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[581]

Chapter 14: Suffolk County.

This county although the smallest in territory is the most populous and wealthy in the State. It contained during the period of the war but four municipalities; viz., the cities of Boston and Chelsea, and the towns of North Chelsea and Winthrop. Since the war the city of Roxbury and the town of Dorchester, in Norfolk County, have been annexed to the city of Boston.

The population of Suffolk County in 1860 was 192,678; in 1865 it was 208,219,—an increase in five years of 15,541. The valuation of the county in 1860 was three hundred and twenty millions of dollars ($320,000,000); in 1865 it was three hundred and eighty-one millions three hundred and ninety-one thousand two hundred and eighty-one dollars ($381,391,281), being an increase of upwards of sixty-one millions of dollars in five years.

By the returns made by the city and town authorities in 1866 Suffolk County furnished twenty-eight thousand four hundred and sixty-nine men for the war (28,469), which is undoubtedly correct; each place had a surplus over and above all demands which in the aggregate amounted to 5,231. The aggregate expenditure of the cities and towns in the county on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was two millions seven hundred and ninety-one thousand five hundred and seventy-five dollars and eighty-four cents ($2,791,575.84). The amount expended for State aid to soldiers' families during the war, and repaid by the Commonwealth, was one million one hundred and eighty-seven thousand six hundred and fifty-six dollars and sixty-six cents ($1,187,656.66). Total amount, $3,979,232.50.

The following is the record of each city and town:—


[582]

Boston

Incorporated as a town Sept. 7, 1630; as a city, February 23, 1822. Population in 1860, 177,818; in 1865, 192,324. Valuation in 1860, $312,000,000; in 1865, $378,303,357.

The city officers in 1861 were Joseph M. Wightman, mayor; Jonathan Preston, Thomas P. Rich, Silas Peirce, Samuel Hatch, Thomas C. Coffin, Jr., James L. Hanson, Samuel R. Spinney, Nehemiah Gibson, G. Washington Parmenter, Moses Clark, John F. Pray, Elisha T. Wilson, aldermen. In 1862, Joseph M. Wightman, mayor; Thomas P. Rich, Thomas C. Amory, Jr., James L. Hanson, Samuel R. Spinney, G. Washington Parmenter, John F. Pray, Elisha T. Wilson, Francis Richards, Joseph L. Henshaw, Joseph F. Paul, Calvin A. Richards, Otis Norcross, aldermen. In 1863, Frederick W. Lincoln, Jr., mayor; Thomas C. Amory, Jr., Silas Peirce, Samuel R. Spinney, Joseph L. Henshaw, Joseph F. Paul, Sylvanus L. Denio, Moses Clark, Robert Marsh, Lemuel M. Standish, John S. Tyler, Hiram A. Stevens, aldermen. In 1864, Frederick W. Lincoln, Jr., mayor; George W. Messenger, Otis Norcross, Lemuel M. Standish, Sylvanus A. Denio, Robert Marsh, Hiram A. Stevens, George W. Warren, Nathaniel C. Nash, William W. Clapp, Jr., George W. Sprague, Daniel Davies, Charles F. Dana, aldermen. In 1865, Frederick W. Lincoln, Jr., mayor; George W. Messenger, Lemuel M. Standish, Robert Marsh, Sylvanus A. Denio, John S. Tyler, Nathaniel C. Nash, William W. Clapp, Jr., George W. Sprague, Daniel Davies, Edward F. Porter, Thomas Gaffield, aldermen.

The city-clerk during all these years was Samuel F. McCleary. The city-treasurer during the same period was Frederick W. Tracy.

The first action taken by the city in relation to the war was on the 15th of April, when the following preamble and resolution were adopted—

Whereas by proclamation of the President of the United States this day issued, it appears that the authority of the Government of the United States is opposed and resisted with armed force by the inhabitants of some portions of the country; therefore—

Resolved, That as an expression of our fealty to the Union, and our [583] determination to uphold the honor of that flag under whose folds we have achieved all that has been great and prosperous in our history, the committee on Faneuil Hall be requested to cause the American Flag to be hoisted upon the staff over Faneuil Hall every day except Sunday until otherwise ordered.

On the same day a communication was received by the mayor from Governor Andrew informing him that he expected from twelve to fifteen hundred Massachusetts troops in the city, who might remain for a day or two previous to leaving the State, and asking the use of Faneuil Hall or any other public rooms for their accommodation. The communication was immediately considered, and the use of Faneuil Hall and any other buildings under the control of the city was freely tendered to the Governor.

Alderman Wilson introduced and read the following preamble and resolutions:—

Whereas the city of Boston still retains amidst all vicissitudes its reverence for the Constitution and the laws now so seriously imperilled; and whereas at this momentous crisis the expression of our fidelity has become a part of our public duty; therefore—

Resolved, That in the dark days which are upon us the city of Boston hereby pledges to the Government of the United States all its power, strength and amity; and, true to its traditions and the Constitution to which it owes so much of its moral and material prosperity, that it will in the contest to come make common cause and stand in honest alliance with all loyal corporations, and will regard as public enemies of the happiness of mankind all disloyal communities, by whatever name they may be called or wherever they may be established.

Resolved, That as in times of public danger all other considerations than those of the public defence should be put in abeyance, so we do hereby recommend to the good people of the city of Boston an oblivion of party differences, and an alliance of each honest citizen with the other in vindication of our violated laws and in behalf of our liberties.

Resolved, That as no law can palliate parricide, and no injury, real or fancied, justify hostility to a Constitution containing within itself the elements of its own amendment, so do the revolted States of this Republic stand before the civilized world defenceless, and convicted of an assault upon the common polity of nations which are enlightened by Christianity and governed by just laws, of infidelity to the cause of civil order and of regulated liberty, of unnatural confederacy with those who find in the disorders of society an excuse for its subjugation, and of [584] bringing the dread ordeal of war into disrepute by making it the hasty and illicit resort of all who are angry without reason and aggressive without a cause.

Resolved, That while those who have insanely kindled the flames of civil war are entitled neither to explanations nor concessions, yet to our still loyal brethren of the slaveholding States, we hereby renew our assurance of fidelity to all the compacts and compromises of the Constitution, and in confirmation of our sincerity we point to the records of this municipality, attesting its good faith and its firmness in the discharge of all its public duties, however disagreeable.

Resolved, That while for the sake of our common humanity we earnestly deprecate all needless acts of war, we would respectfully urge upon the President of the United States, and those under him in authority, a vigorous prosecution of the policy already inaugurated; and we entreat them, while making no terms with treason and holding no parley with traitors, so to conduct the public affairs as most speedily to bring the present unhappy dissensions to a wise and honorable conclusion, in such wise demonstrating to the world that ours is alike a Government of equity and of energy, with the clemency but not less with the power of a parent.

Resolved, That his honor the mayor be requested to communicate authentic copies of these resolutions to the President of the United States, and to such other persons or public corporations as may seem wise and expedient.

These resolutions were read twice, and assigned ‘for consideration on Monday next at six o'clock.’ April 19th, One hundred thousand dollars were appropriated for the good care and comfort of the soldiers who may be in Boston. April 22d, It was resolved that for any officer of the city who should enter the military service his place should be kept and his pay continued while absent in the military service. The resolves offered by Alderman Wilson were unanimously adopted, with slight verbal amendments. April 24th, Aldermen Parmenter and Spinney, and Messrs. Brown, Borrowscale, and Roberts of the common council were appointed to take charge of the distribution of military stores. The order concerning city officers who may enlist was reconsidered and referred to a special committee, with authority to consult the city solicitor ‘on the legality of said order.’ April 29th, The mayor presented a letter from William Evans, Esq., tendering to the city the use [585] of his large new building on Tremont street for military uses. The offer was accepted and the thanks of the city government voted to Mr. Evans. A special committee was appointed to have charge of the building. May 27th, A letter from Ex-Governor Everett was read, asking that books in the Public Library, of which there are duplicate copies, be sent to the front for the use of our soldiers; an order was passed to have it done. Several votes were passed during the month of May to provide armories for new military companies. June 4th, A committee was appointed to have charge of the payment of State aid to soldiers' families, as provided by law, and the treasurer was authorized to borrow ten thousand dollars to pay the same. July 22d, A committee was appointed to make arrangements for the comfort and accommodation of the three-months companies and regiments on their arrival in Boston at the expiration of their terms of service. December 16th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow twenty-five thousand dollars for the payment of State aid to soldiers' families.

1862. January 27th, A long and able report was made in favor of a reorganization of the mode of paying State aid to soldiers' families, which was read and adopted. February 3d, The treasurer was authorized to borrow twenty-five thousand dollars for the payment of State aid. February 10th, It was ordered that Aldermen Rich, Hanson, and Henshaw, with such as the council may join, be a committee on military affairs to make provision for troops passing through the city, either to or from the seat of war, and to attend to other matters in relation to the volunteers that may come before the city council. The order was amended in the council, so that the expense should not exceed ten thousand dollars, and Messrs. Edmunds, Tyler, Child, Tucker, and Hatch of the council were joined. February 22d, By a previous vote of the city the government with a large assemblage of the people met in Faneuil Hall. Prayer was made by Rev. George W. Blagden, D. D., and Washington's Farewell Address was read by George S. Hillard, Esq. March 3d, The treasurer was authorized to borrow twenty thousand dollars for the payment of State aid. March 31st, Twenty thousand dollars additional were ordered to be borrowed for the [586] same object. On the 7th of April the City-Relief Committee for the payment of State aid to soldiers' families was organized as follows: Aldermen Thomas C. Amory, Otis Norcross, Francis Richards, Joseph F. Faul; councilmen Joseph Buckley, William Carpenter, John S. Pear, Sumner Crosby, F. H. Sprague; Charles J. McCarthy, paymaster; Timothy R. Page, relief clerk. June 23d, A vote of thanks was passed to Colonel Thomas Cass and the Ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers ‘for a present to the city of Boston of a Rebel flag, taken at the battle of Hanover Court House, Va., on the 27th ultimo.’ June 30th, A communication was received from Mayor Wightman recommending that a lot in Mount Hope Cemetery be set apart for the burial of soldiers; whereupon it was ordered that the trustees of Mount Hope Cemetery be authorized to select a suitable lot of not less than twelve hundred square feet, to be known as the ‘Soldiers' Grave,’ to be specially appropriated and set apart for the burial of such persons as may die in the cause of their country in the existing war. July 14th, A communication signed by J. Thomas Stevenson, George B. Upton, William Ropes, W. W. Greenough, and William W. Clapp, Jr., a committee appointed by a citizens' meeting, was laid before the city government by the mayor, in which it was recommended to pay to each volunteer who shall enlist to fill the quota of the city for three years service a bounty of one hundred dollars, and that the sum of three hundred thousand dollars be appropriated to pay the same; which recommendations were unanimously approved and the appropriation made. A joint-committee of the two branches was appointed to take charge of the payment of the money. On the same day the death of Colonel Cass of the Ninth Regiment was announced by the mayor; whereupon it was voted ‘that the city council will attend the funeral from his late residence in this city on Wednesday next at ten o'clock.’ August 18th, it was ordered that the committee appointed July 14th to take charge of three hundred thousand dollars for bounties to volunteers be authorized to pay out of said appropriation to each of the four regiments, and to any Boston battery to be raised in this city for nine months service, such a sum as they [587] may deem expedient for a regimental fund. A proposition to appropriate fifty thousand dollars ‘to be disbursed for the relief of disabled soldiers enlisted from the city of Boston, who are or may be honorably discharged from the army, and the families of men who are killed in battle or who die of disease incurred in service,’ was read. September 1st, This order was laid on the table by a vote of 7 to 4. September 8th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for nine months service who shall enlist and be credited to the quota of Boston. The treasurer was authorized to borrow three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to pay the same. Resolutions of respect to the memory and of condolence to the family of Colonel Fletcher Webster were introduced by Alderman Henshaw and were unanimously adopted. September 22d, Ordered, to cease paying bounties to nine-months men on and after October 1st. October 2d, The time for paying bounties was extended to the 15th. The quota of Boston being nearly filled an order was passed, October 27th, giving power to the mayor to cease paying bounties ‘when he shall receive satisfactory evidence’ of the quota being filled. November 4th, The mayor reported that Boston had filled her quotas and had a surplus of six hundred and sixty men; but advised that three companies of cavalry be recruited to form with the California Company a Cavalry Battalion, to recruit which authority had been given by Governor Andrew to Hon. Amos A. Lawrence. The suggestions of the mayor were adopted, and thirty thousand dollars were appropriated to pay bounties, and the city committee was directed to co-operate with Mr. Lawrence in the expenditure of the money and in recruiting the men. December 22d, Alderman Rich made a report in regard to the ‘Evans House,’ the use of which had been so freely given by Mr. Evans, in the course of which he says, ‘That this institution, under the management of that most excellent and patriotic lady, Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, has been of invaluable benefit to the soldiers of our army. By her untiring perseverance and benevolence our volunteers have been supplied not only with substantial, well-made clothing, but with many of those smaller articles [588] calculated to render their camp life more comfortable, and which could only have been provided by womanly kindness and forethought.’ Several long and able reports were made during the year in relation to recruiting, and to the best means by which the large number of men the city was to furnish could be obtained. It does not appear that any differences of opinion prevailed among the members of the city government in regard to furnishing men, and making liberal provision for the families of volunteers, and for the sick and disabled soldiers who came back from service. During this year the Discharged Soldiers' Home in Springfield street was established, chiefly through the liberality of the city of Boston.

1863. January 5th, Ordered, that the aldermen and two members of the common council from each ward be a committee to determine and pay the amount of State aid allowed by law. January 26th, A joint committee to recruit volunteers to keep up the quota of the city was appointed. February 2d, The committee on relief of soldiers' families was authorized ‘to afford aid to such extent as they may deem expedient;’ and the treasurer was authorized to borrow money to pay the same. March 30th, The city-clerk was directed to employ a suitable assistant to prepare a record of the soldiers who have enlisted for the quota of Boston. June 22, A committee was appointed “with full powers to tender the hospitalities of the city to the Forty-fourth, and other Boston regiments on their return from the seat of war.” June 29th, The chief of police, under direction of the mayor and the chairman of the committee of Boston volunteers, was authorized to close any street against the passage of horse-cars and other vehicles, which may be deemed necessary to facilitate the passage through the city of any regiment going to or returning from the seat of war. July 27th, A joint committee of the two branches was appointed to proceed to Gettysburg, Pa., to procure a suitable lot in the cemetery in that place, and cause the remains of the Boston soldiers which can be found, and are not claimed by their friends, to be buried therein, and a suitable monument to be erected over the same. July 27th, A message was received from the mayor in regard to the draft riots which [589] took place a few days before, which was properly considered and acted upon.1 Five hundred thousand dollars were appropriated to pay commutation fees to men who may be drafted, and who have families dependent on them for support. The question of the legality of this appropriation was referred to the city solicitor, who decided that by the statutes of the present year (chapter 122) such an appropriation was forbidden, and therefore illegal. November 3d, The committee on recruiting was authorized to erect such a building as they may deem necessary to be used for recruiting purposes. Ordered, that State aid be paid to the families of soldiers who have been transferred to the invalid corps the same as before. November 16, The committee on public buildings was directed ‘to prepare forthwith’ the ward-rooms for recruiting purposes. Nothing more of particular interest or importance appears to have been necessary on the part of the city in regard to the war during this year.

1864. January 11th, A joint committee of which Alderman Clapp was chairman was appointed ‘to tender to the returning companies and regiments of New-England volunteers which arrive in Boston such hospitalities as they may deem expedient and necessary.’2 It was also ordered that the board of aldermen, with such as the common council may join, be a committee upon the subject of volunteer enlistments, and to take such steps for raising the quota of Boston as they may deem expedient. March 30th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow for recruiting purposes two hundred thousand dollars, and that a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars be paid each volunteer who shall enlist and be credited to the quota of the city. July 21st, The treasurer was authorized to borrow five hundred thousand dollars additional for the payment of bounties to volunteers and recruiting purposes.

1865. January 2d, The aldermen and two members of the common council from each ward were appointed to act through the year as ‘The Soldiers-Relief Committee,’ to determine and [590] pay the allowance of State aid to the families of volunteers as provided by law. January 9th, Aldermen Clapp, Tyler, and Dana, and Messrs. Warren, McLean, Darrow, Park, and Braman of the council, ‘were appointed a committee to have charge of all matters relating to recruiting for the land and naval forces of the United States during the current year, the payment of bounties, and the revision of the enrollment lists in the several wards under the supervision of his honor the mayor.’ A joint committee was also appointed to provide suitably for returning regiments passing through Boston, the same as last year. January 16th, Mayor Lincoln communicated in an eloquent message to the city council the death of the Hon. Edward Everett, and resolutions of respect and condolence were unanimously adopted. April 17th, The mayor communicated in a written message to the aldermen the assassination of President Lincoln, and the attempt to take the life of Secretary Seward. A series of appropriate resolutions were read and adopted, after which on motion of Alderman Dana the board adjourned.

The foregoing is a brief but comprehensive abstract of the action of the city government of Boston during the war. The details were left with committees with full power to act. Each ward was made a military district with its quota of men assigned to it. Therefore the work of recruiting was done by the wards, the city paying the bounties; but each ward raised large sums by private subscription for bounty purposes and recruiting expenses, almost equal in amount to the sums paid by the city.

It appears by the returns made by the mayor in 1866, that Boston furnished twenty-six thousand one hundred and seventy-five men for the war, which was a surplus of five thousand and twenty-two over and above all demands. Twelve hundred and fourteen were commissioned officers in the military service. The total amount of money appropriated and expended by the city on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was two millions five hundred and seventy-three thousand five hundred and four dollars and twenty-two cents ($2,573,504.22).

The whole amount of money raised and expended by the city for the payment of State aid to the families of enlisted men during the war, and repaid by the Commonwealth, was as follows: [591] In 1861, $67,066.51; in 1862, $260,759.87; in 1863, $305,007,28; in 1864, $285,000.00; in 1865, $164,000.00. Total amount, $1,081,833.66.

We have not attempted to obtain the amount of money contributed by individuals in support of the war, the payment of bounties, and the contributions made in behalf of the soldiers and their families; nor have we sought to ascertain the amount of contributions made by the ladies. We know they were large and continuous. A whole volume might be filled in recording the benefactions, the good and generous acts, which were performed by the men and women of Boston in sustaining the Government and the army and navy during the entire period of the war.


Chelsea

Incorporated as a town Jan. 10, 1738; as a city March 13, 1857. Population in 1860, 13,395; in 1865, 14,403. Valuation in 1860, $6,780,000; in 1865, $7,706,745.

The city officers in 1861 were Frank B. Fay, mayor; John R. Dufur, Albert Bisbee, George W. Churchill, James B. Forsyth, Eben W. Lothrop, Henry W. Bowen, Nehemiah Boynton, Noble M. Perkins, aldermen. In 1862, Frank B. Fay, mayor; John R. Dufur, Albert Bisbee, Jesse Gould, Benjamin J. Gerrish, Eben W. Lothrop, James P. Farley, Henry W. Bowen, John T. Hadaway, Francis Low, aldermen. 1863, Frank B. Fay, mayor; John R. Dufur, Albert Bisbee, Jesse Gould, James B. Forsyth, Eben W. Lothrop, James F. Farley, Francis Low, John T. Hadaway, aldermen. In 1864, Eustace C. Fitz, mayor; Albert Bisbee, Rufus Trussell, James B. Forsyth, John H. Osgood, Maurice M. Pigott, Eben W. Lothrop, Joseph Everdean, Samuel W. Mason, aldermen. In 1865, Eustace C. Fitz, mayor; Albert Bisbee, Elisha H. Ryder, Jesse Gould, William O. Haskell, Eben W. Lothrop, Maurice M. Pigott, Joseph Everdean, Samuel W. Mason, aldermen.

The city-clerk and city-treasurer during all these years was Samuel Bassett.

1861. The first meeting of the city council to act upon matters relating to the war was held on the 18th of April, at which [592] the treasurer was authorized to pay out of the city treasury under the direction of the committee on police three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary to fit out ‘the Chelsea Light Infantry, or any other military organization raised in the city,’ that may be called into active service, and to provide for the families of the men who shall be mustered in to said service. The use of the city hall was granted to the Chelsea Light Infantry for drilling purposes. A flag staff was ordered to be erected on the city hall, and from which the flag should be displayed until otherwise ordered. A proposition was made by citizens to form a military organization ‘to act as an extra police force during the absence of the military from the city,’ which was unanimously approved. April 25th, A report was made to the aldermen that a flag-staff had been procured, and that certain ladies of Chelsea had volunteered to make the flag, and had presented it to the city ‘as a memento of their patriotism in the present hour of our national troubles.’ The flag was accepted, their communication placed on file, and a vote of thanks passed for the gift.

The following is a copy of the letter:—

Chelsea, April 20, 1861.
To E. W. Lothrop, Esq., in behalf of the citizens of Chelsea.
Sir,—Allow us to present you a trifling memento of our patriotism in the present hour of national troubles, in the making of the accompanying flag, which we are glad to hail as the glorious ensign of the American nation, under which so many of our nation's friends on the field of battle have fought and died. Regretting that it is dishonored by a portion of our country, we hope ‘its stars may never be less,’ and that we may live long under its protection.

With high regard,—


June 6th, Three thousand dollars were appropriated for the payment of State aid to soldiers' families, as provided by law, to be expended under the direction of the mayor and aldermen. The committee on police was authorized to pay State aid for [593] the present to those families that were in immediate want of assistance. August 15th, It was ordered by the aldermen that a joint special committee be appointed to consider and report what action was necessary on the part of the city government in relation to Chelsea soldiers who had lost their lives in the late battle with the rebels at Bull Run. Aldermen Boynton, Churchill, and Bisbee were appointed on the part of the board, and on the 2d of September the order having been concurred in, Messrs. Hadaway, Pearmain, and Buck were appointed on the part of the common council. It was also ordered that State aid be continued to the families of the soldiers who had fallen or died in the battle of Bull Run. September 16th, The joint committee appointed at the previous meeting reported in favor of the adoption of resolutions passed by a citizens' meeting held on the 29th of July. The report was accepted, and the following resolutions were adopted and entered upon the records of the city:—

Whereas the government and citizens of Chelsea having received intelligence of the death on the field of battle at Bull Run, Va., of Philander Crowell, Jr., Thomas Needham, Thomas Harding, James H. Murphy, and George Bacon, members of Company H, Chelsea volunteers; it is hereby—

Resolved, That it is eminently due, alike to the noble cause for which our young heroes have fallen, to the universal sense of justice and gratitude, to the natural and spontaneous emotions of the hour, and especially to the feelings of the relatives and friends of the gallant dead, and of their surviving comrades on the field, that the community under whose endorsement and protection these patriot soldiers went forth to encounter the hardships and the perils of war should publicly commemorate that heroism and fidelity which have been thus sadly and yet gloriously sealed in death.

Resolved, That while such patriotic exercise of the best faculties of the American citizen soldier, and such devotion of life to that common cause whose grandeur no partial reverses or temporary defeats can diminish or obscure, are sacrifices to which the highest worth and the most exalted character in the land pay tribute, while the country, majestic even in her sorrow, confers upon all her defenders ‘the sweet rewards that decorate the brave,’ it should be our special duty and pride to render reverently the last homage, and to perform [594] adequately the last rites of affection and regard, over the sacred relics of those honored defenders of their country, whose death will shed a new and peculiar lustre upon the community under whose auspices they fought and fell.

Resolved, That no disaster nor defeat can impair our confidence in the justice of our cause, nor shake as we trust the firm determination of the people to sustain and carry it forward with a higher impulse and a grander devotion to its final triumph.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions duly attested be sent to the families of our deceased soldiers, and to Captain Carruth.

October 5th, The aid and influence of the city was pledged to T. C. Savory in his efforts to raise a new military company in the city, and the subject was referred to the committee on police.

1862. April 28th, A joint committee of the city council was appointed with full power ‘to make such arrangements as may be necessary for the reception of the dead and wounded of the Chelsea volunteers from the late engagement at Yorktown, Va.’ May 26th,—

Resolved, In convention of the city council, that his honor the mayor be authorized to pledge in behalf of the city, to the volunteers who may enlist under the present call for troops, the same aid to families as is now paid under the State-aid law.

The committee on police, and Messrs. Bailey, Slade, Pigott, and Fletcher of the common council were appointed with full powers ‘to aid the Rifle Corps, or any other military organization which may answer the present call for troops.’ May 29th, Alderman Lothrop from the joint committee to arrange for the reception of the bodies of those members of the Chelsea volunteers who were killed in the engagement near Yorktown, Va., made a detailed report of the engagement in which the men were killed. It appeared that Mayor Fay of Chelsea was at Washington when information of the battle was received; he immediately proceeded to Yorktown, and caused the bodies to be embalmed and forwarded to Chelsea for burial. The names of the slain were George A. Noyes, William D. Smith, Walter B. Andrews, and Allen A. Kingsbury. The funeral [595] ceremonies took place on the 7th of May. The services in the church were attended by His Excellency Governor Andrew, and his military staff, and a vast concourse of the citizens of Chelsea. The funeral procession was very long, business being almost wholly suspended. The report was ordered to be inscribed on the city records, together with the following preamble and resolutions:—

Whereas the city government have learned with feelings of deep sorrow of the death of George A. Noyes, William D. Smith, Walter B. Andrews, and Allen A. Kingsbury, members of the First Massachusetts Regiment, Company H of Chelsea, who were killed in making a gallant attack in front of the rebel lines at Yorktown; it is therefore—

Resolved, That we in common with our fellow citizens tender to the families of the heroic dead our heartfelt sympathy.

Resolved, That their gallant conduct on the field of battle deserves our warmest praise, and should stimulate us all to noble deeds, and that although dead the memory of their patriotism will still live.

Resolved, That the gallant charge of Company H, First Massachusetts Regiment, our own Chelsea volunteers, on the 26th of April, 1862, before Yorktown, has added new honors to their record, and reflected new credit upon the city. Our gratitude for the reputation cherished, our admiration for the bravery displayed, and our sympathy for the loss they suffered, are fully due and are cordially tendered, with the hope that they may be spared to enjoy the honor so nobly earned.

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions, signed by the mayor and the president of the common council, be transmitted to the respective families of the deceased.

mayor's office, city Hall, Chelsea, June 21, 1862.
To the city council;
I have too long delayed notifying you officially of the presentation to the city, by Lieutenant-Colonel Wells of the First Massachusetts Regiment, of a musket taken from the redoubt near Yorktown, which was carried by Company H, on the 26th of April, 1862. Colonel Wells had command of the expedition, and he felt that as the Chelsea boys had the honor of the exploit, and had also its fearful cost, so the city should retain possession of this memento.

Yours truly,

Frank B. Fay, Mayor.

[596]

July 10th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow not exceeding eighteen thousand dollars for the payment of bounties of seventy-five dollars to volunteers to fill the quota of Chelsea under the recent call of the President for more men. July 28th, The bounty to volunteers was increased to one hundred dollars, and the treasurer was authorized to borrow the additional sum of six thousand dollars to meet the demand. July 31st, The payment of one hundred dollars bounty was limited to those who should enlist before the 15th of August next. September 15th, A special meeting was held to consider the resolution passed at a citizens' meeting ‘on Saturday evening last,’ recommending the payment of a bounty of two hundred dollars to each volunteer for nine months service, and after debate the resolution was adopted by the council (24 yeas, 4 nays). The treasurer was authorized to borrow fifty thousand dollars to pay said bounties, which, November 20th, was increased to sixty-three thousand dollars.

1863. June 11th, Messrs. Hadaway and Lothrop of the board of aldermen and the president, and Messrs. Haskell, Slocum, and Mason of the common council were appointed to make arrangements ‘for the reception of Company H, Forty-third Regiment, upon their return from Newbern, North Carolina, and Company H, 50th Regiment, upon their return from New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Chelsea members of these and other regiments whose terms of enlistment are about to expire.’ July 16th, Ordered, to pay State aid to the families of men who may be drafted the same as to the families of volunteers.

1864. May 5th, Ordered, that the joint select committee on military affairs be instructed to make arrangements for a public reception to Company H, First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and to cooperate with any other committee of the city which may unite in giving the veteran heroes a reception worthy of the city and which they so well merit; the expense of which to be charged to the appropriation for military purposes.

1865. April 10th, The joint standing committee on military affairs were directed to make arrangements for a public observance of the 14th instant, when the Flag of the Union was to be raised on Fort Sumter, ‘by the ringing of bells, the firing of [597] salutes, display of fireworks, and a public meeting in the evening, or such other demonstrations as the committee may deem proper.’ April 17th, A special meeting of the city council was held, by order of Eustace C. Fitz, mayor, who announced in fitting terms the death of President Lincoln by the hand of an assassin. The following preamble and resolutions were then adopted:—

Whereas God in his inscrutable providence has suffered the hand of the assassin to snatch away from us the beloved Chief Magistrate of the nation, it is therefore by the corporation of the city of Chelsea

Resolved, That since the days of Washington no hero or statesman has held so high a place in our respect and affection as he who for four stormy years has guided our ship of State through unknown and troubled waters and over hidden shoals.

Resolved, That only hearts suffering together as we now suffer can offer to each other any sympathy; and our only consolation is an unwavering trust in the wisdom of Him whose hand is guiding this Republic to its destiny.

Resolved, That while we are bowed down with inexpressible grief at this sudden and great calamity, yet we will thank God that the mantle of our late honored and beloved President has fallen upon one whose past history is a pledge of his unswerving fealty to the Union.

Resolved, That the rooms of the mayor and aldermen and common council be appropriately draped in mourning, and that the members of the city government wear suitable badges of mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That the city government attend public services on the day appointed for the funeral of the late President in accordance with the recommendation of the national authorities, and that we invite our citizens to unite in paying due respect to the memory of the honored dead.

Chelsea furnished two thousand one hundred and eight men for the war, which was a surplus of one hundred and ninety-four over and above all demands. Eighty were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the city on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was one hundred and ninety-six thousand seven hundred and forty-six dollars and eighty-seven cents ($196,746.87).

The amount of money raised and expended by the city during the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and repaid by the [598] Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $4,315.04; in 1862, $21,839.04; in 1863, $29,577.83; in 1864, $26,000.00; in 1865, $17,000.00. Total amount, $98,731.91.

The ladies of Chelsea began their work for the soldiers with the commencement of the war, and in 1861 forwarded many packages of valuable hospital stores to the front; but as the war continued they organized a Soldiers-Aid Society, the first officers of which were Mrs. John H. Osgood, president; Mrs. Jeremiah Campbell and Mrs. B. H. Barnes, vice-presidents; Mrs. Joseph A. Copp, secretary, and Mrs. James Hovey, treasurer. The first meeting was held Sept. 17, 1862, the day on which the battle of Antietam was fought. Sub-committees were appointed on dressing-gowns, shirts, drawers, socks, slippers, bandages, lint, compresses, pads, sheets, pillow-cases, bed-sacks, handkerchiefs, and towels. Several of these committees served to the end of the war. Mrs. Frank B. Fay obtained between eighty and ninety subscribers who agreed to pay one dollar a month, making a permanent income of about a thousand dollars a year. In the autumn of 1863 a ladies' fair was held in aid of the Soldiers-Aid Society, which yielded a net profit of $3,263.10. During the period of its existence the society made and forwarded the following articles: 1,703 shirts, 1,075 drawers, 956 pairs socks, 385 slippers, 3,876 towels, 4,890 handkerchiefs, 162 sheets and pillow-slips, 581 bed and pillow-sacks, 27 dressing-gowns, 485 slings, 33 mittens. The whole amount of money received and expended by the society was $6,217.56. The foregoing enumerations include only a few of the contributions. In less than a month after the society was organized ‘there were made and forwarded for the use of disabled soldiers 1,105 articles of clothing and bedding, 52 packages of food and delicacies, 107 bottles of wine and cordials, besides compresses, bandages, pads, etc.’


North Chelsea

Incorporated March 19, 1848. Name changed to Revere, 1871. Population in 1860, 921; in 1865, 858. Valuation in 1860, $770,000; in 1865, $860,359.

The selectmen in 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864 were Benjamin Shurtleff, Ensign Kimball, Edward Pratt; in 1865, Benjamin Shurtleff, Ensign Kimball, William S. Janvin. [599]

The town-clerk during all the years of the war was William T. Hall. The town-treasurer in 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864 was Benjamin H. Dewing; in 1865, John F. Fenno.

1861. No action appears to have been taken by the town in its corporate capacity in relation to the war during this year, although the families of the soldiers belonging to the town were properly cared for by the selectmen.

1862. March 10th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow not exceeding seven hundred dollars for the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers. July 19th, Voted to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer who enlists for three years and is credited to the quota of the town, and the treasurer was authorized to borrow fifteen hundred dollars to pay the same.3 August 19th, The bounty to each volunteer was increased to two hundred dollars, including those for nine months service. The treasurer was authorized to borrow not exceeding two thousand dollars to pay the same. November 4th, The treasurer was directed to borrow one thousand dollars for the payment of State aid to soldiers' families.

1863. April 6th, Five hundred dollars were appropriated for State aid to soldiers' families. November 3d, The treasurer was directed to pay the State Treasurer ‘the balance due as assessed against the town on bounties paid to soldiers.’

1864. March 7th, Voted, to raise one thousand and fifty-six dollars for State aid. April 4th, The treasurer, under the direction of the selectmen, was authorized to borrow not exceeding twelve hundred dollars ‘for the purpose of filling the quota of men under the last call of the President for volunteers.’ May 30th, Fifteen hundred dollars were appropriated to reimburse citizens who had advanced of their own means money for recruiting purposes. Twenty-five hundred dollars were also appropriated for the payment of bounties to volunteers. [600]

1865. March 6th, Seventeen hundred dollars were appropriated for State aid to soldiers' families, one thousand dollars for the payment of bounties, and thirty-four hundred dollars to reimburse citizens for money subscribed and paid by them for recruiting purposes during the past year.

North Chelsea furnished one hundred and fourteen men for the war, which was a surplus of seven over and above all demands. Nine were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was ten thousand five hundred and fifty dollars and seventy-five cents ($10,550.75).

The amount paid by the town during the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and repaid by the Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $307.54; in 1862, $1,034.10; in 1863, $1,625.00; in 1864, $1,720.11; in 1865, $1,000.00. Total amount, $5,686.75.

The ladies of North Chelsea ‘held meetings from time to time, and forwarded clothing, lint, and supplies of various kinds by committees chosen for that purpose.’


Winthrop

Incorporated March 27, 1852. Population in 1860, 544; in 1865, 634. Valuation in 1860, $450,000; in 1865, $406,239.

The selectmen in 1861 were John Belcher, David Floyd, Richard Shackford; in 1862 and 1863, John Belcher, Richard Shackford, David P. Matthews; in 1864, A. Richardson, Sylvanus Payne, P. P. Floyd; in 1865, John Belcher, Sylvanus Payne, William H. Long.

The town-clerk in 1861, 1862, and 1863 was Warren Belcher; in 1864 and 1865, E. Floyd. The town-treasurer in 1861 and 1862 was E. Floyd; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, John Floyd.

Winthrop furnished seventy-two men for the war, which was a surplus of eight over and above all demands. Two were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was ten thousand seven hundred and seventy-four dollars ($10,774.00). [601]

The amount of money paid by the town during the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and repaid by the Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $00; in 1862, $182.34; in 1863, $284.00; in 1864, $388.00; in 1865, $550.00. Total amount, $1,404.34.

1 See volume I. pages 475 to 480 inclusive.

2 This committee discharged its duties with great fidelity. Each regiment which passed through Boston was hospitably entertained with a good meal at Faneuil Hall.

3 At this meeting a letter was read from Captain William B. Eaton of North Chelsea, commanding the United States barque Ethan Allen, presenting a rebel flag captured by him near Tampa Bay, Florida, from a blockade runner; which created much enthusiasm, and called forth several patriotic speeches from prominent citizens. A vote of thanks was passed to Captain Eaton.

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