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characteristic of a brave and free people, who have the defence of their Country committed to their charge.

Several officers having expressed doubts as to the extent of their authority with regard to mariners inhabiting within their districts. The Commander in chief directs, that when they are not "actually employed in any sea service of any citizen, in vessels above thirty tons burthen," they must according to law be enrolled and required to do duty as other citizens are -- and all such mariners must be armed & equipped in the same manner.

Happy as we are in the enjoyment of a free and equal constitution of Government -- at a time when the Sovereigns of Europe are combined to establish the ancient despotism upon the ruins of the French Republic, we ought to be apprehensive for the safety of our own liberty and independence. To be prepared for war, is the most likely way to preserve our peace. Inaction and confident security will ever invite the lawless invader. But by a vigilant attention to the military duties enjoined by the laws, the Militia alone may be made capable of defending our Country and our rights, against any Nation which may dare to attack them in the bosom of our extended territory.

By order of the Commander in Chief Wm. Donnison, Adjutant-General Attest, H: Sewall, D. A. Genl.