Editing George Washington (section)

===Siege of Boston===
{{Main|Siege of Boston}}
In April 1775, in response to the growing rebellious movement, British troops occupied [[Boston]], led by General [[Thomas Gage]], commander of British forces in America.{{sfn|Taylor|2016|pp=121–123}} Local militias surrounded the city and trapped the British troops, resulting in a standoff.{{sfn|Taylor|2016|pp=121–122, 143}} As Washington headed for Boston, he was greeted by cheering crowds and political ceremony; he became a symbol of the [[Patriot (American Revolution)|Patriot]] cause.{{sfn|Chernow|2010|p=193}} Upon Washington's arrival on July 2, he went to inspect the army, but found undisciplined militia.{{sfn|Taylor|2016|p=143}} After consultation, he initiated [[Benjamin Franklin]]'s suggested reforms, instituting military drills and imposing strict disciplinary measures.{{sfnm|Isaacson|2003|1p=303|Ferling|2002|2p=112|Taylor|2016|3p=143|Fitzpatrick|1936|4p=514}} Washington promoted some of the soldiers who had performed well at [[Battle of Bunker Hill|Bunker Hill]] to officer rank, and removed officers who he saw as incompetent.{{sfn|Ferling|2002|pp=112–113, 116}} In October, King [[George III]] declared that the colonies were in open rebellion and relieved Gage of command, replacing him with General [[William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe|William Howe]].{{sfnm|Chernow|2010|1p=208|Taylor|2016|2pp=133–135}}

When the [[Charles River]] froze over, Washington was eager to cross and storm Boston, but Gates and others were opposed to having untrained militia attempt to assault well-garrisoned fortifications. Instead, Washington agreed to [[Fortification of Dorchester Heights|secure the Dorchester Heights]] above Boston to try to force the British out.{{sfn|Ferling|2009|p=100}} On March 17, 8,906 British troops, 1,100 [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalists]], and 1,220 women and children began a chaotic naval evacuation. Washington entered the city with 500 men, giving them explicit orders not to plunder.{{sfn|McCullough|2005|pp=105&ndash;107}} He refrained from exerting military authority in Boston, leaving civilian matters in the hands of local authorities.{{efn|On January 24, 1776, Congressional delegate [[Edward Rutledge]], echoing General George Washington's own concerns, suggested that a war office similar to Great Britain's be established.{{sfn|Wright|1983|p=89}} Organization of the [[Board of War]] underwent several significant changes after its inception in 1776.{{sfn|Wright|1983|p=121f}}}}{{sfnm|Chernow|2010|1pp=227–228|Lengel|2005|2pp=124–126|Ferling|2002|3pp=116–119|Taylor|2016|4pp=144, 153–154}}