[386] to the families of soldiers in the army.1 May 14th, The following preamble and order were adopted:—
Whereas Cambridge learns with mournful pride that in the battles of the past few days some of her brave citizens in the service of their country have lost their lives, and it is eminently becoming and right that prompt measures be taken to have their remains brought home with all care and respect. Therefore— Ordered, That a committee of two, consisting of his honor the mayor and one member of the common council, is hereby appointed to proceed to the different battle grounds where our men have been engaged, if they deem it expedient, and provide for the securing and proper transmission of the remains to our city; and the committee shall look after the sick and wounded of our city, ministering liberally in all cases where necessary; and the mayor is authorized to draw his warrant for all expenses incurred in the discharge of these duties; and it is further— Ordered, That the sum of five hundred dollars is appropriated and put into the hands of his honor, in advance, for disbursement, and the mayor is authorized to draw his warrant for this amount before proceeding on the duty; the same to be charged to the appropriations for Cambridge soldiers and their families.July 9th, A communication was received from the mayor in regard to the new call of the President for more troops, which was referred to a joint committee, which reported as follows:—
Whereas a call has been made upon the Governor of Massachusetts by the President of the United States for fifteen thousand volunteers, the proportion of the city of Cambridge being four hundred and four men, which number it is desirable to raise as soon as possible; therefore, to encourage enlistments, it is— Ordered, That seventy-five dollars be paid by the city to each accepted recruit, to the number of four hundred and four, who shall enlist from this city as one of the quota, and shall be mustered into the service of the United States as a volunteer for three years or during the war; said sum to be paid him on satisfactory evidence being presented that he has been so mustered in; the amount thus expended to be charged to the appropriation for volunteers and their families. The men thus recruited shall, if authorized by the commander-in-chief, be formed into four companies, to constitute a part of one regiment.
