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

1861. The first meeting to consider matters relating to the war was held April 30th, ‘at which it was voted to raise the sum of fifteen hundred dollars,’ for fitting out volunteer soldiers of the town. ‘Voted, to pay each volunteer ten dollars a month over and above his monthly Government pay.’ A committee of three was appointed to canvass the town for recruits. ‘This was promptly, thoroughly, and successfully done.’ A committee was also chosen ‘for the purpose of fitting out such volunteers when called into service, with power to draw on the treasurer for the expense of such outfit;’ they were also authorized to take charge of the State arms, and be vouchers for the return of the same ‘unless taken by the rebels.’ October 14th, Voted, to raise a sum not to exceed one thousand dollars for aid to the families of volunteers as allowed by law.

1862. April 7th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow one thousand dollars for State aid to soldiers' families. July 24th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer enlisting for three years to the credit of the town. August 25th, Voted, to pay the same bounty to each volunteer who shall enlist for nine months military service.

1863. No action during this year appears to have been taken by the town in its corporate capacity in relation to war matters.

1864. April 20th, Voted, to raise fifteen hundred dollars to pay bounties to volunteers, who shall enlist to the credit of the town under the pending call of the President for two hundred thousand men. ‘This was cheerfully done, and the quota speedily filled.’ June 14th, Voted, to raise money sufficient to pay each volunteer the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars ‘during the present summer.’

1865. The town voted the sum of four thousand nine hundred and sixty-five dollars to refund to those persons who subscribed and paid that amount for the purpose of filling the quota of the town under the last call of the President.

Royalston furnished one hundred and forty-eight men for the war, which was a surplus of seven over and above all demands. Eight were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money