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

1861. On the 27th of April a town-meeting was held, at which a preamble and resolutions prepared by William C. Binney were adopted. The preamble sets forth in strong language, and at considerable length, that the Government was formed to secure the blessings of liberty; that the Rebellion was without adequate cause, and that it was the duty of all good citizens to maintain and uphold the Union to the extent of their ability. It was resolved, therefore, to furnish the Governor of the Commonwealth to their utmost extent with men and money, ‘to enable him to respond promptly and efficiently to the present, or any other requisition of the Government of the United States, to put down rebellion, and to enforce the laws of the land;’ that five thousand dollars be raised to assist in uniforming and equipping such of the inhabitants as may enlist in the military service, and to assist in supporting their families while they are in the service; also, that ten dollars a month ‘be paid to every single man, and twenty dollars to every married man, who may enlist and are inhabitants of Amesbury, in addition to the pay allowed by the Government,’ the pay to begin ‘as soon as the company is organized and commence drilling;’ and Patten Sargent, William H. Haskell, John E. Cowden, John S. Poyen, William C. Burney, Benjamin A. Follensbee, were chosen to act with the selectmen in the expenditure of the money and to encourage recruiting. Immediately after the meeting a company was organized, and commenced drilling. It afterwards formed part of the First Regiment of Heavy Artillery Massachusetts Volunteers. November 5th, The town authorized the selectmen ‘to hire such sums of money as may be needed to aid the families of volunteers.’

1862. July 9th, The town voted ‘to pay each volunteer, to the number of forty-one, a bounty of one hundred dollars, who shall enlist for the period of three years and be credited to the quota of the town.’ The selectmen were instructed ‘to use all diligence to fill the quota of the town without delay,’ and to employ suitable aid for that purpose. They were also authorized to borrow money for the payment of bounties, and to cooperate with the adjoining town of Salisbury in organizing a new company to be composed of volunteers from each town;