[441] a series of resolutions adopted. A legal town-meeting was held on the 30th of April, when Deacon Charles Crosby, from the citizens' meeting of April 22d, presented a preamble and resolutions, which were discussed at length and unanimously adopted. One of the resolutions was as follows:—
Resolved, That as citizens of the United States we assert our unwavering attachment to our National Union, made sacred by the blood of our fathers, who marched through the sanguinary struggle of the Revolution, which was perfected by the adoption of the Constitution.The other resolutions assert that any attempt to subvert the Constitution and divide the Union must be put down; that it was the duty of the President to uphold the Union and enforce the laws; that in his call for troops he was right, and would receive the support of the people; that ‘this was no time for any man to stand neutral, nor shrink from responsibility, but to rally around and support the constitutional authorities; that it was our duty to bid God-speed to our fellow citizens who had engaged or should engage in the war, and to take good care of their families when they were absent.’ Two thousand dollars were appropriated to pay each volunteer from the town ten dollars upon enlistment, and ten dollars a month while in the military service of the country, provided the whole amount shall not exceed two thousand dollars. A vigilance committee of ten was chosen ‘for the suppression of disloyalty in the community.’ October 7th, Voted, to give all needful aid to the families of soldiers. 1862. July 22d, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer who enlists for three years, and is mustered in to the credit of the town. A committee was appointed to co-operate with the ladies of Pepperell, in obtaining recruits. August 26th, The selectmen were authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for nine months service. December 16th, It was voted to enlist no more nine-months men, but to pay a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars to each volunteer for three years service, and to pay the same to each drafted man if there should be any. 1864. June 29th, The selectmen were given discretionary
