[56] The selectmen in 1861 were Elisha Taylor, Thatcher Taylor, Zadock Crowell; in 1862 and 1863, the same; in 1864, Zadock Crowell, Elisha Taylor, Samuel Matthews; 1865, Samuel Matthews, Braddock Matthews, Zadock Crowell. The town-clerk and town-treasurer from 1844, and all through the Rebellion to the present time, was William P. Davis. 1861. The first legal town-meeting, to consider matters relating to the Rebellion, was held on the 2d of May; at which the following resolutions were presented by Charles F. Swift, and unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, 1st, That we feel duly mindful of the sacrifices that were made by our fathers to establish the Constitution, and perpetuate the Union of the States, and that we remember with especial pride and pleasure the patriotic and efficient part taken by this ancient town in the great struggle which resulted in the formation of our existing institutions of government. 2d, That, as citizens of Yarmouth, in common with patriotic men everywhere in the country, we feel a profound interest in the struggle now convulsing the land; that our earnest sympathies are entirely with the administration in its efforts to sustain the Government, and defend the flag of the nation; and that, as in days of yore, we are ready to contribute our personal efforts and material aid to uphold and maintain the national honor untarnished by sea and land. 3d, That, inasmuch as the head of the rebel organization of the South has indicated his design to send out upon the ocean piratical crafts for the purposes of spoliation and plunder upon the commerce of the country, thus perilling the lives and property of those who follow the seas for a livelihood, it is especially incumbent upon the citizens of this community, who have so much at stake, to lend efficient and cheerful aid in bringing these pests of the ocean to condign punishment; and we hereby recommend that the best energies of our people be especially directed to strengthening the maritime arm of our national service, to which their pursuits and training so peculiarly fit them to lend efficiency and strength.The town voted to give each citizen who should enlist, either in the army or navy, twenty-five dollars a month while in service; and five dollars additional to his wife, if he has one, and three dollars additional to each child under fifteen years of age.
