"to use them with confidence and skill,"in defence of themselves and the State"

"The right to bear arms, is another important right guaranteed to all our citizens by the constitution. The right thus guaranteed, seems to me to impose upon the Legislature the duty of so organizing and disciplining the whole body of the citizens, that they shall be able not only to bear arms, but to use them with confidence and skill,"in defence of themselves and the State," if such a necessity shall arise. I think, therefore, every encouragement should be given to our volunteer corps. Let the Legislature not forget that the great body of the people, their constituents, constitute the militia, and claim that such a law may be passed as shall make them what they ought to be, the pride and strength of their country, and its sure defenders against oppression at home or invasion from abroad."--J. ANDREW SHULZE, Governor, November 4th, 1829, Journal of the Senate, [OF THE COMMONWEALTHE OF PENNSYLVANIA WHICH COMMENCED AT HARRISBURG ON THE THIRD DAY of NOVEMBER, 1829.]