Discordant warriors: Maryland's Revolutionary War militia

Abstract

The American Revolution proved not to be a propitious occasion for the Maryland militia. As Maryland remained on the periphery of the conflict, the state's militia devoted more energy to making war upon itself and the government than it did against the British. Throughout much of the war, the muster-field served as the militia's primary field of battle and invective the weapon of choice. Verbal potshots from the rank and file mixed with barrages of written complaints from the politicians and officers in skirmishes that were fought over such matters as the process for selecting officers, absenteeism from muster days, arms and equipment, and the procurement of volunteers. Ill-armed, ill-disciplined, and ill-led through much of the war, the Maryland militia was never in such a posture that it stood ready to defend the state's coastline from British marauders. However, to do battle with itself was a different matter, for it was in this arena that the organization excelled. After nearly a century of practice in the art of social and political upheaval, the Maryland militia stood as a battle-hardened organization ready to test its mettle again.