Morning journal and courier., 1893-08-17


 The Oldest Military Body in Amer- lea Organized In New Haven in 163s-Some of the Ablest Generals Came From Its Ranks.
 The New Haven colony in 1888 organ izsd military company from which the Second regiment, 0. N. G., dates its origin, thus making it the oldest military body in America. When the Connecticut colonies consolidated the general court appointed sll officers. Sergeants were to command less than twenty-five men, lieuteL ants thitty-fve and captains sixty four.
 These men were liable to duty when called upon and must furnish their own ammunition. Captains were paid twenty five shillings week, lieutenants eighteen, ensigns fifteen, and privates nine. The highest officer up to 1672 was sergeant major. Such wae the organization that did valiant service in the Indian wars, and formed the nucleus of the gallant regiments of the revolution and the war | of 1872.
 In 1889 the office of lieutenant colonel was created. Six drills a year were then ! held between March and November. These "train bands" were called regiments first in 1897, and sergeant majors were called simply majors.
 1 Heavy fines were inflicted on any man who sold or injured his arms; "training days" were the great events of the year, and from far and near the yeomanry focked to the training field.
 It was in 170S that the governor was made communicated chief, custom adopt ed later by the United States. The first colonel was appointed in 1722 In 173s there were forty-seven companies and thir- teen regiments and 8, ,480 men, The French and Indian wars tested the military valo1 of these citizen soldiers, and proved that the Connecticut militia were second tc | none in bravery, courage and skill. When the war for independence began we find Major General David Wooster, Brigadie1 Generals Joseph Spencer and Ierael Put l nam and six regiments whose companies contained 100 men each. The struggles of that war were great, but Connecticut met every call for men and her troops were greatly admired by Washington.
 It was near the close of the revolution that the Connecticut militia were formed into two divisions, six brigades and twenty. four regiments. After the war there were found on the muster roll acaptain general a lieutenant general, and eight brigadiers The officers uniform was a blue coat faced with red, lined with white, white under dress, white buttons, and 8 blue worsted knot on each shoulder. The men wort "white frocks and iveralls." A black feather tipped with red worn in the hat was the distinguishing mark of the light infantry
 In 1911 regular uniform was formerly adopted by the state, and for two years il consisted of blue coats, standup collars l white vests, blue trousers, black stocks of leather or woven hair, round black hat with Japsnred front piece and black feather with 8 red tip. This was the uni form worn during the war of 1872, when the state quota was 5000 men. The spirit of '76 dwelt in the hearts of the men, and tsrnished. The brilliant renown of Nc Donough on Lake Champlsin does not eclipse the fame of the gallant heroes on the land.
 The changes from 1915 to 1861 were many, but through them all the Second regiment held it's distinct organizatio After all, 1t was left for the dark days of the rebellion to bring out the latent mili- tary ardor and zeal of the militia. Despite the attacks of various legislators and the strain upon the state necessitated by the war. the militia was perpetuased and in 1865 was called the Connecticut National ] Guard. The eight regiments were made into two brigades and six days annual encampment was provided for. One brig sde was the order in 1871, and weekly drills were instituted during the winter and spring. The present state camp ground wss bought in 1883, and few states can equal 1t in beauty or location.
 The present uniform, adopted in 1885, follows closely that of the United States army. It may surprise some to learn that it vas not until 1875 that flint lock mus kets were regularly discarded by law. What is needed to-dayis Is rifle better than the Peabody. though with that the record of the militia as marksmen is an enviable one. The state has reason to be proud of of its military record"
 From it's ranks have come some of the ablest generals of the civil war, and many of the officers have won distinction and lasting fame on the battlefield. Middle. town Tribune.