Read the excerpt from “george washington.” when the second continental congress assembled in philadelphia in may 1775, washington, one of the virginia delegates, was elected commander in chief of the continental army. on july 3, 1775, at cambridge, massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years. which provides the best objective summary of this excerpt? on july 3, 1775, at cambridge, massachusetts, washington took command of ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war. washington became the commander in chief of the continental army in 1775, which was fortunate for the country. he was the best choice to lead unprepared troops. washington took command of an unprepared army in 1775 and entered into a difficult war that lasted six years. washington was selected to be the commander in chief of the continental army. he began his command on july 3rd in cambridge, massachusetts.