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Massachusetts State Seal
Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Selection of Commander-in-Chief

Portrait by Charles Willson Peale depicting Washington
1776 Portrait by Charles Willson Peale depicts Washington as Commander of the Continental Army. Wikipedia

Hancock had aspirations for a military command. John Adams had other ideas. He nominated George Washington, more qualified by experience in colonial wars, to command the Continental Army. As a Virginian, Washington was more likely to unite northern and southern colonies in a common cause. Although disappointed, Hancock supported Washington during the war.