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N0 ,31 Vou Vl.] ; THE MILITIA. The following Extracts are from the Reports of (generals Newnanand Harden, specially referred to in the Message of the Governour in Novem ber last. The defects in our Militia System be tng universally acknowledged, it is important that something should be attempted in the way of re form. Whether the plans proposed are the best which can be devised, or how far they may meet l with legislative approbation, remains to be seen j but the utter uselessness -pf the numerous Compa ny Musters now allowed by law, for the purpose of improvement in military discipline, must be ap parent to every observant and reflecting mind, 1 and on this point the remarks of Gen. Harden are pertinent andjust, I. 3tfere should be an Adjutant-General with tne rank of a Brigadier, and iwo As sistant Adjutant Generals with the rank of Colonel, appointed by the legislature and receive liberal compensation under annu al appropriations. The duties of these of fic::jy should require them to attend by al ternation, under the direction of the Coin wander in Chief, alt the conventions of of fleers, and regimental reviews in every part of the state, that are now, or may hereafter be ordered. 11. The officers of every Brigade in the state, jLould be assembled and encamped at such places in their respective brigades, ’ (at or near the centre,) as may he pointed out by their Brigadier Generals, once in every year, for a period not less Mian six nor mote tharf,twelve days, as may he di rected by (hp Commander in Chief, for the purpose of being instructed by the Adjutant or an Assistant Adjutant-deneral in the tnc ticks prescribed by Congress. They should be subject while encamped, to the rules &, regulations for the government of the mil itia when m the service of the U. States & be provided with rations, musick, arms and equipments, at Hie expense of the state. 111. To prevent the evils and disorgani zation which arise, from the frequent re signations among officers of the miiilia, the following provisions would be servicea ble. 1. Every company and regimental staff officer, who performs his duty faithfully for the period of live years, and obtains a cer tificate to that effect, from two of the field officers of his regiment, should thereafter be exempted from militia duty, unless in case ,;.f, actual invasion from an enemy. 2. All promotions to a Captaincy, should lie made by elections from the rank of sub alterns ; to a Majority from the rank of Captains,- and to a Colonelcy frorn the t.vo oldest Captains, the Major and Lieutenant Colonel. IV. The general officers accompanied by their staff should attend the annual re views within their command, aud occasion ally instruct the troops in their Held move ments and exercises. .V. Every militia soldier should appear at the annual reviews dressed in a short, plain hliie homespun coat, blue pantaloons, nnd a black hat, armed, and provided, with six rounds of Hank cartridges, suitable to the bore of his firelock. VI. The collection of fines for neglect of militia duty shonld be rigidly enforced, and ‘after furnishing three drums and files, and a gfatod of colours, for each regiment, be transmitted to the treasury department, wl-ei'f they would form a fund, sufficient to defray all the disbursements for military purposes. VII. Upon the adoption of the above amendments, the commander in chief should he empowered to take every measure which he may deem proper to carry them fully into effect. The beneficial results of these regulations,would appear among our fifteen hundred officers and in a short time he communicated by them to the rank and file. The. expenses arising from their es tablishment,to the fullest extent, would be less than ten thousand dollars—a sum far far short of the expenditures in other elutes *fdr carrying into effect much inferiotir sys tems. JYesrnan. When one who is chosen an ensign,knows that he may arrive at the command of a re giment if his me.rit entitle him to it, with out the dang-r of being over-reached by the arts of popularity of one in the ranks, he will make the greatest exertions to qualify himself for the situation. When it ’ is known that no oae who has not passed through all the lower grades, can expect to be a colonel, ail will be anxious to {>e elec ted Ensign, who may ever expect to be military men, and then the subaltern ranks will bo well filled, which it is believed is not now generally Ihe case. But when at any time one may be elected to a colonelcy over the’ l/eads of older and abler officers, who will take the troubje of occupying sub altern situations ? What incentive is offered as a sufficient motive ? The price pf their uniform would oot he compensated by it.— Nothing but the expectation of promotion io due course can induce, proper persons to to enter into the line as ensigns of militia. Tfie plan of electing always, without limi tation or restriction, prevents the lower grades of commission* from being filled at all, nr brings improper persons into office to the gieat discredit and injury of service. The following is the remedy suggested THE MISSIONARY. to obviate this defect in the system. It per haps combines all the good effects of pro motion, by election and seniority, without the exclusive operation of either. First. Let the ensigns of companies be elected by the company, and then rise to the rank of captain upon the principle of seniority. Second. Let the majors be elected by the company officers, from the captains of the regiments, aud then rise to the rank of co lonel -upon the principle of seniority. By the adoption of such a plan, the pro per degree of subordination would be kept up—military pride would he preserved— nd an incompetent officer would never he selected to command a regiment ; and in all probability promotions in regular succes sion would always be made among the cap tains, if his merits entitled the next in grade to it, and that the right of election in this case would only stop those in their progress who never ought to be put in* the high and responsible command of a regiment. Toe second point, as to the manner of mustering the militia now claims attention, it is not believed that any possible- good comes from company musters. This obser vation is not, however, intended to apply to volunteer corps—the great difference be tween them ar.d militia companies (not vol unteers) is to be attributed to the passions of pride and shame, as it differently affects them. Volunteers are proud of their offi cers, ann baie confidence in them, and are proud to stand in ihe ranks under , their commaod ; not so with those who are not volunteers,—“they are ashiwned of their of ficers, and of (heir subordinate situation to such persons, and endeavour to turn the whole affair into ridicule. This is too of ten if not always the fact. It cannot be denied that in many caes the company officers of the militia are chosen tor their incompetency to command, in order that their men should get clear of all duty whatever. The company musters ore made almost entirely su’ servient to fighting, horse r-icing and drunkenness, and •'ire not attended with an\’ instruction be cause few eien carry their guns to muster, except to shoot at a mark, and the officers are generally incapable to instruct others, for they want instruction themselves.— Company musters not only demoralize the people, by encouraging idleness mid dissi pation, but they really interfere very ma terially with the prcdtic'ive industry of the country. It is earnestly recommended that they be entirely abolished. By the present militia system r.o know ledge of camp duty is acquired. The mili tia do mot even kuow how to pitch and strike their tents—how to mount or relieve guard—how to lay out an encampment, or in fact to perform any dtities relative to the economy or arrangement of an army. The little experience which the undersigned gained in the last war, while in actual ser vice, convinced him of the necessity of at tending more to this part of the duty of both officers and soldiers, as an indispen sable branch of the service. In his own command, a whole line of sentinels, upon one occasion, through sheer ignorance of their duty, delivered up their muskets to ao officer who visit, and them in the night and requested to look at their arms ; and upon another, a field officer who had forgotten the countersign or neglected to obtain it, passed the sentinel late at night, into the barracks, upon shewing his epaulets. The centine.l begged pardon upon discovering who he was, for the rudeness he had been guilty of in venturing to arrest him in his progress to his quarters. The instructions attempted to be given at company musters, are principally con. fined to the manual exercise, which, to Americans, who are all so well practized in the use of their arms, is comparatively useless. Regularity, order, and prompt obedience to command, are qualities of much more importance ; and all military evolutions are better taught in large bo dies, under capable officers, than they can be a! company musters. For remedy whereof, it is proposed, that instead of mus’ tering seven nr eight days in the year by companies, battalions and regiments,accord” ing to the present plan, that the militia of every county should assemble by counties, and encamp for at least three days in the - year, there to be reviewed by the Govern oor, or a General of Division or Brigade. More good would be done to the service by these three days encampments, than is now obtained by seven years of mustering, ac cording to the present plan; officers and men would be emulous to excel each other i and to appear to advantage both in the eyes of their superiors and inferiors; capa ble officers would he upon the ground to , correct the errors of those not acquainted with their duty ; the exercises for the time would be assimilated to dial of a regular ar -1 my, and all would return to their homes, instructed in the manner in which soldiers are expected to act, when called into the field to defend the rights aod liberties of tbeir country. TJie enoampment might take place in the pleasant month of May, so as not to eu danger the health of the men. Tents and : camp equipage should be furnished by (he state—provisions might be furnished by the I militia themselves. ‘ ‘ - Go.ye into all tbe world,‘id preach the Gospel to every creature. —Jesus Christ. Ul all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.— Washington. MOUNT ZION, (HANCOCK COUNTY, GEORGIA,) MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1825. More (hau twenty years experience as a militia officer, has suggested these, as the principal defects in our militia system, & the remedies are proposed, with a conviction that their adoption will be attended with great utility. The undersigned woulJ be among the last to recommend any interference with the rights of free election by the people; it has been his pride to advocate it, upon all occasions, when it is not attended with manifest injury or inconvenience to the people themselves. In military matters he honestly believes that the publick ser vice will be henefilted by the limitation of it, to the extent proposed in this attempt to improve the miiilia system of the state of Georgia.—[Gen. Harden. —-*xx:#-:xx*e DEAF AND DUMB. A few weeks since we gave a specimen of the intellectual improvement of a yoliog man by the name of Loriug, who is deaf and dumb. The fol lowing article from the Connectjcut Mirror, is a still more striking evidence that ttee unfortunate fellow beings may be raised to a high state of ra tional enj'oy merit. The Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, Principal of the Asylum in this City, has lately returned from an excursion through the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, the object of which was to ex cite in the p.ublick mini, a deeper interest with regard to the Deaf and Dumb. We are happy to learn that his efforts have boon attended with success: that the first three above mentioned States, (they have all before had a coi respondence with the Asylum on the subject) have concluded to send iwo commissioners respectively, to meet in Hartford (his winter to confer with the Directors on making arrangements for the education of their indigent Deaf and Dumb, and that the Legislature of Maine will doubtless adopt a similar course at their approaching session. Such a plan we trust will result in the adoption of generous and effectual measures for the relief of this un fortunate and interesting portion of our community. We have been favoured with a copy of a conversation which took place between one of (he pupils who attended Mr. Gallaudet on his tour, and a gentleman in Portland. During the conversation, Mr. Gallaudet ivas absent; and the specimen which it affords of the unaided efforts and proiifick resources of the mind of a deaf and dumb youth who, when he entered the Asylum, could not write the simplest phrase in our language, or possibly connect two words together, and whose knowledge was as limited as that of a child in the nursery —is one of the happiest that we have seen; and a most convincing proof, if indeed any were now wanting ol the high intellectual attainments of which those who labour un der such immense disadvantages, are sus ceptible. We are inclined to think that there are very few if any youth, who, after only seven years instruction, beginning with the very dements of language and of know ledge, could stand the test of similar inter rogations, or reply to them in as correct aud chaste a style. Will an intelligent and benevolent publick any longer suffer such intellectual ore as this to lie buried in the neglected recesses of ignorance I Q,. Are your courses of studies confined to the English language ? A. I do not pay attention to the study of the English language only, but also to those of arill.metick, geography and history. Q,. Do you study ancient history; and if so, do you recollect the former name of i Constantinople? A. i have read much in Roilin’s Ancient History. The original name of that city was Byzantium. Q. At ivhat period was that city captur ed by the Turks ? A. In the fifteenth century. Q. At what period did the Reformation commence in Germany, and who were the first reformers there? A. In the beginning of the sixteenth cen i tury. Luther and Calvin were the most distinguished reformers. Q. Do you remember the fate of Zuin gle and Servetus ? A. I do not know any thing about Zuiogle and Servetus. Q. Who was Pope at that time ? A. Pope Leo the Xth. Q,. Wbat was his character in general terms? A. I know little of his character, but I know well that he was uncommonly muni ficent to peisons eminent either for science or for the arts. Q. Have you read the history of Charles the Vth ? A. I read it but little. Q. What was the most remarkable event in his life ? A. His abdication of the imperial throne aod retirement to humble life. Q. Id whose favour did he abdicate, and what was the character of his successor ? A. In his brother Ferdinand’s—l do not know any thing about his character. Q. Was it not in favour of his son Philip II? A. Charles left Philip the kingdom of Spain and Netherlands only. Q What was Philip’s conduct in the Netherlands— bow did lie treat (he people? A. He was very oppressive to the people of Netherlands, and they could not bear his intolerance ; they revolted, and, after a hard struggle with Philip, separated from the dominion of Spain. Q. Who was the great leader of the peo ple in the Netherlands, and did they be come independent during Philip’s .reign ? A, I do not recollect who was the great leader in the Netherlands, nor do I recol lect whether the Netherlands became inde pendent during Philip’s reign. Q. Was it not the Prince of Orange who was assassinated by the Duke of Parma, long before the Netherlands became inde pendent, which did not happen till after Philip’s death. A. I believe he was. Ido not know any thing about the assassination of the Prince of Orange by the Duke of Parma. Q. At what period was the Norman con quest made, and by whom ? A. in the year 10G6, by William. Q. What was the general character of this Prince ? A. It was heroick and full of ambition. Q. Which do you consider the most illus trious reign in English History? A. I consider the reign of Elizabeth as the most illustrious in Eiiglish History. Q. Wbat Prince attempted to destroy the Bards? A. I understand that Edward the first massacred 400 Bards of Wales. Q. Have you read Gray’s Ode upon that subject ? A. Yes; and Air. Gallaudet wrote an ex tract from that ode on a large slate in our school. I think it a very fine piece of po etry. Q. Mr. . Do not let us task your patience. Pupil. No, it does not trouble me at all. I am very much pleased at being asked questions of this kind. Mr. l wish at your age 1 had known half as much as you. Pupil. I have not half so much know ledge as many have at my age. Mr. Not one in a hundred could have answered belter than you have done. Q. Who ivas the first Prince of the house of Tudor ? A. Henry the VII. Q,. What is your opinion of the character of Henry the VIII ? A. It was very vicious, dissolute and ty rannical. Q,. Who was cotemporary in France with him ? A. Francis the First. Q. Do you recollect an anecdote of Francis challenging Henry to wrestle ? A. I read it in Goldsmith’s History of England. Q,. What is your opinion of the chival rick age in Europe, and of the Crusades ? A. I know very little of the chivalrick age. I think that the crusades were unjus tifiable and very bloody wars. Q. Was not the object a laudable one ? A. I should think it a reasonable and laudable object, considering the dark age. Q. Do you recollect who got up the first Crusade ? A. Peter the Hermit, and Walter the Penoylcss. Q. Who was the first Prince of the house of Stuart ? A. James the First. Q. What was his character ? A. He was quiet and peaceable in his disposition, but he was not a profound statesman nor a good general. Q.. Who was Charles the Second’s co temporarv in France 1 A. Louis XIV. Q. What tvas the character of this Prince? A. He was very warlike and ambitious of glory and extensive dominion, yet he was very liberal to men of genius. Mr. . We fear you are tired, do not hesitate to say so if you are. Pupil. I am not fatigned at all. Q. Which do you consider the greatest Prince of the house of Bourbon ? A. I consider Henry the Fourth as the greatest Prince in that family. Q. How did he come by his death? A. He was assassinated by a fanatick named Ravialack. Q. Who was Henry’s principal minister? A Rosmes, Duke of Solly. Q. Did you ever read Solly’s Memoirs ? A. I read some of Solly’s Memoirs. It appears to me a most interesting and instruc tive work. Mr. . That is my opinion. Sully was a very great and good man. Id what reign in France was the massacre of St. Bartholomew ? A. In Charles the Ninth’s. Q. What was his mother’s name ? A. I think it was Mary of Medici*. Mr. . She was a very bad woman. Q. Which do you consider to be the AnguslaD age of France ? A. Louis XlV’s. Mr. . Will you please to give your age Rod name at the close of (his conversa tion, with which we have been very much gratified. We hope to have the pleasure of renewing it before you leave us. Pupil. My name i* George H. Loring; and my age will be !7 on the 19th of this < month. [j Price $3 50 per am. RELIGIOUS. From the Darien Gazette. CORRESPONDING LETTER. The Sun bury Baptist Association to the As sociations with whom they correspond, send Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren—Another opportunity is now afforded us of in our associate capacity. We rejoice for the Christian affection which you have mani fested towards ns by sending your messen gers to unite with us in our deliberations, and to encourage and strengthen our hearts by sympathising with us in our joys and sorrows. “ Ob, how good a tbiDg it is and how becoming, for brethren to dtvell to gether in unity !”’ Surely nothing earthly is better calculated to smooth the asperities of life’s toilsome road, than the pilgrim on his way Zion ward, to meet with his fellow travellers, and with them take sweet coun sel respecting that everlasting kingdom, that land of delight, on the enjoyment of which we hope shortly to enter. Dear Brethren : In reviewing the deal ings of God towards us the past year, we have much cause for humiliation apd much for gratitude. To some churches in our connexion Ihe earth seems to he as iron and the heaven’s as brass. On others again,the Lord has been pleased most graciously to pour out the influence of his holy spirit.— O that he would shower down this blessed influence in copious effusions ’till every heart should be as a well watered garden, and that he would not cease to work might ily among us, till all should be made to see and taste his great salvation. Truly we can say that God has been good to ns since we have met together.— To believers it has bepn a refreshing sea son ; and to impenitent sinners we loudly trust that it will be accompanied with abundant benefit. Harmony and brotherly love have presided in our councils. The word preached seems to have been accom panied with the unction of the Holy Spirit and to have been received with diligent at, tention. And may we not trust, in confident anti, cipation, to the Lord of the Harvest, that the seed which has thus been sown in faith by his servants, will be raised up by the mighty power of our God for his own hon. I our and glory. It causes us sincere grief to be obliged to state, that there are still some atpong us opposed to the cause of Missions. Dear Brethren, let us not exercise unkindly feel’ ings towards them, but rather pray for them. Let us wrestle with God, that the veil which darkeos their understandings may be removed, and that by the eolight uing influencft of the Holy Spirit, they may have a spiritual discernment of oor dear Redeemer’s farewell injunction—“ Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Finally, brethren, persevere in the good cause. If we are permitted the high hon our of being co-workers with Christ in the extension ofhis kingdom, let none ofus light ly esteem this exalted privilege. We will conclude in the words of a very eminent advocate for Missions, and one Who was himself extensively engaged in the cause. After discussing at length the necessity of Faith in Christ for the justification of the sinner, and his acceptance in the sight of God, he makes the following eloquent and unanswerable appeal in behalf of *endin the Gospel to the heathen. “ How shall they believe in whom they have not heard, and how shall they bear without a preach er ? And how shall they preach except they be sent ? These are Ihe sentiments of an inspired apostle. Let (hem be oorg also; and let our actions correspond thereto, ’till the happy day come, when the sun of right eousness shall have arisen on every be nighted corner of the world. Amen. CHARLES 0. SCRIVEN, Moderator. Henry J. Ridley, Clerk. BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION. The annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention of South Carolina, was held at Coosawatchie, on the 4h December last, and continued to the Blh. The Rev. B. Manly, of Edgefield, preached the intro ductory sermon. Delegates attended from the Charleston, Edgefield, and Savannah River Associations; from (be Education “and Missionary Society of Saluda ; and from the Fellowship Benevolent Society; and the Rev. Mr. Mercer attended as mes senger from the General Association of Baptists of Georgia. The following gentlemen were elected officers and Agents:—Rev. Dr. Furman President, Rev. W B. Johnson Vice Pres ident, Rev. B. Manly Secretary, and Col. Abner Blocker Treasurer ; Agents—Rev. Messrs. J. B. Cook, William Dosgev. J. Landrum, B. S. Screven and J. Graham, and Thos. Gillisoo, Esq.—who form the Board of Managers for Ihe present year. The collecting Agents reported, shat, owiog to the disasters suffered throughout the State this year, and particularly by the planting interest, the majority of them had attempted nothing ; yet, in general, such effort'* as had been made, had been crown ed with much success. The committee appointed last year to