Eben Pike was called up, and the boy bashfully wriggled—no one could call it walking—up to John Hancock's desk.
When Allen told of the bravery of the young scout and of the way in which he had so recently saved his friends from falling into the hands of the English, Hancock rose from his seat and called for three hearty cheers for the young hero.
Then the Congress settled down to work and appointed officers to assist Washington.
What a brave lot of men! Their names cannot be too often repeated.
The major-generals were Artemus Ward, Charles Lee, Phillip Schuyler and Israel Putnam—the famous wolf-den Putnam. Then the brigadier-generals comprised Richard Montgomery, Seth Pomeroy, David Wooster, William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas and Nathaniel Greene. The adjutant-general was Horatio Gates.
Allen overheard Gen. Schuyler speak of Canada and of its importance.
Allen made his acquaintance and asked him to allow him to tell of the plan New York had rejected.
Schuyler was delighted, and thanked the Vermonter warmly.
"If ever you are in command of such an army of invasion," said Allen, "I shall ask to be allowed to join as a volunteer."
"My dear Allen, there is not a man in all Philadelphia at the present moment I would rather have," answered the general.