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State already has, are an expense to it. though this were the truth, means can cer- taInly be employed to prevent such expense Tn future. The guns that may be ordered hereafter, may be painted, and stored away securely ln boxes, or otherwise, in the arse nal; or should 1t be deemed unnecessary to order any more now, they could se permit ted to remain in the keeping of tie General Government, until our situation night urge uS 10 Their uSe in self defence. It is in my opinion, exceedingly desirable, situated as we are, that the public arms, equal innumber to the number of our militia, so thatshould ne- cesslty ever require it, there wodd be gun ready to be placed into the hands olevery mili- tiaman in the State; for it cannot bt co.lcealed, that we nave population among Is that may at some day, give us reason to rejdce that We are prepared. would also suggest to yoNr Excellency, that it be made the duty of the Quartermaster General to keep a regular set of books, by which he might at al times be enabled to show the number of public arms belonging to the State, in whose pos session, and whether or not they were in the hands of responsible persons; for without such an arrangement, it is almost entirely i'm practicable to ascertain any of these ftcts.- - would also further suggest, the prOpriety of change in relation to the mode piescrib- ed tor organizing courts of inquiry in case, of contested elections, &c. At present, ''not less than seven nor more than thirteen" off, cers are required to constitute Court Mar tal. In mj opinion, equal justice would be dispensed by court consisting of smaller number, say not less than three nor more than seven. If this change were effected, the difnculty III organizing court of inquiry, It not entirely removed, would certainly be much diminished. The officers arc at pre- sent not paid for such services, and whilst this IS the case, it is almost impossible to get the attendance of sufficient number to do business. The expression of indifference, and almost total want of knowledge in rela- ton to military matters, so common to our Le- gislators, is much to be regretted. Laws, plain and comprehensive, are required on this subject. Whatsoever fall short of such arc useless and unavailing. h strange fatality seems to have attended every effort, made within the last several years, fora moro ef- hcient organization of our militia, and the in- troduction of better and more useful code of military laws; and the ambiguous and contra dictory reasons assigned for the general un- concern, strongly evnce q msconception of the subject.

 My apology for submitting these crude and imperfect suggestions to your EXcellency, must be found in the importance of the sub ject, and my desire that your Excellency should at an early day, take it into serious consideration.

 l have the honor to be, most respectfully, your Excellency's ob't humble servant.

 J. G CARROLL,

 .AJ. and Hiah. General, .A. N. Ills EXC. GOVERNOR GAYLE.