George Washington: “The importance of this last to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on your earliest…”

I can not express how greatly affected I am at this new proof of public confidence.

I have finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States.

It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that prompted by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified by the liberal and interesting discourses delivered in your Churches.

I must not conceal from you my earnest wish that the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in years and better qualified to encounter the usual vicissitudes of war.