Letter from Joseph Warren to Samuel Adams, May 26, 1775.
Militia Resolves of the Continental Congress, July 18, 1775
Militia Act of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, June 22, 1793 (excerpts)
The Massachusetts Militia Act followed from the national Militia Act and is representative of the dozens of state militia acts of the early republic. The Massachusetts Militia Act actually uses the word register to describe the enrollment of militiamen.
Joseph Warren was an important figure in the American Revolution. One of his important contributions was to organize and direct the activities that included Paul Revere's famous ride.
Dear Sir,-
I see more and more the necessity of establishing a civil
government here, and such a government as shall be sufficient to
control the military forces, not only of this colony, but also
such as shall be sent to use from the other colonies. The
continent must strengthen and support with all its weight the
civil authority here; otherwise our soldiery will lose the ideas
of right and wrong, and will plunder, instead of protecting, the
inhabitants, This is but too evident already; and I assure you
inter nos, that unless some authority sufficient to
restrain the irregularities of this army is established, we shall
very soon find ourselves involved in greater difficulties than
you can well imagine. The least hint from the most unprincipled
fellow, who has perhaps been reproved from some criminal
behavior, is quite sufficient to expose the fairest character to
insult and abuse among many; and it is with our countrymen as
with all other men, when they are in arms, that, in the course of
time people will see the error of such proceedings; but I am not
sure it will be before many disagreeable consequences may take
place. The evil may now be easily remedied, I know the temper of
our people. They are sensible, brave, and virtuous; and I wish
they might ever continue so. Mild and gentle regulations will be
sufficient for them; but the penalties annexed to the breach of
those rules should be rigorously inflicted. I would have such a
government as should give every man the greatest liberty to do
what he pleases consistent with restraining him from doing any
injury to another, or such a government as would most contribute
to the good of the whole, with the least inconvenience to
individual. However, it is difficult to frame a government de
novo which will stand in need of no amendment. Experience
must point out defects. And, if the people should not lose their
morals, it will be easy for them to correct the errors in the
first formation of government. If they should lose them, what
was not good at first will be soon insupportable. My great wish
therefore is, that we may restrain every thing which tends to
weaken the principles of right and wrong, more especially with
regard to property. You may possibly think I am a little angry
with my countrymen, or have not so good an opinion of them as I
formerly had; but that is not the case. I love,--I admire them.
The errors they have fallen into are natural and easily accounted
for. As sudden alarm brought them together, animated with the
noblest spirit. They left their houses, their families, with
nothing but the clothes on their backs, without a day's
provision, and many without a farthing in their pockets. Their country was
in danger; their brethren were slaughtered; their arms alone
engrossed their attention. As they passed through the country,
the inhabitants gladly opened, their hospitable doors, and all
things were in common. The enemies of their country alone
refused to aid and comfort the hungry soldiers. Prudence seemed
to dictate that the force made used of to obtain what ought
voluntarily to have been given, should be winked at. And it is
not easy for men, especially when interests and gratification of
appetite are considered, to know how far they may continue to
tread in the path where there are no landmarks to direct them. I
hope care will be taken by the Continental Congress to apply an
immediate remedy, as the infection is caught by every new corps
that arrives.
Source: Life and Times of Joseph Warren, Richard Frothingham, Boston, 1865.
Resolutions of the Second Continental
Congress
18 July 1775
The militia resolutions of the Second Continental Congress were
made almost a full year before the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence states that when a government is
abolished or alter new government is instituted. The preliminary
steps to form a new government were underway long before the
Declaration of Independence was written. The concern expressed
in the Warren letter was that eventhough the revolutionary militias' cause was just and they enjoyed popular support an undisciplined and uncontrolled military force was potentially dangerous to public order. These resolutions of the Continental Congress established civilian control over the militia forces. The militia forces proved inadequate to resist
the British army. The next year the Continental Congress created
the Continental Army, the first true military force of the new
nation, under the command of General Washington.
Continental Congress Recommendation to Raise Militias
Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants of all
the united English Colonies in North America, that all able
bodied effective men, between sixteen and fifty years of age in
each colony, immediately form themselves into regular companies
of Militia, to consist of one Captain, two lieutenants, one
ensign, four sergeant, four corporals, one clerk, one drummer,
one fifer, and about 68 privates.
Resolved, That the officers of each company be chosen by
the respective companies.
Resolved, That each soldier be furnished with a good
musket, that will carry an ounce ball, with a bayonet, steel
ramrod, worm, priming wire and brush fitted thereto, a cutting
sword or tomahawk, a cartridge-box, that will contain 23 rounds
of cartridges, twelve flints and a knapsack.
Resolved, That the companies be formed in regiments or
battalions, officered with a colonel, lieutenant colonel, two
majors, and adjutant, and quarter master.
Resolved, That all officers above the rank of captain be
appointed by their respective provincial assemblies or
conventions, or in their recess, by the committees of safety
appointed by said assemblies and conventions.
Resolved, that all the Militia take proper care to acquire
military skill, and be well prepared for defense by being each
man provided with one pound of good gun powder, and four pounds
of ball, fitted to his gun.
Resolved, That one fourth part of the militia of every
colony be selected for minute men, of such persons as are willing
to enter into this necessary service, formed into companies and
battalions, and their officers chosen and commissioned as
aforesaid, to be ready on the shortest notice, to march to any
place where their assistance may be required for the defense of
their own or a neighboring colony; and as these minute men may
eventually be called to action before the whole body of the
militia are sufficiently trained, it is recommended that a more
particular and diligent attention be paid to their instruction in
military discipline.
Resolved, That such of the minute men, as desire it, be
relieved by new draughts as aforesaid, from the whole body of the
militia, once in four months.
Resolved, As there are some people, who, from religious
principles, cannot bear arms in any case, this Congress intend no
violence to their consciences, but earnestly recommend it to
them, to contribute liberally in this time of universal calamity,
to the relief of their distressed brethren in the several
colonies, and to do all other services to their oppressed
country, which they can consistently with their religious
principles.
Resolved, that it be recommended to the assemblies or
conventions in the respective colonies to provide, as soon as
possible, sufficient stores of ammunition for their colonies;
also that they devise proper means for furnishing with arms, such
effective men as are poor and unable to furnish themselves.
Resolved, that it be recommended to each colony to
appoint
a committee of safety, to superintend and direct all matters
necessary for the security and defense of their respective
colonies, in the recess of their assemblies and conventions.
Resolved, That each colony, at their own expense, make
such provision by armed vessels or otherwise, as their respective
assemblies, conventions, or committees of safety shall judge
expedient and suitable to their circumstances and situation, for
the protection of their harbors and navigation of their sea
coasts, against all unlawful invasions, attacks, and
depredations, from cutters and ships of war.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the makers of arms for
the use of the Militia, that they make good substantial muskets,
with barrels three feet and half in length, that will carry an
ounce ball, and fitted with a good bayonet and steel ram-rod, and
that the making such arms be encouraged in these United Colonies.
Resolved, Where in any colony a militia is already formed
under regulations approved of by the convention or such colony or
by such assemblies as are annually elective, we refer to the
discretion of such convention or assembly, either to adopt the
foregoing regulations in a whole or in part or to continue their
former as they on consideration of all circumstances, shall think
best.
Continental Congress
Report of the Committee for Putting the Militia into a Proper
State of Defense
Source: Journal of the Continental Congress, II, p. 187-
190.
Militia Acts of May 2 and May 8, 1792,
Acts of Congress providing federal authority to call out the militia and provide for the organization of the militia
Militia Act of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, June 22, 1793 (excerpts)
The Massachusetts Militia Act followed from the national Militia Act and is representative of the dozens of state militia acts of the early republic. The Massachusetts Militia Act actually uses the word register to describe the enrollment of militiamen.
[PotowmackForum], interactive posting
[RESOURCES].
Newspaper, magazine, journal articles, books, links