The military forces of the Colony and State during the Revolutionary struggle were divided into 3 classes: The "Line"; the "Levies"; and the "Militia". The "Militia" was called out when wanted; kept as long as wanted; and soldiers then were sent to their homes. The meaning of "Militia" is "The military force of a nation." This branch of public service had its inception in the commencement of the Revolutionary War.

Counties were divided into districts. The colonel of the regiment in each district was given almost unlimited jurisdiction in military matters. He was required to see that every male between the ages of 16 and 50 were enrolled. Later the age limit was extended to 60. If an able-bodied man, he must serve when "warned" under penalty of fine or imprisonment. If a man was incapacitated, he must contribute toward furnishing and equipping another man (a substitute.) Moravians, Quakers, and United Brethren were enrolled but exempted from service upon payment of money.

Each person must provide himself with a good serviceable gun to be kept in constant fitness; a good sword, bandoleer and horn; a scourer, priming wire, shot bag, charger; one pound of gun powder, four pounds of pistol bullets and 24 bullets fitted for the gun; 4 fathoms of serviceable match for match lock gun and 4 good flints for the fire lock gun. Sometimes even a tomahawk was required.

The "Militia" were taught the handling and ready use of the arms, all postures of war, and words of command. Four local and one general training day per year were prescribed. Failure to appear for duty resulted in a fine to be divided among the generals and be liable for military duty.

Every horse soldier shall appear twice a year for drill and muster. He must provide a good serviceable horse, a good saddle and housings, a case of good pistols, one half pound of good powder and 12 sizable bullets, boots and spurs, and a carbine well fixed with belt swivel and blanket. There was a penalty of 10 shillings for lack of sizable horse or other articles.

Every foot soldier must provide himself with a well-fixed musket, a good sword, belt and cartridge box, 6 cartridges of powder, a horn and 6 sizable bullets. At home he must always have on hand one pound of gunpowder and 3 pounds of sizable bullets. Twenty shillings were imposed for lack of equipment. Prison charges were imposed till the fine was paid. If he was unable to pay, "he shall ride the wooden horse, or be laid by the neck and heels in a public place not to exceed an hour."

No mention of compensation for military service was ever made. When the number of articles which each soldier must furnish were taken into consideration, it will be seen that the tax was considerable. This was the condition of the Militia when the Revolutionary War cast its shadow.

SOURCE: Roberts, James A. New York in the Revolution as Colony and State, These Records Were Discovered, Arranged and Classified in 1895, 1896, 1897 and 1898. Second Edition, 1898. Published by Press of Brandow Printing Company, Albany, NY, 1898.