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evidently reposes on the militia for the general defence. This measure of the General Government, while the nations of Europe are engaged in a destructive war, shews, in the strongest point of view, that a well regulated militia is relied upon as the principal security of this free and happy people.

The Commander in chief, relying on the patriotic exertions of the military citizens of the Commonwealth, feels with them the obligations arising from the general confidence of the nation, & believes it will have a happy tendency to awaken in both officers & soldiers a vigilent attention to their duty.

Among other objects of improvement in the militia of the Commonwealth, that of the military uniform is not the least in producing beneficial effects; and the Commander in chief is gratified to learn that it has very generally obtained in many of the corps in different parts of the State.

Soldiers of Massachusetts! how honorable is your situation in the military system of the American Republic! Constituting a body of near sixty thousand men, nearly complete in arms and equipments, and capable of being called into the field at only a few hours notice, you are justly considered as the bulwark of your country. Some of you have witnessed the prowess of your fathers and brethren during the revolutionary war, and all of you will emulate their virtues and their courage, whenever the public safety shall require your exertions -- Proud of the privilege of being the defenders of your country, until called into actual service your arms will be ready, and you will follow, in peace and security, the useful labors of your industry.