After 1798 the Fusiliers were never without vigorous and congenial companionship. Enthusiasm was then in full flood; George Washington had shown his patriotism by consenting to accept a subordinate position, that of Lieutenant General of the army under President John Adams; and men were enrolling themselves in the new legionary brigade. America was aflame with indignation over French injustice. On September 4, 1798, the Boston Light Infantry was organized after four months of preliminary meetings--the body which today reports to the Adjutant as the 2d Company, M. C. A. Their motto, “Death or an honorable life,” is a ringing echo of Charles C. Pinckney’s immortal words, “Millions for defence; not one cent for tribute.” At the first banquet of the company, Oct. 18, 1798, when the charter was received, the principal toast was--“The United States of America; as they have drawn the sword of justice with reason, may they never sheathe it with disgrace.” Would that this sentiment might always prevail with the authorities in Washington! Amongst the members present at this banquet were sons or near relatives of such patriots as Paul Revere, James Otis and Joseph Warren. Truly the sons were rallying about the standard of the fathers. Drills were first held in the old State House, and after 1802 in Faneuil Hall. There were lovers of Shakespeare in the Boston Light Infantry. At a dinner in 1815 one of them gave point to his speech by quoting the words of Henry V, hero of Agincourt: “In peace, there’s nothing so becomes a man, As modest stillness, and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger.” All of the speech was forgotten except the final words of the quotation, “The tiger!” Company orators kept repeating the expression. Ere long the Boston Light Infantry found itself provided with a nickname--and it is best known thruout its long history as “The Tigers.” In 1800 the Fusiliers under Capt. John Brazer and the Tigers, Capt. Daniel Sargent (a merchant in civil life), were the two light infantry companies constituting the sub-legion of light infantry--both being entirely independent. Indeed the sub-legion of light infantry had no field officer until Feb. 14, 1806, when Capt. Daniel Messinger of the Winslow Blues was elected Major. The Blues were organized in 1799 and first appeared on the sub-legion roster in 1802. The Washington Light Infantry were organized in 1803.