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as possible; in order that the Commissions may be obtained without delay. -- The Officers elect are also to be comprehended in the annual Returns of the Companies to which they belong.

By order, &c. S. Howard, B. Major.

General Orders, Headquarters, Boston, July 7. 1800.

Among the several objects of Government within the authority of the Commander in chief, that of the militia strongly attracts his attention; and though he has but recently been invested with the command of the public force of the State, he is not altogether unacquainted with the meritorious exertions of both the officers and soldiers to render the militia of Massachusetts a respectable military body.

With constitutions of government established by themselves, to promote their own happiness, and having an interest in that government, the people are bound to defend it -- and they will defend it against every encroachment, whether foreign or domestic.

In governments thus constituted, great dependence is at all times necessarily placed on a well disciplined militia. In the United States the army establishment will most probably be small for a series of years. At this time, in particular, it is so materially reduced as to leave only a sufficient force to garrison the frontiers and guard the fortresses on the sea coasts. Thus we see the confidence of the nation evidently