From the Union and Journal (Biddeford, Me.), May 10, 1861, p.2.
While there were no battles fought in Maine or the two cities, the citizens back home supported the war in their own way. In May of 1861, local fundraising began in order to support the families of those with enlisted Soldiers. Women and men who remained home started a Soldier Relief Society, and supplies were sent to sick and infirmed Soldiers on the frontlines. Local women teamed up to create care packages and letters to Biddeford and Saco Soldiers. On behalf of the women of Biddeford, the Union and Journal published the following message, “Believe us when we say, there was never a band of more willing hearts and hands, than those employed in making up these small packages; and we shall be amply rewarded, and most happy to do more, if by so doing we can contribute in the least to soften the hard labor before you.”