‘ [498] one man in defence of the flag and the Union, which it symbolized; that we have an unfaltering faith that a free people will triumph over all secret and foreign foes.’ The third resolution referred in proper terms to the grand historic record of Dorchester in the war of the Revolution. The fourth was as follows:—
Resolved, That the drum-beat, which now calls the soldier to the post of duty, reminds us of our imperious public and private obligations to aid, encourage, and protect those who go forth from among us in defence of our rights and liberties; and that a committee be forthwith chosen to arrange for the organization, equipment and discipline of our citizen soldiers, and to provide the requisite means in aid of the volunteers and their families, to the end that in every vicissitude the men of Dorchester may prove themselves inflexible in their efforts to uphold the arm of the Government, and worthy defenders of its flag.A subscription paper was prepared, and a large committee appointed to procure funds, of which Nathan Carruth was appointed treasurer. Patriotic speeches were made by Alpheus Hardy, William D. Swan, Marshall P. Wilder, Edmund P. Tileston, Henry L. Pierce and others. The first legal town-meeting was held on the 6th of May, at which the treasurer, with the consent of the selectmen, was authorized to borrow not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars, for the payment of twenty dollars a month for three months to each volunteer from Dorchester who is married, and fifteen to each who is single, while in active service, and one dollar a day spent in drilling. A committee of one from each school district was appointed, who together with the selectmen were to have charge of the expenditure of the money. They were given power to pay the town-allowance to the families instead of to the volunteers, if they thought it best. 1862. April 7th, The town authorities were authorized to borrow ten thousand dollars for military purposes. July 15th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who enlists for three years and is credited to the town ‘on or before the 15th of August next.’ The treasurer was authorized to borrow fourteen thousand dollars to pay the same. The selectmen
