MILITIA LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, TOGETHER WITH EXTRACTS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND STATE CONSTITUTIONS, WITH REFERENCES TO THE DECISIONS OF JUDICIAL COURTS, AND EXTRACTS FROM SEVERAL IMPORTANT STANDING GENERAL ORDERS: ALSO AN APPENDIX CONTAINING GENERAL ORDERS FOR UNIFORMING THE MILITIA. COMPILED AND PUBLISHED FOR THE USE OF THE MILITIA, BY... ADJUTANT GENERAL OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Boston: Printed by Simon Gardner, 1824. iv, [3]-99, [ii]-xv, [1 blank] pp, as issued. Prominent rubberstamp on title page, else Good+ with scattered light foxing and light wear. Bound in modern marbled wrappers.
Sumner was a fan of a well-trained militia as an essential bulwark of freedom in a democratic republic. His 'Inquiry into the Importance of the Militia to a Free Commonwealth,' published in 1823, traced the militia's importance from the arrival of the Pilgrims, who recognized that they could not enjoy their rights of conscience without the ability to defend themselves. If the militia were abolished, the power of a standing army-- with all its dangers to liberty-- must increase. To Sumner, every man was a soldier, with-- as he stated in his 'Inquiry'-- "Arms in every hand, confidence in every mind, and courage in every heart."
Sumner produces a comprehensive review of the militia laws. A second edition issued in 1829.
FIRST EDITION. Cohen 8902. AI 17053 [9]. Item #32699
Price: $250.00