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

[176] and by providing for their comfort, and the comfort of their families in their absence, and by such other means that we, as good and loyal citizens, shall have the wisdom and the ability to devise and execute; and, adopting the language of one of the resolutions passed by this town in 1787, in these words:— Resolved, That the inhabitants of the town, of every description, but heads of families in particular, are hereby solicited—as they would falsify the predictions and disappoint the hopes of those who are inimical to our independence and happiness; as they would gratify the anxious wishes of our best friends, and the friends of freedom in general; as they regard the political well-being of themselves and posterity; as they hold precious the memory of the heroes and patriots, and of our own kindred who have sacrificed their lives that we may enjoy the fruits of virtuous freedom—to unite in these resolutions, and to exert their utmost influence in every proper way to promote the important design of them.

July 8th, The committee of National Defence were discharged, and the selectmen were directed to perform the duties in their stead.

1862. March 3d, The State aid to the families of volunteers was continued. July 28th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for three years, and be credited to the quota of the town. The treasurer was authorized to borrow, not exceeding fifty-three hundred dollars, for the payment of the same. August 25th, The same amount of bounty was authorized to be paid to volunteers for nine months service. December 1st, A committee was appointed of one from each school district to aid the selectmen in recruiting men. It was voted that to volunteers not living in the town there be paid a bounty of one hundred and ten dollars.

1863. March 2d, Voted, that State aid be paid to soldiers' families the same as last year.

1864. May 16th, The selectmen were authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer enlisting for three years, when mustered into the military service and credited to the quota of the town. Another meeting was held on the 15th of July, and the selectmen were directed to pay the same amount of bounty to ‘whoever shall furnish a recruit or substitute, when credited to the town.’