...his abilities sufficient to the task: "Mr. President, though I am truly sensible of the high Honour done me, in this Appointment, yet I feel great distress,...Trust: However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for support of the glorious...

...acceptance speech upon being unanimously elected to the post of commander-in-chief, he had said in part, "I feel great distress, from a consciousness that...not be equal to the extensive and important Trust." The sentiment may have been sincere, or he may have been expressing the modesty expected of a gentleman,...