Inhabitants of Kingston, Jamaica
Resolutions passed at a public meeting of the inhabitants of the city of Kingston, in the island of Jamaica, held at the Baptist chapel, East Queen street, on Thursday, June 1, 1865, the honorable L. Q. Bowerbank, custos, in the chair.
Resolution No. 1.
That this meeting rejoices in the prospective termination of the fratricidal war which has for four years desolated the United States of America, and trusts, by the blessing of God, that soon peace may be permanently established in that country; that all its institutions, social, political, and commercial, may be speedily restored to their former order and prosperity; and that all classes of its citizens may be once more united together in peace, amity, and love.
Moved by Rev. W. Gardner; seconded by Rev. E. Nuttall.
Resolution No. 2.
That this meeting would reverently and thankfully acknowledge the overruling providence of Almighty God, in having evolved from the late terrible war the blessings of emancipation to four millions of human beings, and congratulate the United States that their country has thus become delivered from the curse and dishonor of slavery, and is now throughout its entire and vast extent a land of liberty, in which every man, woman, and child, without any distinction of class, country, or color, may enjoy the benefits of its charter, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Moved by Rev. Seth Wolcott; seconded by Rev. Mr. Dilavante.
Resolution No. 3.
That this meeting would express its deep sympathy with all those families whose homes the late awful struggle has made desolate, and prayerfully commend the widows who have been deprived of their husbands, and orphans whose fathers have been slain, to the loving care and protection of Him who is the widow’s friend and the father of the fatherless; and most especially would it mingle its sympathies with the nation, on account of the awful calamity which has fallen upon it in the moment of its greatest triumph, by the assassination of its late President, as also with his bereaved widow and family whom this terrible event has deprived of one whom they so tenderly and reverently loved, and who was so highly and deservedly honored by a great and mighty nation.
Moved by Rev. W. Holdsworth; seconded by Rev. W. Hamilton.
Resolution No. 4.
That this meeting cannot refrain from its expression of horror and detestation of the foul crime which has so suddenly deprived President Lincoln of life by the hand of an assassin; that it would pray the Father of Mercies to watch [Page 247] over the interests and welfare of the United States in this eventful and perilous crisis of their history, and by the communication of His grace to him who has succeeded the late lamented President in the government of the Republic, by the impartation of wisdom and discretion to those officers of state in whose hands is placed the solemn trust of directing public affairs, and to the people at large a spirit of mutual forbearance, conciliation, and good order, so that no further evils may result from the awful tragedy that has filled the land with mourning.
Moved by Rev. James Watson; seconded by Rev. W. Raw.
Resolution No. 5.
That this meeting would record its profound veneration and highest respect and admiration to the character of him whose untimely death it deplores, and its conviction that history will not only enshrine his name among the noblest patriots and most enlightened statesmen that have ever presided over the destiny of nations; but that the memory of Abraham Lincoln will be embalmed in the hearts of millions as one whose private virtues, simple honesty of purpose, and enlarged philanthropy rank him as one of the greatest and most honorable of men.
Moved by Rev. S. Oughton; seconded by Rev. E. Palmer.
Resolution No. 6.
That John Camp, esq., vice-consul of the United States of America, be requested to forward a copy of these resolutions to his government, with an assurance of the deep sympathy of the inhabitants of Jamaica in their present bereavement, and earnest interest in their future prosperity and happiness.
Moved by Thomas Oughton, esq; seconded by Richard C. Hitchins, esq.
Custos Rotulorum, Chairman.