Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1826-08-10

ofFIcAi~-CIRcULAE.
Var Department. Washington, }
JaLH IIM, 1896. )

Dir. AUoUS Tue poiiAiN a. m1Ahiin NhiSb
fheexperience of the PEOPLE oil the u
nited States has adopted as unquestion-
able, there is no one more universally
subscribed to, than that well organized
and well disciplined Militia is The ma
tural defence of free people. Uniting
most sincerely in common with my fell
low citizens in this opinion, ! am anx-
ious to sec system adopted by the
National Legislature, which Twill real
ize the hopes of us all, in reference to
this great arm of national defence.
BY resolution of Congress, at their
last session, am enjoined to cause to
be prepared a complete system OF ca
yalry tactics; and, also, a system OF ex-
ercise and instruction of field artillery,
including maneuvers forlight or horse
artillery, for the use Of the Militia Of the
United states; to be reported for con-
sidera,ion or adoption by Congress at Its
next session.
The wisdom OF this measure is made
manifest by the objects which are two
fold; first, the establishment of the best
system; and, secondly, that il shall be
uniform. Tie importance OF the last -
scarcely inferior to the first: for who can
well appreciate the Inconvenience re-
snlting from different systems in the
same Army z the militia differing among
themselves, as also with the regular
Army, with which they may be called
to act; and yet it is, believe, too true.
that but little uniformity prevails; if
practicable, this defect must be reno
we'd
lam duly sensible how difficult it is to
establish uniform system. The dif-
ference of condition, physical and NOR
al, in the different states, and the pre-
ference which each has for that which
from time they have been accustomed
to, present serious obstacles TO a homo
eeneuus system throughout all the States
Yeti would tain hope not insurmounta-
BILE.
All our national Institutions, and much
of our legislation, are founded in that
mutual spirit of Difference and forbear-
ance which have so signally distinguish
ed The People of these States, and there
fore one may indulge the hope, that in
an object of such vital Importance as
we'll regulated Militia, minor objections
will be sacrificed to the attainment OF SO
great good.
To enable me to execute the duty as
signed me by Congress, it is most desi-
rahle that | should acquire all the in
formation within my reach, and while SO
doing, the opportunity seems seasonal
IL 80, 10 ascertain tire different sys-
tenn, both of organization and instruc-
tion, which prevails in each state; and,
also, the defects and remedies which
observation and judgment may have
suggested, that, by comparison,
system may be extracted which will most
probably, unite the greatest number in
its favor; which system, when matured,
will be submitted to the wisdom of Con-
gress, who have had for several sessions
this interesting subject under considera-
ton, and who are alone competent to
apply some of the remedies required; a
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 the States and Ter
and such distinguished citizens
known to me, from whose experience |
expect to derive much valuable informa-
ton.
To this end beg to submit the fol- |
lowing questions:-
lst What is the number of your Mi
lita2
Cd. Are they organized in strict con-
Formity to the law of Congress? If they
differ--in WHAT
srd. Are the regular or. volunteer. Mill
tia most efficient2
4th. Is there preference given for
entering volunteer CORPSE
5th. Does the establishment of the
volunteer Militia operate injuriousiy on
he regular Militia?
9Th. What proportion do the volun-
GERS bear to the regular Militia?
9TH. Would it promote the efficiency
Of volunteer corps if they had the power
~ law of making bylaws for their own
sth. Would classification of the Mi
tia be an improvement; one TO be cal
ed the dcttUs,t he other the sedeniary?
9th. In making the classification,
hould age, or the single or married
ia lie form the distinction9
10th. If age, what the proper periods?
nth, Would it be an Improvement TO )