It's all started with one truly great hiring decision
- sciart0
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
Excerpt: This weekend marks the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army. It seems unlikely we would have much to celebrate on Saturday if, right after creating an army, the Second Continental Congress had not also settled on the perfect choice to lead it.
Not only did George Washington accept one of the world’s most difficult assignments, but he wouldn’t even accept a salary for his service—just reimbursement of his expenses.
The National Archives has an account from the Continental Congress in Philadelphia dated June 16, 1775:
[John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress] informed Colo. Washington that the Congress had yesterday, Unanimously made choice of him to be General & Commander in Chief of the American Forces, and requested he would accept of that Appointment; whereupon Colo. Washington, standing in his place, Spake as follows.
“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 & Military experience may not be equal to the extensive & important Trust: However, as the Congress desire i⟨t⟩ I will enter upon the momentous duty, & 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 rememberd by every Gentn in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think my self 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 emploiment at the expence of my domestk ease & happi⟨ness⟩ I do not wish to make any proffit from it: I will keep an exact Account of my expences; those I doubt not they will discharge & that is all I desire.”