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in his system of national defence. I think you have suggested
the readiest and most efficient means of reform, and that is, to in-
corporate military with literary instruction, in such a way that
nearly all the rising male population will successively receive
some degree of military knowledge, and this is certainly a most
important consideration. I see no other feasible plan by which
the militia as a body, can be rendered available for defensive
warfare. The system of uniformed volunteer companies, I think
highly of, but it is only possible in large towns, or in densely popu-
lated counties. This does not solve the problem, except to a par-
tial and limited extent, and still leaves the great mass of the popu-
lation in its present condition.

Another advantage to be derived from the system you propose,
is the combination of physical with mental culture, in which view
alone it deserves serious consideration, and I am rejoiced to learn
that the commissioners of the Baltimore High Schools have acted
on this idea, by engrafting the military drill in the course of
scholastic instruction. The studious and intellectual youth, is
prone to indulge in sedentary habits alike inimical to mind and
body, but military display possesses great attraction for all boys
and for many of older growth, and he may thus be induced to take
that exercise, so necessary for his corporeal health, which he
might otherwise seek to avoid. Besides this, the drill may be
made, not only an agreeable relaxation from severe academic
studies, but the substitute for other amusements of more doubtful
propriety.

Without a well and efficiently organized militia, we certainly
cannot repose in safety, the only question is, how can this desir-
able end be attained. Many different opinions may be expressed
upon this subject, but all will agree that it is one which from its
importance, demands the prompt and serious attention of those,
to whose hands it has been committed by the people. "The
price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

Suppose we were to adopt, what I have understood to be the
new Pennsylvania plan; that is levying a dollar or two upon
every able bodied man, who should fail to uniform and join some
volunteer company for the purpose of raising funds, applicable
to the support, or pay expenses of those who do: it would still
be nothing more than the old system under anew name Ex-
acting penalties before, instead of after parade, and be as practi-
cally defective, as the present system always has been, and from
its inherent principles of decay, must forever continue to be.
Some plan ought to be projected and matured, before we can
realize what is most desirable, a suitable system during peace,
and to work most efficiently in time of war.

To continue the attempt to force, or coax the people to play
with muskets against their own inclination, would be unwise,