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attitude of defence to meet whatever may happen. Sentinels
therefore should be always upon the watch-tower, prepared for
the worst; and none can be so fit and formidable as battalions,
composed of such heads and hearts, as receive diplomas of pro-
ficiency, in this necessary branch of military education in whom
the State may confide for the protection of its interests, from vio-
lence and desolation. In the use of a little foresight, the State
may rear such a body guard. An enlightened structure of well
disciplined militia men which by a natural necessary mutation,
give room for younger materials to occupy their place, when
they shall have retired to their homes-citizen soldiery.

Finally, should any influence effect a further stay, of the old
worn out system, which from its commencement, 1798, has been
re-enacted at about the run of every decade, without any varia-
tion in design or effect, I hope that it may be so modified as shall
during public tranquillity, prohibit any grade of officers having
among our volunteer corps. All such companies to be placed
upon an independent footing—each, to assemble for parade and
drill; whenever, and as often as they please, for I am satisfied
that one afternoon company muster under a company officer, is
worth more in learning how to handle musket and be exact
in revolutionary moments, than fifty regimental parades, and
however much superior officers may be pleased with consolida-
ted displays, the men generally, dislike them—many will not at-
tend, others reluctantly turn out upon such occasions, because
attended with great fatigue at the same time, being of no value
to the service.

1 think it in place to offer to your notice, an address signed a
Marylander, which was submitted to the last Legislature, in the
hope that some favorable action would have been taken there-
upon; but as I believe for want of time, did not receive (if any)
that consideration due to its merits, and well deserves the atten-
tion of the representatives of Maryland, at the ensuing session of
the Assembly, being a kindred theory without an interchange of
thought between the author and myself and harmonizing as it
does with the views herein set forth of the absolute necessity of
giving successively military tuition to our youth, induces me to
connect it with the within communication.
Very respectfully,

Your obedient serv't.
JOHN WILLMOT, Adj. Gen.