.NjE.MTU3MA

  General Orders, Head-quarters, Boston, June 13. 1797.

The Commander in Chief takes the earliest opportunity of calling the attention of his fellow citizens to the military security of the Commonwealth. The Militia, the natural defence of all free States, is our best hope on every occasion of sudden or unexpected danger -- that of Massachusetts, whether in the field of hostility, or on the domestic parade, has ever been distinguished for its good order, subordination and discipline. Without these essential qualifications, all its efforts would have been feeble, & all its strength but a shadow; but so long as they shall be recognized as habitual traits in the military character of our citizens, the power of the State will be respected, and appear formidable in the eyes of military men.

Self-defence is the first law of nature, & applies to nations as well as individuals; & to provide for the defence is the duty of every nation, even when in the most profound peace; yet, by experience it is found, that in times of perfect security, when all has been tranquil in our foreign and domestic relations, the laws for governing & regulating the Militia, have been less vigorously executed, than in times of greater danger. The Commander in Chief therefore expects that those indulgencies ^which have a tendency to sap the bulwark of our strength, will no longer be suffered. When the citizens who compose