Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-08-02
CIRCULAR.
Var Department, July II

SIN. Among the political maxlmS whlch the
experience Of the people oil the ohi'eu o'a'es
has adopted as unquestionable, thsre Is ho oi m
more universally subscribed 10, than tnat wen
oryanised and well disciplined miltla is the
natural defence of free people. Oniting mos'
s;rrarelv in CANNON with my fellow-cltlzens In
Ibis on;nion. | am anxious 10 see system a.
donted BY the National Legislature, which VIII
rsa7e The homes of all, in reference 70 this great
arm of national defence.
By a resolution Of Congress, at their iasf ses'
sion. / am enioined to cause to be prepared
complete system Of cavalry tactics; and, also,
evstem of exercise and instruction oil held ar
tiIlery; including manoeuvres tor light or horse
artillery. for the use Of the militia OF the United
states. 70 be reported for consideration or a.
dop,ion by Congress al its next session.
The wisdom of this measure is made mani
fest by the objects, which are two-fod; hrst, the
establishment Of the best system; and, secondly,
that il shall be uniform. The Importance OF
the las, is scarcely inferior 10 the first; Tor who
can well appreciate the Inconvenience resulting
from different systems in the same army! the
militia differing among themselves,as also with
the regular army, with which they may be call
ed to act; and yet it is, believe, too true, that
bu, little uniformity PREVAILS II pracucaole, lhls
defect must be removed.
am duly sensible how difficult 1t is to estao-
Esh uniform system. The difference oil con-
dition, physical and moral, IN the different
States. and the preference which each has Tor
that which from time they have been accustom-
cd %. nresept serious obstacles to homogeneous
system throughout all the States, yet would
fam hope not inSurmounlaole.
All our national institutions, and much oil our
LEGISLATION, are founded in that mutual spirit oil
difference and forbearance which have so Sig
r,lIv distinguished the people OF these States,
ard therefore one may indulge the hope, that,
n an Object of such vital Importance as well
%Nsuased militia, minor objections will be sa-
crl1ced to The attainment Of so great good.
70 ena6i- une TO execute the duty assigned
me BY Congress, II is most desirable that
should acquire all the information within my
reach, and while so doing, the opportunity
seems seasonable one, TO ascertain the differ
ent systems, both Of organization and instruc-
ton, which prevail in each State; and, also, the
defects and remedies which observation and
Judgment may have suggested; that, by COM
parison system may be extracted which Will,
moss probably, unite The greatest number in It's
favor; which system, when matuged, will be sub
mitted TO the wisdom of Congress, who have
had for several sessions this interesting subject
under consideration, and who are alone compe-
tent to apply some Of the remedies required;
portion Of the control over this subject being
retained to the States. 1t is with this view
that address you, as also the Governor Of each
Of tue States and Territories, and such disln-
euished citizens known to me, from whose ex
perience expect 10 derive much valuable in
formation.
To this end beg leave to submit The follow
ing questions:
lst. What is the number Of your militia
Cd. Are they organized in strict conformity
10 the law Of Congress? II they differ-in
what?
sd. Are the regular or volunteer militia most
efficient?
4,h Is there preference given for entering
volunteer corps?
9Th. Does the establishment of the volunteer
militia operate injuriously Oh the regular mi
litia?
9Th What proportion do the volunteers bear
TO the regular militia?
9TH. Would it promote the efficiency of vol
un,eer corps if they had the power by law OF
making bylaws for their own government?
9Th. Would classification Of the militia be
an improvements one to be called the actire, the
other the ssdentary'
9Th. In making the classification, should age,
or the single or married state, form the distinc
ton!
10TH II age, what the proper periods?
llth. Would it be an improvement to issue
commissions only TO inferior grades, in time OF
peace? if so, what should be the highest?
18th. Is not the period of service for three
months only, on one tour, attended with great
sacrifices oflife and treasure, and productive Of
ineffciency!
18th. If so, to what period might it be prop
erly extended?
i4th. What are the regulations Of your State
a, TO training the militia?
18th. From your experience, are frequent
musters advantageous to the great body of the
militias
10th. Would it be an improvement to con-
6ne the instructions to the officers exclusively?
18th. Is the system of Infantry tactics, di-
rected by law, universally pursued!
18th. What system of exercise and instruc.
ton of artillery have you practised or followed!
what are its defects and remedies!
18th. What system of cavalry tactics have
you adopted! what are its defects and remedies!