The Officers of Minutemen in York County to the
Pennsylvania Committee of Safety
LS: Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisburg
<York, August 31, 1775: The committee and militia officers of
the county, at a meeting on July 20, carried out the recommendation
of the Assembly and Congress by ordering the formation of
a least five companies of minutemen, and elected the undersigned
as field officers. Five companies are already raised and most of the
officers chosen. Several of the companies are large, about 100 each,
partly in order to be at full strength even if all the men cannot
appear, and party to permit removing whatever “improper Persons
may push themselves in,” as well as those who have no settled
residence.
The men are in the prime of life and for the most part good
marksmen. “They considred that all their Mustering was mere
parade without they actually intended to step forth when called
up.” They have placed themselves under martial law and have been
told that its penalties, designed for those who do not behave, are
no threat to those who do; the regulations of the continental army
might properly be adapted for them. They cannot be expected to
muster frequently because of the expense and loss of time, but
have agreed to meet more often than the rest of the militia. Unless
they have six weeks’ training “we could not prudently attempt to
meet regular Troops in the Field, though we might do Execution
if permitted to act as irregulars.” Only those who have a settled
residence in the county should be accepted, so as to be readily
available in case of emergency; and there are plenty of these. If
after they are trained they are not called to action, they may be
used to support the militia. “Should they be wanted before the
publick Arms are finished we are in Hopes they will be supplied
by the Militia companies, tho their Arms will not be so good.” A
company of riflemen will be raised to act as light infantry for the
battalion, and if the latter is too small it can be enlarged.
A man may hold a commission in the minutemen, the committee
has decided, and also in the militia. Otherwise many militia
officers would have to be replaced, and “nothing seems to cause
more confusion in Companies than the changing of officers.” The
county has tried to fulfil the Assembly’s wishes. “Should there by
any Alterations necessary because of the Tardiness of other Counties,
we hope no such alterations will oblige this County to raise
Minute-Men over again. Such a proceeding might be difficult to
be carried into Execution.” Addressed to Franklin, John Dickinson,
and the committee, and signed by Richard McCalister,
Thomas Hartley, and David Grier.
p.s.: Mr. Swope (Swoope), the member of the committee of
safety from the county, has seen this letter.>
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