Annals of Norwich (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1873 Excerpt: ... AT the very commencement of the war the citizens of Norwich turned their attention to making provision for the relief of soldiers' families. The first grand rally of the people on Wednesday, April eighteenth, had this object in view, no less than the encouragement of enlistments, and with generous promptitude they commenced subscriptions to a fund, which to the end of the war was more than adequate to meet every call upon it. This action on the part of the citizens was in advance of the measures adopted subsequently by the town for the systematic relief of the families of soldiers, by bounties and otherwise, and as an instance of the spontaneous liberality of the people in providing for the immediate needs of the first volunteers, it is deserving of special mention. The patriotism of the men and women of Norwich, of every grade of means, was from the first pronounced and unwavering, as this splendid record abundantly shows. Mr. Amos W. Prentice stood at the head of this " Patriotic Fund Committee," rendering in this, as in other responsible positions he was called to fill during the eventful years of the war, most efficient and untiring service. Mr. Charles Johnson was appointed treasurer, and with a loyalty as decided as it was uncompromising, received the subscriptions to this fund, and aided in administering the same. His personal correspondence with the soldiers was very extensive, and his generous admiration of their patriotism made him a ready helper of all whom he could befriend, and the best almoner of the public bounty that could have been selected. The subscription list was the grandest one which ever received the signatures of our citizens, both when we consider its object and the unprecedented liberality to which it showed the people could rise ...