Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, December 17, 1863
Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
States, London,
December 17, 1863.
Sir: I transmit herewith the resolutions
adopted at a public meeting held on the 1st instant, at West Hartlepool.
* * * It is a singular feature of this struggle in America, that its
merits should be debated at popular meetings held all over this kingdom.
The associations of sympathizers with the insurgents have of late been
assiduously engaged in sending paid agents to deliver lectures in behalf
of their cause at various places. This has given occasion to counter
efforts. Frequently discussions are held by representatives of both
sides. I very much doubt whether anything precisely similar ever took
place here before. The expediency of initiating such a practice, viewed
purely as a domestic question, appears to me to admit of much doubt. * *
*
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
RESOLUTIONS.
That this meeting in the town of West Hartlepool, convened by public
advertisement, and under the presidency of Ralph Ward Jackson, esq.,
of Greatham Hall, having heard from Edward Grubb, esq., of Rotheram,
statements respecting the civil war at present being waged in the
United States of America, is of opinion that the time is now come
when it is proper to reaffirm the sentiment which has so long
distinguished the British people against the system of slavery in
all its forms; and in consistency with that sentiment, this meeting
is further of the opinion that the conduct of the United States
government, in the prosecution of the war, merits the approval and
moral support of all Englishmen.
That a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the chairman of this
meeting to the American legation in London.
Moved by the Reverend J. Martin.
Seconded by Mr. E. Lowden.
Adopted by the meeting, with two hands held up against it.
December 1, 1863.