From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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