greeting, which finds its justification in, and depends for its interest upon, the incidents and circumstances we have recited, we have a purpose deeper than the extension of a compliment, or the indulgence of pleasant and interesting associations. We wish not to withhold the expression of the fact, that in the civil strife which is now raging in our land, its loyal people would fain have extended to them that moral encouragement and support that attends upon the favorable testimony of enlightened Englishmen. They feel' that they are doing battle for principles which they have derived from their Saxon ancestry, and dear to the heart of every Briton. Allow us, therefore, to express the hope, that the reception of our earnest and affectionate greeting will give such a direction to your feelings and lead to such an examination of the questions at issue between us and our infatuated Southern fellow-countrymen, as shall result in your giving the weight of your enlightened minds and the testimony of your Christian character to the cause of universal freedom. We address you amidst the smoke and the roar of the conflict; but we hope and believe that the end is near—and when peace shall be restored and the flag of our country shall again wave over an undivided soil and a united people, we feel assured that such will then be our condition, that closer than it has ever been before will be the union between us and our MOTHER COUNTRY. New Bedford, Sept. 14, 1864. The following is a copy of the vote passed in connection with the foregoing address, by the company at the City Hall. Voted, That the address to the Corporate Authorities and the people of the ancient city of Dartmouth, in the county of Devon, in England, which has now been read, be adopted—that it be properly engrossed*—that it be signed * The copy of this address which is to be sent across the Atlantic, has been prepared by George B. Hathaway of this city. It is a beautiful piece of work, and will add to the high reputation which Mr. Hathaway has long sustained for excellence as a chirographer. on behalf of the people of Dartmouth, New Bedford, Westport, Fairhaven and Acushnet by their respective corporate authorities, and authenticated by the seals of the several municipalities—and that, when thus prepared, it be forwarded to those for whom it is intended by the committee of arrangements, in such a manner as they shall think proper. LETTERS declining the invitations of the committee of arrangements were received from His Excellency Governor Andrew, Hon. Henry H. Crapo of Michigan, Rev. Orville Dewey, Hon. Alexander H. Bullock, Hon. J. H. W. Page, Martin L. Eldridge, Esq., Thomas Almy, Esq., Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, President Massachusetts Historical Society, Rev. Charles Ray Palmer, Hon. Lemuel Williams, Rev. W. S. Studley, Daniel Ricketson, Esq., Hon. Stephen Salisbury, President of the American Antiquarian Society, and others. Want of space restricts the publication to the communications received from the gentlemen whose names we have given. From His Excellency John A. Andrew. BOSTON, September 10, 1864. Hon. GEORGE HOWLAND, Jr., Mayor, &c., New Bedford, Mass: MY DEAR SIR, I sincerely regret that a visit to Washington, which is important to be made immediately, will prevent my enjoying the pleasure I had anticipated in attending the centennial celebration at New Bedford on the 14th instant. The occasion is one of intrinsic interest; and I am sure that the gentlemen who will assist in its illustration will not fail to render it an honorable and pleasant memorial of your beautiful and prosperous city. I trust that I may be able partially to compensate myself for the loss I shall suffer, both of instruction and recreation, in being obliged to decline your friendly and valued invitation, not only by reading the addresses and proceedings which will be doubtless in print hereafter, but also by finding some other early opportunity of enjoying your hospitality. I am, with much regard, your friend and servant. JOHN A. ANDREW. G |