Henry, what I now tell you: from the day I enter upon the command of the American armies, I date my fall, and the ruin of my reputation." 3 Before speeding to Boston, Washington purchased several texts on organizing and leading large armies.ġ. Encountering Patrick Henry after the vote, Washington's eyes filled with tears as he told his fellow Virginian "Remember Mr. In private letters, Washington thought himself unworthy of the monumental task he faced. In his acceptance speech of June 16, Washington sounded the appropriate chords of humility in stating, "I am truly sensible of the high Honor done me in this Appointment… I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with." 2 He declined a salary, asking only that he be reimbursed for expenses he accrued during the conflict. In his statements after his appointment, Washington pledged obedience to the civilian authorities in Congress. Benjamin Rush explained that, "He has so much martial dignity in his deportment that you distinguish him to be a general and a soldier from among ten thousand people." 1 Washington's presence also helped his cause several contemporaries described his appearance as majestic. Politically, Washington was a moderate revolutionary a sober leader determined to defend colonial rights. Lastly, Washington's fellow Virginians convinced many congressmen of his singular determination to the patriot cause. At forty-three, he was vigorous and young enough to survive the long campaigns of a protracted conflict. Congress sought a commander with direct combat experience, and few had more than Washington. To make the rebellion a truly continental endeavor, the participation of Virginia-the wealthiest and most populous colony-was essential. Washington's selection made sense for several reasons. Washington's unanimous choice signified the beginning of a process to create a national military force. An army drawn from all of the colonies with a Virginia commander would make the Massachusetts cause a struggle shared by the entire continent. Those unfamiliar with his politics and reputation sounded out the Virginia delegation for information.Ī need for unity and common cause among the colonies motivated delegates to consider Washington. Washington commanded a loyal following among many of his fellow delegates. Others thought that an outsider in command would truly make the militia a "Continental" army. Several New England congressmen believed that their officers should command the army surrounding Boston. The New England forces lacked guns, ammunition, training, and most importantly leadership. The selection of a commander of the militia forces gathering outside Boston after the battles of Lexington and Concord constituted an important priority for the Congress. One of Washington's first acts included designing a buff and blue colored uniform sewn by an indentured servant at Mount Vernon named Andrew Judge Washington wore it throughout his time in Philadelphia. Washington had a respected military reputation based on his time serving in the French and Indian War, lending him respectability and a certain level of expertise. Immediately he was placed on several committees that handled military preparedness in the colonies. The rank and title are the final ones for the officer's career and not necessarily applicable to his tenure as Commander-in-Chief, India.Ĭommanders-in-Chief of India, 1752–1801 No.George Washington arrived at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on May 9, 1775. This is a list of people who were the military Commander-in-Chief, India until 1947. Prior to independence, the official residence was the Flagstaff House, which later became the residence of the first Prime Minister of India as Teen Murti Bhavan (Teen Murti House), it is now a museum. Subsequently, the role of Commander-in-Chief was merged into the offices of the Commanders-in-Chief of the independent Indian Army and Pakistan Army, respectively, before becoming part of the office of the President of India from 1950 and of the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army from 1947. It was briefly replaced by the position of Supreme Commander of India and Pakistan before the role was abolished in November 1948. Following the Partition of India in 1947 and the creation of the independent dominions of India and Pakistan, the post was abolished. The Commander-in-Chief and most of his staff were based at GHQ India, and liaised with the civilian Governor-General of India. Commanders-in-Chief of the Indian Army and Pakistan Armyĭuring the period of the Company and Crown rule in India, the Commander-in-Chief, India (often "Commander-in-Chief in or of India") was the supreme commander of the Indian Army from 1833 to 1947.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |