Extract from Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe
| Monticello June 19. 13. |
it is more a subject of joy that we have so few of the desperate characters which compose modern regular armies. but it is proves more forcibly the necessity of obliging every citizen to be a souldier. this was the case with the Greeks & Romans and must be that of every free state. where there is no oppression there will be no pauper hirelings. we must train & classify the whole of our male citizens, and make military instruction a regular part of collegiate education. we can never be safe till this is done.
