But can a virtuous man hesitate in his choice ?" Congress, it would seem, thought there was a good deal of room for hesitation, both for virtuous men and others, and after the fashion of their race determined to do a little more debating and arguing, before taking any decisive step.

After much resistance and discussion, a second "humble and dutiful petition" to the king was adopted, and with strange contradiction a confederation was formed at the same time, and Congress proceeded to exercise the sovereign powers thus vested in them.

The most pressing and troublesome question before them was what to do with the army surrounding Boston, and with the actual hostilities there existing.
Washington, for his part, went quietly about as before, saying nothing and observing much, working hard as chairman of the military committees, planning for defense, and arranging for raising an army.
One act of his alone stands out for us with significance at this critical time.

In this second Congress he appeared habitually on the floor in his blue and buff uniform of a Virginia colonel.

It was his way of saying that the hour for action had come, and that he at least was ready for the fight whenever called upon.
Presently he was summoned.