Some people did not completely trust and respect Washington. When being selected people on the legislative had to be persuaded because they did not want George Washington as the general of the Continental Army. John Adams had to persuade the congress. The congress eventually gained faith in Washington, allowing him to make the judgment whether to attack the British even if it meant destroying the city. Washington, being the fearless leader he is, told his troops to attack the British even if it meant wrecking the city.[13]
Gilbert Stuart painted George Washington to look like an American hero. Washington was looked at as a hero to the colonists, soldiers, and people today. The soldiers saw him as a tough leader. Washington was tough with his discipline and his consequences. The soldiers also didn’t like the Continental Army set up because they didn’t know who they were working with. They didn’t enjoy working with soldiers they didn’t know. John Adams influenced the congress to elect Washington as the General of the Continental Army. Saying of George Washington, "whose skill and experience as an officer, whose independent fortune, great talents and excellent universal character would command the approbation of all America, and unite the cordial exertions of all the colonies better than any other person in the Union."[14] He spoke very highly of Washington.