Chapter XXXII.- An Act directing a detachment from the Militia of the United States, and for erecting certain Arsenals. March 3, 1803.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized, whenever he shall judge it expedient, to require of the executives of such of the states as he may deem expedient, and from their local situation shall be most convenient, to take effectual measures to organize, arm and equip, according to law, and hold in readiness to march at a moment's warning a detachment of militia not exceeding eighty thousand, officers included.
SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the President may, if he judges it expedient, authorize the executives of the several states, to accept as part of the detachment aforesaid, any corps of volunteers; who shall engage to continue in service for such time, not exceeding twelve months, and perform such services as shall be prescribed by law.
SEC. 3. Be it further enacted, That the detachments of militia and volunteer corps as aforesaid, shall be officered out of the present militia officers, or others, at the option and discretion of the constitutional authority in each state respectively; the President of the United States apportioning the general officers among the respective states as he may deem proper.
SEC. 4. Be it further enacted, That one million five hundred thousand dollars be appropriated for paying and subsisting such part of the troops aforesaid, whose actual service may be wanted; for the purchase of ordnance and other military stores; and for defraying such other expenses as, during the recess of Congress, the President may deem necessary for the security of the territory of the United States; to be applied under the direction of the President, out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated.
SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That twenty-five thousand dollars be appropriated for erecting, at such place or places on the western waters, as the President may judge most proper, one or more arsenals; and that the President cause the same to be furnished with such arms, ammunition and military stores as he may deem necessary.
APPROVED, March 3, 1803.
By Thomas Jefferson
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