Major General Artemas Ward took the oath as commander-in-chief of the patriot army around Boston on May 20, 1775. Though initially the commander-in-chief, he relinquished command to General Washington on July 7, 1775 and served directly below him. Ward was actively involved in the major military decisions of the siege of Boston, but his contributions have been overshadowed by controversy in large part due to contemporary political maneuvering and the subsequent historical treatment of the events. Ward eventually resigned his command, citing a chronic ailment that troubled and pained him in the performance of his duties.