[219] dollars ‘in addition to that already voted,’ and ‘to discontinue the payment of all bounties after the 9th of the present month.’ August 19th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars to each volunteer for nine months service, when mustered in and credited to the town. 1863. November 2d, Voted, to fill the quota of the town under the call of the President dated Oct. 17, 1863; and to pay the families of men who may be drafted the same State aid that is paid to the families of volunteers. 1864. May 20th, The bounty to volunteers for three years service was fixed at one hundred and twenty-five dollars, to be paid to each enlisted man when mustered in and credited to the quota of the town. Charles E. Goss and Eben Sawyer were chosen to assist the selectmen in the recruiting of men and the payment of bounties. A series of resolutions were read and adopted by the meeting, of which we copy the following:—
Whereas in the course of events, although long spared, many of our friends, neighbors, and townsmen have been stricken down upon the battle-field, several of whom have fallen to rise no more in this life, and many more lie suffering from terrible wounds, from the effects of which they never can recover, except by the smiles of Providence and the tenderest care of friends; therefore-- Resolved, That we, the citizens of Methuen, in town-meeting assembled, thus publicly desire to declare and express our grief for the lost and their friends, and our interest in, and sympathy for, the wounded and their relatives. That we regret exceedingly to learn that not less than thirteen, and perhaps more, of our men have been laid low in death as sacrifices upon the altar of our country. Resolved, That we hereby extend our tenderest sympathies to their families and friends; that we will mourn with those that mourn and weep with them that weep; that we pledge ourselves to watch over, counsel, care for, and assist their widows and orphans. Resolved, That we are extremely anxious for those of our soldiers who are now confined in the hospitals or camps, necessarily in a crowded situation during this warm weather, suffering from the effects of wounds and sickness, and whatever we possess shall be freely given for their comfort and support; that some person who may be appointed by the selectmen be sent forthwith to visit our wounded as an agent for this town; and that said agent be instructed to see to it that those sick and wounded ones want for nothing which may be in his power to give, and we pledge ourselves as citizens to pay the bills.
