William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

In the House, Mr. Bullock, of Worcester, from the same committee, reported a bill ‘to provide for the maintenance of the Union and Constitution.’

Also a bill to repeal the act of the previous session ‘to authorize the Treasurer and Receiver-General to indorse the notes of the United States.’

And, under a suspension of the rules, these bills passed to a third reading.

May 16. In the Senate.—The Senate discussed the bill in aid of the families of volunteers. Several amendments were offered, after which it was recommitted. The bill for the organization of a home guard was passed to be engrossed.

A bill to regulate drill companies was opposed by Mr. Rogers, of Suffolk, and Mr. Battles, of Worcester, and rejected.

The bill to enable banks to purchase Government securities, under a suspension of the rules, was passed to be enacted. Mr. Whiting, of Plymouth, moved an amendment to limit the purchase to fifteen per cent of their capital stock. Lost.

The bill to provide for the discipline and instruction of a military force was amended, on motion of Mr. Schouler, of Middlesex, to limit the force to five thousand men, instead of three thousand. The bill and the amendment were then recommitted.

In the Senate. Afternoon Session.—On motion of Mr. Hardy, of Norfolk, the act to provide for the maintenance of the Union and the Constitution was taken up. An amendment was proposed by Mr. Clark, of Middlesex, to strike out the clause ratifying the acts done by the Governor and Council in any way connected with the disbursements made by them, &c. Mr. Whiting, of Plymouth, favored the amendment; but it was rejected,—yeas 10, nays 11. The bill was then passed to be engrossed.

The bill authorizing the issue of State scrip to the amount of seven millions of dollars was passed unanimously, by a yea and nay vote.

The bill for the discipline and instruction of a military force was reported, providing for five regiments of infantry and one