History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER XXX.
REVOLUTION—CONSTITUTIOXAL CONVENTION.
More Soldiers The fii'st Call for men in 1779 was in June,
Wanted. when 2000 were ordered to fill np the fif-
teen battalions of Continentals required of
this State. They were to be mustered at Springfield. Of
these, fifteen hundred men were to reinforce the Continental
army and were to serve nine months, and five hundred
were to be enlisted for six months, and sent to Rhode
Island. Northampton was required to furnish ten men.
A town-meeting was held on the 25"' for the purpose of
raising these soldiers. As a preliminary it was voted ''to
indemnify militia officers from any fines or Penalties which
they may incur in consequence of their pursuing the ad-
vice of the town in raising the men now called for." It
was then decided
'
' That every able bodyed man that shall engage to serve in the continental
army for the Term of nine months, shall have paid to him by
the Town according to the rate of eighteen pounds for nine months for
the term he shall actually serve, in wheat at 4s. jDer bushel, Rie at 3s.
per bushel, or Indian Corn at 2s. per bushel at the expiration of the sd
Term, on s'd soldiers producing a Certificate of their service as afores'd
& enabling & empowering the Town to receive the State Bounty. Also
£60 Bounty shall be paid to them on their Passing muster and the 2s.
per mile for mileage shall be paid to them before they march by the
selectmen. The sd soldiers to have their continental monthly pay."
To the six months' men who were enlisted for Rhode
Island £12 were voted in produce at the above named
prices, with a bounty of £30 and the same mileage.
Major Hawiey Ad- When tliis requisition came, all the militia
dresses the Militia, companies ill towii were paraded near the
meeting-house. Major Hawiey addressed
them, and it may have been on this occasion that he told
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