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many instances this expectation is wholly frustrated by suffering officers who resign to retain them. It is expected that greater attention will to this object in future, not merely with the view of saving expence, but that officers may not plead ignorance of the laws and orders.

While many of the officers are animated with a generous ardor & distinguished zeal in the militia service, & by their talents and industry show themselves worthy of the civil as well as military honours of their country, others are more cold & insensible to those feelings of ambition, & neglect to provide themselves with the suitable appendages of their office, & the means of acquiring even the first rudiments of the military profession - these require constantly to be urged forward by those in superior command. Though the law renders it necessary for every officer to have the book of discipline, many of them wholly neglect to procure this essential manual of their duty. In the militia the opportunities of improvement from the performance of the duty enjoined by law, so seldom occurring, that the theory of tactics should be acquired at home, in order that when in the field it may be readily applied to practice, & every officer be enabled to instruct those under his command.

Since the musters & reviews of the last year, there has been ample time to remedy every defect in the organization of the militia and to prepare for the active exercises of the approaching season.

From the conscious pride naturally attached to the character of free citizens, who put on their armour for the defence of their own & their country's rights; from the honour & patriotism of the officers who participate in the public happiness resulting from the peace and security of the State; the Commander in chief anticipates that within