have found this Congress like the last. When We first came together, I found a strong Jealousy of Us, from New England, and the Massachusetts in Particuiar. Suspicions were entertained of Designs of Independency--an American Republic--Presbyterian Principles --and twenty other Things. Our Sentiments were heard in Congress, with great Caution--and seemed to make but little Impression: but the longer We sat, the more clearly they saw the Necessity of pursuing vigorous Measures. It has been so now. Every Day We sit, the more We are convinced that the Designs against Us, are hostile and sanguinary, and that nothing but Fortitude, Vigour, and Perseverance can save Us.
But America is a great, unwieldy Body. Its Progress must be slow. It is like a large Fleet sailing under Convoy. The fleetest Sailors must wait for the dullest and slowest. Like a Coach and six--the swiftest Horses must be slackened and the slowest quickened, that all may keep an even Pace.
It is long since I heard from you. I fear you have been kept in continual Alarms. My Duty and Love to all. My dear Nabby, Johnny, Charly and Tommy come here and kiss me.
We have appointed a continental Fast. Millions will be upon their
Page 498
JUNE 17, 1775
Link to date-related documents.
Knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his Forgiveness
and Blessing, his Smiles on American Councils and Arms.(3)
My Duty to your Uncle Quincy--your Papa, Mama and mine--my
Brothers and sisters and yours.
Adieu.
RC (MHi). Adams, Family Correspondence (Butterfield), 1:215-16. A continuation of Adams to Abigail Adams, June 11,1775.
1 George Washington was formally appointed commander in chief on June 15, but the controversy surrounding his selection is missing from the journals of congress and the delegates' letters announcing the election. Adams later recorded in his autobiography his recollection of Washington's appointment and the debate leading to the decision in congress to "adopt" the army at Boston, Adams, Diary (Butterfield), 3:321-24. ln a letter to Adams of May 7, 1775, James warren had urged Washington's appointment as commander in chief even before congress met. Warren-Adams Letters, 1:46-49.
2 Congress took this action on June 14. JCC, 2:89-90.
3 Adams was a member of the committee appointed to draft a resolution for the day of fasting which was set for July 20, 1775. JCC, 2:81, 87-88.
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