Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV, Appendix to diplomatic correspondence of 1865; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late president of the United States of America, and the attempted assassination of William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, on the evening of the 14th of April, 1865; expressions of condolence and sympathy inspired by these events

United Methodist Free Church Assembly

Nottingham, August 1865

Resolutions passed by the annual assembly of the United Methodist free churches, held in Nottingham, August, 1865.

the american war and slavery.

1. Resolved, The members of this assembly having during the past four years watched with intense interest and painful anxiety the progress of the civil conflict upon the American continent, would now express their gratitude to Him by “whom kings reign and princes decree justice” that the said sanguinary conflict has closed, and upon this auspicious circumstance this assembly most cordially congratulates both the government and people of the United States.

2. Resolved, This assembly is exceedingly grateful to have observed that God in his providence has so overruled the discussions of Congress and the conflict of armies as to have removed from amongst the American people that which has been their dishonor and scourge—chattel slavery; and upon this issue this assembly congratulates not only the American nation, but also all others, believing that the abolition of slavery in the United States will be the prelude to its abolition all over the world.

3. Resolved, This assembly rejoices at the seasonable and well-sustained efforts which have been made by the American people, in order to lessen the distress which has arisen from the immediate emancipation of the slaves of the South, by the feeding and clothing of the aged and infirm and the opening of schools for the education of the young; and this assembly recommends the members of our churches to do what they can by the contribution of both apparel and money, in order to further the object of the “freedmen’s aid societies.”

4. Resolved, This assembly records its unmitigated abhorrence of, and indignation at, the crime of assassination by which the American people have, in the hour of returning order and peace, been deprived of one of the most praiseworthy of modern rulers—the patient, sagacious, and philanthropic Abraham Lincoln.

This assembly also expresses its deep and sincere sympathy with the Executive and people of the United States upon their loss; and also, in harmony with the promptly-presented utterances of the British press, platform, senate, and Throne, tenders its condolence to the honored widow of the deceased President.

This assembly, moreover, trusts, now that the war has ceased in the triumph of the northern arms, that henceforth England and America, as they are one in origin, language, and religion, will cultivate towards each other the most amicable relations, and, being banded together not only as profitable traders but true friends, will by their powerful example and moral influence elevate and bless the world,

5. Resolved, That a copy of the aforesaid resolutions be communicated to the honorable Charles Francis Adams for presentation to Mrs. Lincoln and to his Excellency the President of the United States.

Signed on behalf of the assembly:

• WILLIAM ROBERTS BROWN, President.
• MARMADUEE MILLER, Secretary.