‘ [75] town-hall, on the 24th, at 3 o'clock, P. M., for the purpose of adopting prompt measures to aid the Government of the United States in sustaining the Constitution, executing the laws, and suppressing the traitorous rebellion now existing in the Southern States.’ The meeting was largely attended by ladies and gentlemen of Great Barrington, ‘and by a few persons from the adjoining towns.’ Joseph Tucker—who soon afterwards went out first lieutenant in the Forty-ninth Regiment Nine-months Volunteers, and who lost a leg in the service, and is now Lieutenant-Governor of the Commonwealth—was chosen temporary chairman. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Horace Winslow. David Leavitt was made permanent chairman, and was assisted by several vice-presidents and secretaries. Hon. Increase Sumner presented and read a preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. The preamble set forth the fact of the Rebellion, ‘one of the results of which has been the shedding of Massachusetts blood, thereby consecrating the 19th of April, 1861, with the immortal memories of April 19th, 1775.’ The first resolution sets forth: 1st, That the crisis demands the exertion of every American patriot to arrest the progress of treason and rebellion. 2d, We pledge, ‘in the spirit of loyalty, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor, in maintaining the authority of the Government;’ ‘that we go for upholding and sustaining the flag of our Union for ever, and will protect it against insults and indignities from foes without, and from traitors within.’ The third urges the organization of one or more military companies in Great Barrington, for active and immediate service, and that money be raised to aid the volunteers and their families. The fourth we copy entire—
Resolved, That, as citizens of this great American Confederacy, participating in the common history and glories of the American Revolution, our chief desire is peace, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty, in all the States, and among all the kindred and races within that Confederacy; and that harmony and good fellowship, without more bloodshed, may be speedily restored. But if it be otherwise ordered, and traitors and rebels persist in their deeds of treason and rebellion, then, trusting in the favor and strength of Almighty
