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the ranks of our battalions, see the public tranquility in jeopardy, they will demand nothing more than to know that the Govern- ment commands.

In the present situation of public affairs, it is of the highest consequence to the happiness of the United States, and to the preservation of our peace, that the relaxed springs in the gov ernment of the Militia be restored to their proper elasticity. To that intent, the Commander in Chief calls upon the General & Field Officers, each within his jurisdiction, to encrease his vigilance & energy of action, in the execution of those laws committed to their authority. The other Officers, feeling the propelling motion of those in the higher grades, will be more attentive to perform their duty with promptitude and precision; the good sense of the citizens in the ranks will demonstrate to them its utility, & convince them of its importance; they will appear in a more soldier-like manner in the field; their arms & accoutrements will be more complete & in better order; a just knowledge of the relation between subordination and command will follow of course; the whole government of the Militia will acquire an accelerated motion; & the military strength of the Commonwealth will be greatly augmented.

The short time which the Commander in Chief has had to acquire a knowledge of the actual state of the Militia, necessarily