Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Collection of 2 documents pertaining to the United States militia system. See decimalized entries.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04626 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Header Record Date: February 1803 Pagination: 2 p. + Pm 25 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy
The French purchase of the Louisiana Territory from the Spanish outraged many Americans who feared having too strong a neighbor. In response to growing concerns from the western states, Jefferson, with Congressional approval, called for the state governors to raise a militia of 80,000 men.
… I take the liberty of urging on you the importance and indispensable necessity of vigorous exertions, on the part of the State-Governments, to carry into effect the militia System adopted by the national legislature, agreeably to the powers reserved to the States respectively by the constitution of the United States, and in a manner the best calculated to ensure such a degree of military discipline, and knowledge of tactics, as will, under the auspices of a benign providence, render the militia a sure and permanent bulwark of national defence.
None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed & disciplined, is, therefore, at all times, important; but especially so at a moment when rights the most essential to our welfare have been violated, and an infraction of treaty committed without colour or pretext: And, altho' we are willing to believe that this has been the act of a subordinate agent only, yet is it wise to prepare for the possibility that it may have been the leading measure of a system. While, therefore, we are endeavoring, & with a considerable degree of confidence, to obtain, by friendly negociation, a peaceable redress of the injury, and effectual provision against its repetition, let us array the Strength of the nation, and be ready to do with promptitude and effect whatever a regard to justice and our future security may require
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