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Whereas, by a systematized course of misrepresentation, calumny, and fraud, a confederate band of traitors have succeeded in plunging a portion of our country into open rebellion and civil war, thereby rendering our government and laws inoperative over a large portion of our land, and making the organization and maintenance of a large military force an act of absolute necessity; therefore— Resolved, That we pledge the good faith of the town of Newbury for the comfortable maintenance of the families of all citizens of Newbury who may enter the military service of our country during the present war, while in such service. Resolved, That although we may stand upon the verge of civil war. that is to drench the soil of our nation for years with the best blood of her sons, yet in view of the mighty outburst of enthusiasm, the unparalleled willingness to suffer and die in her cause that now sweeps from the Atlantic slopes to the broad prairies of the West, our confidence in the righteousness of our cause and our faith in the maintenance and perpetuity of our glorious heritage of a free constitutional government are all unimpaired. Resolved, That our watchword shall be ‘Liberty and Union, now and for ever, one and inseparable,’ in support of which ‘we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.’The treasurer was also empowered to borrow three thousand dollars to arm and equip all citizens of the town who might volunteer, and to aid their families; in addition to which, three hundred dollars were appropriated to place the rifle company of the town in condition for immediate service. Following the precedents of the Revolutionary times, a committee of vigilance, correspondence, and safety was chosen, ‘to take such action as might be deemed expedient with reference to such persons within the town who might be inimical to the United States;’ also, on motion of Colonel Daniel Adams, voted, ‘to give three cheers for Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott.’ The meeting then adjourned.1 1862. A town-meeting was held July 30th, for the purpose of filling the quota of the town, at which it was voted to pay a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars to each volunteer for three years service. Another meeting was held August 16th,
