Proceedings at the Mass Meeting of Loyal Citizens : on Union Square, New-York, 15th day of July, 1862, under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, the Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, the Common Council of the City of New York, and other committees of loyal citizens. New York : Published by order of the Committee of Arrangements, 1862 https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc2.ark:/13960/t8tb0zt9k Public Domain http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd We have determined this work to be in the public domain, meaning that it is not subject to copyright. Users are free to copy, use, and redistribute the work in part or in whole. It is possible that current copyright holders, heirs or the estate of the authors of individual portions of the work, such as illustrations or photographs, assert copyrights over these portions. Depending on the nature of subsequent use that is made, additional rights may need to be obtained independently of anything we can address.
128.44 N42 New York citizens Proceedings at the mass meeting of loyal citizens
THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
PROCEEDINGS AT THE ass Electing 0f ^^>' *W ON UNION SQUARE, NEW-YORK, 15th DAY OF JULY, 1862. UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, THE UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE OF THE CITIZENS OF NEW-YORK, T COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, AND OTHER COMMITTEES OF LOYAL CITIZENS. LETTERS AND SPEECHES. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE OK ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE SUPERT.SIOX OF JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, JR., Secretary. N E W - Y R K : GEORGE F. XESBITT & CO., PRINTERS, CORNER OF PEARL AND PINE STS. . 1862.
PROCEEDINGS AT THE ttg f fl pl Cites, UNION SQUARE, NEW-YORK, 15th DAY OF JULY, 1862, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, THE UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE OF THE CITIZENS OF NEW-YORK, THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, AND OTHER COMMITTEES LOYAL CITIZENS. LETTERS AND SPEECHES. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, JR., Secretary. NEW-YORK : GEORGE F. NESBITT & CO., PRINTERS, CORNER OF PEARL AND PINE STS. 1862.
PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS, ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, | NEW- YORK, July 3d, 1862. \ At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, held this da} T , the President in the chair, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : On the 19th day of April, 1861, the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New- York declared its sentiments in regard to the duty of loyal citizens of the United States to sustain the Government in its efforts to suppress a wicked and injurious rebellion, then but recently commenced. In accordance with the sentiments at that time expressed, and in the discharge of the like obligations of duty to the country, this Chamber does hereby RESOLVE First. That it will continue to sustain, by its influence with the commercial community and to the fullest extent of its means, the National Government in a vigorous and determined effort to maintain the integrity of the Union, and effectually to put down rebellion. /Second. That in the recent appeal made by the President to the loyalty of the country for additional military forces, the Chamber recognizes the patriotism and energy which should insure confidence in his fidelity to the Constitution, and in his determination to preserve the National honor. Third. That this Chamber will cordially unite with other bodies of loyal citizens in any measures calculated to give efficiency to the military and naval power of the Government, and to preserve and maintain the character of this community for patriotism and loyal devotion to the Union.
Further. That a Committee of thirteen members be appointed by the chair to consider and recommend to the Chamber, such measures as they may deem advisable, to give practical effect to this expression of the sentiments of the Chamber. The President named as such Committee : GEORGE OPDYKE, Chairman. JOHN A. STEVEXS, CHARLES H. MARSHALL, A. A. Low, S. D. BABCOCK, PROSPER M. WETMORE, GEORGE W. BLUNT, DENNING DUER, ROBT. B. MINTURN, WILLIAM E. DODGE, JONATHAN STURGES, CHRISTOPHER R. ROBERT, ROYAL PHELPS. Atrue extract from the Records of the Chamber. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary. Acopy of the Preamble and Resolutions was, by direction of the President of the Chamber, engrossed and forwarded to the President of the United States. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, ) NEW-YORK, July 5th, 1862. f To the President of the United States : SIR, I have the honor to present a copy of Preamble and Resolutions unanimously adopted by this Chamber at their general meeting this day. The Chamber show the will to meet with cheerfulness all present sacrifices, and the determination to aid the Government to the extent of their ability in prompt and vigorous prosecution of the war, until the national authority is reestablished and the integrity of the Union restored. With great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN AUSTIN STEVEXS, Jr., Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. On the 5th July, the Committee of Thirteen, appointed by the Chamber, met and addressed invitations to the Union Defence Committee of the citizens of New-York and the Common Council of the city of New-York, inviting their co operation. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ROOMS, ) NEW-YORK, July 5th, Jb62. j To the Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New-York: GEXTLEMEX, I have the honor to communicate the following resolution, unanimously passed this day by a Committee appointed on the vpart of the Chamber to take into consideration the present state of our national afl'airs :
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to meet a similar committee from the Union Defence Committee, and committees from other bodies of loyal citizens, to unite upon the proper measures to sustain the National (Government in crushing out this rebellion, with power to call this committee together to receive their report. Under this resolution the following gentlemen were appointed on the part of the Chamber of Commerce : Hon. GEORGE OPDYKE, Chm'n, JONATHAN STURGES, C. R. ROBERT, DENNING DUER, JOHN A. STEVENS. With great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary. UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE OF MHE CITIZENS OF NEW-YORK, ) NEW-YORK. July 8^,1862. J John Austin Stevens, Jr., Esq., Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce : SIR, I am instructed to acknowledge your communication of this day. inviting a deputation from this body to confer with a committee of the Chamber of Commerce in relation to the public affairs of the country. This committee will cheerfully unite with the Chamber in the furtherance of any measures calculated to promote the public welfare ; and I am accordingly instructed to transmit to you the following Dames composing a committee of conference : Messrs. HAMILTON FISH, A. C. RICHARDS, A. T. STEWART, R. A. WITTHAUS, R. 31. BLATCHFORD, SAMUEL. SLOAN, P. M. WETMORE. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, PROSPER M. WETMORE, Secretary pro tern. UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE, ) NEW-YORK, July 12th, 1862. f SIR: In accordance with the expressed desire of the Convention of Committees appointed to ca'l a public meeting of the citizens of New- York, I am instructed to inform you that ihe action in question received the sanction of all the members of this committee prt-sent at the meeting of the 8th inst., viz. : HAMILTON FISH, Chairman, R. M. BLATCHFORD, SIMEON DRAPER, M. H GRINNKLI., SAMUEL SLOAN, R. H. McCuRDY, WM. E. DODGE, R. A. WITTHAUS, Hon. GKO. OPDYKE, W. F. HAVEMEYER, ROBT. T. HAWS, A. C. RICHARDS. ISAAC BELL, P. M. WETMORE, I am. respectfully, your obedient servant, PROSPER M. WETMORE. Secretary pro. tern. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS. Jr., Esq., Secretary Joint Convention.
PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN. The following communication was received from His Honor the Mayor, transmitting a communication from the Chamber of Commerce, relative to the state of our national affairs : MAYOR'S OFFICE, NEW-YORK, } July 1th, 1862. J To the Honorable the Common Council: GENTLEMEN, The events of the last fortnight appear to call for a renewed expression of our devotion to our country, and of our unfalt'-ring determination to sustain the Government in its efforts to suppress the rebellion. After an almost uninterrupted series of victories for half a year, we have at last met with two reverses one at Charleston and the other before Richmond which, though indecisive and temporary, do yet disappoint our confident expectations, and tend to prolong the war, supposed by some to be well-nigh ended. Upon such a disappointment, it seems fitting that we. as the official organ of the most populous and opulent city of the Republic, should repeat the declaration of unwavering constancy, which neither victory nor defeat can change, and our unalterable resolution to stand by the Government in maintaining the supremacy of the Constitution and the integrity of the country, at all hazards, and at every necessary sacrifice of life and treasure. In the presence of the great conflict in which the country is engaged, we will forget all past differences of party or opinion -for all party considerations sink into insignificance in the presence of danger to the Government itself: we will summon every loyal citizen to join us in supporting the Government, and to aid us by his services and counsel ; we will give a generous confidence to the President and all whom, in the exercise of his just authority, he thinks proper to place in positions under him ; and while we must exercise the privilege of freemen, to criticise public men, and exact from them fidelity to their trusts, vigor and promptitude in action, and such a comprehensive and we'1-considered policy, as to adapt the means to the end availing, for this purpose, of all the instrumentalities that the usages of civilized warfare will justify we will dec'are to them that our lives and fortunes are at the service of our country, and that we ask only to be informed how much is needed, and to be assured that what we give shall be faithfully and wisely applied to that service. It is one of the uses of national reverses that they serve to winnow the disloyal from the loyal. Now is the time to know who is true and who is false. The country never needed the services of traitors, and now less than ever. But she does need the services of all her loyal children, that she may not only overthrow this gigantic but causeless rebellion against her authority but may repel, with becoming spirit, the first approach to that foreign intervention in her affairs which is at times obscurely threatened, and which we cannot admit for one instant without national disgrace. Let us. then, seek out. discover, and brina: to punishment every disloyal person : and let us call on all the loyal to stand together, and to speuk and act as one man. for the safety and honor of the'r country. If we had never had a victory ; if. from the beginning of the war till now, a series of uninterrupted disasters had fallen upon our armies, we could not even then have compromised with revolt, or submitted to dismemberment, without the basest pusillanimity. But our arms have been, for the most part, victorious ; the area of the rebellion has been gradually contracted by the advances of the armies of the Union ; the great rivers of the West have been opened ; all but four of the seaports on the whole coast, from Cape Henry to the Rio Grande, have been retaken and restored to the Union. The Federal auth -rity has been re-established over many fortresses and cities, where a year ago it was contemned, and we are gradually winning them all back by the irresistible force of our arms. Our country has, therefore, no cause of discouragement, but every reason to hope, and every motive to persevere.
Considering these things, I suggest respectfully to your Honorable Bodies, the propriety of passing resolutions, pledging the people of this Metropolis to the support of the Government in the prosecution of the war and the maintenance of the national honor ; and that you authorize your Joint Committee on National Affairs to unite with the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, and other committees acting with them, in calling a public meeting of citizens of all parties, to express, without reference to any party question whatever, their undimmished confidence in the justice of our cause, their inflexible purpose to maintain it to the end. and to proffer to the Government all the aid it may need, to the extent of all our resources. Since writing the above, I have received the accompanying resolution of the Chamber of Commerce, on the same subject, with a request that it be transmitted to your Honorable Body. GEORGE OPDYKE, Mayor. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, ) NEW- YORK, July 5th, 1862. f To the Honorable the Common Council of the City of New-York: I have the honor to communicate to your Honorable Body, the following resolution, passed unanimously this day, by a committee appointed on the part of the Chamber of Commerce, to take into consideration the state of national affairs : Resolved. That a committee of five be appointed, to meet a similar committee from the Union Defence Committee, and committees from other bodies of loyal citizens, to unite upon the proper measures to sustain the National Government, in crushing out this rebellion, with power to call this Committee together to receive their report. Under this resolution, the following gentlemen were appointed on the part of the Chamber of Commerce : Hon. GEORGE OPDYKE, DENNING DUER, C. E. ROBERT, JOHN A. STEVENS, JONATHAN STURGES. With respect, your obedient sen-ant, JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary. Alderman DAYTON" moved that the communication from his Honor the Mayor be referred to the Joint Committee on National Affairs, and that the Committee on National Affairs be authorized and directed to co-operate with the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, in the manner recommended by his Honor the Mayor in his communication. The whole subject was referred to Committee on National Affairs.
8 Same documents sent to Board of Councilmen, and thereupon Councilman ORTON moved that the communication be received and referred to the Committee on National Affairs, with power to confer with any other committees relative to the state of the Union, if in their j udgment advisable. Which was carried. The Joint committee on National Affairs appointed as a subcommittee to confer with the other committees the following : COUNCILMAN WM. OETON, Chairman. Aid. PETER MITCHELL, Councilman WM. H. GEDNEY. " HENRY SMITH, Aid. IRA A. ALLEN. This committee attended, and chose Aid. MITCHELL to represent them on the Committee on Eesolutions.
9 MEETING OF CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES. The joint Committees of the Chamber of Commerce, the Union Defence Committee and the Common Council, met on Wednesday, the 9th of July. ACommittee of five on the part of a body of citizens, who met at the Mayor's office, July 7th, consisting of JUDGE JAMES W. WHITE, Chairman, Dr. FRANCIS LIBBER, GEO. D. PHELPS, DAVID DUDLEY FIELD, ISAAC SHERMAN, appeared, and was requested to take part in the proceedings ; as was also a Committee of five, on the part of a body of citizens who met at Fifth Avenue Hotel : EGBERT H. McCUEDY, Chairman, CHARLES GOULD, MORRIS KETCHUM, WILLIAM CURTIS NOTES, NATHANIEL HAYDEN. Asub-committee was appointed to draft and prepare an Address and a series of Eesolutions, to be submitted for ratification to a public meeting, to be called at an early day. An Address and Eesolutions were submitted on the 10th of July, and unanimously adopted. The Committee of Thirteen appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, met on the same day. and unanimously ratified the action of their sub-committee. The Chamber of Commerce met on the same day, to receive the report of the Committee of Thirteen, which was unanimously accepted, and the Committee continued, with power to carry out the objects proposed. Atrue abstract of the proceedings of the Chamber of Commerce and of joint Convention. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary of Chamber of Commerce and of Joint Convention. 9
10 INVITATION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. In accordance with a resolution of the Committee of Arrangements, a sub-committee consisting of Hon. George Opdyke, J. W. White, Samuel Sloan, Denning Duer, and R H. McCurdy, was appointed to visit Washington, and to request the President of the United States to be present at the meeting. Two of the Committee being unexpectedly prevented by other pressing engagements from fulfilling the commission, F. S. Winston, though not a member of the Committee, was subsequently added. A copy of the Address and Resolutions was handsomely engrossed and placed in the hands of the Chairman, for delivery to the President ; and the following letter was also addressed, to serve as the credentials of the Committee. EOOMS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, ) NEW-YORK, July 10fA, 1862. } To the President of the United States : SIR, I have the honor to inform you that at a Convention, held this day, of Committees severally appointed by the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New-York, the Union Defence Committee, the Common Council of the city, and other bodies of loyal citizens, it was unanimously Resolved, To hold a public meeting of the citizens of New-York, in favor of supporting the government in the prosecution of the war, and the suppression of the rebellion ; to express, without reference to any party question whatever, their undiminished confidence io the justice of our cause, and their inflexible purpose to maintain it to the end, and to proffer to the Government all the aid it may need, to the extent of all their resources. A Committee of Arrangements was appointed, to take all measures to render the meeting as effective as the occasion for it demands, by whose direction, and in whose behalf, Messrs. J. W. White, R. H. McCurdy, and F. S. Winston, visit the capital to earnestly invite the presence of the President of the United States at the proposed meeting, believing that such course will arouse the enthusiasm of this city, of this State, and of the whole country, in this imminent crisis of the national destiny. By order of the Committee of Arrangements, GEORGE OPDYKE, HENRY SMITH, DENNING DUER, GEORGE D. PIIELPS, JONATHAN STURGES, J. W. WHITE, SAMUEL SLOAN, CHARLES GOULD, P. M. WETMORE, ROBERT H. McCuRDY. PETER MITCHELL, Atrue extract from the Minutes. Respectfully, your most obedient sen-ant, JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary of Convention, and of Committee of Arrangements.
11 WASHINGTON, July 12th, 1862. To the President : SIR, The undersigned have been appointed by a Convention of Committees, from the Common Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Union Defence Committee, and other loyal bodies in the city of New-York, to proceed to this city and present to you the invitation of the Convention, to attend a mass meeting of the citizens of New-York, to be convened on Tuesday, 15th instant, for the purpose of declaring their continued inflexible determination to support the Government at all hazards, and in every measure necessary for the suppression of the existing rebellion, " and, to that end, to proffer to the Government all the aid in their power, to the extent of all their resources." Presenting to you, sir, this invitation, which we have been commissioned to deliver, we beg leave respectfully to add, that we have been charged by the Convention to say, that, in their judgment, nothing could be more gratifying to the people of New- York, or would tend more to invigorate the patriotism which animates every loyal heart, than to meet their Chief Magistrate thus in General Council in this momentous crisis of our national destiny. The Convention are aware that the act to which they thus invite the President of the United States to attend a mass meeting of citizens assembled to consider important national questions is one not in accordance with any previous usage or precedent ; but when they remember that the occasion is one without a precedent in the past, and which they trust in God will be without anything like it in the future a struggle with a rebellion which, in the history of the world, has no parallel, for its causelessness, its magnitude, and its monstrous wickedness as a crime against the whole human race, the Convention hope that you may be able to lay aside for a day other important public duties, and meet your loyal fellowcitizens at the time and in the manner suggested. * We are, sir, with the greatest respect and consideration, Your obedient servants, JAMES W. WHITE, } ROBERT H. McCuRDY, >Committee. FREDERICK S. WINSTON, ) To ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States. REPLY OP THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. EXECUTIVE MANSION, ) WASHINGTON, July 14th, 1862. j Messrs. James W. White, Robert H. McCurdy,and F. H. Winston, Committee: GENTLEMEN, Your letter conveying to me the invitation of several loyal and patriotic bodies in New-York to attend a mass meeting in that city, on Tuesday, the 15th inst., is received. While it would be very agreeable to me to thus meet the friends of the country, I am sure I could add nothing to the purpose in the wisdom with which they will perform their duty ; and the near adjournment of Congress makes it indispensable for me to remain here. Thanking you and those you represent for this invitation, and the kind terms in which you have communicated it, I remain, your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
12 INVITATION TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCDZTIES TO ATTEND THE MEETING OP LOYAL CITIZENS. NEW-YORK, July llth, 1862. SIR: At a Convention of Committees, severally appointed by the Common Council of this City; by the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New-York ; by the Union Defence Committee ; and by bodies of Loyal Citizens of this city, it was resolved to hold, on Tuesday, the loth instant, a Mass Meeting of all parties who are in favor of supporting the Government in the prosecution of the war and suppressing the rebellion ; and to express, without reference to any party question whatever, their undiminished confidence in the justice of the cause, and their inflexible determination to sustain it ; and to that end to proffer to the Government their aid to the extent of all their resources. In accordance with this purpose, the undersigned were appointed by the Convention a Committee to invite the attendance of all Associations, Corporations, and Societies. In performance of this duty, we request that you will issue a call to the members of your Association, and convene them on the afternoon of Tuesday, to proceed to the Square, where accommodations will be provided, and places on the Stands be reserved for your officers. JAMES "W. WHITE, ~j GEO. OPDTKE, SAMUEL SLOAN, ~ , PROSPER M. WETMORE, DENNING DUER, CHARLES GOULD, JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary of Convention.
13 CALL FOR THE MEETING OF LOYAL CITIZENS, The citizens of New- York, of all parties, who are for supporting the Government in the prosecution of the war and the suppression of the rebellion, are requested to meet on Union Square, on Tuesday afternoon next, 15th inst, at 4 o'clock, to express, without reference to any party question whatever, their undiminished confidence in the justice of our cause, and their inflexible purpose to maintain it to the end, and to proffer to the Government all the aid it may need to the extent of all their resources. NEW- YORK, July 10th, 1862. Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. GEORGE OPDYKE, Chairman, JOHN A. STEVENS, CHARLES H. MARSHALL, A. A. LOW, S. D. BABCOCK, P. M. WETMORE, G. W. BLUNT, DENNING DUER, ROBERT B. MINTURN, WILLIAM E. DODGE, JONATHAN STURGES, C. R. ROBERT, ROYAL PHELPS. Committee of the Union Defence Committee. HAMILTON FISH, Chairman, SIMEON DRAPER, ROBERT T. HAWS, R. M. BLATGHFORD, SAMUEL SLOAN, ALEX. T. STEWART, WILLIAM E. DODGE. R. A. WITTHAUS, MOSES H. GRINNELL, A. C. RICHARDS, ISAAC BELL, WILLIAM F. HAVEMEYER. Committee on National Affairs of the Common Council of New- York. WILLIAM ORTON, Chairman, HENRY SMITH, PETER MITCHELL, IRA A. ALLEN, WILLIAM H. GEDNEY, TERENCE FARLEY, CHARLES J. CHIPP, MORGAN JONES, JOHN HOGAN, ALEX. H. KEECH. A Committee of Citizens who met at the Mayor's Office. JAMES W. WHITE, Chairman, FRANCIS LIBBER, DAVID DUDLEY FIELD, GEORGE D. PHELPS, ISAAC SHERMAN. Committee of Citizens who met at Fifth Avenue Hotel. ROBT. H. McCURDY, Chairman, CHARLES GOULD, WILLIAM CURTIS NOYES, MORRIS KETCHUM, NATHANIEL HAYDEN. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary.
14 BEQUEST TO CITIZENS TO CLOSE PLACES OF BUSINESS. The loyal citizens of every class and profession are respectfully and earnestly invited to attend the Grand Mass Meeting, to be held on Tuesday next, 15th inst., at four o'clock, on Union Square. It is recommended that all places of business be closed at three o'clock, in order that those who desire to show their loyalty to the Government may be present. By order of the Committee of Arrangements, GEOKGE OPDYKE, Chairman. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., Secretary. The Committee of Arrangements, together with speakers and invited guests, met at the Everett House, to receive their several badges, and at precisely four o'clock, the procession was formed, and, preceded by the band and headed by the Mayor, moved toward the designated stands, amid salvos of artillery and accompanied by thousands of citizens.
OFFICERS. STAND No. 1. Under charge of Committee of Arrangements, JONATHAN STUBGES, SAMUEL SLOAN JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr. President. HON. GEORGE OPDYKE, Mayor of the city. Vice-Presidents. JOHN T. HENRY, JOHN J. PHELPS, A. LOCKWOOD, STEPHEN CAMBRELENG, ELIJAH F. PURDY, EGBERT T. HAWS, EDWARDS PIERREPONT, HIRAM BARNEY, HORACE GREELEY, EUFUS F. ANDREWS, A. C. KlNGSLAND, JAMES BOORMAN, DAVID DUDLEY FIELD, SAMUEL B. BETTS, NEHEMIAH KNIGHT, WM. B. SHIPMAN, CORNELIUS VANDERBILT, EDWARD LEARNED, SIMEON DRAPER, CHARLES P. DALY, ABRAM WAKEMAN, CHARLES H. BUSSELL, HENRY E. DAVIES, PETER S. TITUS, W. V. BRADY, S. B. CHITTENDEN, CHARLES BUTLER, JOHN C. HAMILTON, EGBERT MURRAY, PAUL SFOFFORD, GEORGE W. BROWN, CHARLES BURKHALTER, GREENE C. BRONSON, SYDNEY MASON, JOSEPH WALKER, JAMES WHITING, DANIEL F. TIEMANN, MORRIS FRANKLIN, CHAS. YATES, CHAS. W. SANDFORD, CHARLES LAMSON, CHARLES J. CHIPP, WILLIAM WATT, A. DAVIDSON, HENRY A. HEISER, CHARLES H. MACY, B. WESTERMANN, FRED. WILLMAN, N. EOSEMAN BERNHARD COHEN, HENRY BRUGGMAN, JOSEPH LAWRENCE, GEORGE T. ELLIOTT, GEORGE F. THOMAE, SAMUEL WETMORE, WM. G. LAMBERT, EDWIN HOYT, WILLIAM OOTHOUT, OLIVER S. STRONG, ISAAC SHERMAN, JEREMIAH BURNS, ANDREW CARRIGAN, JAMES A. HAMILTON, GEORGE GREER, EICHARD M. HOE, FREDERICK H. WOLCOTT, WALDEN PELL, TEUNIS QUICK, HYMAN MORANGE, GEORGE B. BUTLER, JAS. W. BEEKMAN, ELI WHITE,
16 JOHN BAILEY, J. M. MARSH, CHARLES NELSON, JOHN J. BRADLEY, WASHINGTON SMITH, WM. H. ANTHON, DAVID BELDEN, AMOS BOBBINS, C. Y. WEMPLE; JOHN B. BRADY, JOHN J Cisco, E. DELAFIELD SMITH, GEORGW DENISON, JOHN P. CROSBY, NATHAN CHANDLER, J'. S. BOSWORTH, CHARLES G. CORNELL, JAMES MONCRIEF, HENRY BREWSTER, GEORGE STARR, S. S. WYCKOFF, JAMES BROOKS, GEORGE BLISS, EDWARD S. JAFFRAY, THOMAS LAWRENCE, HENRY HILTON, CLARENCE A. SEWARD, GEORGE P. NESBITT, GEORGE P. PUTNAM, ERASTUS C. BENEDICT, THOMAS STEVENSON, MORGAN JONES, WILLIAM F. HAVEMEYEB, NATHANIEL HAYDEN, JOSEPH HOXIE, ELEAZAR PARMLY, IRA A. ALLEN, GEO. F. TALMAN, BENJ. F. MANIERRE, C. C. PlNCKNEY, BlCHARD BUSTEED, JAMES KELLY, CHARLES S. SPENCER, LEVI APGAR, WILLIAM C. WETMORE, ALEX. H. KEECH, H. N. WILLHELM, B. WEIL VAN GENESBACK, A. WlNDMULLER, FREDERICK KUHNE, D. LlCHTENSTEIN, M. LEVIN, ANDRUS WHILMAN, JOHN HAYWARD, B. W. OSBORNE, DANIEL SLATE, DANIEL WELLS, P. PFEIFFER. WILLIAM W. TODD, J. PIERREPONT MORGAN, C. H. MARSHALL, Jr., HENRY VANDEWATER, M. D. GALE, JOHN HAYWARD, C. H. SAND, B. VONDER HEYDT, N. WHEELER, J. B. CORNELL, CHARLES STEINWAY, ERNEST PREDT, JOSEPH BALESTIER, BUDOLPH DULON, OTTO ERNST, DAVID MILLER, M. S. DUNHAM, MAX SCHAFFER, CHARLES TAYLOR, HENRY SEAMAN, J. PENNIMAN, LATHAM PARKER, NATH. WORLEY, ENOCH CHAMBERLAIN, WM. H. WEBB, HENRY S. SMITH, JAMES HORN, PHILIP HAMILTON, WARREN WARD, D. A. WOOD, WADE B. WORRALL, JOHN H. WILLIAMS, FREDERICK BEICHFUSS, EUGENE S. BALLIN, JOHN WATSON, BENJAMIN FLOYD, JULIUS BRILL. WILLIAM A. KOBBE, CHARLES SCHAFFNER, THEODORE J. GLAUBENSKLEE, LEOPOLD BIERWITH, SIGISMUND KAUFFMAN, EDWARD BYRNES, HENRY A. CASSELEER, Louis NAUMANN, WILLIAM AUFERMANN, JOHN C. BRANT, ISAAC G. OGDEN, OLIVER HOLDEN, ELIAS HOWE, Jr., JAMES K. PELL, NATH'L W. BURTIS, A. MlCHELBACKER, PHILIP FRANKENHEIMER, A. MENZESHEIMER, CHARLES CLUDIUS, WILLIAM SCHARFENBERG, WILLIAM TELLINGHAUSE.
IT JOHN BROOKS, ISAAC DAYTON, JOHN E. GAVITT, ALEXANDER HAMILTON, F. E. WELLINGTON, JOHN HOGAN, SETH B. HUNT, ROBERT BAYARD, FRANK E. HOWE, SAMUEL HOTALING, RICHARD BERRY, J. M. OLESEN, JAMES GORDON BENNETT, SIGISMUND WATERMAN, EZRA NYE, WILLIAM C. PKIME, Secretaries. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., SIDNEY WEBSTEK, JOHN M. WHITE, R. FULTON CRARY, FREDERICK STURGES, LEWIS CARR, WM. S. OPDYKE, JOSEPH H. CHOATE, EDWARD A. WETMORE, N. W. HOWELL, THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JAMES COUPER LORD, BROCKHOLST CUTTING, STUYVESANT LsRoy, FRANCIS A. STOUT, ETHAN ALLEN, EDWARD KING, ROBERT MORRIS VANDENHEUVEL,, WILLIAM F. GARY, Jr., JOHN McCLAVE, JAMES W. UNDERBILL, OSCAR SCHMIDT, PETER MARIE, JOHN H. WHITE, CHARLES G. CLARK, CHARLES H. TYLER, ALEXANDER BECKER, SAMUEL W. TUBBS, JAMES E. MAURAN, JOSEPH HOWARD, Jr., CRUGER OAKLEY, THEODORE TILTON, WILLIAM J. TODD, JOHN J. WHITE, WASHINGTON MURRAY, WM. H. EVERETT, J. HOWARD WAINWRIGHT, WM. H. PEET, G. NORMAN LIBBER, JAS. H. FROTHINGHAM, MURRAY HOFFMAN, CHAS. E. STEVENS, GEORGE McC. MILLER, CLINTON RICE, HENRY WINTHROP, DAVID ROWLAND, GEO. F. BETTS, FLOYD SMITH, WM. F. SMITH, B. H. HOWARD.
STAND No. 1. SALUTES OF ARTILLERY, by the ANTHON LIGHT BATTERY, and by the WORKMEN employed by HENRY BREWSTER & Co. 1. GRAND MARCH by Mendelssohn, by Helmsmuller's Grand Band. 2. JONATHAN STURGES will call the meeting to order, read the ^CALL TOR THE MEETING, and conduct to the Chair, HON. 'GEORGE OPDYKE, Mayor of the city. 3. DENNING DUER will read the list of Vice-Presidents and Secretaries. 4. Hon. GEORGE OPDYKE, Chairman, will address the meeting. 5. DAVID DUDLEY FIELD will read the ADDRESS adopted by the Convention of Committees. 6. JOHN AUSTINSTEVENS, Jr., will read the RESOLUTIONS adopted by the Convention of Committees. 7. Song on our Country and our Flag, by FRANCIS LIEBER ; sung by Grand Chorus with band accompaniment. 8. CHARLES KING will address the meeting. 9. WILLIAM Ross WALLACE will read an Ode, composed for the occasion "Keep Step to the Music of Union." 10. Music Star-Spangled Banner. 11. HIRAM WALBRIDGE will address the meeting. 12. Music Hail Columbia. 13. SENATOR SPINOLA will address the meetino- O 14. MusicHail to the Chief.
19 Mr. JONATHAN STURGES called the meeting to order, read the call of the meeting, and conducted to the chair Hon. GEORGE OPDYKE, Mayor of the city, amid the cheers of the people. In the absence of Mr. DENNING DUER, JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., read the list of Yice-Presidents and Secretaries, which was adopted. SPEECH OF THE HOX. GEORGE OPDYKE. FELLOW-CITIZENS We have assembled for a high and holy purpose. We come to renew our vows at the altar of patriotism ; and at what place so fitting as in the presence of a monument erected to the memory of Washington ? [Cheers.] We come to reaffirm our earnest devotion to our country ; to pledge our lives and all that we possess in defence of the Constitution and Union which our fathers bequeathed to us, and to declare our unalterable determination to defend them to the last, not merely against the assaults of traitors, but if need be against a world in arms. [Cheers.] Come what may, whether disaster or success, we are determined to " fight on, and fight ever," until a glorious and enduring triumph shall crown our efforts. [Cheers.] We are here, too, to denounce treason and to disown political fellowship with all who sympathize with it. We have no toleration for those who, without provocation, have drenched our country in blood, in a fiendish attempt to overthrow a Government at once the mildest and most beneficent that human wisdom ever devised. History records no blacker crime against society. In a contest with such a foe there can be no middle or neutral ground. All who are not earnestly opposed to these enemies of their country and of the human race, must be regarded as participators in their guilt ; all who apologize for their crime must share in the infamy that awaits 1hem. ISor are there any grounds of compromise with such an enemy. Unconditional submission to the Constitution and laws they have contemned, is the only basis of reconciliation that honor or safety will permit us to offer them. [Cheers.] We are here to stimulate and encourage the President, and all others charged with the duty of suppressing this infamous rebellion ; to declare to the Administration our confidence in its honesty, ability and singleness of purpose ; to bid it be of good cheer, for the people, regardless of all party affinities, have resolved that the Union must and shall be preserved, [loud cheers ;] and that to this end, and the speedy suppression of the rebellion, they are prepared to stand as one man in support of the Administration in every advancing step it may take in earnestness of effort, and in the employment of every means justified by the usages of war. [Cheers.] But, above all, we are here to rekindle the half-slumbering patriotism of our countrymen, and to urge them to respond with alacrity to the call of the Government for additional volunteers. A bitter and relentless foe is striking at its vitals, and appealing to the enemies of free government everywhere to aid in the unholy work. Their efforts will fail utterly and hopelessly. But to make that failure quick, sure, and overwhelming, let
20 there be a general uprising and arming throughout the loyal States ; and let this be followed by a prompt forward movement of the armies of the Union, so strong and irresistible that the armed traitors will be quickly driven to choose between flight and unconditional submission. [Enthusiastic cheering.] D. D. FIELD, being called upon by the Chair, read the following ADDRESS, t ADOPTED AND RECOMMENDEDBY THE CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES. The war in which the United States are engaged is not a war of conquest, but purely of defence. We are fighting for that which we received from our fathers: for the Union, which was freely entered into by all the parties to it ; for the Constitution, which is older than this generation, which was made, in part, by the rebel States, and which every rebel leader has oftentimes sworn to support. We did not resist till our forbearance was imputed to pusillanimity ; we did not strike till we had been struck ; and when we took up arms, we sought only to retake that which had been taken from us by force, or surrendered by an imbecile or traitorous President and Cabinet. The Rebellion had no cause or pretext which was even plausible. Misgovernment by the Federal power was not even pretended, nor any just apprehension of misgovernment, for, though a President had been chosen whose opinions were hostile to the extension of Slavery, the other departments of the Government were so constituted that no legislation hostile to the South could have been perfected. The Rebels revolted, therefore, against a Government which themselves or their fathers had, of their free choice, created for them, whose powers they had generally wielded, and whose offices they had for the greater part filled. What this rebellion was for is declared by the Constitution which the rebels immediately adopted for themselves, and to which they invited the adhesion of the loyal States. That instrument may be regarded as their manifesto. It is for the most part a copy of the Constitution of the United States, with these two important additions the perpetual servitude of the African race, and the inalienable right of each State to secede from the rest at will. Slavery and secession are the two corner-stones of the
21 rebel constitution, the differences between that and our own, and, of course, the only causes and objects of the rebellion. Whoever, therefore, either in this country, or in Europe, sympathizes with therebels, or abets them, must justify the taking up of arms and filling the land with distress and slaughter, for the establishment of the perpetual right of slavery, and the perpetual right of secession. The bare statement of the proposition, so far as slavery is concerned, should seem to be a sufficient argument In this age of the world, under the influence of our Christian civilization, it seems incredible that any set of men should dare to proclaim perpetual human servitude as a fundamental article of their social compact, or that any other man should be found on the face of the world to justify or even to tolerate them. In respect to the assumed right of secession, the argument is short and conclusive. Our Constitution established a Government and not a league ; that was its purpose ; the aim of its founders to make it a Government indissoluble and immortal, was as clearly expressed in the language of the instrument, and of contemporaneous writings, as it was possible to express it. That man must be most ignorant of American history and law, who does not know that the idea of a league or partnership is wholly foreign to our constitutional system. The union between England and Scotland is as much a league or partnership, as the union between New- York and Virginia, and when Englishmen talk of the right of Virginia to self-government, let them ask themselves if they think Scotland has a right to secede from England at will. So much for the legal right now for the political necessity. The secession of Louisiana and Florida from Pennsylvania and Ohio can no more be admitted, considered as a question of policy alone, than could the secession of Wales from England, or Burgundy from France : nay, more, it would be possible for France to exisi as a powerful empire, without a foot of the old domain of the Burgundian princes; and England might be powerful and respected, though the Welshin their mountains still maintained their independence. But such is the shape of this continent, and the net- work of waters which flow through the Delta of the Missis-
22 sippi into the Gulf of Mexico, that one part of the great valley cannot secede from the other. Providence has written its eternal decree upon the rivers and mountains of our continent, that the north-western and the south-western States shall be forever joined. But if it were possible to be otherwise if several independent communities, without any national tie, could exist side by side in the great basin of our continent they would be rivals, and from rivals would become enemies, warring with each other, seeking foreign alliances, obstructing each other's prosperity, and assailing each other's power. The great experiment of Republican Government would have failed ; an experiment depending for its success upon the possibility of uniting the independent action of separate States in respect to the greater number of the functions of government, with the action of a national government upon all matters of common concern. If, as we believe, the fate of Republican Government in America is to determine whether a great country can be governed by any other than the monarchical form, with its concomitants of privileged classes, and standing armaments ; and, of course, whether this country of ours is to continue to be the asylum for the poor and the oppressed of all countries ; there can be no greater question presented to any people than that now presented to us ; none in which the millions of this continent, and of Europe, are more deeply concerned. If such a sacrifice were necessary, the thirty millions who now inhabit these States could do nothing so useful or sublime as to give themselves and all that they have, that they might leave this broad land under one free, indissoluble, republican government, opening wide its arms to the people of all lands, and promising happy homes to hundreds of millions for scores of ages. We are persuaded that there has never been a struggle between authority and rebellion, whose issues involved more of good or ill to the human race. We are fighting not for ourselves alone, but for our fellow-men, and for the millions who are to come after us. These are scenes in the great war of opinion, which began before the century opened, and which will be ended only when it shall be decided whether government is for the few or the many. We do not war with monarchical governments, or monarchical
23 principles. They may be the best for some countries. The Republican form of government is the one we prefer for ourselves, and for that, in its purity, and its strength, we are offering up our substance, and pouring out our blood like water. We are contending for that scheme of government for which Washington and the rest of the Fathers took up arms ; for the integrity of our country, for our national existence, for the Christian civilization of our land, for our commerce, our arts, our schools ; for all those earthly things which we have been taught most to cherish and respect Such being the magnitude of the stake in this contest, can it be wondered at, that we feel that all that wehave, and all that we can do, should be given to our country in this its great hour of trial. If there be a man among us who does not feel thus, he should leave us. We cannot endure the thought of a traitor in the midst of us. For ourselves, we are willing to make every sacrifice necessary to secure the triumph of the Government. It can have all the resources of twenty millions of people. All we ask of it is, that it shall use themquickly, vigorously and wisely. Let us have no disunited counsels, no uncertain policy, no insufficient armaments, no paltering with rebellion. The crisis is most serious and imminent. The nation is not in a mood for trifling. It believes that the surest means of suppressing the rebellion are the best. It complains only of delays, vacillation, weakness. li; wishes the strength of the nation to be collected, and when collected, used, so that not a vestige of revolt remain. We know that we have the men and the means ; we only demand of the Government that it do what it is bound to do, use them with singleness of purpose, with well-considered plan,, under the lead of the wisest counsel and the most skillful command. This rebellion is a matter between ourselves and the rebels. No person other than an American has anything to do with it. If another intrudes into it, we must regard and treat him as an enemy. And if any foreign Government, forgetting its own duties, attempts to interfere in our affairs, the attempt must be repelled, as we are sure it will be repelled, with that firmness and spirit which become the American people and their representatives. If there be anything about which we are all agreed, it is
24 the wisdom of our traditional policy, that we will not interfere in the affairs of other nations, nor allow their interference in ours. To the maintenance of this policy the nation is devoted, and the Government can count on the unanimous support of our people. Forasmuch, then, as the actual rebellion and the possibility of foreign intervention make it necessary that the whole loyal people of this country should be banded together as one man, for the defence of all they hold most dear, we here pledge ourselves to each other, to Congress, and to the President, that, with all our resources, we will support the Government in the prosecution of this war, with the utmost possible vigor, till the rebellion is utterly overcome, and its leaders brought to merited punishment. The Address was adopted by acclamation. JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., next read the following KESOLUTIONS, ADOPTED AND RECOMMENDEDBY THE CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES. WHEREAS, at a meeting of the citizens of New- York, convened on the 20th of April, 1861, it was resolved to support the Government in the prosecution of the war then opened by the rebels, with all the means in our power ; and whereas, nothing has since occurred to change our opinions, or our determination then expressed, but everything to confirm them; and whereas, after a series of successes to the Federal arms, interrupted only by a few temporary reverses, the casualties of war have reduced the effective strength of the regiments in the field, so that recruits are needed to fill them up ; and whereas, the occupation of the places repossessed by. our army requires an additional force, and the President has called for three hundred thousand men, and for these reasons another meeting of citizens has been called, and is now assembled, it is thereupon Resolved, That we reaffirm all the resolutions of the meeting of April, 1861, hereby declaring, that every event that has since occurred has served to' strengthen the convictions, then held, of the wickedness of this rebellion, and the duty of all loyal citizens to suppress it with the strong hand, and at all hazards. Resolved, That this war is waged on the part of the loyal for the overthrow only of the disloyal ; that we seek not to enforce any claims or to establish any privileges beyond those given us by the Constitution of our fathers ; and our only
25 aim and purpose have been, and are now, to maintain the supremacy of that Constitution, over every foot of soil where it ever bore sway, with not a line interpolated, or a line erased. Resolved, That we are for the union of the States, the integrity of the Country, and the maintenance of this Government, without any condition or qualification whatever ; and we will stand by them and uphold them, under all circumstances, and at every necessary sacrifice of life or treasure. Resolved, That while we recognize, and will sedulously maintain, the rights of each State under the Constitution, we abhor and repudiate the doctrine fatal to national unity, and so prolific of treason in the army and navy, and among the people that allegiance is due to the State, and not to the United States ; holding it as a cardinal maxim, that to the United States, as a collective Government, is due the primary allegiance of all our people ; and that any State or confederation of States, which attempts to divert it, by force or otherwise, is guilty of the greatest of crimes against humanity and our National Union. Resolved, That we urge upon the Government the exercise of its utmost skill and vigor, in the prosecution of this war, unity of design, comprehensiveness of plan, a uniform policy and the stringent use of all the means within its reach, consistent with the usages of civilized warfare. Resolved. That we acknowledge but two divisions of the people of the United States in this crisis ; those who are loyal to its constitution and every inch of its soil, and are ready to make every sacrifice for the integrity of the Union, and the maintenance of civil liberty within it, and those who openly or covertly endeavor to sever our country, or to yield to the insolent demand of its enemies ; that we fraternize with the former, and detest the latter ; and that, forgetting all former party names and distinctions, we call upon all patriotic citizens to rally for one undivided country, one flag, one destiny. Resolved, That the Government of the United States, and its people, with an occasional exception among the reckless inhabitants where this rebellion was fostered, have wisely and studiously avoided all interference with the concerns of other nations, asking, and usually enjoying, a like non-interference with their own, and that such is, and should continue to be, its policy ; that the intimations of a contemplated departure from this sound rule of conduct on the part of some of the nations of Europe, by an intervention in our present struggle, is as unjust to them as it would be to us, and to the great principles for which we are contending ; but we assure them, with a solemnity of conviction which admits of no distrust or fear, and from a knowledge of, and a firm reliance upon the spirit and fortitude of twenty millions of freemen, that any attempt thus to intervene, will meet a resistance unparalleled in its force, unconquerable in its persistence, and fatal to those whom it is intended to aid ; and that it will tend only to strengthen and elevate the Republic. Resolved, That the skill, bravery and endurance exhibited by our army and navy, have elicited our admiration and gratitude ; that we behold in these qualities the assurances of sure and speedy success to our arms, and of rout and discomfiture to the rebels ; that we urge the Government to aid and strengthen them by all the means in its power, and carefully to provide for sick, wounded and disabled soldiers and their families ; to prosecute the war with increased vigor and energy, until the rebellion is utterly crushed, the integrity of the Union in all its borders restored, and every rebel reduced to submission, or driven from the land ; and that to accomplish these ends, we pledge to our rulers, our faith, our fortunes, and our lives. 4
26 Resolved, That we approve of the administration of the President of the United States, and of the measures recommended and sanctioned by him for the prosecution of the war, the suppression of the rebellion, and the welfare of the country ; that we sanction as wise and expedient the call for three hundred thousand more troops, and earnestly exhort our countrymen to rally to the standard of the Union, and bear it aloft until it shall float in peace and security, and be everywhere respected and honored. Resolved, That a general armament is required by every consideration of policy and safety, and the Government should lose no time in filling up our armies and putting the whole sea-coast iu a state of complete defence. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Common Council of the city of New- York to offer a bounty of twenty-five dollars to every resident of the city, who shall within thirty days enlist into any regiment now in the field. Which were unanimously adopted. The next performance was the singing of " Our Country and her Flag," composed by FRANCIS LIEBER. For this purpose thousands of copies of the song were scattered among the crowd, being thrown from the main stand. The effect of this song, by a full chorus of manly voices, and with the accompaniment of the band, was very striking. The air is that of a glorious old anthem. A SONO ON OUR COUNTRY AND HER FLAG. BY FRANCIS LIBBER. Sung at the Meeting of Loyal Citizens, Union- Square, New-York, July 15, 1862. TUNE Gaudeamus igitur. We do not hate our enemy May God deal gently with us all. We love our land ; we fight her foe ; We hate his cause, and that must fall. Our country is a goodly land ; We'll keep her alway whole and hale ; We'll love her, live for her or die ; To fall for her is not to fail. Our Flag! The Red shall mean the blood We gladly pledge ; and let the White Mean purity and solemn truth, Unsullied justice, sacred right. Its Blue, the sea we love to plow, That laves the heaven-united land, Between the Old and Older World, From strand, o'er mount and stream, to strand.
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