Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
[Untitled]
Resolutions
unanimously adopted by the executive of the Union and
Emancipation Society, July 4,
1864.
Union and Emancipation Society
Offices, 51 Piccadilly,
Manchester.
Moved by Mr. Thomas H. Barker, seconded by Mr. J. C. Edwards, and
resolved—
1. That the executive of the Union and Emancipation Society in
meeting specially convened, on this 4th day of July, 1864, desire to
record their profound gratitude to Almighty God for the vast
progress and signal success attending the great struggle for freedom
and nationality by the loyal citizens of the federal republic of
America.
2. That they heartily rejoice in the just Nemesis that has recently
overtaken the piratical rebel steamer Alabama, built for gain by an
English ship-builder, in an English port, in evasion of statute law,
in defiance of all the claims of political neutrality, international
good faith, and commercial honor; that they also record their devout
thankfulness that, through the persistent and successful
interposition of the British government, the rebel steam-rams have
been prevented from entering upon their intended career in aid of
the slaveholders’ confederacy.
3. That this executive are not unmindful of the horrors of warfare,
even when conducted under those military rules and limitations
adopted by civilized belligerents; but that they have been intensely
shocked by the ruthless and barbarous massacres by the confederates
at Fort Pillow and elsewhere, when the chances of war gave them
unchecked power over their captives; and especially do they execrate
the systematic and cold-blooded cruelty towards the federal
prisoners at Richmond.
4. That they have received with profound satisfaction the glad
tidings that the base and cruel fugitive slave law has been repealed
by Congress, believing that this just though somewhat tardy act
marks another step in the progress of legislation on the subject of
slavery; and that it but anticipates and assures the 3peedy passage
of that crowning act of justice, by which slavery shall be made
forever impossible under the federal Constitution.
5. That they rejoice exceedingly in the great and significant fact of
the unani mous and enthusiastic renomination by the National Union
Convention of Abra ham Lincoln for the
Presidency of the United States, and his acceptance of the said
nomination with its noble platform of advanced anti-slavery
principles, in cluding the amendment of the Constitution, so as
utterly and forever to exclude and exterminate the system of human
bondage from every foot of territory be neath the federal flag.
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6. That they earnestly believe that the great bulk of the people of
the United Kingdom, so far as their knowledge of the facts of the
case enable them to form an intelligent opinion in respect to the
merits of the struggle now going on in the United States, fully and
deeply sympathize with the loyal citizens and soldiers in their
patriotic efforts to suppress the most wicked and reckless rebellion
of which history has any record.
7. That this Executive pray for the speedy establishment of the great
American republic, on the firm and lasting foundation of justice and
freedom, union and peace.
JOHN HART ESTCOURT, Chairman.
