Noting that "part of this state's quota of arms and military accoutrements . . . are scattered and much abused, in consequence of there being no provision made by this state for the reception and safe keeping of the same," the General Assembly approved an act on February 1, 1814, "to provide for the collecting together and safe-keeping of the public arms." The governor was empowered by the act to collect the weapons and house them in "a sufficient number of rooms in the penitentiary or elsewhere in the city of Frankfort." However, the governor may also at his discretion distribute such arms and accoutrements as he thinks proper "amongst the different independent volunteer companies or troops of the militia of this state" provided that they are prepared to keep them secure and return them to "the quarter-master general of this state, whenever called on for that purpose."
Kentucky Militia saber, c. 1812. The blade of this militia sward is stamped, "DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS YE AMERICANS." The edge of the blade is stamped "STATE OF KY MT C JAS ALLEN." The Kentucky Militia was both the organized and unorganized citizen solders from the American Revolution until the 1850s. Donated by William Blanton Johnson, Jr., 1973.00.173. Kentucky Historical Society Collections.
