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[333] 1861. The first legal town-meeting to act upon matters in relation to the war was held on the 30th of April, at which it was voted to uniform and clothe, ‘from head to foot, all who volunteer in the Belchertown company, and to furnish a revolver to each of them who go into active service.’ It was also voted to hire a competent drill-master, and to pay each man for the time spent in drilling; also to pay each volunteer's family ten dollars a month while he is in active service.1 The selectmen were authorized to borrow five thousand dollars to carry out the purposes of these votes. July 6th, The act of the Legislature in relation to the payment of State aid to the families of soldiers was adopted by the town. 1862. July 21st, ‘Voted, to pay one hundred dollars to each recruit to the number of thirty-four, and that the assessors levy a tax upon the valuation of last May, and collect it within twenty days.’ Voted, ‘that the treasurer go to the camp with the soldier, and pay one hundred dollars to each upon his being mustered into service.’ August 22d, A bounty of one hundred dollars was authorized to be paid to each volunteer for nine months service, and a committee was appointed ‘to canvass the town to procure men to fill our quota.’ 1863. February 10th, The selectmen were authorized ‘to procure upon the best possible terms eighteen men to fill the quota of the town for the last call of the Government.’ The treasurer was authorized to borrow the money for that purpose. September 23d, Voted, ‘that in all cases when necessary the selectmen may furnish supplies to families of volunteers in addition to State aid.’ 1864. June 23d, The selectmen were authorized to borrow not exceeding ten thousand dollars to procure volunteers to relieve citizens who had been drafted or who might thereafter be; and to those citizens who were drafted, and had procured substitutes or had paid commutation, there be paid the sum of three hundred dollars; and for this purpose the selectmen and treasurer were directed to borrow thirty-six hundred dollars.2
1 The ladies of Belchertown made shirts and drawers for a company of sixty men at this time.
2 This amount was borrowed on the personal notes of the selectmen and treasurer, on a guarantee to them signed by about three hundred voters of the town; on the 20th of May, 1865, the town assumed the liabilities incurred by the selectmen and treasurer.
1871. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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