Question regarding Washington's command titles

Factual Questions
1

Hi
I was a little confused between the following titles awarded George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Are there any differences between them. Are they both used interchangeably? I look forward to your feedback

  1. General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies
  2. Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Armies
2

"George Washington, Commander in Chief of Ye Armies of Ye United States of America.

I guess no. 1 was Washington’s official title.

On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed Washington to lead the newly established Continental Army, saying:
We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief, of the army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised, by them, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service, and join the said Army for the Defense of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.[1]

3

This previous thread may interest you: Was Washington a good general? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board

Washington is still the highest-ranked officer in the U.S. Army, and will always remain so: General of the Armies - Wikipedia

4

And this previous thread, by the same OP - What was George Washington's original military rank and what were all his subsequent one's? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board

5

I wouldn’t assume that the caption on the William Sharp print had, or reflected, any official standing or designation. The use of “ye” for “the” looks deliberately cutesy and archaic, and when Washington was appointed as Commander-in-Chief the name “United States of America” has not been yet been adopted.

From the context of your quote, “General and Commander in Chief of the army of the United Colonies” wasn’t a title conferred upon Washington but rather an office to which he was appointed. His title, as holder of that office, was probably just “General”.

6

Thanks for that distinction UDS. I haven’t seen anything in writing distinguishing
" “General and Commander in Chief of the army of the United Colonies” and “Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Armies”. That’s what prompted my question. Your answer makes sense.
Thank you all.

7

Washington was often referred to during the Revolution by the honorific “His Excellency” (Joseph Ellis even thus titled his bio of GW), and it remains the President’s style in diplomatic circles.