Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-07-14
CITY AND COUNTY.
Great Meeting in Mechanics Hall.
RESPONSE OF WORCESTER TO THE CALL
FOR TROOPS

Tor immediate action IN relation to the re-
cruiting of volunteers, to fill up at once the
quota of Worcester under said CALI an i'm
mense assemblage was convened at Mechan-
les Hall on Saturday evening last. The hall
was crowded, and upon the platform were
many prominent citizens, including ex-Gov.
Lincoln, Gen. Devens, Col Ward, and 9TH
ers, whose presence ELECTED the heartiest ap-
plause. The meeting was called to order at
eight O'Clock by the mayor, and on motion of
Hon. Geo. w. Richardson, Mayor Aldrich
was appointed chairman for the evening. On
taking the chair, Mr.. Aldrich in a few re-
marks, explained the purpose OF the meeting,
and sketched briefly the origin, progress,
and purpose of the war to put down the rebel
/ lion. He made reference to the fact that the
ranks of our armies are being thinned by dis
ease and the casualties of battle. Besides, at
every city, fort, and stronghold taken it was
necessary to leave garrison. Large rein
! forcements are needed at once. The presi
dent calls for them, and it is our duty to res
pond promptly. He said he would not ex-
| tend his remarks, for others were present who
would address the meeting
Gen. Charles Devens was the next speaker.
Hewas received as he came forward with re-
| peated rounds of applause which were fire.
quently renewed, during the half hour which
he occupied.
He said it had been accounted honorable to
do for the republic, but he thought it now no
less merit to be able to speak for the repub-
! lie, to help forward the great issue. 1t was
struggle for nationality Ours was the only
republican government in the world, and its
integrity should be indicated at whatever cost
in blood or treasure. The rebels should be
reduced to submission to wise and wholesome
laws. Gen. ID. alluded to the progress which
had been made in past conflicts, the subsection
of city after city, and post after post from
rebel to Union authority, and asked ''what
are we to do?" Not to indulge in carping OF
consciousness in this hour of trial, but to
have confidence in the officers chosen to car
ry forward the great work, and aid in strength
ening their hands by all possible means Let
the work of recruiting go manfully forward,
until the required troops are furnished, and
not fritter away effort by needless criticism.
The speaker made feeling allusion to the
officers and men of Massachusetts regiments
who had fallen in battle on the Potomac, and
said it was our duty to stand resolutely and
firmly by the comrades they have left behind.
| There need be no fear of foreign govern
ments aiding the rebels if three hundred
| thousand men shall, as they should do, spring
to their feet with arms in their hands, in aid
of our struggling army of the Potomac Let
Col. Ward and Capt. Watson be able to carry
back to the men of the 18th regimen the
news that their ranks are being Immediately
filled, and the same spirit be infused else
| where in the business Of recruiting, and this
meeting will not have been called in vain.
Its great object will have been accomplished.
The venerable ex-governor Lincoln arose,
and on coming forward to speak was welcomed
with the most enthusiastic applause. His
| speech was able, earnest and eloquent, and
full of the patriotic fire Of his younger days,
demonstrating that the weight of so years had
had no effect in dimming either his mental. or
his physical vigor. We will not mar its har-
mony Of proportion, as whole, by any at
tempted sketch. The governor concluded
by offering the following resolution :
In answer to the call of the president of
the United States, for this states quota of
100000 men, for the reinforcement of the
army of the United States, and of the requisi-
ton of the governor of the commonwealth for
| the enlistment of 261 volunteers, as the pro-
| portion of that quota, from this city,
| Resolved, As the sense of this meeting,
| that, in view of the present demand for labor,
and the sacrifices which men must now make,
in being called, at this season, and thus sud-
| denly, from their homes, and the private con-
Germs of business, it is Just and proper that
additional pecuniary inducements should be
offered to enlstments; and that it be recon-
mended to the city council, on the faith and
credit Of the city, TO propose to pay to each
soldier, who shall voluntarily enlist from this
city, under the present requisiton, the sum
OF seventy-tive dollars, upon his being duly
mustered into the service of the United States,
provided however, that said bounty be paid to
no other or greater number of soldiers than
are duly enlisted and mustered into service
as this city's proportion of said requirement.
Rev. Mr.. Richardson spoke next, in his
peculiarly emphatic and vigorous strain. lie
refuted the idea too generally prevalent, that
the south had made their last effort, and can
not rally again. They would rally again, and
every effort was needed in order to subdue
them. Now the question is, can we whip
them? God never favors lazy men. Our
army is in danger, and must have assistance
Soldiers were needed. Let tonight every
ed. Bring out every man and every gun
Let there be no more guarding of rebel prop
erty. Gen. Mcclellan had already initiated a
good example in setting the negroes to work
for the government. Let there be no more
wrangling words, but all rise up with the en-
thusiasm of April of last year put our hands
to the wheel, and put an end to the rebellion.
The mayor, in putting the question on the
adoption ofGov. Lincoln's resolution, pledged
the concurrence of the city government in its
support. 1t was unanimously adopted Be-
fore the meeting dissolved, Dea. James
White arose and said he had great historic re-
gard for the number 10, but felt still strong
er thrill of patriotism for 76, and therefore
pledged himself to add one dollar to the num-
Der granted to each volunteer in the resolu-
ton adopted, making the number &c. This
was equivalent to subscribing $26l to the
soldiers bounty. Dea. Whites offer was ac-
cepted with the heartfetand most enthusiastic