[363] growing out of the war was held on the 2d of May, at which H. H. White, D. F. Martin, and William A. Nash were chosen ‘to draft a set of resolutions.’ They reported as follows:—
Whereas a crisis has arrived in the history of our general government which calls for every one, whether in his national, State, county, town, or individual capacity, to speak out his sentiments and use prompt and energetic action in sustaining it against the Rebellion that is now aiming to undermine its foundations. Therefore— Resolved, By the inhabitants of Williamsburg, now in town-meeting assembled, that we tender to it all the men and means we possess, in proportion to our ability, and that we raise the sum of two thousand dollars to be placed in the hands of a committee to be expended in whole or in part, as necessity require, under the direction of the town, for the benefit of such persons as have volunteered or may volunteer as soldiers from the town, and for the use of their families. Resolved, That it is not only one of the legitimate, but imperative, duties of the general government to enforce its laws in every one of the States of this Union, whether it has seceded or not; and that it has a perfect right to call out troops for that purpose, whenever it may deem it wise and judicious so to do; and that there is no alternative for patriot citizens but to aid them to the extent of their power.The resolutions were adopted. Lewis Bodman and D. F. Martin were joined with the selectmen ‘to disburse the money raised for volunteers and their families.’ They were instructed to furnish equipments for volunteers, and to pay to each ten dollars a month while in service. June 17th, The above vote was reconsidered, and it was voted that the selectmen have power to borrow eleven hundred dollars to fulfil contracts already made with volunteers, and to furnish aid to their families, as provided by act of the Legislature. 1862. September 1st, Voted, to raise by taxation six thousand one hundred dollars to pay bounties to volunteers who enlist to the credit of the town. November 17th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow whatever money may be required to pay State aid to the families of soldiers ‘until the first day of March next.’ During the years 1863, 1864, and 1865, several meetings
