George Washington conscientiously chose to wear his colonel’s uniform from the Virginia Regiment in his first appearance before the Second Continental Congress in mid-June 1775, leaving little doubt that he was prepared to accept the body’s forthcoming offer to lead the Continental Army. But while Washington’s choice of attire conveyed confidence, he expressed concern regarding his lack of experience and skill in the face of so overwhelming odds in his address to the Congress on June 16. He shared his understandable wariness in a letter to his wife, Martha, written soon after he accepted his commission and began the task of overseeing the defense of Boston. But matters were different when it came to communicating with his officers, specifically through general orders. In addition to communicating his expectations for unwavering discipline and professionalism, Washington ensured the message was one of confidence intended to encourage morale, even as the early years of the struggle provided relatively few out-and-out victories for the Americans.