The Colonial American

Militia, 1606-1785:

An Introduction

















James Biser Whisker





















The Edwin Mellen Press

Lewiston/ Queenston/ Lampeter























Research for, and publication of, this book were

made possible by a grant from



The Second Amendment Foundation













Contents



The Citizen-Soldier 1



The New England Beginnings 9



Plans for a Unified Military Command 23



The Albany Plan 43



Provincials and Regulars 57



Martial Law and Military Discipline 65



Roles of the Militia 74



Training Days 79



Arms and Strategy 85



Militia as a Reservoir 93



Militia of the French Enemy 97



On the Other Side 99



Tories in the Middle and Southern States 128



Conscientious Objectors 153



The Continental Militia 167



Notes 185



Bibliography 237