Roane_Letter_005_46984

Knoxville 7th April 1803

Sir,

The President of the United States has addressed to me a letter respecting the militia a copy of which I have herewith enclosed. It will be necessary and proper that vigorous exertions be used on your part to carry into effect the militia system in conformity with the existing laws, and that you endeavour to have your Brigade instructed in military discipline and a knowledge of tactics. If they should ever be called into actual service they will then be not in name only, but in reality, a [?] and permanent bulwark of national defence.

A complete full return of the milita and of the arms and acoutrements in of the state (I believe) has never yet been made. It will be expected that the law on that subject will be fully complied with the present year.

It appears by the enclosed copy of a letter from the Secretary of State that the Spanish Minister has been somewhat alarmed lest the western portion of the Union should be disposed to retaliate without waiting the orders of Government

The citizens of Tennessee will always be willing to aid in redressing any wrongs done to their country and have full confidence that the constituted authorities will call for and direct the national force as soon as it becomes necessary

But if contrary to expectation any unauthorized attempt should be made in the bounds of your Brigade to proceed with hostile intentions against the Province of Louisiana you will take the most prompt and effectual measures to restrain such attempt.

I am Sir with the greatest respect your obedient Servant Archibald Roane

James White Esq'r Brig Genl Hamilton District

A similar letter with similar enclosures sent to each of the Brigadier of the other Districts The Majr Genl being out of the state

Letter to Brigadiers White Winchester and Rutledge Apl 7th 1803 copy

Recorded