that the greatest need was for a better organization.
Zeal was not wanting. Whenever the British cannonade recommenced,
whenever there were rumors of an attack, the troops were ready for a
fight. But means of communication, and prompt and efficient
subordination, still were lacking. Nor does it appear that those on the
ground were able, handicapped as they were by orders from the different
provincial assemblies, to produce the necessary system. Higher political
and military authority both were needed before the army could be
efficient. Very fortunately events had been preparing to supply them.

Since the middle of May the second Continental Congress had been sitting
in Philadelphia. Among the Massachusetts delegates were Hancock and the
two Adamses. Gage on the 12th of June had consigned Samuel Adams and
Hancock to the gallows, but Hancock was serving as president of the
Congress, while the Adamses were important members of committees. They
watched and waited for the growth of a sentiment which should support
New England in its resistance.

The position of the Congress was without precedent. An illegal body, its
delegates were elected by conventions improperly constituted. It had no
authority to raise money, to purchase arms, or to direct the actions of
the provinces. Though in New England war was in progress, many of the
delegates loved the old order of things, and were not yet ready to move
toward independence. The first actions of the Congress were for
conciliation.

There were those who saw that this was impossible. Of the New England
delegates, very few ever again hoped for what was called "an
accommodation." Washington, on his part, saw clearly that the end of the
old order had come. Franklin knew that independence would be the result
of the changes then in progress. Yet these men, and others like them,
knew also that they could not hurry the Congress into radical action,
and waited the effect of time. For weeks the Congress discussed and
argued, and finally passed a resolve that "an humble and dutiful
petition be presented to his majesty."[106] This would give a chance for
feelings to cool, and for the supporters of the king to work for his
interest.

But events would not stand still. In England the news of Concord had not
moved the king to lenity; he saw no lesson in the tragedy, and insisted
on pressing his policy. Lord North's feeble endeavor to resign was
checked, supplies were sent to Virginia to suppor