The Portland Gazette

Military.—The regiments composing the second Brigade of the 12th division of militia met during last week for regimental inspection and review. The first regiment under the command of Col. Jewett paraded at Gorham on Tuesday; the second, commanded by Col. Bailey at Stevens' plains in Westbrook, on Wednesday; and the third, under Col. Storer, paraded in this town on Thursday. The improvement in the militia of this Brigade is evident to every one, both in appearance, and in discipline. It is observed that the Portland regiment this year appears almost wholly in uniform. This is certainly a great improvement to its general appearance, and no doubt assists the soldiers in performing their evolutions, by enabling them to keep the step, and preserve their ranks with more correctness. After inspection and passing in review before Brigadier-General Varnum, the troops were marched through town, and returning to the place of parade were dismissed a short time for refreshment. In the afternoon the regiment was drawn up for target firing. An object, much less than the size of a man, or even of a Dandy, was placed at the distance of 90 yards, and hit many times; by one young man (Robert Plummer) who obtained the medal, an apprentice of Mr. George Clark, it was fairly hit both times that he fired. He was a private in Capt. Nutter's company. A spirit of ambition seems to prevail in the ranks of our militia, which is the surest index of excellence in the profession of arms.—Every thing however depends upon the selection of officers to excite this emulation in the soldiers and to give them correct ideas of discipline;—this subject we do not think is generally in this country sufficiently attended to; because if it is necessary to have a militia at all, it is necessary that they should be well instructed in their duty, and be ready at any time to perform the services which the exigencies of the country may require. We believe that as a body, the militia of this Commonwealth in discipline and equipment are superior to any in the United States.