Re: Minute-men
von Christoph » Mo 28. Jun 2010, 09:03
Rules and Orders, &c.
In PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, New York,
August 22, 1775.
Resolved sixthly, That for the purpose of completely carrying into execution the recommendation
of the Continental Congress, after the whole militia is formed as above, every fourth man of each
company be selected for minute men, of such persons as are willing to enter into this necessary service.
That the officers of the militia make with all convenient speed, a return of the names of those persons
to the committee of their respective counties, who shall thereupon arrange those men into companies,
and who are to recommend to such new arranged companies, the choice of their officers in the manner
above mantioned, provided that where whole companies offer their service as minute men, they shall
be commanded by the officers already chosen, and the remaining number of minute men shall be
completed out of the other companies as above.
VII. That each company (not minute men) do meet the first Monday in each month, and spend at
least four hours in each of the said days to perfect themselves in military discipline. Provided that if the
commissioned officers of any company shall judge it inexpedient to meet on that day, they have the
power to put off the meeting to some other day, notifying the company thereof.
XIV. That the commissioned officers of each company of minute men, form their companies into
four sub-divisions, in such manner as they shall think most convenient for their frequent meetings; the
sub-divisions under their respective officers to meet once in every week, and to employ half a day, or
at least four hours each time, in perfecting themselves in military discipline, the whole companies to
meet once every fortnight, to spend the same time for the same purpose. That the several companies of
minute-men be formed into regiments, to consist of about seven companies each, that there be
commissioned by this Congress to each regiment, one Colonel, one Lieutenant Colonel, and two
Majors, and Adjutant and Quarter Master.
XVI. That the whole body of minute men shall be under the direction of the Major General,
appointed by this Congress, while within the colony, unless a Continental officer of superior, or equal
rank be present.
XVII. That the minute men when called out in defense of their country, shall be subject to the
articles of war established by the Continental Congress; and be intitled, to the same allowance as to
pay and provisions, with the Continental forces; and to be under the direction of the commander in
pay and provisions, with the Continental forces; and to be under the direction of the commander in
chief of those forces.
XX. That at least twice in every year, the Captains, or in their absence the next commanding officer
of every company of militia, as well of the minute men as others, shall deliver to the Colonel of the
regiment, a true and complete roll, containing the names of all the men belonging to his company,
under the penalty of £ .2. to be recovered and applied as is herein before directed; and the Colonels of
the regiments shall within one month after the reciept of every such roll, deliver, or send a copy of
every such roll to the Brigadier General of the brigade to which he belongs, who is directed to send the
same, or a copy, to the Major General of the colony.
XXII. That all persons, as well as minute-men as others, able to bear arms, who shall leave, or
attempt to leave a place actually invaded, without leave of the officer commanding such place, or who
shall refuse to obey order in time of actual invasion, or insurrection, shall be liable to such punishment
as shall be inflicted by a court-martial.
XXV. That when the militia, as well minute-men as others, in case of invasion, or insurrection,
shall be called out on actual service, they shall be subject to the same rules and orders, as directed and
ordered by the Continental Congress of the associated colonies, held at Philadelphia, on the 10th day of
May last, for the better goverment of the Continental troops.