5205. MILITIA, Improving.—[continued].
Uncertain as we must
ever be of the particular point in our circumference
where an enemy may choose to invade
us, the only force which can be ready at
every point and competent to oppose them, is
the body of neighboring citizens as formed
into a militia. On these, collected from the
parts most convenient, in numbers proportioned
to the invading foe, it is best to rely,
not only to meet the first attack, but if it
threatens to be permanent, to maintain the
defence until regulars may be engaged to
relieve them.—
First Annual Message. Washington ed. viii, 11.
Ford ed., viii, 121.
(Dec. 1801)
