Municipal Council of Salem, Massachusetts
April 17, 1865.
Resolutions of the city council of the city of Salem, Massachusetts.
Resolved, That the city council of Salem shares, with unfeigned sensibility, the profound grief of the loyal people of the United States in view of the sudden death, by the hand of violence, of Abraham Lincoln, the honored and beloved Chief Magistrate of our country. An event so impressive in itself, and accompanied by acts of such awful criminality, renders us more than ever conscious of the great and desperate struggle from which our government is now just emerging, and of the value of the precious sacrifices which have been required of our people. We recognize that in this inexpressibly sad and fearful even not only was a patriotic, magnanimous, and admirable magistrate stricken down in the highest place of our land, but the assassin’s blow was aimed at the country itself. In view of such perils and such wickedness it becomes all loyal people to renew their confidence in the Divine Providence, as leading and directing [Page 708] the cause of the nation; and when the exultation of victory is suddenly changed into mourning we may accept it as admonition that there are still further trials and duties before us ere the blessings of a free and stable government shall be perfectly secured.
Resolved, That the city council recommends to the citizens that, in accordance with the suggestion of the Acting Secretary of State, they assemble, on the day of the funeral of President Lincoln, in their respective houses of worship for religious services; and that the mayor be requested to cause such further notice to be taken of the solemn occasion as he may deem suitable.
Resolved, That we extend our heartfelt sympathy towards Mrs. Lincoln in her appalling sorrow, and to the members of her family.
Resolved, That the city council regards the murderous and desperate attack upon the Secretary of State with abhorrence and indignation, and rejoices in the assurance that the assassin’s blows failed of their deadly purpose.
Resolved, That the present occasion suggests the further duty of acknowledging the lawful authority of Andrew Johnson, now President of the United States, and of recognizing the loyal purpose, the patriotic fidelity, the firm character, and the eminent services which he has contributed to the public cause. We pledge to him the prompt, cordial, and unhesitating support of the loyal people of Salem, and offer him our best wishes for success in the responsible and trying but noble duty that he has undertaken.
Resolved, That the two chambers of the city council be hung with appropriate mourning drapery for the space of thirty days, and that the members of the city government wear the usual badge of mourning for the same period.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to Mrs. Lincoln, to the President, and to the Secretary of State.
The foregoing resolutions were adopted by a unanimous vote in each board of the city council of the city of Salem, Massachusetts, April 17, 1865.
City Clerk.