The Patriots were citizens who wanted freedom from Britain. To be in the militia, you had to be sixteen or older. Militiamen had to use their own equipment and weapons. The Patriots usually carried the following items.

1. "Brown Bess" Musket- English firearm made between 1720 and 1840.
2. Bayonet- a spear-like weapon used on the end of a musket.
3. Cartridge Box- a leather pouch to carry cartridges of gunpowder and shot used in a musket.
4. Tomahawk- a light ax first used by the North American Indians.

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Web Manager: Timothy Boyd
Last Updated: Wednesday, 22-Dec-2004 09:42:16 Eastern Standard Time
http://www.nps.gov /archive/mocr/guide/patriot_militia.htm