Page:Memoir upon the negotiations between Spain and the United States of America which led to the treaty of 1819.djvu/93

83, and those exempted by the laws of their respective States.

According to the President's message to Congress, on the 9th March, 1816, the total of the militia of the Union amounted to 748,566 men; and as the number of the citizens of the Republick cannot have increased much since that period, it must be very little different at present. It is a generally acknowledged truth, that the militia are the firmest and most powerful bulwark of national defence, particularly in a republick; and I believe they might become equally so in a monarchy. Well organized, and well disciplined, they might serve in garrisons, and in the field when necessary; and besides, they might furnish the best recruits for the army, and supply a people already acquainted with and accustomed to arms, for the formation of new veteran corps, as circumstances required.

The Anglo-Americans are, in general, of a robust constitution, and have all the qualities necessary to make good soldiers. They have