The Daily Advertiser

To the City Members of Assembly.

The Militia as it is at present established in this city, can never be useful.—The Infantry, which is to be filled by tyrannical compulsion, tho' sanctioned by law, will disappoint the Legislature. The folly of inconsiderateness and the despotism of authority mark this part of the militia law. The tax of arms, accoutrements, and regimentals to merchant's clerks, and mechanic's apprentices, is oppressive. As if the tax of personal service was not sufficient, they are under the obligation to expend nine or ten pounds in their equipments. This measure was adopted by the Legislature of a free State, who had one system of principles when we were resisting tyranny, and now adopt, with a shameful spirit of accommodation, a military system calculated only for Prussia.

Three independent regiments of volunteers, clothed in shirts, might be raised in this city, which would do honor to the State. It might be called the Independent Brigade, and should be officered by continental officers, and active young men who have military ambition: It would prove the school of discipline, and if any hostilities should commence, officers trained to all the habits of discipline are ready for immediate service. The growing youth will learn the rudiments of military science, and the old soldier will preserve his military knowledge from the rust of oblivion. The youth of America, like those of Rome, should study law and arms, and should divide their time between the Rostrum, and Campus Martius.

The very non-commissioned officers of this brigade would be fitter for important commands than those favored officers who by luck and pitiless servility obtained important commissions when no military merit as martinets or soldiers during the late war, entitled them to common estimation. They are equal to their commissions in the present state of the militia, and in the motley regiments of ignorant cits, may be considered by their confident and dogmatical airs as Cæsars in the art of war. The real talents of the continental officers are lost in the militia as it is at present, and their temper must be incessantly tried. The men who have never seen the subordination and regularity of regimental discipline, may consider a militia commission as a gift which flatters their pride. The continental officer who accepts the paltry gift, proves his patriotism as a citizen, but not his pride as a soldier. The companies and regiments of the beats may be commanded by those who are fond of title and the name of service, and by those who are warm men and respectable citizens. The success of the brigade would depend upon the commandant. His character as a Martinet should be established, and his temper should not be inclined to little piques, intrigue or cabal.

A MARTINET.