Part propaganda, part rallying cry, part General Order, from Adjutant-General William Donnison (c.1757-1834). “While the Nations of the Old World are destroying each other, and laying waste the fields of Agriculture and Industry, America is seeking only to preserve, in peace, those advantages which God and Nature have given her, and which her industrious Citizens are justly entitled to enjoy.”
William Donnison, who fought in the Revolutionary War and was the aide to Massachusetts Governor John Hancock, was appointed adjutant-general of the Massachusetts militia on 3 April, 1788. His promotion coincided with the drive to improve the professionalism in the militia, which is very much reflected in this text.
Donnison begins by listing a string of achievements, including the fortification of the coasts and ports: “Already are the shores of Massachusetts lined with about seventy Pieces of Field Artillery of different Calibers, besides those in several Forts and Garrisoned Places …” He notes the size of the Massachusetts militia being roughly 50,000 men and lauds their character. He encourages the militia “to regulate their proceedings according to law … They should never be without a Book of Discipline, and should study to learn the Theory, as well as Practice, of Military Duty. They should use all legal means to complete their several Corps with good Arms and Accoutrements, and suffer anyone to be deficient … They should endeavour to excite the ambition of the Soldiers to honour themselves and their Corps, by keeping their arms in good order and wearing an Handsome Uniform … In a word, they should neglect nothing, which their situations will afford, to perfect their respective Corps as a Military Body.”
Finally, he issues the order: “By the Regulations of the Troops of the United States, the Black Cockade, with a small White Eagle in the centre is established as the Military Badge. In conformity to that Regulation the Commander in chief orders, that the same be established as a part of the Uniform of the Militia of this Commonwealth, and Cockades of any other description are forbidden to be worn.”
OCLC locates copies at the Clements, Louisiana State, University of Florida, University of Colorado, Colorado State, Faulkner University, and LoC.
