.NjE.MTYxMg

some deficiencies are inevitable. And as in all military corps, though the soldiers be the best in the world ,without great exertions in the officers, there will be a constant tendency to insubordination & inactivity, which if suffered to continue, in the end will under- mine its strength. These evils however, we believe to be very remote from us at present. The annual exhibitions on the field, show the vigilance of the officers, & evince the military character of the citizen-soldiers of Massachusetts. But, how- ever flattering this picture may appear, much may yet be done to augment the active force of the militia. And altho' the military citizens do not want spirit, yet to keep it always alive, & give it a proper direction, the officers must cherish & conduct it. It belongs to them to execute the system estab- lished, in all its relations; to dissipate complaints by ratio- nal explanations; to attend at the elections for the choice of military officers; to regulate their proceedings according to law; to dispose the electors to harmonize in their choice; & to choose none but such as are capable & willing to serve their country in time of need. They should never be without a Book of Discipline, & should study to learn the theory, as well as prac- tice, of military duty. They should use all legal means to complete their several corps with good arms & accoutrements, & not suffer any one to be deficient, unless he is so poor as to depend upon the town to provide them. They should endeavour