William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 2

1861. A day or two after the President issued his first call for troops, in April, 1861, a meeting of the citizens of Dighton was held, and initiatory steps were taken to form a military company; and a petition was signed, requesting the selectmen to call an informal town-meeting, to be followed by a legal meeting, ‘as soon as the proper notice could be given.’ At the informal meeting, ‘patriotic and stirring speeches were made by several of our ministers and a number of citizens; and a committee was chosen to present a series of resolutions at the coming town-meeting. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed throughout the town, and flag-staffs were erected in many quarters.’ At the legal town-meeting held April 29th, the committee presented a preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. The resolutions were: 1st, ‘We, the citizens of Dighton, do hereby pledge to Liberty and our country our property, our lives, and our sacred honor, and will give our united and hearty support to the Government of the United States, and will hold ourselves in readiness to contribute according to our means, for the defence of our common country, against the dangers now impending over us.’ 2d, That we will encourage enlistments of volunteers; and, whenever they shall be called into service, ‘it is incumbent on us to see that the families dependent on them for support are well provided for.’ 3d, ‘That we will make ample provision for all expenses necessarily incurred in drilling, equipping, and uniforming the volunteers from this town.’ It was also voted to give to each volunteer fifteen dollars a month while in service, a uniform, ‘and a first-rate revolver, if its use will be permitted by the commanding officer;’ also, to give three dollars a week to each person who will drill ‘one hour on three several days of each week for three months.’ The adjoining towns of Somerset and Berkley were invited to join with Dighton in raising a military company. Three thousand dollars were appropriated for war purposes. August 10th, Voted, to pay State aid to the families of volunteers, as provided by the act of the Legislature.

1862. July 9th, Voted, to pay each volunteer a bounty of