Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, April 16, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit resolutions which have been received from the officers of public meetings held at Leicester and at Preston, in Lancashire.

* * * * * * * * * *

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

[Enclosures.]

1. Resolutions from meeting at Leicester, March 6, 1863.

2. Resolutions from meeting at Preston, April 7, 1863.

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At a public meeting held at Leicester, March 6, 1863, Samuel Barnes, esquire, in the chair, the following resolutions were unanimously carried, and subsequently ordered to be forwarded to the honorable C. F. Adams:

1. That this meeting is decidedly of opinion that the conflict now raging between the two sections of the North American republic had its origin in the question of slavery, and that the object of the southern section is, by the evidence of their own officials, to establish a great slaveholding confederacy; this meeting, entertaining that unmitigated aversion to slavery which characterizes Englishmen, desires to repudiate all sympathy with a state which makes slavery the fundamental principle and corner-stone of its constitution.

2. That this meeting desires to express its hearty appreciation of every effort on the part of President Lincoln and the northern citizens to free themselves from the shame and guilt of slavery.

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At a large and enthusiastic meeting held in the assembly rooms of the Corn Exchange, Preston, on Tuesday, April 7, the following resolutions were passed, with but two dissentients :

1. That the southern States of America having revolted from the United States government for the avowed purpose of extending and perpetuating slavery, this meeting views such a design with the greatest indignation, and hereby declares that a confederacy based upon what has been truly called “the sum of all villanies” is unworthy the recognition of the civilized world; and this meeting, believing that it is the duty of this country to maintain the strictest neutrality with regard to the American war, desires to urge upon her Majesty’s government the greatest vigilance and promptitude, in order to prevent the fitting out of privateers and the furnishing of arms for the purpose of injuring the United States government; and this meeting would further express its detestation at the conduct of those ship-builders, money-lenders, and others, who are aiding and abetting the designs of the rebel States.

2. That, regarding slavery as America’s greatest curse, this meeting rejoices that so much has already been accomplished towards its complete and everlasting extinction, and hereby expresses its cordial sympathy with the people and government of the United States in the prosecution of an emancipation policy.

3. That a copy of the above resolutions be forwarded to Mr. Adams, the United States minister in London, and to Lord Russell, her Majesty’s secretary for foreign affairs.