John to Samuel
New England was in arms. Lexington and Concord had been fought, and Boston was being besieged by the New England Army.
The Congress was discussing the defense of the whole Country. There were some members who wished the Congress to take over the New England Army and appoint a Commander-in-Chief.
It was then that John Adams met his cousin Samuel Adams, in the State House yard. This is the way John Adams tells it:—
“‘What shall we do to get Congress to adopt our Army?’ said Samuel Adams to John Adams.
“‘I will tell you what I am determined to do,’ said John to Samuel. ‘I have taken pains enough to bring you to agree upon something; but you will not agree upon anything. And now I am determined to take my own way, let come what will come!’
“‘Well,’ said Samuel, ‘what is your scheme?’
“Said John to Samuel, ‘I will go to Congress this morning, and move that a day be appointed to take into consideration the adoption of the Army before Boston, the appointment of a General and officers; and I will nominate Washington for Commander-in-Chief!’”