Chapter II

1775-1776.

THE SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.--FORMATION AND CHARACTER OF
THE REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT.--APPOINTMENT OF A
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.--FIRST ARMY OF THE REVOLUTION.

New Continental Congress 28

Delegates 29

Colonies represented 29

Duration of this Congress 30

War commenced 31

Massachusetts and New York apply to the Congress for Direction
and Assistance 31

The Congress proceeds to put the Country into a State of
Defence 32

American Continental Army created 32

Washington chosen Commander-in-Chief 33

Measures to defray the Expenses of War 34

Treasury Department established 35

General Post-office organized 35

Militia 35

Relations with Indian Tribes 35

Royalists 36

The Congress advise Provisional Governments 37

Separation from England determined upon 38

Suppression of the Royal Authority 39

National Union formed before the State Governments 39

The Revolutionary Government 40

Note on Washington's Appointment as Commander-in-Chief 41