David Maclsaac and Samuel F. Wells,Jr.
In 1784, shortly after the end of the War for Independence, the Continental Congress agreed with Elbridge Gerry of Massa- chusetts that "standing armies in time of peace are inconsistent with the principles of republican government." So saying, the Congress ordered the post-Revolutionary Army reduced to 80 caretakers (at Fort Pitt and West Point), banned any officers above the rank of captain, and asked the states for 700 militia to guard the western...