Transcribed from microfilm and contributed by: Charles A. Sherrill, 1992
A project of the Bradley County Historical Society

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Petition Number 60, Year 1843_

[Cover sheet reads: “Petition of Brigadier Genl. James H. Reagan on behalf of the Sixth Brigade of Ten[ess]ee Militia, praying certain am[endmen]ts to the Militia laws of the State.” The petition was read in the House on Nov. 2, 1843 and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs/]

To the Honourable General Assembly of the State of Tennessee now in Session.

The undersigned takes leave to inform your honourable body that he has the honour to command the Sixth Brigade of the Militia of this state, composed of the counties of Roane, Monroe, McMinn, Polk & Bradley including ten Regiments respectible both in number & character and by a vote taken in each of said Regiments, it is ascertained that about six-sevenths of all who are subject to perform military duty are in favour of the repeal of the law passed in January 1842 abolishing Spring Muster & etc.

Which fact I have promised to bring to your notice in form of a petition from our Brigade, and hope you, in your wisdom will see fit to make such repeal.

The officers of said Brigade wish a law passed requiring the commissioned officers of each county to meet at their respective court houses about the middle of September in every year and Drill two days, the older Commissioned Col. having command at such drill.

The undersigned would also inform your honorable boddy that he has been honored with the command of a regiment about four years and has filled the office he now holds near two years and finds from experience that the existing plan of procuring commissi ons is attended with expense, trouble & delay. And would recommend to your favourable consideration an amendment of the law on commissions so as to require the Govener to Commission the Major General, the Maj. Generals the Brigideer Generals, they the field officers and the commandants of regiments the companys officers.

Such a law would relieve the Governor and Secretary of State of immense labours and add nothing to the actual labour of the above named officers. All of which is submitted to your favourable consideration, hoping the above suggestion may meet your appr oval. I subscribe my name officially in compliance with my promise to the Brigade.

James H. Reagan,
Brig. Genl.
6th Brigade T. M.