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

The selectmen in 1861 were D. Dwight Whitmore, John R. Smith, Albert Montague; in 1862, Albert Montague, Elihu Smith, Wallace R. Warner; in 1863, Albert Montague, Elihu Smith, George L. Batchelder; in 1864, Albert Montague, Erastus Pomroy, Stoughton D. Crocker; in 1865, Albert Montague, Henry J. Graves, Mirick Montague.

The town-clerk during all the years of the war was H. W. Taft. The town-treasurer in 1861 and 1862 was William Hunt; and in 1863, 1864, and 1865, John M. Smith.

1861. May—, Voted, ‘to chose a committee to disburse such sums of money as shall in their judgment be necessary for an outfit to any persons, residents of the town, who may enlist for the support and defence of the Union, and for the comfort and support of their families during their terms of service.’

1862. August 18th, ‘Voted, to pay all those who have and shall hereafter enlist under the calls of the President one hundred dollars each, to be paid upon their being mustered into service.’ December—, Voted, ‘to enter into an arrangement with other towns in this vicinity to establish an agency for the purpose of communicating with the soldiers, and collecting and forwarding supplies for their health and comfort.’ Money was raised for this purpose. Another meeting was held during the year, at which the town voted to pay bounties to men who had enlisted for nine months service, and were credited to the quota of the town, although they were in excess of the number of volunteers required of the town.

Several other meetings were held during the years 1864 and 1865, to consider matters connected with recruiting and the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers.

Sunderland, according to a return made by the selectmen in 1866, furnished fifty-nine men for the war. The real number, however, must have been about eighty-five, as it filled its quota upon every call made by the President, and at the end of the war had a surplus of eight over and above all demands. Two were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was twelve thousand four hundred and ninety dollars and fifty-two cents ($12,490.52).