George Washington assigned to lead the Continental Army

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June 15 1775

George Washington assigned to lead the Continental Army

On this day in 1775, George Washington, who would one day become the first American president, accepts an assignment to lead the Continental Army.

Washington had been managing his family’s plantation and serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses when the second Continental Congress unanimously voted to have him lead the revolutionary army. He had earlier distinguished himself, in the eyes of his contemporaries, as a commander for the British army in the French and Indian War of 1754.

Born a British citizen and a former Redcoat, Washington had, by the 1770s, joined the growing ranks of colonists who were dismayed by what they considered to be Britain’s exploitative policies in North America. In 1774, Washington joined the Continental Congress as a delegate from Virginia. The next year, the Congress offered Washington the role of commander in chief of the Continental Army.

After accepting the position, Washington sat down and wrote a letter to his wife, Martha, in which he revealed his concerns about his new role. He admitted to his “dear Patcy” that he had not sought the post but felt “it was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment without exposing my Character to such censures as would have reflected dishonour upon myself, and given pain to my friends.” He expressed uneasiness at leaving her alone, told her he had updated his will and hoped that he would be home by the fall. He closed the letter with a postscript, saying he had found some of “the prettiest muslin” but did not indicate whether it was intended for her or for himself.

On July 3, 1775, Washington officially took command of the poorly trained and under-supplied Continental Army. After six years of struggle and despite frequent setbacks, Washington managed to lead the army to key victories and Great Britain eventually surrendered in 1781. Due largely to his military fame and humble personality, Americans overwhelmingly elected Washington their first president in 1789.

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George Washington

Preserved for God’s Purpose

“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” (Psalm 91:7)

He could not boast of the noblest lineage or the finest education, but George Washington, the nation’s first president, seemed chosen of God to lead a new nation dedicated to His glory. God preserved him for a purpose. He was never even wounded in battle. God’s hand was clearly upon his life.

Promoted to colonel in the colonial militia by his early 20s, Washington became an aide to the British fighting the French in 1755. Although his mother tried to dissuade him, he reminded her, “The God to whom you commended me, madam, when I set out upon a more perilous errand, defended me from all harm, and I trust He will do so now.”

He was right.

Bulletproof!

During the French and Indian War, Washington fought alongside British officers who refused to hide behind trees like their opponents. In a battle on July 9, 1755, near Fort Duquesne, Pa., redcoats on horseback were being picked off by enemy bullets. But God’s hand of protection was on George Washington. Horses were shot out from under him twice, but he was never injured. When a volley of clear shots left Washington untouched, a warrior declared, “This man was not born to be killed by a bullet!” An awe-struck chief ordered his braves to cease firing, realizing, “This one is under the special protection of the Great Spirit.”

In a letter to his brother, Washington gave glory to God for his deliverance: “By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!”

When Washington revisited the area in 1770, an aged chief told how his warriors had fired in vain that day. “A power mightier far than we shielded you.” Then he prophesied: “Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man and guides his destinies—he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven and who can never die in battle.”

As God’s plan for him unfolded, Washington was elected commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775. During the American Revolution, divine guidance and protection would become increasingly evident in his life.

Heavenly Fog

Another heavenly intervention occurred in August 1776. When 32,000 British troops surrounded America’s 8,000 on Long Island, Washington declared they would “firmly rely on the protection of Divine Providence.”

Rough weather prevented an enemy attack via the East River.

General Washington was inspired to ferry his entire company, their supplies and livestock across the river and escape under cover of night. A torrent of rain and wind gave way to perfect conditions. Although every available vessel was enlisted, daylight threatened discovery of those left to cross.

But Washington’s chief of intelligence, Major Benjamin Tallmadge, noted a strange occurrence: “A very dense fog began to rise…and it seemed to settle in a peculiar manner over both encampments. I recollect this peculiar providential occurrence perfectly well, and so very dense was the atmosphere that I could scarcely discern a man at six-yards distance…. We tarried until the sun had risen, but the fog remained as dense as ever.” It didn’t lift until General Washington was crossing the river in one of the last boats.

A loyalist family nearby had sent a servant to alert the British. But he was delayed by German-speaking soldiers who could not understand him. By the time the British scrambled to fire on the retreating boats, it was too late. Once more God had intervened to preserve the destiny of George Washington…and the new nation he would lead.

A Christmas Surprise

By December 1776, the ragged American army was losing numbers and losing heart. Supplies dwindled, as did the hope of victory. General Washington made a bold decision to go on the offensive.

As Christmas night fell, American troops prepared to cross the Delaware River and march to Trenton, N.J., for a surprise attack on Britain’s allies, the Hessian army.

A barrage of sleet and snow forced enemy watchmen to abandon their posts and seek shelter. American boats weaved their way unnoticed through a maze of ice on the river. Once ashore, troops were pounded by brutal weather. Not all had boots and some would freeze to death along the way. But a force greater than human ability propelled them. Washington later wrote that “their march thro’ a violent Storm of Snow and Hail, did not in the least abate their Ardour.”

Early on Dec. 26, they charged the Hessian camp, surprising soldiers sleeping off a night of drinking. The Battle of Trenton took less than an hour. Washington and the American cause were again preserved, as God’s hand began turning the tide of the American Revolution.

Father of His Country

In battle after battle, God continued to direct and protect Washington. In 1781, he forced a British surrender in the last major battle of the war.

He went on to lead the convention that produced America’s Constitution. Then he was elected our first president.

Called the “Father of his country,” Washington was the strong, godly leader America needed to see her through infancy to stability. Time after time, when all could have been lost, God intervened for this great man of faith and his destiny. It has been said that he did more to ensure American independence than any other person. God preserved his life so he could fulfill his purpose.

God has a purpose for our leaders today as well. Join us in praying that, like Washington, they will look to God for guidance and honor Him as the source of our deliverance and our future.

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One of the best decisions ever made.