Existing comment:
A sign in the museum describes the militia as follows. "Most Americans in the War were in the militia. All men sixteen to fifty years of age were required to arm themselves and appear at regular drills. Their governor could call them to three-month tours of duty. Free African Americans were also subject to military service. Their large numbers often made up for their lack of training and discipline. Their appearance was unmilitary and sometimes shabby, but many of these citizen-soldiers were skilled shooters and able fighters. Lord Cornwallis credited their effectiveness. 'I shall not say much in praise of the militia of the Southern Colonies, but the list of British officers and soldiers killed by them... proves but too fatally that they are not totally contemptible.' "
This is probably the meaning of the Second Amendment -- "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." It's been taken over by gun whackos but it initially served a purpose. |