From Jared Sparks, Life of George Washington (Boston: Little, Brown, 1852), pp. 132-5.

The situation of affairs required the commander's [Washington's] presence as soon as possible at Cambridge, where the army was stationed. Every necessary arrangement with Congress was in a short time completed, and he left Philadelphia on the 21st of June, accompanied by General Lee and General Schuyler, and escorted by a volunteer troop of light-horse from the city, which continued with him to New York. He had reviewed in Philadelphia, at the request of officers, several militia companies of infantry, riflemen, and light-horse. Wherever he appeared, the people manifested great enthusiasm, and eagerness to show him all the respect to which is new rank entitled him. The Provincial Congress of New York was then sitting; and, when it was known that General Washington was on the road, a committee from that body was deputed to meet him at Newark, and attend him across Hudson's River. On his arrival, addresses of congratulation and civility passed between him and the New York Congress.

The particulars of the battle of Bunker's Hill reached him there, and increased his anxiety to hasten forward to the army. General Schuyler was to remain in New York, as commander of the military operations in that quarter. This was a delicate position, as the British Governor Tyron was then in the city, a ship of war in the harbor keeping the inhabitants in awe, and throughout the province were many powerful and avowed friends of the royal cause. But great confidence was placed in the fidelity, discretion, and firmness of General Schuyler. After giving him instructions to the exigencies of the case, General Washington again pursued his journey, escorted by volunteer military companies. In this manner he travelled to Springfield, where he was met by a committee fromt he Massachusetts Provincial Congress, who were instructed to provide escorts, and to attend him in person, through the remainder of the route. He arrived in Cambridge on the 2d of July, and took command of the army the next day.

The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, then sitting at Watertown near Cambridge, received him with great cordiality, and presented to him an address, proffering every aid in their power to make his command agreaable, and to strengthen his efforts in the common cause. The testimonies of respect and satisfaction, as well from individuals as public bodies, which he had everwhere received, were of the most flattering kind, and demonstrated that the people were not less unanimous in approving the choice of Congress, than the members of that assembly had been in making it. The army greeted him with equal warmth, and hitherto every indication tended to inspire a just confidence in himself, and the best hopes for the future.

His first care was to ascertain the numbers, position, and arrangements of the troops, to inspect posts they occupied, and to gain a knowledge of the strength and plans of the enemy....