Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts

Developed to provide systematic instuction in military duties, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Comapany of Massachusetts is an independent military group chartered by the General Court on March 13, 1638/39 as the Military Company of Massachusetts. By 1708 it was consistently called the Honorable Artillery Company, and in 1738 the word "Ancient" was added to its name. Under the charter, the group is free to choose its own officers, with the choice for those holding the rank of Captain and Lieutenant subject to the approval of the General Court. Officers are installed on an annual basis by the governor. The Ancient and Honorable was never part of the state militia, although its officers were frequently prominent military men and statesmen. The independent status of the Comapny was confirmed by St 1878, c 265, s 159 (currently MGLA c 33, s 132).

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145429828

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