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[46] [Governors message] service is to be performed equally by all, all will no doubt unite in rendering it highly honorable. The arms received by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from the United States, are to be divided between the two States in proportion to the returns of the Militia according to which the arms were received. As an early application will be made for this State's proportion, your attention to the subject, as well as to the necessary provision for their deposit and security at some convenient place, is rendered necessary. According to the terms of the act relating to the Separation, one third of all such sums, as may be received from the United States on account of the claim of Massachusetts for expenses incurred for the defense of the State during the late war, is when received to be paid over to the State of Maine. Whatever difference of opinion may have existed in relation to the mode, there could be none as to the necessity of the expenditure incurred within this portion of the Commonwealth, as the most valuable part of this District was defended in consequence of it. My situation during the late war gave me an opportunity to be acquainted with the details of the service of most of the Militia within this section of the Commonwealth. They were ordered out only on necessary and proper occasions; they were discharged immediately on the enemy's retiring. To the allowance of this claim the United States have interposed certain objections; but although the subject has been repeatedly presented to the consideration of Congress, no definite decision has been passed upon its merits. It is believed to be interesting to the United States, as well as to Massachusetts and Maine, that you