.MTczNA.MTk5ODI

268

while I submit that no reference in such a case was warrantable, yet there seems to be no objection to the personage selected; for how can he, the subject of impartial history & not dependent on any advantage from either party, being an umpire between nations, act but as the magnanimous dispenser of justice, who has the power to achieve the most glorious victory by the suppression of the most extreme error? How can he act but in the fearlessness of his integrity, the incorruptibility of his virtue, the discrimination of his judgment, and for the honor of his throne. By his character he must be judged more favorably than to anticipate wrong. It would seem to be improper with reference to the sentiments here entertained, to omit any opportunity of repeating the views, most solemnly believed to be correct, as to the Massachusetts Claim, that is to say, of the claim for an allowance of the services of our Militia during the late war. No one will deny that the soldiers who came, for instance, from the truly republican district of Oxford, for the defence of Portland, either advanced to their post or acted on any motive but that of the most disinterested patriotism. They undoubtedly marched to the seaboard only to resist the invasion of a common enemy. It is equally evident from arithmetical calculation that if they have been paid from the Treasury of Massachusetts, they have in fact been paid in the unequal proportion of that treasury to the common treasury of the whole country. That their patriotism should be taxed for mere official defaults, would be so discouraging as to similar exertions, that it be at least impolitic. Indeed if we do not admit the doctrine most unfortunately urged by Governor Strong, it cannot be denied that the Militia, whenever in a war they shall act against the national enemy, have a just claim on the nation for rendering it protection, the protection of a part being that of the whole. Why this claim is so much neglected I know not; but that it should be urged, if the view presented is correct, is submitted to your wisdom. The subject of the Militia although a trite, periodical and popular theme, is noticed only because it deserves the attention