I can now inform you that the Congress have made choice of the modest
and virtuous, the amiable, generous, and brave George Washington,
Esquire, to be General of the American army, and that he is to repair,
as soon as possible, to the camp before Boston. 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 riflemen to be sent from Pennsylvania,
Maryland, and Virginia, to join the army before Boston. These are an
excellent species of light infantry. They use a peculiar kind of musket,
called a rifle. It has circular or ----[80] grooves within the barrel,
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
particular; suspicions 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 pushing 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, vigor, 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 sailers 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 children, come here
and kiss me. We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon
their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his
forgiveness and blessing; his smiles on American councils and arms.
My duty to your uncle Quincy; your papa, mamma, and mine; my brothers
and sisters, and yours. Adieu.