 
during the long struggle one man above all others kept the patriots 
fighting. 
that man was george washington. 
the second continental congress had acted wisely when it appointed this 
dignified, six-foot-two virginian to command the continental army. 
washington was raised on a prosperous tobacco plantation. 
he grew into a well-built young man and became an excellent horseman, 
hunter, and marksman. 
by the age of 15 he had learned the profession of surveying. 
washington was a very serious person, always conscious of proper conduct. 
in time he became one of the richest landowners in the colonies. 
he managed his beautiful mount vernon estate with loving care and took a 
personal interest in everything that went on there. 
there were several reasons why congress selected washington to head the 
american army. 
he had represented virginia during both of the continental congresses and 
was one of the few delegates with good military experience. 
he had served as lieutenant colonel during the french and indian war and 
as commander in chief of the virginia militia. 
moreover, washington was an imposing person whom other people respected. 
the country needed a strong commanding general who would not give up, no 
matter how bad conditions became. 
during the early years of the war, washington's main job was to build up 
and train the continental army. 
but after the defeat in the battle of long island, he found this extremely 
difficult to do. 
he had to keep retreating with the remnants of his army to avoid being 
captured by superior british forces snapping at his heels. 
