USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 150
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1763 .- Thos Porter.
Saml. Holten. John Epes. John Proctor, Jr. John Preston.
1764 .- Benj. Putnam.
Archalas Dale. John Putuam. Stephen Procter. Benj. Moulton. 1765 .- Beoj. Moulton. John Putnam. Stephen Procter. Jona. Buxton. Arch. Dale.
1766 .- Archelaus Dale. Benj. Upton. Jonathan Buxton. John Swinerton. Jooathan Tarble. 1767. - Samuel Holten, Jr. John Epes. Jonathan Tarbell. Jonathan Buxton. Ebenezer Goodell. 1768 .- Jonathan Boxtoo. John Epes. Samuel Holten, Jr. Ebenezer Goodell. Gideon Putnam. 1769 .- Samuel Holten, Jr. Ebenezer Goodale. Samuel Gardner. 34
William Shillaber. Samuel King. 1770 .- Saml. Holten, Jr. Lieut. John Prestoo. Jolın Putoam. Jovathau Buxton. Capt. Wm. Shillaber. 1771 .- Capt. Wm. Shillaber. Jooathan Buxton. Gideon Putnam. Benj. Proctor. Samuol Holten, Jr.
1772 .- Samuel Flint.
Wm. Shillaber. Gideon Putnam. Jouathan Buxton. Benj. Procter. 1773 .- Samuel Holten, Jr. Joho Putuam. Lieut. Arch. Putnam. Benj. Porter. Stephen Needham. 1774 -Samuel Holten, Jr.
Lieut. Arch. Putnam.
Wm. Poole. Stephen Needham. Jonathan Buxton. 1775 .- Dr. Saml. Holten. Capt. Wm. Shillaher. Capt. Wm. Putnam. Stephen Needham. Ezra Upton. 1776 .- John Epes.
Wm. Shillaher. Stephen Needham. Ezra Upton. Edmund Putoam. 1777 .- Capt. John Putnam. Capt. Samuel Fliot. Capt. Wm. Shillaber. Stephen Needham. Phineas Putnam.
1778 .- Stephen Needham.
Capt. Wm. Shillaber. Benj. Procter. Capt. John Putnam. Phinehas Putnam.
1779 .- Colonel Enoch Putnam.
Ezra Upton. Stepheo Needham. Major Samuel Epes. James Prince.
1780 .- Jona. Sawyer. Daniel Putnam. Capt. Joseph Porter. Ezra Upton. 1781 .- Capt. Joseph Porter. Daniel Putnam. Stephen Needham. Samuel White. Major Samuel Epes. 1782 .- Stephen Needham. Daniel Putnam. Jonathan Sawyer. Capt. Jos. Porter. Capt. Gideon Foster. 1783 .- Capt. Gideon Foster. Daniel Putnam. John Walcut. Aaron Putnam. Stephen Needham. 1784 .- Stephen Needham. Major Caleb Low. Aaron Putnam. Capt. Gideon Foster. Daniel Putnam.
1785 .- Jona. Sawyer. David Prince. Stephen Needham. Daniel Putuam. Col. Jeremiah Pago. 1786 .- Stephen Needham. Stephen Putoam. Daniel Putnam. Capt. Joua. Procter. Capt. Gideon Foster. 1787 .- Jona. Sawyer. Samuel Gardner. Amos Tapley . David Prince. Timothy Leech.
1788 .- David Prince.
Capt. Samnel Page. Amos Tapley. James Porter. Stephen Needham.
1789 .- David Prince. Samuel Page. John Kettell. Amos Tapley. James Porter.
1790 .- David Prince. Capt. Samuel Page. John Kettell. James Porter. John Brown.
1791 .- Stephen Needham.
Gideon Foster. John Kettell. David Prince. Amos Tapley.
1792 .- Gideon Foster.
David Prince. Samuel Page. John Kettell. Stephen Needham.
1793 .- Gideon Foster.
David Prince. John Kettell. Joseph Putnam. Stephen Needham.
1794 .- David Prince.
Stephen Needham. Samuel Page. John Kettell. Gideon Foster.
1795 .- Joseph Osborn, Jr. Stephen Needham. David Prince. Joho Kettell. Zerubbabel Porter.
1796 .- Joseph Oehorn, Jr. Samuel Page. John Kettell. Stephen Needham. Daniel Putnam.
1797 .- Joseph Osborn, Jr. Nathl. Wehb. Zerobabell Porter. Amos Tapley. Elijah Flint.
1798 .- Joseph Osborn, Jr. Samuel Page. Johu Kettell. Daniel Putnam. Nathan Felton. 1799 .- Nathan Felton. Daniel Putnam. John Kettell. Amos Tapley. Joseph Osborn, Jr. 1800 .- Joseph Oshoru, Jr.
Daniel Putnam. Samuel Page. Johu Kettell. Nathan Felton. 1801 .- Samuel Page. Joseph Putnam. Nathan Felton. Zerobabell Porter. Elijah Flint. 1802 .- Nathan Felton.
Johnson Procter. Sylvester Osboro. Jona. Walcut. John Fowler.
1803 .- Nathan Felton. Sylvester Osboro. John Preston. Jona. Walcut. John Fowler.
1804 .- Nathan Felton. Sylvester Osboro. Jonathan Walcut. Johnson Procter. John Fowler.
1805 .- Nathan Felton. Amos Tapley. Sylvester Osborn. Jona. Walcut. John Fowler.
1806 .- Nathan Feltou. Sylvester Osborn. Jonathan Walcut. Thomas Putnamı. John Fowler.
1807 .- Nathan Felton. Sylvester Osborn. Jonathan Walcut. John Fowler. Amos Tapley.
1808 .- Thomas Putnam. Nathan Felton. Sylvester Procter. Daniel Putnam. Amos Tapley.
1809 .- Nathan Felton. Amos Tapley. Levi Prestoo. Thos. Putoam.' Daniel Putnam.
1810 .- Nathan Felton. Nathaniel Putnam. Sylvester Procter. Daniel Putnam. Peter Cross, Jr.
1811 .- Nathan Felton. Levi Preston. Jona. Walcut. Daoiel Putoam. Andrew Nichole, Jr.
1812 .- Nathan Felton. Jona. Walcut. Richd. Osboro. Daniel Putnam. Nathl. Putoam.
1813 .- Nathan Felton. Jooa. Walcut. Daniel Putnam. Nathl. Putnam. Richd. OsborD.
1814 .- Nathan Felton. Jonathan Walcut. Nathaniel Putnam. James Brown. John Page. 1815 .- Nathan Felton. Nathaniel Putnam.
530
HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Jonathan Walcut. John Page. Sylvester Procter. 1816 .- Nathan Felton. Sylvester Procter. Nathaniol Putnum. Jonathan Walcut. Daniol Putnamı. 1817 .- Nathan Felton. Jonn. Walcut. Sylvester Procter. Daniel Putnam. Nathaniel Putaam.
1818 .- Joseph Shed. Israel Putnam, Jr. Thomas Putuani. Jesse Putonm. Moses Preston, Jr. 1819,-Israel Putnam, Jr. Thomas Putnam. Jesse Putuanı. Joseph Shed. Moses Preston, Jr.
1820 .- Israel Putoam, Jr. Thomas Putnam. Jesse Putnam. Joseph Shed. Moses Preston, Jr. 1821 .- Thomas Putnam. Joseph Shed. Jesse Putnam. Moses Prestoa, Jr. Elias Putnam.
1822 .- Jesse Putnam.
Elias Putoam. Nathan Felton. Moses Preston, Jr. Joseph StearDe.
1823 .- Jesse Putnamı.
Joseph Stearne. Elias Putnam. Moses Prestoo, Jr. Jonathan Shove.
1824 .- Jesse Putaanı. Joseph Stearns. Elias Putnam. Moses Preeton. Junathan Shove. 1825 .- Jesse Putnam.
Elias Putoam. Joseph Stearns. Moses Prestoa. Jonathan Shove.
1826 .- Jesse Putaam. Jonathan Shove. Joseph Stearne. Elias Putnam. Moses Preston.
1827 .- Jesse Patnam. Elias Putaam. Jonathan Shove. Robert S. Daniels. Nathan Feltoa.
1828 .- Jesse Putaam.
Jonathan Shove. Robert S. Daniele. Nathan Poor. Elias Putonan. 1829 .- Jesse Putnam.
Elius Pataanı. Jonathan Shove. Nathan Poor. Daniel P. King.
1830 .- Elias Putnam. Jonathan Shove. Nuthino P'vor.
Jesse Putoanı. Benjamin Jacobs. 1831 .- John Preston. Benjamin Jacobs. Jacob F. Perry. Ebon Putnam, Jr. Joseph Shed. 1832 .- Benjamin Jacobe. Kendall Osborn, Lewis Allen. John Prestoo. Jacob F. Perry.
1833 .- Joha Preston. Kendall Oshorn. Jacob F. Perry. Benjamin Jacobs. Nathaniel Pope.
1831 .- John Preston. Joseph Tufte, Jr. Benjamia Jacobe. Nathl. Pope. Kendall Osboro. 1835 .- Nathaniel Pope. Samnel P. Fowler. Eben Putnam.
Lewis Alleu.
Henry Poor.
1836 .- Lewis Allen. Nathaniel Pope. Eben S. Uptoo. Samuel P. Fowler. Joseph Tufts, Jr.
1837 .- Nathaniel Pope. Abel Nichole. Samnel P. Fowler. Joseph Tufts, Jr. Ebenezer Suttoo.
1838 .- Samuel P. Fowler. Elijah Uptoo. Joseph Tufte, Jr. Eben Sutton. Nathaniel Pope. 1839 .- Elijah Upton. Nathaniel Pope. Sammel P. Fowler. Joseph Tufts, Jr. Abel Nichols. 1840 .- Elijah Upton.
Nathaniel Pope. Andrew Torr. Andrew Luat. Samuel l'. Fowler.
1841 .- Henry Poor. William Black. Nathì. Pope. Elijah Upton. Josbun Silvester.
1842 .- Elijah Upton.
Joshua Silvester. William Black. Joseph l'oor, Jr. Wingate Merrill. 1843 .- Wingate Merrill. Joseph Poor, Jr. Jo-hun Silvester. William Black. Perley Goodale. 1844 .- Wingate Merrill. Joshua Silvester. Joseph Pour, Jr. Ilenry Fowler. Eben King. 1845 .- Wingate Merrill. Lewis Allen. Henry Fowler. Nathaniel Pope. William Dodge, Jr.
1846 .- Wingate Merrill. Kendall Osbora. Nathaniel Pope. William Dodge, Jr. Lewie Allen. 1847 .- Lewie AlleD. Wingate Merrill. Nathaniel Pope. William Dodge, Jr. Moses Black, Jr. 1848. - Nathaniel Pope. Wingate Merrill. Moses Black, Jr. Lewie Allen. Kendall Osborn.
1849 .- Otis Mudge. Elias Savage. Abel Preston. William Dadge, Jr. Ehen S. Uptoo.
1850 .- Lewis Allen. Richard Oshora. Samuel Preston. Kendall Osbora. Francis Dodge.
1851 .- Kendall Osborn. Francis Dodge. William Endicott. Daniel Emerson. Aarvu F. Clark.
1862 .- Kendall Osborn. Richard Osborn. William Endicott. Aaron F. Clark. Edwin Mudge.
1853 .- Kendall Osbern. Leonard Poole. Edwin Mudge. Aaron Putnam. Elias Savage.
1854 .- Lewie Alles.
Levuard Poole. Joel Putnam. Benj. F. Hutchinson. Nathan II. Poor.
1855 .- Abel Preston. William Walcott. Nathaniel Bodge. Moses J. Currier. Augustus Fowler.
1856 .- William Dodge, Jr. Augustus Fowler. Charles P. Preston.
1857 .- Augustus Fowler. Charles P. Prestoo. William Dodge, Jr.
1858 .- Rufus Putnam. Chas. P. Preston. Otie Mludge.
1859 .- Rufus Putnam. Cbae. P. Preston. William Dodge, Jr.
1860 .- Rufue Putoam. Cbas. P. Preston. James M. Perry.
1861 .- Francis Dodge. William Dodge, Jr. Charles Chaplin.
1862 .- William Dodge, Jr. Charles Chaplin. Augustue Fowler.
1863 .- James M. Perry. Jacob F. Perry. Julın A. Putuadı.
1864 .- Jacob F. Perry. John A. Putnam. William Dodge, Jr. 1865 .- Jacob F. Perry. Willianı Dudgo, Jr. Jolın A. Patoam. 1866 .- Jacob F. Perry. William Dodge, Jr. John A. Putnam. 1867 .- William Dodge, Jr. Simeon Putaam. Henry A. Perkins. 1868 .- William Dodge, Jr. Simeon Putnam. Henry A. Perkioe.
1869 .- William Dodge, Jr. Simeon Puto&m. Henry A. Perkins.
1870 .- William Dodge, Jr. Ilenry A. Perkiae. Josiah Ross.
1871 .- William Dodge, Jr. Heary A. Perkins. Jovialı Ross.
1872 .- William Dodge, Jr. Henry A. Perkins. Joshua Bragdoo.
1873 .- Henry A. Perkine. Joshua Bragdon. Samuel W. Spaulding.
1874 .- Joshua Bragdon. Henry A. Perkins. Otie F. Putnam.
1875 .- Henry A. Perkins. Joshua Bragdon. Otis F. Putoanı.
1876 .- IleDry A. Perkins. Joshına Bragdon. Otie F. Putoam.
1877 .- Henry A. Perkine. Joshua Bragdon. Otie F. Putaam.
1878 .- Charles H. Adame. Otis F. Putaam. Josiah Ross.
1879 .- Henry A. Perkins. Josiah Ross. Harrison O. Warren.
1880 .- Henry A. Perkins. Harrison O. Warres. Daniel P. Pope.
1881 .- Henry A. Perkine. Daniel P. Pope. Josiab Ross.
1882 .- Daniel P. Pope. Otis F. Putaam. Joshua Brugdon.
1883 .- Daniel P. Pope. Otis F. Putnam. Joshua Bragdon.
1884 .- Daniel P. Pope. Joshuu Bragdon. Otis F. Putnam.
1885 .- Daniel P. Pope. Joshua Bragdon. Otis F. Putnam. 1886 .- Daniel P. P'ope. Joshuu Bragdou. Otis F. Putnam. 1887 .- Daniel P. Pope. Joshua Bragdon. Otie F. Putoam.
531
DANVERS.
One of the propositions for disposing of the new school building in the short-lived district No. 8 was to convert it to a lock-up and tramp-station, but the town then refused to believe itself sufficiently ad- vanced in moderu civilization to need a separate building devoted to such uses. Soon, however, 1864, accommodations for guests of the public, voluntary and otherwise, were fitted in the basement of the town-hall, and there for ten years some sin and vag- rancy retired behind the bars. When in 1874, bet- ter conveniences were demanded, a part of the base- ment of Bell's Hall, on Maple Street, was fitted up. This past year, 1886, a considerable addition was muade to the old brick school-house on School Street - the original building being now occupied by two companies of the fire department-and ample and re- spectable police headquarters have there been estab- lished, with plenty of room above for a local court,- when it comes. Michael J. Mead has been for some years chief of the small police force, which is efficient much beyond its numerical strength. William O'Neil presides over the station and dispenses the town's hospitality to certain of the traveling public.
CHAPTER XL.
DANVERS-(Continued).
THE CIVIL WAR.
AT twenty minutes past four o'clock on the morn- ing of April 12, 1861, a shell from Sullivan's Island aimed at Fort Sumter announced the open defiance of rebellion. The loyal cities and towns of the North were alert for such tidings. About a week previously two of the selectmen of Danvers, William Dodge, Jr., and Charles Chaplin, had issued their warrant for a town meeting "to hear an act on the petition of A. A. Putnam and others to see if the town will raise or appropriate any money in aid of the families of such citizens of the town as may enlist to serve iu the Volunteer Militia of the Commonwealth or take any action thereon." This is the first intimation on the town records of preparations for probable war. But the news from Sumter brought the citizens together sooner than the day appointed for town meeting. The first "war meeting" was hield in the town hall, April 16th, and was crowded with earnest and enthusiastic men. Arthur A. Putnam, Esq., presided. In some recently written reminiscences he says, "the meeting, though stormy in applause and verbally bellicose, was very aimless and likely to end in talk alone un- til a modest and unfamiliar voice in the town hall reminded the assemblage that the meeting was not for eloquence, but enlistment." The voice was that of Nehemiah P. Fuller, who stepped forward to sign the company roll which Nathaniel A. Pope had received
permission from the State Department to recruit. At least one other name preceded Fuller's, that of Ruel B. Pray, who has the distinction of being the first re- cruit in a Danvers company ; others followed that night, aud in six days the roll was full and ready for organization. As the company was soon given the name of the Danvers Light Infantry, it will be spoken of by that name. Election of officers resulted as fol- lows : Captain, Nehemiah P. Fuller ; First Lieuten- ant, William W. Smith; Second Lieutenant, Ruel B. Pray; Third Lieutenant, William W. Gould ; Fourth Lieutenant, D. W. Hyde. Captain Fuller, who was promoted during the war to major of the Second Heavy Artillery, was a son of Putnam Fuller, of this town, and a descendant of Lieutenant David, brother of General Israel Putnam, being a grandson of Major Ezra Putnam, one of the founders of Ohio. He had seen service in the Mexican War, and was just the man to command a company of willing but raw re- cruits. After the war he removed to Missouri, but returned here in broken health in the fall of 1880, and died February 3, 1881.
Immediately after the meeting of April 16th, some young men at the Plains took steps to organize another company. In the course of a week the num- ber, fifty, were recruited, and met in the unfinished rooms of the Maple Street School-house, where the first lessons in drill were given by Benjamin E. New- hall. Organization was effected in due form, April 30th, in the Bank Hall, where the following officers were elected: Captain, Arthur A. Putnam ; Lieuten- ants, Benjamin E. Newhall, Charles H. Adams, Jr., William J. Roome, George W. Kenney. Mr. New- hall not qualifying, the other lieutenants were each promoted one degree, and Elbridge W. Guilford was added.
Captain Putnam, then a lawyer here, now of Ux- bridge, Mass., was a native of Danvers, a son of Hon. Elias Putnam. This year, 1887, he delivered the Memorial Day Address before an audience which in- cluded many survivors of his old comrades, and later published in the Danvers Mirror a full and interest- ing account of the history of his company up to the time of leaving for the front. Mr. R. B. Pray had previously printed a short sketch of Capt. Fuller's, Company. A newspaper clipping says of Capt. Put- nam that he had no previous military training, "but, possessing that energy and spirit noted in the Puri- tan blood, will soon make himself a proficient com- mander."
No sooner had the two companies organized than the ladies of the town devoted their energies to the making of uniforms and other necessary clothing. Gothic Hall was the busy scene of their labors. The men who enlisted expected active service at once, and were eager for it. But the time which ensued be- tween organization and final acceptance by the State authorities and assignment to a State camp extended from days to long weeks, and made it serious business
532
HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
keeping the men together. Many of them had fami- lies to support, and while patriotism did not flag, the bread and butter question at home was quite as vital as the question of slavery a thousand miles away. There were no bounties at this time; it was only by constant and generous contributions of money and provisions that the men were encouraged to hold out. But by dint of much patient forbearance both com- panies were kept intact, and maintained thorough drill. Long practice marches were taken through neighboring towns, and charges were occasionally made at double-quick to dislodge an imaginary enemy on the top of Folly Hill. For some time the Light Infantry went into camp by themselves, at East Glou- cester, such a move being deemed expedient. Cap- tain Putnam's company used Berry's pasture, now the Trotting Park, for a training-field. The local news- papers of the day contain such items as these :
"On Sunday morning, May 19th, the two Danvers companies marched with drum and fife to the Maple Street Church, and in the afternoon they attended the Universalist Church.
"The appearance of the men, one company in grey, and une in blue, is described as having been remarkably fine."
"Tuesday, May 28th. The Putnam .Guarde, a well ordered company of 79 men, of an average age of 27 years, paseed through our place thie afternoon, on their way to Salem. Their motion was nimble, their ac- tion strong and their eye quick and piercing. They have been accns- tomed to tuil and moderato fare withont luxuries, and will do the State good service when summoned to the field."
Of the origin of the name of "Putnam Guards," Captain Putnam thus writes :
"Of visitors at Gothic IIall while the ladies, as before mentioned, were immersed in the manufacture of the uniforms, there came one day Mrs. Julia A. Philbrick, of Boston, who, warmed at the sight of the scene, went away carrying it as an impressive picture in mind. A few days later she addressed an appreciative letter to one of the chief work- ers, Miss Anne L. Page, and in it embraced a proffer in these pleasant worde :-
"'I have used my pen in your behalf, and to-day have the pleasure of informing you that, if your Company ie called the Putnam Guards, they shall have a Banner worthy tho name they bear. There is living in Peterborough, N. H., a most noble and patriotic lady, who beare that honored name, whose father was born in Danvers, yes, beneath the very roof with the old General (that dear old home, the home uf my child- hood)-to this lady, Miss Catherine Putnam, you are indebted for this proffered benefaction.'
"The proposition for the name was duly submitted to the Company, unanimously adopted and the Flag at once became a matter of joyous anticipation."
The presentation of the flag, May 22, 1861, was an event of great interest. A stand draped with the na- tional colors was reared in front of the Bank Build- ing, and during the exercises the Square and all the surrounding buildings were densely crowded with spectators. Mr. Nathaniel Hills, principal of the High School presided, and Hon. John D. Philbrick, then superintendent of schools in Boston, to whom this honor had been assigned by the donor of the flag, made the presentation speech. On the same occa- sion Rev. A. P. Putnam, then of Roxbury, a brother of the commander, presented each member of the company with a Bible, accompanying the act with an impressive address. The flag was of heavy silk, and a silver plate upon its oaken staff was thus inscribed :
" PRESENTED
to the
PUTNAM GUARDS of DANVERS, MASS.,
MISS CATHERINE PUTNAM,
Daughter of a Son
of DANVERS. Our Birth-right ie Freedom
and God je our Trust. MAY, 1861."
It is now, and has been for many years, in the cus- tody of John G. Weeden, one of the original mem- bers of the Guards. The Danvers Light Infantry were also given a reception before their departure for the State camp, on which occasion Rev. J. W. Put- nam presented them with a silk banner in behalf of the citizens, and Allen Putnam, of Roxbury, in be- half of Miss Putnam, presented an elegant sash and sword to Captain Fuller. Side-arms were also pre- sented to the officers by certain citizens.
It was nearly two months after the organization of the companies that they were finally called for by the State authorities. On June 11th, 1861, the Dan- vers Light Infantry were ordered to report at Camp Schouler, Lynnfield, and on June 24th the Putnam Guards reported at Fort Warren. The Light Infan- try were assigned to the Seventeenth Volunteer In- fantry, three years' men, as Company C, were mus- tered into the service of the United States July 22, 1861, and left for the front August 22d.
The Putnam Guards became Company I of the Fourteenth Volunteer Infantry, were mustered into service of the United States July 5, 1861, and left for the seat of war August 7th. The regiment was changed, January 1, 1862, to the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. It saw hard service and partici- pated in engagements at Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Poplar Spring Church, Boydton Road, Hatcher's Run, Vaughn Road. The original members of both these Danvers companies may be determined by inspection of the list of soldiers which follow later on.
The first military funeral of the war, in Danvers, was that of Thomas A. Musgrave, of Captain Ful- ler's company, who died August 9, 1861, at the Lynn- field camp hospital. The whole regiment marched to the Universalist Church, where the services were held. Private William F. Guilford, a member of the Salem City Guards, was buried under arms a few weeks later from Dr. Braman's Church.
At the town meeting of May 25, 1861, which had been already called when news came of the attack on Fort Sumter, A. A. Putnam presided and Dr. Ebenezer Hunt presented a series of resolutions, which were adopted, one hundred and eighteen to three, in the following form,-the clergymen of the
533
DANVERS.
town having first been added to the committee therein called for :
" WHEREAS, War has been forced upon us without justifiable cause by traitors whose avowed object is the subversion of the Government and the dissolution of the Union by armed resistance to Law, and where- as our Patriotic fellow-citizens have been barbarously slain while has- teniog to the defence of the Capitol nt the call of the Chief Magistrate io pursuance of his solemn Outh of office, and whereas our flag has been insulted, aod our existence as a nation put in peril, therefore,
" Resolved, By the citizens of Danvers, in town-meeting assembled, that we will co-operate, to the fullest extent In our power, with all the good citizens throughout the whole country, in prosecuting the war with such vigor as to bring it to a speedy close.
" Resolved, That animated by the glorious memories of the past, our duty to posterity, our love for the Union, our reliance upon a just God, in a righteous canse, we will devote our whole energies in the ac- complishment of the object, regardless of its cost in treasure or id blood.
" Resolved, That in this Contest there can be no neutrality ; whoever is not for us is against us ; and that all bearing arms and not ranged beneath the flag of the Union, wherever found, shall be dealt with as traitors.
" Resolved, That the Treasurer of the town he authorized to borrow a sum, not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars, for the nses of the town for the above purposes, which shall bedesignated asn War Fund. In order to carry out the above Resolutions it is further
" Resolved, That a committee consisting of the Selectmen of Danvers, together with Daniel Richards, John R. Langley, C. P. Preston, E. Hunt, S. P. Fowler (a committee appointed by the citizens to disburse the fund raised by Voluntary Contribution), and five other gen- tlemen be appointed to take into consideration all applications for aid consequent upon our citizens being called upon to enlist in the service of our Country, either during the time of Drilling in anticipation of being enrolled, or while in actnal service, and the said Committee are hereby authorized and empowered to render such aid to the families of any such citizens as in their judgment is needful, by a draft on the Treasury of the Town, on the War Fund, signed by such a sub-cool- mittee as said Committee shall select ; that said Committee shall hold stated and regular meetings as often as ouce io two weeks, of which dne notice shall be given, and they may hold meetings at such other times as they may deem necessary and may make all such rules and reg- nlations in reference to the disbursing of the money appropriated as a War Fund as may from time to time be deemed expedient.
" They recommend to fill the blank in the committee, by selecting the following gentlemen, who together with those above named will distribute the Committee in the various parts of the town, viz .:
"Jesse W. Soow, Philemon Putnam, Nathan Tapley. Josiah Gray and John A. Sears. All of which is respectfully submitted."
Seven months after the first town meeting, another was called for December 19, 1861, to provide for aid to the families of soldiers agreeable to an act of the special session of the Legislature. Information was first desired as to the disbursement of the ten thou- sand dollars raised in May, and the committee were prepared with a report containing these items :
"There has been paid ont for drilling §1901.37. There has also been paid to one hundred and seventy-three families as aid in various sums of from one dollar to five dollars and a half per week, making in the gross amount 88016.36. There is now due to families and undrawn ode hundred and thirty-nine dollars, making the amount drawn from the Treasury $9917.73. Of this suin your Committee estimate that the sum of five thousand-eight hundred dollare will be received from the Commoq- wealth."
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