INTRODUCTION:
The next act will be the second Continental Congress where George Washington was elected Commander in Chief of the American army and where Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others were appointed to draw up the Declaration of Independence.
Mr. Hancock, Speaker of the House: You all know that in the first Continental Congress we pledged to stand by Boston. If General Gage means to make war on that town, let him do it. Is there anything to say on the matter, gentlemen?
Franklin: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Franklin.
Franklin: I say that the thirteen colonies should unite in order to fight Great Britain.
Henry: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Henry.
Henry: I agree with Mr. Benjamin Franklin. I wish to repeat a statement I made once before. The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American. (Applause).
Richard Henry Lee: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I make a motion that the thirteen colonies unite in order to fight and that we declare ourselves free and independent of Great Britain.
Member of House: We must show reasons for separating from our Mother Country.
Robert Livingston: We must show great men like Pitt and Burke why we want to separate from England.
Member of Congress: I make a motion that a committee of men be appointed to draw up a Declaration of Independence.
R. H. Lee: I second that motion.
Speaker: It has been moved and seconded that a committee of men be appointed to draw up a declaration of independence. All those in favor say Aye! Contrary minded No!
Aye! Aye!
Speaker: I appoint Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and John Adams of Massachusetts to draw up a declaration of independence. And now gentlemen, the American Army needs a head. Who shall it be?
P. Henry: I think Mr. Adams has a man in view.
Hancock: Mr. Adams.
Adams: I have but one man in mind, a gentleman from Virginia, whose skill and experience as an officer, whose independent fortune, great talents and excellent universal character would command the approbation of all America and unite the Colonies better than any other person in the Union. If you speak of solid information and sound judgment, Colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on the floor.
Lee: Mr. President.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I nominate Colonel Washington as Commander in Chief of the American Army.
Member of Congress: I second that motion.
Hancock: It has been moved and seconded that Colonel Washington be made Commander in Chief of the American Army. All those in favor say Aye.
Aye! Aye!
Hancock: Not in favor, no. (All Aye). Then General Washington is Commander in Chief of the American Army.
(Cheers).
(Goes to ante room and brings in Washington who left during Mr. Adams' speech).
Gentlemen, this is General Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army.
(More Cheers).
Washington: I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in this room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity I do not think myself equal to the task I am honored with.
End of Act III.