Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
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 struggle
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 among 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 assemblv 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.
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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.
MARMADUKE MILLER, Secretary.
