Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, June 26, 2025
George Washington's meeting, a car wreck, the race for mayor and more
Sunday, June 26, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, ”George Washington met with leaders from the New York Provincial Congress while passing through New York City en route to Boston to take command of the Continental Army. The group gathered to celebrate Washington's naming as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army just eleven days earlier. Peter Van Brugh Livingston, president of the New York Congress, delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the legislature. Livingston celebrated Washington as "a Gentlemen from whose Abilities and Virtue we are taught to expect both Security and Peace."
“Livingston's speech, however, also expressed fears regarding the potential tyranny of a standing army. He explained that while "We have the most flattering Hopes of Success in the glorious Struggle for American Liberty," the legislature also hoped for the "fullest Assurances that whenever this important Contest shall be decided. . .You will cheerfully resign the important Deposit committed unto Your Hands, and reassume the Character of our worthiest Citizen."