Originally Posted by Rochard
Holy shit - You aren't kidding.
The second Act, passed May 8, 1792, provided for the organization of the state militias. It conscripted every "free able-bodied white male citizen" between the ages of 18 and 45 into a local militia company overseen by the state. Militia members were required to arm themselves at their own expense with a musket, bayonet and belt, two spare flints, a cartridge box with 24 rounds of ammunition, and a knapsack. Men owning rifles were required to provide a powder horn, 1/4 pound of gun powder, 20 rifle balls, a shooting pouch, and a knapsack.[3] Some occupations were exempt, such as congressmen, stagecoach drivers, and ferryboatmen. Otherwise, men were required to report for training twice a year, usually in the Spring and Fall. Two types of milita companies emerged by 1830: Volunteers and Enrolled. Volunteer militia companies were popular, prestigious, and often exclusive, with members possessing political or social connections. Each company designed its own uniforms, marched in parades, and held banquets, balls, etc. Enrolled companies consisted of men who wanted no part of the system, and training days often were drunken parties, with few members possessing working firearms and the required equipment.
Um, I think I failed to report to duty with my musket.....
My lord, we do have some silly laws on the books, don't we?
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