Nine companies of soldiers on
foot escorted him as he passed through the streets in an open carriage
drawn by two white horses. All along the route the streets were lined with
people who greeted him with cheers.
Continuing his journey, on July 2 he reached the camp in Cambridge, and
there officers and soldiers received him with enthusiasm.
WASHINGTON IN COMMAND OF THE ARMY
Next day under the famous elm still standing near Harvard University,
Washington drew his sword and took command of the American army.
He was then forty-three years old, tall and manly in form, noble and
dignified in bearing. His soldiers looked upon him with pride as he sat
upon his horse, a superb picture of strength and dignity. He wore a
three-cornered hat with the cockade of liberty upon it, and across his
breast a broad band of blue silk. The impression he made was most
pleasing, his courteous and kindly manner winning friends immediately.
Washington at once began the labor of getting his troops ready to fight,
as his army was one only in name. For although the men were brave and
willing, they had never been trained for war, and were not even supplied
with muskets or powder.
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