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

Inhabitants of Plymouth

Plymouth, May 3, 1865

Resolutions passed at a public meeting held at Plymouth, May 3, 1865.

At a public meeting held at the Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute, in aid of the freedmen in the United States, Mr. Charles Norrington, mayor of Plymouth, presiding, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Moved by the Rev. H. A. Greaves, and seconded by Mr. Rowe—

That while this meeting deeply deplores the severe and long-continued war in the United States, it records its gratitude to Almighty God that the consequent manumission of more than two million slaves has prepared the way for absolute and universal emancipation.

Moved by Mr. Alfred Rooker, and seconded by the Rev. J. E. Risk—

That this meeting, avowing its deep indignation at the recent assassination of the President of the United States, desires to express its deep sorrow at the mysterious event which has suddenly deprived the slaves of a prudent benefactor, and the state of a ruler who had inaugurated a policy of conciliation.

Moved by the Rev. T. C. Page, and seconded by Mr. S. Elliot—

That this meeting, considering the sufferings of the freedmen in their transition from slavery to freedom, pledges itself to render them such assistance as may tend to mitigate present want and prepare for future prosperity, and that gentlemen and ladies’ committees he constituted to give effect to this resolution.

On the motion of Mr. T. C. Brian, seconded by Mr. T. Nicholson, a vote of thanks was accorded to the mayor for his kindness in taking the chair. Mr. Norrington having briefly acknowledged the compliment, the meeting closed.