In the Days of Poor Richard

  CHAPTER XIV

  ADVENTURES IN THE SERVICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

  Soon after they reached home Jack received a letter from DoctorFranklin who had given up his fruitless work in London and returned toPhiladelphia.

  It said: 'My work in England has been fruitless and I am done with it.I bring you much love from the fair lady of your choice. That, myyoung friend, is a better possession than houses and lands, for eventhe flames of war can not destroy it. I have not seen, in all thislife of mine, a dearer creature or a nobler passion. And I will tellyou why it is dear to me, as well as to you. She is like the goodpeople of England whose heart is with the colonies, but whose will isbeing baffled and oppressed. Let us hope it may not be for long. Mygood wishes for you involve the whole race whose blood is in my veins.That race has ever been like the patient ox, treading out the corn,whose leading trait is endurance.

  "There is little light in the present outlook. You and Binkus will dowell to come here. This, for a time, will be the center of ouractivities and you may be needed any moment."

  Jack and Solomon went to Philadelphia soon after news of the battle ofLexington had reached Albany in the last days of April. They wereamong the cheering crowds that welcomed the delegates to the SecondCongress.

  Colonel Washington, the only delegate in uniform, was the mostimpressive figure in the Congress. He had come up with a coach and sixhorses from Virginia. The Colonel used to say that even with sixhorses, one had a slow and rough journey in the mud and sand. Hisdignity and noble stature, the fame he had won in the Indian wars andhis wisdom and modesty in council, had silenced opposition and openedhis way. He was a man highly favored of Heaven. The people ofPhiladelphia felt the power of his personality. They seemed to regardhim with affectionate awe. All eyes were on him when he walked around.Not even the magnificent Hancock or the eloquent Patrick Henryattracted so much attention. Yet he would stop in the street to speakto a child or to say a pleasant word to an old acquaintance as he didto Solomon.

  That day in June when the beloved Virginian was chosen to beCommander-in-Chief of the American forces, Jack and Solomon dined withFranklin at his home. John Adams of Boston and John Brown, the greatmerchant of Providence, were his other guests. The distinguished menwere discussing the choice of Colonel Washington.

  "I think that Ward is a greater soldier," said Brown. "Washington hasdone no fighting since '58. Our battles will be in the open. He is abush fighter."

  "True, but he is a fighter and, like Achilles, a born master of men,"Franklin answered. "His fiery energy saved Braddock's army from beingutterly wiped out. His gift for deliberation won the confidence ofCongress. He has wisdom and personality. He can express them in calmdebate or terrific action. Above all, he has a sense of the oneness ofAmerica. Massachusetts and Georgia are as dear to him as Virginia."

  "He is a Christian gentleman of proved courage and great sagacity,"said Adams. "His one defeat proved him to be the master of himself.It was a noble defeat."

  Doctor Franklin, who never failed to show some token of respect forevery guest at his table, turned to Solomon and said:

  "Major Binkus, you have been with him a good deal. What do you thinkof Colonel Washington?"

  "I think he's a hull four hoss team an' the dog under the waggin," saidSolomon.

  John Adams often quoted these words of the scout and they became asaying in New England.

  "To ask you a question is like priming a pump," said Franklin, as heturned to Solomon with a laugh. "Washington is about four times theaverage man, with something to spare and that something is the dogunder the wagon. It would seem that the Lord God has bred and preparedand sent him among us to be chosen. We saw and knew and voted. Therewas no room for doubt in my mind."

  "And while I am a friend of Ward, I am after all convinced thatWashington is the man," said Brown. "Nothing so became him as when hecalled upon all gentlemen present to remember that he thought himselfunequal to the task."

  Washington set out in June with Colonel Lee and a company of LightHorse for Boston where some sixteen thousand men had assembled withtheir rifles and muskets to be organized into an army for the defenseof Massachusetts.