Southern shield., 1840-07-31
From Duf Green's Pilot THE SEDITION LAW.

THE SEDITION LAW.
 TO THE ORIGlNALJACKSON MEN.
 l would call your attention to a few plain extracts from official documents which, if there be any of the fire which ani. mated your bosoms in 1928, cannot fail to arouse your indignation, and call forth your energies for the rescue of our common country from the dangers which impend over us.
 Extract from the Presidents message dated December 2d, l839:-
 "The present condition of the defences of our principal seaports and Navy Ya ards, as represented by the accompanying report of the Secretary of War, calls for the early and serious attention of Congress; and as connecting itself intimately with this sub- ject CANNOT RECOMMEND roo STRONGLY TO YOUR CONSIDERATION THE PLAN sDB- MITTED BY THAT OFFICER FOR THE OR oANIzATIoS OF THE MILITIA OF THE UN- TIED STATES"
 That the reader may know something of the plan, we extract as follows:-
 SEC. l. That each and every free able bodied white male citizen of the respective States resident therein, who is or shall be of the age of twenty and under that of forty five, (with the exceptions hereinafter stat ed,) shall severally and respectively, be enrolled in the militia by the captain or commanding officer of the company within whose bounds each citizen shall reside; and that it shall be the duty. at all times, of every such captain or commanding officer of company, to enrol every such citizen as aforesaid, and alsoth who shall from time to time arrive at the age of twenty years, or who, being of that age, under that of forty-five years, (with the exceptions hereinafter named) shall come to reside within the bounds, and that he shall with out delay, notify such citizen of the said enrolment by proper non-commissioned officer of the company, by whom such mo- tice may be proved; that every citizen so enrolled and notified, shall, within three months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket, bore of capacity to receive lead ball of eighteen in the pound, suffi- cient bayonet and belt two spare fints; knapsack; cartridge box, to contain at least twenty-four cartridges suited to the bore of his musket and each cartridge to contain a ball and three buck shot, and a sufficient qsantity of powder or with a good rifle, knapsack, shotpouch. and powder-horn or flask, with sufficient powder and ball for twenty four charges, and two spare fints; and that he shall appear so armed, accou- tired, and provided when called cut for ex ercise, or into service; and every citizen so enrolled and providing himself with the arms, ammunition, and accoutrements, re- quired as aforesaid, shall hold the same eX- empted from all suits, distresses, execu- lions, or sales for debts, or for payment of taxes.
 SEC. 3, The Vice President of the Unit ed States, the officers judiciuf and e1ecutire of the Government of the United States, the members of both houses of Congress and their respective officers; all custom house officers with their clerks: all post officers and stage drsivers, ,vlo arc elnplny- ed in the care and convey ance of the mah of the post office of the United States; all ferry men employed at every ferry on the post road; or inspectors of experts; all pilots,-al mariners actually employed in the sea-service of any citizen or merchant within the United States, and all persons who now are or may hereafter beexempt- ed by the laws Of the respective States, shall be exempted from military duty, not withstandng their being above the 'age of twenty and under that of forth five"
 SEC. 4, Provides: Each dragoon to fur rIish himself with a serviceable horse, at least fourteen hands and half fngh, good saddle. bridle, valse, breastpiate and crup- per; pair of boots and spurs; pair of pistols; sabre; Cartouch-box to contain twelve cartridges for pistols"
 l7th Section That the President of the United States be authorised to call forth and assemble such numbers of the active force of the militia, at such places, within their respective districts, and at such times. not exceeding twice nor - days, in the same year, as he may deem necessary: and during such period, including the time when going to, and returning from the place of rendezvous, they shall be deenaedsn the service of the U. States, and De subject to such regulations as the President may think proper to adopt. for the instruction discipline, and improvement in military knowledge.
 18th Section. That whenever the laws of the United States shall be opposed, CT the execution thereof obstructed in any State, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judi cial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshal, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States 10 call forth the militia of such State, or of any other State or States. as may be necessary to suppress such combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed; and the use of the militia so to be called forth, may be continued if necessary, until the expiration