When Lincoln issued a call for troops in 1861, Norwich sprang into action. In a meeting lasting two days, the town elected to offer cash awards for volunteers, as well as financial support for their families. The city's women immediately began sewing uniforms for the volunteer soldiers, while mill owners and other wealthy locals donated funds to the war effort. Norwich's Dan Tyler was named head of the Connecticut regiment and led his troops into battle at Bull Run. The town's senator, Lafayette Foster, became acting vice president of the United States after Lincoln's assassination. Author...