Washington takes Command of the Armies
Sketch of General Lee Characters of the British Commanders, Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne Survey of the Camps from Prospect Hill - The Camps contrastedDescription of the Revolutionary Army -Rhode Island Troops -Character of General Greene - Washington represents the Deficiencies of the His Apology for the Massachusetts Troops -Governor TrumCragie House, Washington's Head-Quarters.
On the 3d of July, the morning after his arrival at Cambridge, Washington took formal command of the army. It was drawn up on the Common about half a mile from head-quarters. A multitude had assembled there, for as yet military spectacles were novelties, and the camp was full of visitors, men, women and children, from all parts of the country, who had relatives among the yeoman soldiery.
An ancient elm is still pointed out, under which Washington, as he arrived from head-quarters accompanied by General Lee and a numerous suite, wheeled his horse, and drew his sword as commander-in-chief of the armies. We have cited the poetical description of him furnished by the pen of Mrs. Adams; we give her sketch of his military compeerless poetical, but no less graphic.
"General Lee looks like a careless, hardy veteran; and by his appearance brought to my mind his nameLife of Washington. II,