On April 15, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked Maine to furnish one regiment to quell the rebellion of the Southern states. Maine's Legislature instantly called for 10,000 volunteers and appropriated $1 million to restore the Union. Ultimately, Maine provided over 70,000 men and spent millions to arm and equip them. Maine's Adjutant General, John L. Hodsdon of Bangor, administered this effort. Maine State Government wrestled with the war-time challenges of raising men, securing supplies, providing state aid for soldiers' families, and devising and funding pensions for war widows, orphans, and disabled soldiers.