“George Washington arrived at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on May 9, 1775. Immediately he was placed on several committees that handled military preparedness in the colonies. Washington had a respected military reputation based on his time serving in the French and Indian War, lending him respectability and a certain level of expertise. One of Washington’s first acts included designing a buff and blue colored uniform sewn by an indentured servant at Mount Vernon named Andrew Judge; Washington wore it throughout his time in Philadelphia.”

     “The selection of a commander of the militia forces gathering outside Boston after the battles of Lexington and Concord constituted an important priority for the Congress. The New England forces lacked guns, ammunition, training, and most importantly leadership. Several New England congressmen believed that their officers should command the army surrounding Boston. Others thought that an outsider in command would truly make the militia a “Continental” army. Washington commanded a loyal following among many of his fellow delegates. Those unfamiliar with his politics and reputation sounded out the Virginia delegation for information.”

     “ ‘A need for unity and common cause among the colonies motivated delegates to consider Washington. An army drawn from all of the colonies with a Virginia commander would make the Massachusetts cause a struggle shared by the entire continent. Washington’s unanimous choice signified the beginning of a process to create a national military force.’ Washington’s selection made sense for several reasons. To make the rebellion a truly continental endeavor, the participation of Virginia—the wealthiest and most populous colony—was essential. Congress sought a commander with direct combat experience, and few had more than Washington. At forty-three, he was vigorous and young enough to survive the long campaigns of a protracted conflict. Lastly, Washington’s fellow Virginians convinced many congressmen of his singular determination to the patriot cause.

Politically, Washington was a moderate revolutionary; a sober leader determined to defend colonial rights. Washington’s presence also helped his cause; several contemporaries described his appearance as majestic. Benjamin Rush explained that, ‘He has so much martial dignity in his deportment that you distinguish him to be a general and a soldier from among ten thousand people.’ ”In his statements after his appointment, Washington pledged obedience to the civilian authorities in Congress. He declined a salary, asking only that he be reimbursed for expenses he accrued during the conflict. In his acceptance speech of June 16, Washington sounded the appropriate chords of humility in stating, ‘I am truly sensible of the high Honor done me in this Appointment… I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with.’ In private letters, Washington thought himself unworthy of the monumental task he faced.”

     “Encountering Patrick Henry after the vote, Washington’s eyes filled with tears as he told his fellow Virginian “Remember Mr. Henry, what I now tell you: from the day I enter upon the command of the American armies, I date my fall, and the ruin of my reputation.” Before speeding to Boston, Washington purchased several texts on organizing and leading large armies.” James MacDonald, Ph.D. Northwestern State University.  https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/appointment-as-commander-in-chief

George Washington’s First Battle in the Revolutionary War

    I have included this historical summary of the Siege of Boston by Mary Stockwell, Ph.D from the George Washington Presidential Library. This will give the background to the letters home from Windham residents who were part of the engagement. I will publish those letters next week including ones from Robert Dinsmoor and John Morrion.

     “The Siege of Boston was George Washington’s first campaign as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Disdain for British troops stationed in North America to enforce royal policies grew among colonists, especially in cities such as Boston. Subsequently, the British occupied Boston at the outbreak of the American Revolution, and eventually 11,000 British troops were stationed there. American forces undertook the Siege of Boston to force out the British from April 1775 to March of 1776, when the British evacuated the city.”  

     “Militias contained the British to Boston in April 19, 1775 following the battles at Lexington and Concord. Freeing Boston of British control was an early priority in the war, as it was a critical port and ideological American stronghold. However, Americans faced early defeat attempting to advance towards the city in the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Understanding the need for more competent military leadership, the Continental Congress elected Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and he was bound for Boston to continue to the siege.”

     “Quickly, Washington was charged with forming military companies into an army and directing the siege of Boston. Knowing that he would be away for many months, Washington wrote to his wife, Martha Washington, “I shall feel no pain from the toil or the danger of the campaign,” he confessed. With the future of the Revolution uncertain, Washington worried that Virginia’s Governor Lord Dunmore would attack Mount Vernon and even imprison his wife while he was fortified outside of Boston.

     “Upon arriving in Cambridge in early July, Washington proposed an attack on Boston. However, his officers were against it as the British were still receiving supplies by sea. They urged Washington to wait until the waters around Boston were frozen.”

     “Washington shifted his priorities, and instead sent an army to Quebec who ultimately failed in their invasion. He also ordered Henry Knox to march to Fort Ticonderoga and bring back the post’s artillery. Knox returned to Cambridge in January 1776 with fifty-nine cannons to assist in future efforts to capture the city. Throughout the winter, Washington contained the British under the leadership of General Thomas Gage to the confounds of Boston.

     Washington desired to “bring the Enemy out of Boston” with a nearby attack in Dorchester Heights that would restrict British usage of the greater harbor. On the evening of March 4, 1776, Washington directed his men to take the cannon retrieved from Fort Ticonderoga up Dorchester Heights south of the city. In a more assertive turn, Washington also ordered his troops in Cambridge to fire on the British. Despite a strong British defensive, the Americans held their position in Dorchester Heights.”
     “General William Howe sent troops up Dorchester Heights to undermine the American fortification, but a snowstorm prevented the assault. Fearing a brutal bombardment at their advance, he decided to leave Boston.   On March 17, 1776, known afterward as “Evacuation Day,” 11,000 British soldiers and hundreds of Loyalists left the city by boat, leaving significant amounts of artillery. his victory was crucial in preventing the British control of a major port in which to receive supplies and troops. Additionally, the victory boosted morale for American independence.” Washington marched into Boston on March 18, but there was little time for rejoicing. He rightly suspected that the British turn their attention to New York City. In the summer of 1776, Washington prepared to launch the New York Campaign as the British moved to occupy another critical port city.” Mary Stockwell, Ph.D., revised by Zoie Horecny, Ph.D., 15 April 2025

https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/siege-of-boston