New York Military Association [Statement of organization and training for the New York City Military Association]

States "Whereas it is essentially necessary in all Free States, that the People should become perfectly acquainted with the use of Arms, and be regularly disciplined, in order the more effectually to defend their Liberty, Property, & Country, against any Power whatsoever, that may attempt to invade the same. And Whereas there is a Militia Law, now in Force for the salutary Purpose aforesaid. We the Subscribers, so voluntarily agree to form ourselves into a Body, immediately under the Denomination of the Military Association of the City of New York, for which Purpose we will provide ourselves with a good Firelock, Bayonet, Cutlass, and a Cortouch-Box, capable of containing (at least) twenty four Rounds of Cartridges and that we will meet, at such Times and Places, as shall be hereafter agreed on by the Majority to learn to Manual and other Exercises and to perfect ourselves in the Military Art." Signed on recto and verso by various members of this association. No date is associated with the document, however the specific language of the text mirrors the language of the Militia Act of 1792. The document appears to be a response to the passage of the Act.