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such other officers for said Company as may then be vacant. Major Parker of the 3. Regiment will please to preside and make return of the election. By order of B. Gen. Sewall, S. Howard B.M.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

General Orders, Headquarters, March 31, 1801.

Officers and Soldiers of the Militia of Massachusetts.

The safety and welfare of the United States essentially depend on the good order, regularity and discipline of the Militia; and as your exertions the last season have fully proved how highly you estimate these qualifications, it is reasonable to presume that these exertions will be continued and increased. The militia is now considered as the great security of the United States, their chief military defense, and the nursery of their future Generals and Armies. Do not therefore disappoint the confident expectations of your fellow citizens, & of the government.

The laws prescribe to you many useful and necessary regulations which demand your particular attention. These, and the Regulation for the order and discipline of the troops of the United States, every officer in the militia is required by law to possess. Study to acquire a thorough knowledge of this system and learn practically its application when in the field, that by combining theory with practice, you may be safely relied upon