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

1861. The first legal town-meeting to act upon matters connected with the war was held on the 6th of May, at which three thousand dollars were appropriated for aid to the families of volunteers, and to purchase necessary equipments for citizens who should enlist in the military service; to each of whom with a family the monthly sum of fifteen dollars was paid by the town, and to single men ten dollars a month while in the military service. The town-treasurer was authorized to borrow the money, and John H. Clark, William B. Burgess, and George M. Fletcher were appointed to superintend the disbursement of the money.

1862. July 14th, A citizens' meeting was held to adopt measures to fill the quota of the town under a late call of the President for three hundred thousand men. A proposition was adopted, that ‘enough of the citizens of the town to fill the quota then and there pledge themselves either to enlist or furnish substitutes.’ Nineteen gentlemen signed the pledge. July 28th, A legal town-meeting was held, which confirmed the proceedings of the citizens' meeting. A bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for three years service was directed to be paid by the selectmen when mustered in and credited to the quota of the town. Two hundred dollars were appropriated to pay expenses of recruiting, and a committee was appointed to aid the selectmen in filling the quota of the town. Henry A. Norris offered fifty dollars to the first five men who would enlist. Daniel W. Wilcox offered to pay ten dollars to each of the next ten men who would enlist, and N. B. Bryant the same amount to each person who would sign the enlistment roll that evening. An adjourned meeting was held on the evening of the 2d of August, at which patriotic speeches were made by distinguished gentlemen. The effect of these meetings speedily filled the quota of the town. August 21st, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars to each volunteer who enlists for nine months service, when mustered in and credited to the town. Three hundred dollars were appropriated for recruiting expenses,