The towns which furnish their quota promptly will, of course, be exempt from a draft for the 300,000 men. I do hope that Southbridge, and every town in Massachusetts, will furnish its quota at once, so that the old Commonwealth whose blood has drenched to a mire the soil of Virginia, will have her quota ready in advance of all other States, as in the beginning. Do put your shoulder to the wheel, and help the great cause in which we all feel so deep an interest.To Charles G. Potter, North Adams,—
The quota of your town is sixty-eight men. If you can raise a full company, so much the better. We are sadly in want of men to fill up our regiments at the seat of war, as well as to fill up the new regiments. I find, however, that the towns and cities are taking hold nobly, each to get its quota; and I feel confident that Massachusetts will have her contingent filled in advance of any other State. Should a company be raised in Adams, I have no doubt His Excellency would commission officers from that town, if they are qualified for the positions. Let every man take hold and recruit.To G. B. Weston, Duxbury,—
I send, as you requested, an enlistment-roll; also, a copy of General Order No. 26. I sincerely hope that no town will cease its efforts until it has its quota enlisted. I feel greatly encouraged to-day. The towns have taken hold of the matter with spirit and liberality; and I feel, that, before the end of the month, we shall have sent forward a large share of the men. When you have yours ready, inform me, and I will send you transportation for them to camp.July 10.—To Artemas Hale, Bridgewater,—
The term of enlistment is for three years, or to the end of the war, which, I think, we may see before winter comes in, if we are only prepared now to send on our quota. I have great encouragement; the towns are taking hold with great spirit; some of them have already furnished their quotas. The President is extremely anxious to have the Governor forward our Massachusetts men. We want to be first in this, as we were in the beginning.Hon. H. Hosford, Mayor of Lowell,—
We are not expecting a requisition to draft troops, as we expect to get the quota of the State without a draft; and I think there is no doubt of it, if the large towns do as well as the small ones are doing,
