A broadside with the headlines "To Arms! Citizens! Our Country Calls!" encouraged the "Sons of Maine" to join the 12th Maine Regiment in the fall of 1861.

The broadside notes that Col. George F. Shepley is head of the regiment, which will be part of "Gen. Butler's Grand Division." Benjamin Butler of Massachusetts headed the 3rd Division.

The broadside is aimed at Scarborough residents. Charles C.G. Thornton and Horatio Hight, who were officers in the regiment, were the recruiting officers listed on the broadside.