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

‘ [41] bring the Rebellion to an end; and could you have been present at the gatherings of the fair sex, as they so often met to ply their fingers in preparing articles for the comfort and relief of the sick and dying, you would have heard such words of patriotism as flow from no other hearts. There is one case of sacrifice to which I cannot forbear to allude. During the Rebellion, three sons of a very poor citizen of our town enlisted. One was married, and had a family of five little children. The aged and poor parents were dependent upon the other two for their support. All three sons were killed in battle!’

Harwich

The selectmen in 1861 were Cyrus Weeks, Thomas Kenrick, Isaiah C. Kelly; in 1862, Benjamin W. Eldridge, Isaiah C. Kelly, Sheldon Crowell; in 1863, Isaiah C. Kelly, Thomas Kendrick, Sheldon Crowell; in 1864, Joseph C. Berry, Danforth S. Steele, Shubeal B. Kelly; in 1865, Danforth S. Steele, Joseph C. Berry, Shubeal B. Kelly.

The town-clerk and town-treasurer during all of these years was William H. Underwood.

1861. The first legal town-meeting, to act upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 10th of May, at which it was voted to raise a company of one hundred men for a Coast Guard; and a committee of five was appointed to confer with the authorities of other towns on the Cape in regard to the same. June 3d, The selectmen were authorized to borrow one thousand dollars ‘for war purposes.’

1862. April 19th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who enlists in the military service for three years, and is credited to the town. July 26th, The bounty was raised to two hundred dollars, and the selectmen were directed ‘to fill the quota of the town as soon as possible.’ August 19th, Voted, to pay volunteers for nine months service a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars, which, on September 11th, was increased fifty dollars; and Valentine Doane, Jr., and Danforth S. Steele were appointed recruiting officers. The treasurer was authorized to borrow money.

1863. August 11th, Voted, to pay drafted men a bounty of