Posted on 07/03/2017 12:00:06 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
On this day in 1775, George Washington rides out in front of the American troops gathered at Cambridge common in Massachusetts and draws his sword, formally taking command of the Continental Army. Washington, a prominent Virginia planter and veteran of the French and Indian War, had been appointed commander in chief by the Continental Congress two weeks before. In agreeing to serve the American colonies in their war for independence, he declined to accept payment for his services beyond reimbursement of future expenses.
George Washington was born in 1732 to a farm family in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His first direct military experience came as a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia colonial militia in 1754, when he led a small expedition against the French in the Ohio River Valley on behalf of the governor of Virginia, beginning a fight that resulted in disastrous defeat for first Washington and then British General Edward Braddock. This launched the Seven Years War, but Washington resigned from his military post and returned to a planter’s life in Virginia, later taking a seat in Virginia’s House of Burgesses. During the next two decades, Washington openly opposed escalating British taxation and repression of the American colonies. In 1774, he represented Virginia at the Continental Congress.
After the American Revolution erupted in 1775, Washington was nominated to be commander in chief of the newly established Continental Army. Some in the Continental Congress opposed his appointment, thinking other candidates were better equipped for the post, but he was ultimately chosen because, as a Virginian, his leadership helped bind the southern colonies more closely to the rebellion in New England. Despite his inexperienced and poorly equipped army of civilian soldiers, General Washington led an effective war of harassment against British forces in America, while encouraging the intervention of the French into the conflict on behalf of the colonists. On October 19, 1781, with the surrender of British General Charles Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, General Washington defeated one of the most powerful nations on earth.
After the war, the victorious general retired to his estate at Mount Vernon, but, in 1787, he heeded his nation’s call and agreed to preside over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The drafters created the office of president with him in mind, and, in February 1789, Washington was unanimously elected the first president of the United States. As president, Washington sought to unite the nation and protect the interests of the new republic at home and abroad. Of his presidency, he said, “I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn in precedent.” He successfully implemented executive authority, making good use of brilliant politicians such as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in his cabinet, and quieted fears of presidential tyranny. In 1792, he was unanimously reelected but, four years later, refused a third term. He died in 1799.
Perhaps the greatest day of the last 1900 years.
Also, on this day in 1863, General George Picket fails in his attempt to take Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg.
Earlier today they had Washington taking command of his troops at Gettysburg.
Who is the man...who cares so much for his freedom land? George! (Can you dig it?)
They just made a mistake, I’m sure.
They just made a mistake, I’m sure.
At Gettysburg?
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” G.W.
He would be appalled to see how morally bankrupt, corrupt, and degenerate this society has become.
Actual link to article?
saw that, LMAO
Hey Homer, this article got me to thinking. Was there a reliable newspaper in the 1700’s that you would have access to and use as an historical account of the events leading up to and through the American Revolution and creation of the Constitution?
Wouldn’t that be something. I know that word traveled slowly back then and “today’s” news were events that had happened days earlier. But a daily account of the life and times of that period. Wow. How cool would that be.
Maybe the Boston Gazette since pre-Revolutionary-War stuff tended to revolve around Boston and maybe coverage was still good through 1787-88 (Constitution) and beyond depending on how far you wanted to go (the death of Washington in 1799?).
Whaddyathink?
Earlier in the day the history channel had Washington leading troops at Gettysburg
Oh yeah
Maybe he was just ahead of his time.......
It is really bad when a network cannot even know how stupid they are when presenting itself as information.
Idiots and 100% Liberal.
Amen my FRiend.
God Bless America.
George Washington has always been my favorite president. Ronaldus Magnus is a close second, but Washington wins out because he had an even tougher job (winning the War of Independence) than bringing down the Soviet empire, with far fewer resources to call on. Happy Independence Day to all my fellow FReepers.
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