Choosing a Commander in Chief

• Though quite successful at the opening battles of the war (Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill) the American Continental Army in Boston is essentially leaderless. General Joseph Warren, who was the last commander during the Battle of Bunker Hill, was killed in that battle.

• Now, the Continental Congress must choose a new Commander in Chief.

• Here are John Adams' words about the short list:

A Number was for Mr Handcock; then President of Congress and extreamly popular throughout the United Collonies and called “King Handcock” all over Europe. 

A greater Number, were for General Charles Lee, then in Philadelphia, extremely assidious in his Visits to al the Members of Congress at their Lodgings, and universally represented in America as a classical and universal Schollar, as a Scientific Soldier, and as one of the greatest Generals in the World, who had seen service, with Burgoyne in Portugal, and in Poland &c and who was covered over with Wounds he had received in Battles. In Short, this General Lee was a kind of Precursor of Miranda. He excited much Such in Enthusiasm and made as many Proselytes and Partisans.

A number was for a Gentleman [George Washington], well known in several of the Colonies, who had considerable experience of military service in the last French War, who was a member of that House, and highly esteemed by all the members... It was the Frankfort advice, to place Virginia at the head of everything.

The greatest Number was for Artemus Ward.

The sagacious Mr Roger Sherman of New Haven said. “He was personally acquainted with General Ward; knew him well; he was well known, in several of the Colonies, and especially in all New England, and esteemed by all."

Mr Paine spoke with that superb Vivacity, which he exhibited upon some special Occasions for a few minutes, “General Ward had been his contemporary, and his Classmate at Colledge. He had studied by his side and knew his Worth.”

Mr Hancock was President [of the Congress], and had no Opportunity to Speak [the rules forbid a chairman from participating in debate]: but his Countenance and Gestures, sufficiently manifested his sentiments and feelings. 

Other Gentlemen spoke, according to their different Views [e.g., on behalf of Horatio Gates]; but the question was called for, and a future day appointed [to vote]. In the Interval of time, great pains were taken among the Members out of doors, and at their quarters, to convince them, of the great importance of Harmony, Union and Unanimity, in so delicate an appointment; on which might depend, not only the success of the War, but the Union of the Colonies.

DECISION: Forgetting hindsight, based on the information above alone, who do you select to take control of the Continental Army: Hancock, Lee, Ward, Gates, or Washington?

You probably already know the actual decision. But do you know why?

Click here to find out why they decided on Washington.

Click here to see Hancock passed over