Massachusetts Colony assembled a provisional congress, and began preparations for a conflict with Great Britain. It took steps to organize a militia and to appoint officers. The movement was continued through the year 1775, and provision was made that a portion of the militia should be Minute Men-men who would hold themselves ready to respond immediately to call. This was the condition when the fight at Lexington occurred. Men were commissioned as officers largely in accordance with the number of men they raised. It was a most vicious practice, and one which has persisted until recent times. Popular men, regardless of their military qualifications or fitness, were appointed to commands which they were entirely unfitted to exercise.

In May, 1775, the Continental Congress met (this was about three weeks after the battle of Lexington). It as

sumed immediately the functions of civil government, but being without authority to levy taxes or to raise revenue, it was empowered to emit bills of credit, their redemption being secured by the promise of the twelve Colonies. This limitation upon its financial power almost neutralized its power to create and support armies. The conduct of the Revolutionary War would have been very different had the Continental Congress had the power to employ the entire financial and military resources of the people. This Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of riflemen, and these companies were really the beginning of the Continental Army. They were raised from Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. The term of enlistment was fixed at one year. There was great enthusiasm, and the twelve companies reported within sixty days. As was natural the men composing these com

panies were among the best. The really best men are those who first rush to the colors.

These riflemen were the nucleus of the army which finally achieved our independence, and maintained a high reputation throughout the war. The term of enlistment, however, was short, and here we encounter one of the great difficulties which confronted Washington and all others throughout the Revolution; namely, the question of short enlistments. Men were barely trained before they left the service to be replaced by others untrained and, of course, unequipped and generally demanding new uniforms and equipment. Shortly after the authorization of these companies of riflemen Congress authorized twentysix additional regiments to be raised by the different colonies-sixteen by Massachusetts. Blank commissions were sent to Washington. With the arrival of these

blank commissions Washington's troubles and difficulties were greatly augmented. A tremendous struggle followed. States attempted to secure an undue proportion for their own contingents.

Washington's letters at this time speak of corruption, lack of patriotism, slow enlistments, and indicate a condition which would have appalled any but one with a stout heart and determined character.

About this time appeared the question of "bounty"—one of the most dangerous and pernicious methods of securing men. Washington was already deeply impressed with the danger of short enlistments and the unreliability of the Militia. He was also alarmed at the general and widespread evil of desertion. Volunteering had already become slow. Washington recommended coercive measures to the General Court of Massachusetts and urged-indeed almost prayed-Congress

to establish enlistments for the war. He already saw clearly that the volunteer system was a failure, that it was full of grave dangers and that the war could not be successfully conducted by untrained men led by inefficient officers.

It was during this year-thanks largely to the efforts of Washington-that the Continental Army reached its maximum strength-the greatest that it had during the struggle. At its maximum it totaled in round numbers 89,000 men, of whom 49,000 were Continentals and 42,000 Militia. Dictatorial powers were given to Washington to raise troops in any of the Colonies, seize supplies and compel acceptance of colonial bills; from all of which it is clearly evident that had we been opposed by a vigorous, well organized enemy our capacity for resistance would have been comparatively slight.

The British campaign was not pushed