RESOLUTIONS OF THE N. Y. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The Commercial inquisition, the "Commer- | other in their efforts in be cial Agency," before he could secure a dollar's worth of goods. This partiality was a base reflection on the integrity of the Northern customer, and a pusillanimous concession to "Southern honor," as events only too painfully demonstrated. The shipwreck of hundreds of business houses in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Providence, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Pittsburg, doing a "Southern business," was an argument wiser than words to prove the infatuation of Northern business men in the matter of Southern credits. [See Vol. I., page 497.] The unanimity in sustaining the course of the National Administration, manifested by the commercial men of the North, reflected honorably on their patriotism. If their patriotic ardor was intensified by their losses and insulted confidence, it may be excused. In all the imposing demonstrations made in the loyal States, the men of commerce sustained a leading part-committing themselves, without reserve, to the work of suppressing the rebellion and of punishing its abettors.* At the vast meeting held in New York city, April 20th, to sustain the Government, almost every "solid" man of the city participated. The wealth and influence there represented it was estimated comprised, in a merely material point of view, an amount sufficient to arm, equip and keep in the field an army of two hundred thousand men--so truly gigantic was the demonstration. Similar meetings were held in all the great commercial centres of the North, while interior cities, towns and villages vied with each The case of the eminent dry-goods merchant, Alexander T. Stewart, of New York city, is a representative instance of the feeling prevalent in his class. It having been rumored that he had given the Government one million of dollars, he stated in a communication to the public, that, all he had was at the service of his country-that he owed all to the inestimable blessings bestowed by the Union, and would freely give all in defense of that Union. Cornelius Vanderbilt, the great ship-owner, hastened to present his finest ocean steamer to the Government, and to offer a second steamer for what the Government saw proper to pay. These instances of magnanimous devotion were, indeed, so numerous that it is difficult to choose which to mention. 105 The Commercial half of the National cause. A meeting of the New York Chamber of Commerce, held April 19th, more distinctly represented the commercial sentiment of the North. The resolutions, unanimously adopted by that eminent corporate body, deserve quotation for their determined expression of opinion and purposes:— Chamber of Commerce Resolutions. 'Whereas, Our country has, in the course of events, reached a crisis unprecedented in its past history, exposing it to extreme dangers, and involving the most momentous results; and whereas, the President of the United States has, by his Proclamation, made known the dangers which threaten the stability of Government, and called upon the people to rally in support of the Constitution and laws; and whereas, the merchants of New York, represented in this Chamber, have a deep stake in the results which may flow from the present expos ed state of national affairs, as well as a jealous regard for the honor of that flag under whose protection they have extended the commerce of this city to the remotest part of the world; therefore, Resolved, That this Chamber, alive to the perils which have been gathering around our cherished form of Government, and menacing its overthrow, has witnessed with lively satisfaction the determination of the President to maintain the Constitution and vindicate the supremacy of Government and law at every hazard. "Resolved, That the so-called secession of some of the Southern States having at last culminated in open war against the United States, the American people can no longer defer their decision between anarchy or despotism on the one side, and on the other liberty, order, and law under the most benign Governmeut the world has ever known. "Resolved, That this Chamber, forgetful of past differences of political opinion among its members, will, with unanimity and patriotic ardor, support the Government in this great crisis: and it hereby pledges its best efforts to sustain its credit and facilitate its financial operations. It also confidently appeals to all men of wealth to join in these efforts. 46 Resolved, That while deploring the advent of civil war, which has been precipitated on the coun Chamber of Commerce Resolutions. try by the madness of the | ports of such States, or any other State that shall join South, the Chamber is per- them, and that this measure is demanded for defense suaded that policy and hu- in war, as also for protection to the commerce of the manity alike demand that it should be met by the United States against these so-called 'privateers,' most prompt and energetic measures; and it ac- invited to enroll under the authority of such States. cordingly recommends to Government the instant adoption and prosecution of a policy so vigorous and resistless, that it will crush out treason now and forever. "Resolved, That the proposition of Mr. Jefferson Davis to issue letters of marque to whosoever may apply for them, emanating from no recognized Government, is not only without the sanction of public law, but piratical in its tendencies, and therefore deserving the stern condemnation of the civilized world. It cannot result in the fitting out of regular privateers, but may, in infesting the ocean with piratical cruisers, armed with traitorous commissions, to despoil our commerce, and that of all other maritime nations. “Resolved, That in view of this threatening evil, it is, in the opinion of this Chamber, the duty of our Government to issue at once a proclamation, warning all persons that privateering under the commissions proposed will be dealt with as simple piracy. It owes this duty not merely to itself, but to other maritime nations, who have a right to demand that the United States Government shall promptly discountenance every attempt within its borders to legalize piracy. It should, also, at the earliest moment, blockade every Southern port, so as to prevent the egress and ingress of such vessels. "Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to send copies of these resolutions to the Chambers of Commerce of other cities, inviting their co-operation in such measures as may be deemed effective in strengthening the hands of Government in this emergency. “Resolved. That a copy of these resolutions, duly attested by the officers of the Chamber, be forwarded to the President of the United States." Blockade Resolu tions. "Whereas, War against the Constitution and Government of these United States has been commenced, and is carried on by certain combinations of individuals, assuming to act for States at States; and, "Whereas, Such combinations have officially promulgated an invitation for the enrollment of vessels, to act under their authorization, and, as socalled privateers,' against the flag and commerce "Resolved, That the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York pledges its hearty and cordial support to such measures as the Government of the United States may, in its wisdom, inaugurate and carry through in the blockade of such ports." The Religious Sentiment. The participation of religious bodies in the events of the day was not the least memorable feature of the great uprising. As the churches of the South lent their aid to the cause of secession, [see Vol. I., pages 136, 137,] and, eventually, became one of the most virulent elements in propagating hates at which devils must have stood aghast, so the religious element at the North entered into the contest, but in a spirit of solemnity appropriate to its Christian character. From the spires of Roman Catholic Cathedra's, Jewish Synagogues, and of "Orthodox" churches generally, from "Trinity" and "Grace," down to the humble chapel on the obscure street, floated the American flag-a sight to arrest attention and to excite commingled emotions of reverence and military enthusiasm. Trinity's chimes pealed forth, and the very atmosphere seemed resonant of "Hail Columbia," "Star Spangled Banner," "Red, White and Blue" and "Yankee Doodle," as regiment after regiment pressed onward, over the thronged highway, to take transport for Washington. This patriotic outburst of the wealthiest religious body in the country was not the exception of churches of its denomination. It is charged that during the first War for Independence the Episcopalians were not, as a body, loyal; but, it will not be said that, in the second War for Independence they were found want the South, claiming to have seceded from the Uniteding in devotion to their country. Bishop Potter, of Pennsylvania, published a form of for his congregations, embodying most prayer loyal sentiments-an example soon followed by every Protestant Episcopal Bishop of the Free States, as well as by the Bishops of Delaware and Maryland. The Bishop of Delaware took early occasion to express his views and wishes in the crisis. He said: of the United States; therefore, · Resolved, By the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, That the United States Government be recommended and urged to blockade the : "Another duty that I feel bound to present to the THE RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT. 107 Christian citizen, is that of sustaining the constituted authorities, and rallying under our country's banner. We have been for years enjoying the blessing of a mild, paternal, and Constitutional Government, under whose gentle, beneficent sway every citizen has been safe at home and respected abroad; liberty and property have been secure; industry has been encouraged, and every civil right and social blessing has been enjoyed to the fullest extent. "When such a Government is assailed by violence, shall not those who have so long experienced its benefits rise as one man in its defense, and present a solid front to its enemies? "The question is not now one of names, or of men, or of parties. It is one of country, of liberty, of national existence, of life or death. The Chief Magistrate of the great American Republic represents in his person the majesty of the law. He is the nation's head, and the blow struck at him is aimed at the Constitution and at the people, at every home and every bosom. We are in the midst of a sterner crisis than were the men of '76. What would have been the restoration of British rule over the thirteen colonies-a rule which had proved so generally beneficent and honorable to its subjects what would this have been in comparison with the danger now threatening the subversion of all au thority-the tyranny of an unprincipled and despotic usurpation, and the reducing of the goodly fabric of national grandeur to a shapeless heap? Our dearest earthly interests are now at stake, and the welfare of children, and of children's children, trembles in this balance." Loyalty of Archbishop Hughes. no misgiving. Still desirous of peace, when the Providence of God shall have brought it, I may say that since the period of my naturalization, I have none but one country. In reference to my duties as a citizen, no change has come over my mind since then. The Government of the United States was then, as it is now, symbolized by a national flag, popularly called The Stars and Stripes.' This has been my flag, and shall be to the end. I trust it is still destined to display in the gales that sweep every ocean, and amid the gentle breezes of many a distant shore, as I have seen it in foreign lands, its own peculiar waving lines of beauty. May it live and continue to display these same waving lines of beauty, whether at home or abroad, for a thousand years and afterwards, as long as Heaven permits, without limit of duration." The spirit of the Methodists was happily illustrated in the opening prayer of the New York East Methodist Conference, April 16th: "Grant, O God, that all the efforts now being made to overthrow rebellion in our distracted country, may be met with every success. Let the forces that have risen against our Government, and thy law, be scattered to the winds, and may no enemies that those who have aimed at the very heart of the Republic may be overthrown. We ask thee to bring these men to destruction, and wipe them from the face of the country!" The venerable Bishop McIlvaine, of Ohio, in his address to the forty-first annual convention of his diocese, uttered most decided sentiments, demanding devotion to the cause of the Union as a solemn and imperative duty. be allowed to prevail against us. Grant, O God, Archbishop Hughes, one of the acknowledged heads of the Roman Catholic Church in America, placed the American flag upon his cathedral spire, and by his loyal sentiments, freely uttered, served to inspire the multitudes of his people with unbounded enthusiasm in the Union's cause. The Archbishop addressed a letter to the Chairman of the committee calling the great Union meeting in New York, April 20th, expressing his sentiments on the question of the hour. We quote: "It is now fifty years since, a foreigner by birth, I took the oath of allegiance to this country, under its title of the United States of America. As regards conscience, patriotism, or judgment, I have The Baptists expressed their convictions in the following stirring resolves: The Baptists. "The Assembly of Baptists, gathered from the various Northern States of the Union, would, at the present solemn crisis of the national history, put on record some expression of their judgment, as Christians loving their country, and seeking, in the fear and from the grace of God, its best interests. "Resolved, That the doctrine of secession is foreign to our Constitution-revolutionary and suici dal, setting out in anarchy, and finding its ultimate issue in despotism. "Resolved, That the National Government deserves our loyal adhesion and unstinted support in its wise, ther reference to church resolves and ad Resolved, That we behold in the Stars and Stripes a symbol of Christianity in its political aspects, which, with reverence, we may wrap about the Cross of Christ. Resolved, That in the present resort to arms we recognize no war of the North against the South, but a contest of democracy against despotic aristocracy; and that as Christian pastors and people, within our sphere, we prepare for battle, confident of God's approval of our course." The Old School PresbyThe Presbyterians. terians, in their more sober way, were quite up to the prevalent spirit, although, as a Church, they ever had been noted for their "conservative" tendencies on the question of slavery and relations with the South. The General Assembly of that denomination for 1861 resolved : "That the members of this General Assembly, in the spirit of that Christian patriotism which the Scriptures enjoin, and which has always characterized this Church, do hereby acknowledge and declare their obligation, so far as in them lies, to maintain the Constitution of these United States, in the full exercise of all its legitimate powers, to preserve our beloved Union unimpaired, and to restore its inestimable blessings to every portion of the land." It would be interesting to quote from the recorded proceedings of the several other leading denominations of the North, expressive of sympathy for the National Administration; but, our point having been sufficiently illustrated, we are not permitted fur Antagonism Excited by the South. public platform, in newspaper communications, and in conversation, the responsibility of the citizen was their unfailing theme. Their discourses, reported for the daily and weekly press, sped over the country to inspire ardor in the cause of human liberty and order for such they quite generally regarded the contest. The position so boldly assumed by the designers of the new Southern Government, viz:-that its corner-stone was negro bondage, [see Stephens' Exposition, vol. I, page 30,] enlisted the clergy in the struggle from humanitarian, as well as patriotic, motives, and aroused in their breasts all the antagonism which such a retrogressive assumption might be expected to create in the bosoms of Christian men.. Hence their sermons fairly scintillated with the eloquence of feeling and the lightnings of their righteous indignation, and thus became potent agents in awakening the masses to a correct apprehension of the great issues involved in the contest. Better had it been for the conspirators against liberty had they, for a season at least, masked their designs. "Whom the Gods would destroy they first make mad," was verified in their case. al of the true character of their Government, their unscrupulous seizure of United States property, their lawless Convention proceedings and usurpations, their early call into the field of an army to drive out the Union garrisons, their reckless assault upon Sumter, and their avowed purpose to seize Washington-all combined to alienate from them and their cause not only all the mighty moral and physical energies of the North, but also the intelligence of Europe. Their cause went forth branded with infamy, notwithstanding so many men, made eminent by the Union, had embarked in the revolution. If a few sympathizers for the movement were found in Great Britain it was but natural, considering that "King Cotton" had whispered their moral sense asleep; but, even at the most despondent moment of the Union's fortunes, the vast majority of England's people gave The avow MAJOR ANDERSON'S RECEPTION. 109 the Southern cause no sympathy. Impu-sation which directly came for the appalling dently assuming that one Southern man was equal to three Northerners, and that, for the sake of cotton, both England and France would give the Pro-Slave Confederacy an early recognition, the conspirators plunged headlong into the contest with a recklessness only equalled by its stupidity. Only the sword and the ordeal of trial could undeceive such madmen; and the only compen disasters of the war was the poor satisfaction of having taught the South its physical inferiority. If the incidental blessings of liberty of conscience, liberty of press, liberty of speech, and liberty of person should follow, in those States where all have been denied with most virulent pertinacity for two generations, the sacrifices in the cause of the Union will not have been in vain. CHAPTER V. MAJOR ANDERSON IN NEW YORK. EXCUSE FOR NOT RE-ENFORC- ING HIM. EVACUATION. THE NORFOLK (GOSPORT) NAVY-YARD DESTRUCTION. PARTICULARS OF THE AFFAIR. MOVEMENT OF TROOPS UPON ANNAPOLIS. OPERATIONS OF THE UNION DEFENSE COMMITTEE." WASHINGTON SAFE. RECEPTION OF THE NEW YORK SEVENTH. Major Anderson's New York Reception. APRIL 18th witnessed several events of interest, viz: the arrival of Major Anderson in New York, and his enthusiastic reception; the arrival in New York of the Massachusetts Sixth, and its departure for Washington; the destruction of Harper's Ferry arsenal by fire, and its evacuation by the U. S. garrison under command of Lieutenant Jones. The reception of Anderson was one of the most memorable ovations in the annals of a city noted for its popular demonstrations. The Baltic's arrival at Sandy Hook becoming known early in the day, the Bay was soon alive with sail and steam craft making their way to the Narrows to give him welcome. The passage up to the city was like an old-time triumph. Guns boomed from the forts and the Battery. Numberless water-craft, densely loaded with people of all classes, glided around the stately steamer in happy confusion, rendering her progress slow. The air was rent with shouts, huzzas, the whistles of engines, and the ring |