Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 327.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
February 19, 1863.
Sir: I have received with your despatch (No.
465) of the 2d of February a note of the President, which I am directed
to transmit to the workingmen of London, in answer to the address voted
at their meeting on the evening of the 31st of December. At the time of
writing that note the President was not aware of the much larger
proportions which the popular sentiment of London had taken at the
meeting of the 29th of January. Neither could he have been prepared for
the multiplication of addresses, from various quarters, which has
ensued. Believing myself that it would not be his wish to notice them
all separately, neither would it be expected here, and that a judicious
selection of a few of the more prominent ones would answer for the
whole, I have thought it best to postpone sending this note until after
I can learn what his views are from a more full survey of the extent of
the addresses, and especially what his answer will be to the great
demonstration at Exeter Hall.
I have this week to transmit only the proceedings of two meetings—one at
Middletown, in Lancashire, and the other at Aberdane, in South Wales.
The current of popular sentiment, however, flows with little abatement
of strength, as was made manifest last night at another great assemblage
at St. James’s Hall, in this town. I have taken no part whatever in
promoting these movements, having become well convinced that the
smallest suspicion of my agency would do more harm than good. I am led
to make this remark by the circumstance that the London Times has more
than once endeavored to insinuate the contrary. I ought, however, in
justice to Mr. Evans, the chairman of the Emancipation Society
committee, and to Mr. Samuel Lucas, the principal editor of The Star, to
bring to your notice their spontaneous and wholly disinterested labors
to reestablish the amicable relations between the people of the two
countries, which has been so severely shaken by the mischievous efforts
of others.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Williams to Mr. Adams.
Aberdane, February 16, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to forward you
annexed a copy of a resolution passed at an enthusiastic meeting
held at Aberdane on the 3d instant, and I have to request that you
will kindly transmit the same to the President of the United
[Page 137]
States of America, as an
evidence of the sympathy which we, as Welshmen, entertain for our
transatlantic brethren, who are engaged in a painful and difficult
struggle.
I have the honor to remain your most obedient, humble servant,
His Excellency Charles Francis Adams,
Legation of the United States,
London.
[Untitled]
At a largely attended meeting held at the Temperance Hall, Aberdane,
Glamorganshire, on the 3d February, 1863, the following resolution
was carried unanimously:
“That this meeting, being convinced that slavery is the cause of the
tremendous struggle now going on in the American States, and being
further convinced that the object of the southern States is to found
a government to perpetuate, strengthen, and extend chattel slavery
within their territory, earnestly prays that such object may be
frustrated, and that the emancipation policy of President Lincoln be
carried out till not a slave be left on the American soil; and that
a copy of this resolution be sent to his excellency the President of
the United States.”
THOMAS WILLIAMS, Chairman.
Resolutions at Middleton, England.
At a crowded meeting held in Temperance Hall, Middleton, on Monday
evening, February 9, 1863, Thomas B. Wood, esq., in the chair, it
was proposed and carried by a very large majority—
That this meeting desires to express its earnest sympathy with the
people of the federal States of North America in their time of
trouble, its hearty approval of the anti-slavery policy of President
Lincoln, and its sincere wishes for its success. This meeting would
also express its gratitude to the noble donors who, in the midst of
dire domestic calamity, have sent provisions across three thousand
miles of ocean to succor the operatives of Lancashire; and declares
that, in its opinion, no possible amount of privation ought to, or
will, induce the operatives of the cotton manufacturing districts to
take one step towards the recognition of any confederacy based upon
the doctrine that it is right for man to hold property in man.
It was further unanimously Resolved, That a
copy of the foregoing resolution, signed by the chairman, be
forwarded to the honorable C. F. Adams, minister at London for the
United States.
