From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 140<br />
The same Congress appointed Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam<br />
major-generals; and Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, Joseph Spencer,<br />
John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Nathaniel Greene brigadier-generals. Horatio Gates was appointed<br />
adjutant-general. These appointments were made with Washing<strong>to</strong>n's acquiescence, if not at his suggestion.<br />
John Adams wrote <strong>to</strong> a friend: "There is something charming <strong>to</strong> me in <strong>the</strong> conduct of Washing<strong>to</strong>n; a<br />
gentleman of <strong>the</strong> first fortunes on <strong>the</strong> continent, leaving his delicious retirement, his family and friends,<br />
sacrificing his ease, and hazarding all in <strong>the</strong> cause of his country. His views are noble and disinterested. He<br />
declared, when he accepted <strong>the</strong> mighty trust, that he would lay before us an exact account of his expenses, and<br />
not accept a shilling pay."<br />
XVII.<br />
IN THE SIEGE OF BOSTON.<br />
"There is no time <strong>to</strong> lose," remarked Adams <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "Letters <strong>to</strong> me from Generals Warren and Ward<br />
insist that <strong>the</strong> undisciplined army cannot be kept <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r much longer without <strong>the</strong> aid of Congress; and<br />
Congress has done <strong>the</strong> best thing it could for <strong>the</strong> army in appointing you <strong>to</strong> its command."<br />
"I shall lose no time in preparations <strong>to</strong> take command of <strong>the</strong> army," replied Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "I shall repair <strong>to</strong><br />
Cambridge at once."<br />
"Without returning <strong>to</strong> Mount Vernon?"<br />
"Yes; that would consume <strong>to</strong>o much time. Much as I should enjoy a visit home, I must forego <strong>the</strong> pleasure,<br />
and hasten <strong>to</strong> my command."<br />
"A sacrifice, truly," remarked Adams.<br />
"And one that both my wife and mo<strong>the</strong>r will appreciate," added Washing<strong>to</strong>n, "although <strong>the</strong> disappointment<br />
will be so great <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. Our country first, for <strong>the</strong> sake of our homes."<br />
"True, very true; and it is a terrible necessity that makes it true," continued Adams. "War is serious business,<br />
and under its direful necessities you may never see your loved Mount Vernon again."<br />
"No one can be more sensible of that than myself, but personal pleasure must yield <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> demands of<br />
patriotism in such a crisis as this. Duty is <strong>the</strong> watchword now."<br />
Without consuming time for more than <strong>the</strong> most hasty preparation, Washing<strong>to</strong>n started for Massachusetts,<br />
after penning <strong>the</strong> following tender letter <strong>to</strong> his wife. The epistle shows so much of his noble character that our<br />
narrative would be incomplete without it:<br />
PHILADELPHIA, June 18, 1775.<br />
MY DEAREST,--I am now set down <strong>to</strong> write you on a subject which fills me with inexpressible concern; and<br />
this concern is greatly aggravated and increased when I reflect upon <strong>the</strong> uneasiness I know it will give you. It<br />
has been determined in Congress that <strong>the</strong> whole army raised for <strong>the</strong> defence of <strong>the</strong> American cause shall be<br />
put under my care, and that it is necessary for me <strong>to</strong> proceed immediately <strong>to</strong> Bos<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> take upon me <strong>the</strong><br />
command of it.<br />
You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you in <strong>the</strong> most solemn manner, that, so far from seeking<br />
this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power <strong>to</strong> avoid it, not only from my unwillingness <strong>to</strong> part