Page:The Civil War in America - an address read at the last meeting of the Manchester Union and Emancipation Society.djvu/92

86 to posterity an example which cannot fail to exercise a powerful influence on the future of your country.

“The constitution places you in the office of Chief Magistrate of the Union at a solemn crisis in your national affairs, which has no parallel in past history; but we cheerfully recognise the fact that the same ballot which secured the triumphant re-election of Mr. Lincoln, also placed you in the distinguished position to become his successor; and our faith in the instincts of a great people forbids us to doubt that the noble principles which animated him will ever find a response in your heart. It was further resolved:— “That this meeting also desires to record an expression of profound sympathy with the Honourable W. H. Seward and the members of his family, in regard to the atrocious attempt to assassinate that distinguished and able statesman whilst lying in a helpless condition on a bed of sickness; and this meeting earnestly hopes that the foul attempt may not have proved successful, but that Mr. Seward may soon be restored to health and vigour to render efficient