Citizen Soldier. Devoted to the Interests of the Militia, to Military Science and National Defense in General, Volume I, Number 14

Norwitch, VT: Swett and Jackman, 1840. Very good. Single issue of October 30, 1840; 13 1/2 x 11; pp. [8]; partially unopened; period manuscript note to first page; a bit of spotting, mostly to margins; in very good condition.A rare copy of a weekly newspaper, devoted to the interests of the State Militia, it would ultimately last for just a year and a total of 52 issues - beginning in July of 1840 and ending in July of 1841. For its last few months, it would be published in Windsor. The periodical was a joint venture between Major Josiah Swett (1814 - ?) and Brigadier General Alonzo Jackman (1809 - 1879). Swett was a clergyman, editor, and professor at Norwitch University. Jackman was an engineer, military officer, and also a professor at Norwitch, and would later become famous for developing and implementing a system for training troops for the Union Army during the Civil War. Though ambitious, the newspaper would be one of very few failures for the two distinguished men. The current issue included articles on national defenses, efficiency of the militia, Alexander Hamilton, etc., but also an amusing section of miscellany, featuring write-ups on New England Cider, Social Intercourse, and mothers.