At the close of the Revolutionary War, 1783, all military organizations were disbanded. But eleven years later the U. S. Navy was authorized by Congress; new duties were found for “Musics.” They were ordered to play on recruiting duty and on frigates. After they had become so generally useful, Congress decided that there must be a fully organized band in the Marine Corps. President John Adams approved the bill to form this branch of the Marine Corps in 1798. The very first U. S. Marine Band consisted of a “drum major, fife major, and thirty-two drums and fifes.” Some Marine troops and their bands were sent to the U. S. warships engaged in the French Naval War. Others were dispatched to serve under Commander Stephen Decatur in his battles with the Barbary pirates in Tripoli Harbor. One Marine Band unit, stationed in Philadelphia under Colonel William Ward Burrows, became the nucleus of the now famous Marine Band. Drum Major William Farr was appointed its leader. Philadelphia people liked the Marine Band and its lively martial music. An especially large crowd enjoyed their playing on July 4, 1800, at the celebration of Independence Day. This was their last performance in Philadelphia; they moved to Washington in that same month, weary, footsore Marines camped in tents on a grassy slope overlooking the Potomac and the beautiful hills of Virginia beyond. The people of Washington were thrilled and excited over the coming of the band and gladly welcomed it. This Federal City had proved sadly disappointing to its new residents, many of them from busy cities like New York, Philadelphia and Richmond. To them Washington was a desolate, forlorn-looking place--“mudhole in a wilderness” many called it. To these lonely people the band’s lively music hinted at dances and parties. The Marine Band received orders to do all in their power to cheer the inhabitants of Washington. Shortly after reaching the city on August 21, the band gave its first concert. Fortunately they played in the open air, for almost everyone in the town and country around attended. Everyone was joyous and happy at this first attempt at any kind of entertainment for the people. Young and old were there, dressed in their best, all eager to hear the first band concert in Washington. Similar evening entertainments were enjoyed throughout those summer and autumn months. The Marine Band grew very popular with everyone, particularly President Adams, Vice-President Jefferson and the Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddard. Colonel Burrows, proud of his band, bought a number of new instruments which included two French horns, two clarinets, one bassoon and a bass drum.