George Washington was a Virginian representative to the First Continental Congress. He was again present at the Second Continental Congress. Here John Adams argued that this seasoned soldier should lead the new Continental Army. Washington believed in the cause so much that he accepted the job without pay. Washington achieved his first victory, that of retaking Boston, without much difficulty. Despite all the difficulties faced he was determined that the country win free of the British oppression. Because of early loses in New York, Washington became demoralized for a time. He despaired of the Patriots ability to overcome such a large organized force. With his risky victory at Trenton, he regained the confidence of his soldiers, his nation
