[185] The town-clerk during all the years of the war was A. Sumner Howard. The town-treasurer during the same period was William L. Weston. 1861. The first legal town-meeting, to act on matters relating to the war, was held on the 3d of May, at which it was—
Resolved, By the citizens of Danvers, in town-meeting assembled, that we will co-operate, to the fullest extent in our power, with all good citizens throughout the country, in prosecuting the war with such vigor as to bring it to a speedy close. Resolved, That, animated by the glorious memories of the past, our duty to posterity, our love for the Union, our reliance upon a just God in a righteous cause, we will devote our whole energies to the accomplishment of the object, regardless of its cost in treasure or in blood. Resolved, That in this contest there can be no neutrality, whoever is not for us is against us; and that all bearing arms not ranged beneath the flag of the Union, wherever found, shall be dealt with as traitors. Resolved, That the treasurer of the town be authorized to borrow, not exceeding ten thousand dollars, for the uses of the town for the above purposes, which shall be designated as a War Fund.Daniel Richards, John R. Langley, Charles P. Preston, E. Hunt, Samuel P. Fowler, together with the selectmen, were appointed with full power to disburse said fund for the encouragement of recruiting and the support of the families of those who should enlist.1 December 21st, Five thousand dollars were appropriated for State aid to soldiers' families. 1862. March 17th, Fifteen thousand dollars were appropriated for State aid during the year to soldiers' families, and five hundred dollars were added to the War Fund. July 25th, A bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars was authorized to be paid to each volunteer who shall be mustered into the military service for three years, and credited to the quota of the town. August 25th, The same amount of bounty was directed to be paid to volunteers for nine months service; and the selectmen were requested to open a recruiting-office. September 11th, The same bounty was authorized to be paid to any inhabitant, or
