However, as the
Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty and exert
every power I possess in the service and for the 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 unfavorable 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 expense of my domestic ease and
happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep
an exact account of my expenses. Those I doubt not they will
discharge, and that is all I desire.[1]
[Footnote 1: Ford, II, 477-78-79, 480-81.]
Accompanied by Lee and Schuyler and a brilliant escort, he set forth
on June 21st for Boston. Before they had gone twenty miles a messenger
bringing news of the Battle of Bunker Hill crossed them. "Did the
Militia fight?" Washington asked. On being told that they did, he
said: "Then the liberties of the country are safe." Then he pushed on,
stopping long enough in New York to appoint General Schuyler military
commander of that Colony, and so through Connecticut to the old Bay
State.
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