Philadelphia circ 1775, was America’s largest city with about 40,000 residents compared to New York at 25,000 and Boston with about 16,000. Although Philadelphia was not officially the capital, it was the center of colonial government.

Washington’s journey to Philadelphia begins in April 1775 staring with the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington and Concord in the colony of Massachusetts. Lexington & Concord were small hamlets located just outside of Boston. Although Washington did was not actually present at these events their impact propelled him into the national political arena.

Here is a brief review of the events at Lexington and Concorde, April 1775:

As a response to the Boston Tea Party uprising by the Colonists, King George closed the port of Boston and stationed troops throughout the city. As a show of force, British General Gage, sent raiding parties into the hamlets of Lexington, and Concord in a night operation to confiscate powder they believed hidden there. Lesser-known motive of raid was to secure the capture of Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Adams and Hancock were widely considered the ringleaders of the “Sons Liberty” resistance movement. As we now know, the raid did not go well for the British. Essentially British soldiers confronted a group of citizen militia on the Lexington Green and resulted in what is referred to “the shot heard around the world”. 

What know for sure is that shots were fired, and after the smoke had cleared, eight colonists lay dead on the town green. By the time this operation was finally over, 49 Colonist were killed, and 39 wounded. The British suffered 73 killed and 174 wounded. News of this momentous event spread rapidly and triggered shock and outrage throughout the Colonies! 

On May 2nd 1775, (one month later) the Continental Congress was called to meet in Philadelphia. Foremost on the agenda was how to respond, essentially how to defend against the King’s aggression.

George Washington attended this second meeting of the Continental Congress as delegate of Virginia. They met just a couple blocks from where we sit tonight at the Pennsylvania State House, better known today as “Independence Hall”.

At this meeting, the president of the Congress was the ever colorful and flamboyant, John Hancock. Also in attendance were the likes of: Ben Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry, to name a few.

Of highest priority at this Congress was the organization of an army to defend against British incursion. On June 14, a resolution was passed to form an Army “the Army of the United Colonies.”

On June 15, George Washington (delegate from Virginia) was appointed Commander of the new army. Washington’s appointment came at the suggestion of John Adams, who spoke before Congress saying “a gentleman from Virginia who is among us”. “This man” Adams went on to say “would command the approbation of all America and unite the exertions of all the colonies better than any other person in the Union”.  He did not mention Washington by name at this suggestion, but everyone understood the reference. 

One person most-definitely understood the reference -- John Hancock had a stunned reaction, as he considered himself to be the right man for the job! Adams later wrote about Hancock’s reaction; “He heard me recommend the creation of an army with visible pleasure but when I came to describe Washington for the commander, I never remarked a more sudden and sinking change in countenance. Mortification and resentment were expressed as forcibly as his face could exhibit them”.

So, Congress was in agreement and Washington was unanimously selected as Commander of the newly formed “Army of the United Colonies.”

While researching the proceedings of the “Second Congress”, I came across a series of interesting books titled “Letters of Delegates to Congress 1775-1779”. These books reveal a unique perspective on what was happening around Philadelphia during this critical period. Rather than the typical third person historical account; these letters provide first hand conversation between delegates and family members in real time.

These letters provide a fascinating perspective into the atmosphere around Philadelphia at the time of the Second Congress.

Philadelphia, May 11, 1775 Joseph Hewes (delegate NC) to Samuel Johnston (delegate NC)

“Nothing is heard here but the sounds of drums and fifes, all ranks and degrees of men are in arms learning the manual exercise evolution and management of artillery. They have now in this city 28 companies of foot, 68 men each including officers, all of whom are out twice every day in training…

The letter concludes with a curious mention regarding the local “Quakers” of Philadelphia. (Quakers are essentially pacifists, not in support of violence and wars. He writes, “All the Quakers except a few of the old rigid ones have taken up arms, there is not one company without several of these people in it, and I am told two of the companies are composed entirely of Quakers!”

Reading these letters, you realize the level of outrage and anger that existed around this city at this momentous period.

Philadelphia, July 7, 1775 - Benjamin Franklin to Johnathan Shipley (friend of America in England)

“I found at my arrival here, all America from one end of the twelve united provinces to the other, busily employed in learning the use of arms. The attack upon the “country people” near Boston by the Army have aroused every person and exasperated the entire continent! The tradesmen of this city are in the field twice a day, at 5 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon, disciplining with the utmost diligence, all being volunteers.”

Reading through some of these “letters of the delegates”, I found several that describe the powerful impression that Washington made among these delegates, many of whom had no previous association or acquaintance. 

I will close by reading from one such letter (written one day after George Washington’s appointment as commander)

Philadelphia, June 16, 1775, Silas Deane (delegate Connecticut) to Elizabeth Deane

“General Washington is elected to that high office by unanimous voice of all America. I have been with him for the great part of the last 48 hours in Congress and Committee and the more I am acquainted with him, the more I esteem him! I wish to cultivate this gentleman’s acquaintance and regard- not from any sinister views- but for the great-esteem I have of his virtues, which do not shine in the view of the world by reason of his great modesty- but when discovered by the discerning eye- shine proportionately brighter. I consider him now as a friend but what is infinitely more, his country’s friend- who sacrificing private fortune, independent ease, and every domestic pleasure, sets off at his country’s call to exert himself in her defense without so much as returning to bid adieu to a fond partner and family. Let our youth look up to this man as a pattern to form themselves by, a man who unites the bravery of the soldier, with the most consummate modesty and virtue”.