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   A retrospective survey of the causes, by which nations have arisen and declined through the various ages of the world, will evince the necessity and importance of influencing the sentiments and manners of the people, to support their political constitutions.
   The exertions of the virtuous citizens of the United States, during the late trying war, deserve the highest praise.  Numerous instance of extensive patriotism might be produces, which would vie in lustre with the most splendid actions of antiquity.
    But the powerful springs which then impelled to action, having ceased to exist, it may be apprehended that the sweets of peace will cling so close to many citizens, as to produce a supineness of conduct, forgetful of the past, and regardless of future dangers.  The effulgence of wealth will dazzle weak minds, and the ieducing of luxury may introduce a corruption of manners, destructive to a republic.
   Hence the wisdom of fixing the public mind on the objects of national utility; of forming the manners of the rising generation on principles of republican virtue; of infusing into their minds, that the love of their country, and the knowledge of defending it, are political duties of the most indispensible nature.
   The design of the plan herewith submitted, is to establish institutions, which shall in a degree effect the above purposes.  To endeavor to arrange the military branch of government, on such solid principles, as shall enable the respective states, to exert their whole power on every necessary occa-

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