Page:Memoir upon the negotiations between Spain and the United States of America which led to the treaty of 1819.djvu/94

84 courage, fortitude and pride: they think themselves superiour to other men, and the spirit of liberty which every where animates them, inspires them with arrogance and audacity. Notwithstanding this, however, they will never be good soldiers, under their present system of laws, government and customs. Their Militia, except that of the State of Massachusetts, are very badly organized, and entirely without subordination and discipline: every State has its own, and they are bound to serve only within the State, and for a limited time, which in general does not exceed six months. The Executive has no authority to dispose of them, except in the case of foreign invasion, or in the event of an insurrection or civil commotion; and even in these cases, the generals and officers who command them, must be appointed by their respective State. It is hardly necessary to point out the embarrassment, confusion, delays, and evils of every kind, that must occur in this Republick, whenever it becomes necessary to call out and employ the Militia for the defence of the country, against an expert and powerful invading enemy, or to quell a well arranged and well supported revolution. It must be remembered moreover, that although the Anglo-Americans are presumptuous in the extreme, they have generally an aversion to military service: they all live more or less at their ease, employed in some kind of industry; and either contented with