JOURNALS OF CONGRESS

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 1775

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Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to take into consideration the ways and means of raising money and the state of America; after some time spent therein the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Samuel] Ward reported, that the committee had come to certain resolutions, which they desired him to report, but not having yet come to a conclusion ordered him to move for leave to sit again.

The report of the committee being read and debated,

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 his pay and expenses.

The Congress then proceeded to the choice of a general, //by ballot,// when George Washington, Esq. was unanimously elected.1

Resolved, that the Congress will to Morrow again resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take into consideration the state of America.

Adjourned till to Morrow //at eight o'clock.//

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1. These resolutions were printed in the Pennsylvania Packet, 11 December, 1775. Washington was nominated by Thomas Johnson of Maryland, and the election was unanimous. The attitude of the Congress and the causes leading to this choice are fully described in the Diary and later correspondence of John Adams.

 

SOURCE: Worthington Chauncey Ford, Editor. JOURNALS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 1774-1789. Volume II (May 10-September 20, 1775). WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1905. Page 91.

 

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