IN CONGRESS,
MARCH 2, 1778.

WHEREAS it is essential to the operations of the army, during the next campaign, that the most vigorous measures should forthwith be adopted for forming a body of horse, upon such principles, as are most likely to advance the public interest and the honour of the officers and men who compose the same; And whereas in times of public danger, when the lives, liberties and property of a free people are threatened by a foreign and barbarous enemy, it is the duty of those, who enjoy, in a peculiar degree, the gifts of fortune and of a cultivated understanding, to stand forth in a disinterested manner in the defence of their country, and by a laudable example to rouse and animate their countrymen to deeds worthy of their brave ancestors and of the sacred cause of freedom;

Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the young gentlemen of property and spirit in the States of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina forthwith to constitute within their respective States, a troop or troops of light calvary to serve at their own expence (except in the [?] of provisions for themselves, and forage for their horses) until the 31st December next:

That each troop so to be raised consist of not less than twenty nor more than sixty rank and file; that they have a right to chuse their own officers, who shall receive continental commissions, and that they rendezvous at the main army on the first day of May next, or at an earlier period, if possible:

That, in order to excite a proper spirit of emulation in these troops, and to give them an opportunity of appropriating that same, which their respective merits may entitle them to, during the campaign, each troop shall bear the name of the State in which it is raised:

That these troops, when raised, shall not serve as expresses, except in time of action, nor as escorts to the person of any General, except that of the Commander of the army with whom they serve, unless with their own choice:

That every horse, which shall be killed, and every horse and all arms and accoutrements, which shall be taken, by the enemy in action, shall be paid for by the United States; the value to be ascertained under the direction of the Commander in Chief; and all booty taken by the enemy shall belong to the troop, by whom it shall be taken.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the government of the respective States, to countenance and encourage this design; and that the Board of War transmit to them forthwith copies of the foregoing resolutions together with a descriptive list of the accoutrements necessary for man and horse.

Extract from the Minutes,
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.

LIST of NECESSARIES and ACCOUTREMENTS for each HORSEMAN.

1. A well tempered sword, the blade straight and three feet long, with the back sharpened up six inches from the point; an open guard about the hilt; that will be light and yet defend the hand; with a scabbard of substantial leather without wood.

2. A carbine, susee, or short blunderbuss; the barrel of the blunderbuss not to exceed two feet in length.

3. A pair of pistols and holsters.

4. A sword-belt---a belt for the carbine, with a [?] that will [?] to any part of the belt.

5. A cartridge-box to buckle round the waist, with twelve tin pipes for the cartridges.

6. A helmet of jacked leather, and effectually guarded by several rows of small chain, iron or steel hoops; or a hat with a steel or iron scull-piece inside the crown.

7. A saddle, saddle-cloth, breast-plate, crupper, saddle-straps and pad.

8. Saddle-bags connected by two broad straps, in the common fashion, and not a portmanteau.

9. A double reined bridle, with a curb and snaffle bit, and a halter.

10. A cloak sufficient to cover all the arms and accoutrements, and which is to serve also in the place of a blanket.

11. Boots and spurs.

These articles, made as near as may be according to the above directions, with a good horse, will fit each man for the field.