From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 86
"All that may be true; it probably is true; nevertheless, the governor understands what the popular demand is,
and has acted accordingly," his friend retorted. "My advice is, accept the position, and bury your modesty."
"It is not modesty," protested Washington. "I have too much love for my country to do anything to prejudice
her interests."
On declining to assume the chief command, Washington wrote to Colonel Corbin, who desired that he should
accept, as follows:
"The command of the whole forces is what I neither look for, expect, or desire, for I must be impartial enough
to confess it is a charge too great for my youth and inexperience to be intrusted with. Knowing this, I have too
sincere a love for my country to undertake that which may tend to the prejudice of it. But, if I could entertain
hopes that you thought me worthy of the post of lieutenant-colonel, and would favor me so far as to mention it
at the appointment of officers, I could not but entertain a true sense of the kindness. I flatter myself that, under
a skilful commander or man of sense (which I most sincerely wish to serve under), with my own application
and diligent study of my duty, I shall be able to conduct my steps without censure, and, in time, render myself
worthy of the promotion that I shall be favored with now."
Colonel Joshua Fry was appointed to the chief command, and Washington was made lieutenant-colonel.
While Washington was attending to his duties at Alexandria, an incident occurred which illustrates the
strength of his moral character. There was an election for members of the House of Burgesses, and the two
opposing candidates in that district were Colonel George Fairfax and a Mr. Elzey.
"I am well acquainted with Colonel Fairfax," remarked Washington to the bystanders, "and I know him to be
abundantly qualified for the position. He is able, and a true patriot."
"As much can be said of Mr. Elzey, and perhaps more," replied a man by the name of Payne, a great friend
and admirer of the latter gentleman. "His experience qualifies him for the office beyond most men in the
district."
Here Washington remarked, somewhat sarcastically, that character, after all, in such times, was the highest
qualification, a remark that was readily construed into an insinuation that Payne's candidate did not possess it,
whereupon Payne struck him so violently with a stick as to knock him down.
A scene followed. Washington's friends sprang forward to his rescue, but he was on his feet before their help
reached him. They turned upon his assailant.
"What do you mean, you dastard?" exclaimed one.
"Take him into custody"! shouted another.
"Knock him down!" bawled a third.
"No, gentlemen," interrupted Washington, just in season to prevent a collision, "do not touch the man. Perhaps
he was not altogether to blame. My remark was hasty. Let us have no more trouble."
The officers and others present were nearly as much surprised by Washington's intercession for his assailant
as they were by the latter's heartless blow, and they stood speechless. The young commander remained until
the excitement ceased, when he repaired to his lodgings at the hotel, where he immediately wrote a note to
Mr. Payne, asking him to call in the morning.