July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
War-date broadsheet, “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. In General Assembly, October Session, 1779. An Act for the better forming, regulating and conducting the military Force of this State”. 2pp. 10-1/2” x 15”, Set up in three columns, the lengthy text establishes the organization and responsibilities of the state militia, it begins “WHEREAS, the security and fence of all free States essentially depend, under God, upon the exertions of a well-regulated militia; And whereas the present situation of this State demands our most serious attention to those important objects, and the many laws heretofore enacted for effecting those valuable purposes have proved inadequate to the end designed: Wherefore, for the better forming, regulating and conducting the military force of this State, Be it Enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is herby Enacted, That all effective males between the ages of sixteen and fifty, except such as are hereafter excepted, shall constitute and make the military force of his State; and that the same be divided into companies, battalions and brigades, in following manner, viz. those in the county of Providence to form one brigade, those in the county of King’s Count to form one brigade, those in the counties of Newport and Bristol to form one brigade, and those in the county of Kent to form one brigade; each brigade to be commanded by a Brigadier-General, assisted by a Brigadier-Major..” With much more on the various hierarchies of companies officers etc. Signed in print at the conclusion by William Mumford as Deputy Secretary. Printed by John Carter. Fine condition.
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