[124] The ladies of Berkley made generous contributions to the soldiers during the war. The exact amount of these contributions we have not been able to ascertain: we know, however, that they realized upwards of one hundred dollars at one time, by means of a ‘Soldiers' Fair’ held by them.
Dartmouth
Incorporated June 8, 1664. Population in 1860, 3,883; in 1865, 3,434. Valuation in 1860, $2,948,785; in 1865, $2,434,270. The selectmen in 1861 were Jireh Sherman, Abraham C. White, John W. Baker; in 1862, Jireh Sherman, Calvin K. Turner, 2d, Richard Lapham; in 1863, Jireh Sherman, Richard Lapham, Loring Ashley; in 1864 and 1865, Jireh Sherman, Calvin K. Turner, 2d, Richard Lapham. The town-clerk and town-treasurer during all of these years was William Barker, Jr. 1861. The first legal town-meeting, to consider matters relating to the war, was held on the 16th of May; at which the following preamble and resolutions were read, and unanimously adopted:—Whereas the Government of the United States is now engaged in a struggle for national existence, popular liberty, the perpetuity of the Constitution, and the supremacy of the laws against the myrmidons of slavery, and the enemies of popular liberty, therefore— Resolved, That as patriots, and friends of the Constitution and the National Government and our righteous institutions, we, the people of Dartmouth, in town-meeting assembled, do recognize to the full extent the perilous position of our once happy, but now belligerent and distracted country, and also the duty which we owe to that Constitution and flag under which we have lived in happiness and prosperity for more than eighty years; and that we proffer unreservedly, and with cheerfulness, our aid and co-operation in defence of our liberties and national flag.1862. July 21st, A committee appointed for the purpose reported as follows: ‘That the selectmen name a committee of two to serve with themselves as a committee of five, to raise a number of volunteers, not exceeding twenty-seven, without regard to territory or sum of money, and the treasurer be ’
