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

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[372] exclusive of State aid, was twelve thousand four hundred and sixty-eight dollars and fifty-nine cents ($12,468.59).

The amount of money raised and expended by the town during the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and which was afterwards repaid by the Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $564.06; in 1862, $2,144.93; in 1863, $3,301.58; in 1864, $3,843.32; in 1865, $2,000.00. Total amount, $11,853.89.

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Bedford

Incorporated Sept. 23, 1729. Population in 1860, 843; in 1865, 820. Valuation in 1860, $470,657; in 1865, $489,123.

The selectmen during the years 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, were William A. Stearns, William M. Ashby, Oliver T. Lane.

The town-clerk in 1861, 1862, and 1863, was Thomas Stiles; in 1864 and 1865, William A. Stearns. The town-treasurer during all the years of the war was P. W. Chamberlin.

When information was received of the attack upon the Sixth Regiment in Baltimore (April 19th), great indignation was expressed. A citizens' meeting was immediately held, in which several gentlemen of Bedford made speeches which expressed strongly the patriotic feelings of the people, and twenty-two hundred and twenty-eight dollars were subscribed to fit out volunteers for military service, and to provide for their families. Other meetings were held for a like purpose. The first legal town-meeting was held on the 8th of July, at which the act passed May 23d, in relation to State aid to soldiers' families, was adopted.

1862. March 31st, The free use of the town hall was tendered to the ladies of Bedford in which to hold the meetings of the Ladies' Soldiers-Aid Society. August 11th, A bounty of one hundred dollars was authorized to be paid to each of eight volunteers who should enlist for three years service before the 15th, and be credited to the town. September 10th, Voted to pay each volunteer for nine months service a bounty of one hundred dollars. On the 1st of October this bounty was increased to two hundred dollars, and the selectmen were authorized to borrow money to pay the same.