State of Massachusetts-Bay. In the House of Representatives, June 23, 1780. Whereas the troops of the southern states will now be needed for the defence of that quarter …(1780)
- MS 2014.1
- Ink on paper
Broadside issued by the General Court of Massachusetts concerning filling the state’s quota for Continental soldiers and state militia. The General Court calls on the localities to recruit over 5,000 men “which General Washington has earnestly requested …” This need has been occasioned by the loss of the American army at Charleston where nearly 3,000 Continentals from the states of Virginia and North and South Carolina were surrendered the month before. While alluding to this loss, a hopeful tone for the future is expressed in the line: “Though we have much to fear from indecision, yet we have every thing to hope from exertion …” The arrival of the French and the likelihood that the British will overextend themselves in the South are given as hopeful signs of future success.
Transcript
STATE of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY
In the House of Representatives, June 23, 1780.
WHEREAS the troops of the Southern States will now be needed for the defence of that quarter, and by reason of the late advantages obtained by the enemy, we are compelled to call for a further supply of men, to fill up our battalions, which General Washington has earnestly requested, as well as a detachment of militia, to provide effectually for obtaining the great object in contemplation. By returns from the General, it manifestly appears, that five thousand one hundred and seventeen men are wanting to compleat your battalions to five hundred and four rank and file; and by reiterated applications lately received from his Excellency and the Committee of Congress, we are assured, in the most explicit terms, that the completion of this number can, on no consideration, be dispensed with: And this Court would be unable to answer it, in requiring at this time so small a number as is expressed in the subsequent resolve, on any other principle than their de- pendence on the fidelity of every friend to his country in executing the other resolve herein contained, for hastening to camp all recruits, deserters, and soldiers on furlough.
We are not insensible of the burthens of the community; we shall chearfully share them in com- mon with our brethren; considering the absolute necessity of the present requisition, we dare not for- bear it, and surely our countrymen have too much sense, and too much virtue, to indulge such an at- tachment to their farms and their merchandize, as, for the sake of a few months enjoyment of them, at the present crisis, to hazard the loss of them forever.
The demands for men, as well as for supplies, are truly large; but we fear not to discourage you by their largeness, for they are necessary, and they are surely in our power: This is the hour then to prove the sincerity of past professions.
Though we have much to fear from indecision, yet we have every thing to hope from exertion - nothing less than, at one stroke, to put a period to the war; for we have the fullest assurances of such aid from our illustrious Ally, as was never before on these shores: The hourly expectation of their ar- rival, and the late success of the enemy at the Southward, will push them, with the greatest precipi- tancy, to attempt those advantages they may hope to gain from our present situation. We have therefore, to repeat it, with the plainest freedom, that the smallest deficiency in the numbers herein re- quired, cannot be dispensed with; and that it is of equal moment that the men be hastened to the place of rendezvous, with a celerity equal to the urgency of the present moment.
Resolved, That the several towns and plantations in the counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Hamp- shire, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Worcester, York, and Berkshire, be, and they hereby are required, with the utmost dispatch possible, to supply a number of men equal to one fourth part of the number allotted to them respectively, by a resolve of this Court of the 5th instant, and that the said men be raised by draft, lot, or voluntary inlistment, as prescribed by said resolve, and serve for six months, from the time of their arrival at Springfield, unless sooner discharged; and the before-mentioned resolve of the 5th instant, as it designates the duties of the several militia officers therein named, and also of the Selectmen, Committees of Correspondence, of the Superintendants, Commissioner, and of every other officer and person therein named, and every other clause and article of said resolve, respecting wages, fines, for- feitures, and every other matter and thing, shall avail and be observed with respect to the number of men herein called for, as fully and compleatley as it might and ought to have done with respect to the three thousand nine hundred and thirty-four men therein required, excepting so far only as it names the days when the several returns are to be made; and returns of the men hereby required, similar to those prescribed in the above-mentioned resolve, are to be made without the smallest delay.
Provided nevertheless, That the above-said men are not required to equip themselves, as is directed by said resolve.
It is further Resolved, That in any case where a fraction shall remain, after taking one fourth of the number allotted to any town, by the schedule accompanying the said resolve of the 5th instant, if such fraction amount to three, every town where such fraction shall happen, shall be held to supply a man for the same; and all the fines and forfeitures prescribed by the before-mentioned resolves, shall be incurred for a failure in this instance, as well as in any other.
This requisition is by no means to retard the march of the men required by the resolution of the 5th instant: but in any case where the men, by that resolve required, shall not have marched before the receipt hereof, the militia officers and all others concerned, are hereby most SOLEMNLY EN- JOINED to dispatch all such IMMEDIATELY, as the smallest delay may be attended with the most serious consequences.
Resolved, That all militia Officers, Selectmen; and Committees of Correspondence, &c. be, and they hereby are again required, to pay strict attention to the directions of the act published in May last, for apprehending and securing deserters; and forthwith to secure all such as do not immediately take the benefit of the late generous proclamation of the Commander in Chief.—Said Officers, Selectmen, and Committees, are further required to cause all recruits and soldiers on furlough, whose furloughs have expired, to proceed immediately to camp; and on refusal or delay of any such, to treat him as a deser- ter :—A neglect of this measure will render unaviodable a further call for men to make up their de- ficiency.
Sent up for concurence.
John HANCOCK, Speaker.
In COUNCIL, Jun 23, 1780. Read and concurred.
John AVERY, Dep. Sec’ry.
Consented to by the major part of the Council.
True copy, Attest. John AVERY. Dep. Sec’ry.