Henry Knox To Benjamin Lincoln Discussing The Need For A Trained Republican National Militia 31 January 1790

Signed, HK. Discusses his interest in training the militia and asks Lincoln for his opinion on the subject. Writes [t]ell me Sincerely your own opinion, my dear Friend, is the project of the Militia herewith enclosed an utopian plan? If I am not acting under a delusion, as sure as we exist as a republic we must have a strong institution of the sort, or we shall have a standing army which I should exceedingly dislike - For I am [sincerely] impressed with the opinion that under the influences of a standg army the Gloss of Our republic would pass away like snow before a summer Sun. Docketed in Knox's hand.