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Warrant for Train Band parade

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Train(ing) Bands or Militia were a part of every town in Massachusetts as stated in its 1629 charter. Every free man--with some exceptions such as clergy-- from age 16 to 60 was required to serve. Each town was required to furnish a Company with at least 64 men to be part of a Regiment. If a town did not have enough men, it could combine forces with another small town. In 1733 the regulations stated that "Every enlisted soldier and other householder (except troopers) shall be always provided with a well-fixed flintlock musket, of musket or bastard musket bore, the barrel not less than three foot and a half length or good firearm to the satisfaction of the Commanding officers of the company; a knapsack, cartouche box, one pound of gunpowder, 20 bullets fit for his gun, and 12 flints, a good sword or cutlass, a worm and a priming wire fit for a gun" (Boston Newsletter, February 7, 1733) This document tells James Hyde to call a meeting of the train band in Pelham for the inspection of arms and equipment. Men whose arms and equipment did not meet requirements could be fined.

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