54570.90.3

HARVARD COLLEGE

NOV 26 '892

LIBRARY.

Bright and

COPYRIGHT, 1892,

BY

WILLIAM SPOHN BAKER.

PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

THE Itinerary of General Washington during the war for independence, originally published in the "Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography" (vols. xiv., xv.), is now brought together in a single volume, with many additions.

As issued in the Magazine, it became apparent, after the appearance of the early portions of the work, that the subject admitted of a much broader treatment than had been intended; and that the introduction of additional matter, covering as much as possible the prominent events of the struggle, would render it more useful both for reference and as a study of the character of Washington, without in any way conflicting with the form of an Itinerary. This plan was accordingly adopted for the subsequent numbers. The additions, therefore, are principally limited to the first three years of the record as originally published.

As day by day we follow Washington through the pages of the Itinerary, we become more and more impressed with the earnestness, steadfastness, and truthfulness of his character, and feel assured that to his high sense of duty, and almost sleepless vigilance, we are mainly indebted for the successful issue of the battle for freedom.

History furnishes no finer type of manhood, no purer example of patriotism, than our WASHINGTON!

PHILADELPHIA, February 22, 1892.

W. S. BAKER.

ITINERARY

OF

GENERAL WASHINGTON.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15.

1775.

At Philadelphia, as a delegate to Congress from the Colony of Virginia: On this day Congress, in session at the State House, Resolved, "That a General be appointed to command all the Continental Forces, raised or to be raised for the defence of American liberty.

"That five hundred dollars per month be allowed for the pay and expences of the General.

"The Congress then proceeded to the choice of a General by ballot, and GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., was unanimously elected."―Journal of Congress.

The second Continental Congress met at Philadelphia, May 10, 1775, and it is recorded by John Adams that "Colonel Washington appeared every day in his uniform, and by his great experience and abilities in military matters, was of much service to all." At the session of June 15, however, in consequence of Mr. Adams having stated at a previous meeting that it was his intention to propose for the office of Commander-in-Chief a gentleman from Virginia, and one of their body, Washington was not present. The nomination was made by Thomas Johnson, a delegate from Maryland. FRIDAY, JUNE 16.

At Philadelphia, in Congress: "The President [John Hancock] informed Col. Washington that the Congress had yesterday unanimously made choice of him to be General and Commander in Chief of the American forces, and requested he would accept of that employment; to which Col. Washington standing in his place answered.

"Mr. President.

"Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment, yet, I feel great distress from a consciousness, that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust: However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service and for support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.

"BUT, lest some unlucky event should happen unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every Gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.

"As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress, that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the expence of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expences. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.""-Journal of Congress.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17.

At Philadelphia: This day, Congress in session passed the following resolution: "Whereas the Delegates of all the Colonies from Nova Scotia to Georgia, in Congress assembled, have unanimously chosen George Washington Esq. to be General and Commander in Chief, of such Forces as are or shall be raised for the maintenance and preservation of American Liberty; this Congress doth now declare, that they will maintain and assist him, and adhere to him the said George Washington, with their Lives and Fortunes in the same Cause."―Journal of Congress.

"I can now inform you, that the Congress have made choice of the modest and virtuous, the amiable, generous and brave George Washington, Esquire,