MILITIA IS RAISED IN NEW YORK, 1684
Early manuscript D.S., 2pp. folio, New York, Aug. 27, 1684, a retained copy of a "Bill for settlemt. of the Militia". In part: "For the better Regulating of the militia within this Province for the Common Defence and preservation thereof Be it enacted by the Governor Councill & Representatives in assembly met and assembled and by the authority of the same that a Major be appointed in such County Capable thereof as Head of the Militia there ... that they be obliged to keep convenient armes and ammunition in their Houses as the law directs ... that the Governor do Chose appoint and Commisionate all officers of the militia within this Province Provided that all such officers be Chosen out of the freeholder Inhabitants within the Respective Townes and Counties where their Companyes are ... That is any servant upon pretence of going to warr against the enemy do run away from his Masters service he shall if taken be grievously punished att the direction of the Governor and the Councill and that other persons not excused by Law pretending Tender Consciences so not willing to bare armes do find a man to serve in [their] stead or pay the fines as the law directs..." Signed as : "A True Coppy Examined by me". Folds with minor splitting, with old archival tape repairs, else very good. The early colonists of America considered the militia an important social institution, necessary to provide defense and public safety in the absence of a standing army.