145 /^. CONESTOGA COUNCIL, V^tp'^ No. 8, 0. of U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held April 17th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted: Whereas, In the midst of our rejoicings on account of the glorious victories with which Heaven had blessed our arms ; the . same spirit that has attempted the life of the nation, has now succeeded in assassinating our great and good Chief Magistrate, and probably his Secretary of State; Therefore, be it— Resolved, That in the death of our late beloved President, one of the great good men of the world has fallen, and the nation is called upon to mourn the departure of a second Washington. Resolved, That we humbly and devoutly pray the Father of all mercies to spare the life of Secretary Seward, to this already afflicted nation. Resolved, That, though the greatest, wisest, and best of men may fall in our country's cause, our confidence that Divine Providence will spare the life of the nation, and yet make it the light of the world, is full and undiminished. Resolved, That confiding to the fullest extent in the ability, patriotism, and integrity of Andrew Johnson, upon whom the Presidential office now devolves, we, with all the loyal men of the country, will rally around him, and give his Administration of the Government the same cordial and generous support which was accorded to that of his lamented predecessor. Resolved, That in respect to the memory of the late President Lincoln, that the Charter, Councillor, and Vice Councillor's stands of this Council, be draped in mourning for the space of ninety days. Resolved, That, a committee of three be appointed to carry the above resolutions into effect, and that the same be entered on the minutes, and published in the daily Evening Express. L. C. Eby, ■) Harry Dorwart, V Committee. L. De W. Breneman. y Edwin E. Snyder, C. pro tern. L. Be W. Breneman, R, S. 12 KENSINGTON COUNCIL, No. 9, 0. of U. A. M. At ca stated meeting of the above Council, held April 20th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom, to remove from our midst, Abraham Lincolx, by the hand of a cowardly and dastardly assassin, by which the country has lost an efficient Chief Magistrate, a true patriot, who, while trying, by kindness and mercy, to win back to their allegiance those in open arms against our beloved Union, was stricken down by one of their hireling miscreants, thereby shrouding our country in gloom and sorrow ; Therefore, be it — Resohed, That, being appalled by the magnitude of a crime so terrible and fiendish, that the annals of the world present no parallel, language fails to express our great sorrow for our nation's loss by the death of our noble President, Abraham .Lincoln. Resolved, That in the death of our Martyr, the country has lost a man who stands second to none, Washingtox being her Saviour, and Abraham Lincoln her Redeemer. Resolved, That we condole and sympathize with his deeply afilicted family, and pray that Providence, in his mercy, may guide and protect them through life. Resolved, That our Charter and other frames be placed in mourning for six months. Wm. H. Steel, C. Attest, Frank Clouds, R. S. 13 INDEPENDENT COUNCIL, No. 10, 0. of U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held May 15th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted: Whereas, We have learned with profound regret the dastardly and traitorous assassination of our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, at an hour when the nation was rejoicing over successive victories, of an early peace, and the hope of a glorious future for the Union, and when, after four years of mild and gentle governing, he had gained the love and confidence of all true and loyal people ; and, whereas, by his death we are deprived of the services of a great and good man, who, by his clear judgment, simplicity, kindness, patriotism, honesty of purpose, goodness of heart, combined with other principles, eminently fitted him to administer the affairs of the nation ; and, whereas, the noble character of the departed, the many virtues of his public and private life, the disinterested devotion manifested by him in all his acts to the cause of human freedom and equal rights to all mankind, and the sincere and whole souled consecration of himself to the mighty task of preserving our glorious Union to us and posterity, do well deserve the heartfelt acknowledgement of a grateful people; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we mingle our humble regret with the tears af all loyal people throughout our land in this sad stroke of Divine dispensation, and bowing as we do to the will of Him who doeth all things well, we hope this bereavement may be tempered for our national good. Resolved, That in our late President we recognize one, whose purity of life, exalted patriotism, and integrity of purpose, with a heart ever flowing with the milk of human kindness, had won for himself the afiections of all true friends of civilization and progress, and has secured a place in our hearts equal to that held by the Father of his Country ; Washington being the Saviour of our Country, and Abraham Lincoln its Redeemer. 14 Resolved, That we honor the name of Abraham Lincolx, onr twice elected President, and will ever revere it as that of a pure and unselfish patriot, a wise and sagacious leader and administrator of our country in its weakness and want of preparation for the crisis then upon it, and who with nothing but his firm heart and good purpose under God to rely upon, by the spirit and power oT his ' administration, brought the country to a position of strength from which we may look with confidence over the entire domain of the nation and feel assured that it will soon be reclaimed to Concord, Union and Universal Freedom. •• Resolved, That we sincerely regret that he was cut oflF ere his labors were crowned with complete success, and the country free and united, enjoying the blessings of a permanent peace. Resolved, That treason, whether armed or unarmed, should be punished, and righteous retribution visited thereon, in vindication of the dignity, power, and justice of the Government. Resolved, That we deem the assassination of Abraham Lixcoln, the legitimate fruit of the secession sympathies of disloyal men and women in our midst, and we believe the time has come when all such base ingrates should be held to a strict accountability for their sentiments. Resolved, That we will ever cherish his memory with grateful and lasting remembrance, having always regarded him as the Father of the people, and the true representative of all that was noble and manly in the American character, and one of the noblest works of God, an honest man. Resolved, That we deeply sj^mpathize with the family of our much beloved and now deceased President in their afflictioA, prayerfully commending them to the great God of all grace and comfprt. Resolved, That our Council Chamber be shrouded in mourning for the space of six months, and that a copy of the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions be transmitted to the State Council, and entered upon our minutes. Ex. C, Gko. Hartzell, "i M. W. Myers, ! Committee. ^ Ex. C, Chas. D. Conover. ) 15 VIGILANT COUNCIL, No. 12, 0. of U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held May 16th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted; Whereas, The nation has sustained the loss of a Father, in our late President, Abraham Lincoln, who sacrificed his life for the love of his country and liberty ; and, whereas, the noble character of the departed, the many virtues of his public and private life, and the sincere devotion he has shown for the preservation of his country, that the blessings of a united and prosperous nation might be bestowed upon the present and future generations ; Therefore, be it — ' Resolved, That it is due us as a patriotic American Organization, to express our heartfelt sorrow and regret at the sudden demise, feeling that we have been deprived of a benefactor and upholder of the cause of human liberty. Resolved, That by the death of our late and beloved President, the country has sustained an irreparable loss ; the nation has lost a brilliant star, but whose shadow yet guides the nation in safety in the hour of its darkness and gloom. Resolved, That the Order, by his untimely death, has been deprived of one who should have properly been considered as one of its number ; one, who but a few years ago, was humble and unknown to the people, and was enabled by the great institutions of our country, freedom and protection, the guiding star of the 16 Order, the great bulwark against aristocracy, to rise, by his honest perseverance and merit, to the first position in the gift of the American people. Resolved, That the great work of our Order, the advancement of our countrymen from the humblest to the highest in the nation, has been practically determined and settled. Resolved, That the examples taught us by our lamented martyred President, are too noble and glorious to be forgotten, and that it is our duty to perpetuate his memory in some suitable manner. Resolved, That we do most sincerely sympathize with the widow and family of the deceased and beloved President in their sudden and sad bereavement. Resolved, That Andrew Johxson, our noble President, deserves all praise and honor for his determination, perseverance and integrity. He, like his illustrious predecessor, having raised himself from among the rank of his fellow-citizens, and that we welcome him as our President, with an assurance of his fidelity, feeling satisfied that he has the good of his country at heart, and that he is with us in the great cause of our protection. Resolved, That a copy of the forgoing preamble and resolutions be forwarded to the family of the deceased Patriot. Thos. S. Paist, ■) David M. Albright, | William. H. Michael, }■ Committee, Alonzo L. Huggan, J WiLLUii R. Sallada. J 17 COLUMBIA COUNCIL, No. 13, 0. of U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held May 19th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: "Whereas, The Almighty Ruler of the Universe has seen fit, in His Providence, to remove Abraham Lincoln, our great and good President, from among us, not by a lingering sickness, but by the cowardly hand of a black-hearted assassin, whilst in the full flush of glory acquired by an honest and patriotic devotion to the cause of his country during four years of bloody and causeless rebellion ; and, whereas, it becomes us, in common with all true, loyal and patriotic associations throughout the length and breadth of our land, to give an expression of our detestation and horror of the crime, as well as our sympathy to his stricken and bereaved family ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That his purity and honest integrity of heart, his untiring devotion to the best interests of his country, during the past four years of unparalleled and gigantic rebellion, his firm determination of pui'pose to hand down the institutions founded by our fore-fathers to posterity, intact, undivided, and entire, entitle him to the respect and admiration of his own country and the civilized world. Resolved, That we will ever cherish him in our memories, as the first patriot and martyr of his age ; wqrthy to be ranked with the illustrious founders of the nation, who, with Washington at their head, wrenched these States from the hands of a foreign despot, and gave the priceless boon of liberty to a persecuted people ; believing, that as Washington was the Father Lincoln was the Preserver and Saviour of the Republic. 18 Resolved, That in tlie "Honesty, Industry and Sobriety" of liis character as a workingman, we feel our lamented President was especially dear to us. Sprung from an humble, though respectable parentage, he rose, by his indomitable will and unassisted perseverance, from the humble calling of railsplitter and boatman, to the highest position in the gift of the American people — the peer of the most noted statesman of his time, thus illustrating the moral dignity of labor, and forming for us as members of the Order of United American Mechanics, a worthy and illustrious exemplar. Resolved, That this foul and dastardly murder, instigated by Southern traitors, should intensify our hatred to treason, and should call upon the proper authorities to mete out the utmost penalties of the law, to those guilty of the same ; that we will stigmatize any and all in our midst who sympathize with them in any way or form, . as traitors at heart, unfit to enjoy the blessings of freedom, or to possess the proud name of an American Citizen. *' Is there not some chosen curse, some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven, red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man who owes his own greatness to his country's ruin?" Resolved, That we tender our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved widow and children, commending them to Him who "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," and praying that He will alleviate their anguish, and give them consolation from on high. Resolved, That in order to show our appreciation of his memory, our Council Chamber be draped in mourning for the period of six months. W. H. Heldebrandt, 'I J. W. Weaver, ' > Committee. Wm. M. Shultz. } J. R. Bercaw, (7. T. F. Hamman, R. S. 19 HAND-IN-HAND COUNCIL, No. 14, 0. of U. A. M. " HONOR THE MIGHTY DEAD." " OUR loss is His eternal gain." At a meeting of Hand-in-Hand Council, No. 14, Order of United American Mechanics, held on Monday Evening, May 1st, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted: Whereas, In the Providence of Grod, Abraham Lincoljj-, President of the United States, has been removed from us by death, and that death caused by the hand of the midnight assassin, we, with all loyal people everywhere, mourn his loss. But, while we mourn, let us remember, that, though dead, he yet liveth ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That the tremendous blow which has fallen on the nation fills our hearts with dismay ; and a crime for which our country has no name, and which startles every citizen with its magnitude and atrocity, has been committed ; tending to loosen the bonds of society and abolish individual safety. Resolved, That, while we feel our hearts stricken with profound sorrow, we rest in confident assurance that God doeth all things well, and will still have our beloved country in His holy keeping, and so order this appalling calamity, that new born generations will see His goodness even in the terrible event which he, for wise but inscrutable purposes, has suffered to befall our nation. Resolved, Tha^ we recognize in this atrocious deed the refined fruits of the vile spirit of the rebellion, and heartily express our hope that the Government will see to it, that the full measure of a righteous retribution be meted out to the instigators and accomplices of this deed of blood. 20 Resolved, That we greatly sympathize with the family of our much beloved and now deceased President in their deep affliction, prayerfully commending them to the God of all grace and comfort. Resolved, Likewise, That we greatly sympathize with "William H. Seward, Secretary of State, whose life has been so marvelously preserved from the strokes of the assassin, and humbly trust in the great Ruler of the Universe that he may be fully restored to health and to his country, which he has served with such pre-eminent ability. Resolved, That, by our prayers and influence as citizens loyal to the Government, we will sustain our new President, Andrew Johnson, so unexpectedly called to discharge the duties of his high office in the solemn crisis which our country is now passing through, humbly depending upon God that every vestige of this cursed rebellion may soon be blotted out of existence, and peace and prosperity once again crown our beloved country. E. H. McKee, ■) Gilbert Carns, V Committee, g. h. hoffner, ) Frederick Toms, (7. Chas. Widdis, R. S. 21 FAME COUNCIL, No. 15, 0. U. A. M. "We mourn for a leader, a ruler gone, The nation's liope and glory, A chosen guide from his people torn, The honored in fame's proud storj. At a regular stated meeting of Fame Council, No. 15, 0. of U. A. M., the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : "VVnEREAS, This Council has heard with profound sorrow of the dastardly assassination of our worthy and beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Li^^coLiSr ; and, whereas, we desire, as it becomes us, in common with our fellow- citizens, to give public expression to our feelings on an occasion, when, in the midst of joy as a loyal people, at the downfall of a wicked rebellion, and the prospect of a speedy peace, the whole nation finds itself plunged in unutterable gloom and sadness ; and, whereas. We desire to express our utter abhorrence of the barbarous act which has deprived our country, in the midst of rejoicing, of its able leader and honored President, in whom we recognized ''One of the noblest works of God," an honest man ; Therefore, be it — Besolved, That in the death of Abraham Lixcoln, the American people are called upon to mourn the loss of an illustrious citizen, whose private virtues and public acts will remain for all time 9,ssociated with those of the immortal Washingtox. Resolved, That we mingle our sympathies and our sorrows with those of the people generally, in view of this bereavement, and express a deep sense of our individual and national loss in the removal from the Presidential chair, of him who was a friend to the • 22 poor and enslaved, a strong advocate and defender of national unity, a generous and noble man, an enlightened statesman and Christian patriot ; whose memory we tenderly cherish, whose virtues we would imitate and commend, whose political course we heartily endorse as free from selfishness, marked with high integrity, and calculated to work out for the nation complete liberty and ultimate greatness. Resolved, That while we unite our lamentations with the mourning wail of the nation, we do at the same time pledge ourselves anew to the service and the support of the Government whose Chief has thus, in a moment, been stricken down by the assassin. Resolved, That while we mourn for the bereavement which death produces, and we see j3ur cherished joys blasted and our beloved Chief laid low in the dust, we are instructed to look beyond the bounds of mortality to a period when the dead shall be raised to life, and friends shall meet to part no more forever. Resolved, That we sympathize and condole with his afflicted family, and pray that Providence in His mercy may guide and protect them through life. B. GiFFORD, "^ H. B, Walter, | ^ .,, c, T TT7 f- Committee. S. J. Walker, | Henry J. Kehr, J H. B. Walter, C. Attest, Samuel J. Walker, R. S. 23 EAGLE COUNCL, No. 19, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held Friday Evening, May 5th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted: Whereas, Our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, has fallen by the hand of a murderous assassin, the undoubted instrument of a cold blooded conspiracy, which had for its object the deluging anew our land with blood, the changing of our joy into mourning, by striking down in the hour of our triumph, the noblest and best in the land ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That in this villainous deed, which has been planned and followed up to its consummation, with all the malignity of the arch fiend himself, we recognize the spirit of that vilest of all curses, Slavery, guided and directed by its equally vile offspring. Treason. Resolved, That traitors, North and South, should be made to realize that the cowardly and fiendish spirit which prompted the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, our noblest patriot, and most worthy defender of universal liberty, has ruthlessly struck down the forgiving hand, that was ready and waiting to pardon all their deeds of blood and cruelty, and to save them from the ignominious fate they so justly merited ; but having, by this cruel and unpardonable act, forfeited all claims to the mercy of an injured and outraged people. . Resolved, That even those who seemed to think, during his life, that language could scarcely express their hatred and contempt, pretend to join in regrets for his death ; they were slanderers while he lived, or they are hypocrites now that Ije is dead. The nation 24 wants not their sympathy. Abraham Lincoln is embalmed in^the hearts of our loyal j^eople ; his virtues and his deeds are monuments more durable than marble or bronze, and they have assigned him a place in the annals of the country equal to that held by the Father of his Country. Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved widow and family of our late Chief Magistrate, the assurance of our heartfelt sympathy and condolence, under this most alflicting dispensation of Divine Providence. Resolved, That out of respect to the memory of our murdered Chief, the Charter and other property of the Council be draped in mourning for the space of ninety days. Henry H. Haynes, John A. Hughes, John P. Sipler, Herman Wischman, Committee. Henry H. Diehl, C. John F. Baches, JR. S. 25 ELM TREE COUNCIL, No. 26, 0. U. A. M. At a meeting of the above Council, held Tuesday Evening, April 18th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, In the midst of a season when our hearts were filled with joy at the prospects of a speedy peace, it has seemed well to the mighty Ruler of the earth to allow the foul hand of the assassin to strike the life from'the head of the nation; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we deeply deplore the loss of him who has with wonderful ability brought us safely thus far through a season of peril, such as the country has never before experienced Resolved, That in the death of Abraham Lincoln, the world has lost a bright Christian character, a man of deep thought, and of a modest and unassuming disposition ; one who, in the midst of temptation, lived a life of remarkable purity and honesty. Resolved, That as a statesman and patriot he should stand first in the hearts of his countrymen through all time. Resolved, That we feel no sympathy for those who willingly sacrifice principle, and are ready to grasp the hands already red with the blood of the noblest sons of our land, and who have been making desolate many hitherto happy homes, and seeking to destroy the best Government with which the earth has ever been blessed. Resolved, That we recognize in the foul murder another offspring of the monster slavery, and feel that while a vestige of its twin, prejudice, remains, the country is liable to be startled at any 20 moment, with news of deeds sucli as could only be planned and executed hy Satan's emisaries. Resolved, That we have now new cause for a vigorous execution of justice to the leaders of the rebellion, and we hope that the nation will extend to our new President, Andrew Johnson, its undivided support in his just policy. Resolved, That we extend our most earnest and heartfelt sympathy to the family and members of the Cabinet of our deceased President, and while we deeply mourn his untimely loss, we can but feel it is in accordance with the will of Him who doeth all things well, though the way to us may seem dark and dreary. Resolved, That our Council Chamber be draped in mourning for the space of six months. Jacob Creamer, ^ Jacob Tees, | William R. Gardy, i Committee. James R. Dycii, j Jno. B. Luffberry. J Jacob Creamer, C. Attest, Wm. R. Gardy, R. S. 27 WAYNE COUNCIL, No. 27, 0. U. A. M. At a meeting of the above Council, held Saturday Evening, May 20th, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, Abraham Lincoln, the Saviour of the Republic, has been stricken down by one, who embodied the spirit of the most causeless and wicked rebellion that ever occurred in the history of the world, but which has been efiectually crushed out, in spite of Southern thugs and Northern copperheads. We regard this stealthy and cowardly murder, as the last venomous sting of the dying scorpion ; and its majestic victim, as the noblest martyr of all the heroic and sanctified hosts who have cheerfully offered up their lives for the salvation of their imperiled country ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while his tragic death, by a traitor hireling of Jefferson Davis, moves our hearts with the deepest anguish and indignation, and we deplore the loss of so great a President, especially at this crisis, as a heartfelt public calamity, we are thankful that he was spared whilst steering the Ship of State over a sea of blood and fire until lie moored her in the long sought harbor of a permanent peace, and his partizan revilers, the instigators of his assassination, were confounded by the success of his wise efforts to restore a sundered Union, and constrained to unite with the loyal, in the cry of lamentation and woe for his untimely end. Resolved, That inasmuch as he died for truth, he died not for the country, but for the world, and that his death but convinces us that every step of progress the world has made, has been from stake to stake, and from scaffold to scaffold ; and, that one day a temple of 28 eternal truth will raise itself in tlie total majesty of its proportions, and will stand in monumental granite, and every pillar on wliich it rests will be fixed in the grave of a martyr. Resolved, That Abraha^i Lincoln deserves to stand foremost among the great of all ages, a man ; take him all in all, we shall not look upon his like again ; a republican who gave his blood for liberty, a Christian martyr who offered up his spirit in faith. Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the family of our much beloved but now deceased President in their affliction, and prayerfully commend them to the God of all grace and comfort. Resolved, That in Andrew Johnson, now President of the United States, we discover a tried friend of" the Union, an uncompromising foe of disloyalty and treason, and that to him shall be transferred our support, our confidence, and our prayers. Resolved, That the property of this Council be draped in mourning for the space of ninety days, in memory of the deceased. Mahlon Gr. Bailey, 1 Fked'k. B. Shunk, I C. R. Williams, \ Committee. Henry Haas, I Zenas Boyer, J Ed. Black, (7. Attest, Fred'k. B. Shunk, R. S. 29 NORTHERN LIBERTY COUNCIL, No. 28, 0. of U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of tlie above Council, tlie following Preamble and Resolutions were adoj)ted: Whereas, The traitorous assassination of tlie President of the United States has overwhelmed the nation with consternation, and suddenly transformed its rejoicings over its successes into the deepest mourning and lamentation ; and, whereas, the assassination of his Excellency, Abraham Lincoln, was timed for the evening of the day upon which the nation's Flag w^is re-raised upon Fort Sumpter; and, whereas, this act of assassination was the crowning infamy of the rebellion ; Therefore, be it — • Resolved, That in the death of Abraham Lincoln, the American people are called upon to mourn the loss of an illustrious citizen, whose private virtues, and public acts, will remain for all time associated with those of the immortal Washington. Resolved, That, believing Abraham Lincoln, as a ruler, to have been governed by patriotic motives, honesty of purpose, and an elevated appreciation of the grave and responsible duties imposed upon him in the greatest crisis of our country's history, commanding in so great a degree the confidence of the loyal people of the nation, and exhibiting in the recent events which had culminated in the downfall of the rebellion, a wise, forbearing, and magnanimous statesmanship, the exercise of which gave sitcli hopeful promise of a speedy and perfect restoration of the national Union, in the spirit and on the principles upon which it was founded, we regard his sad ■, and untimely decease as a great misfortune to the whole country. Wm. F. Eckhardt, 'I E. G. Clark, v Committee. J. B. WiEGNER. 3 Geo. W. Moothart, C. Attest, Wm. Feasteb, R. S. 30 TAYLOR COUNCIL, No. 20, 0. of U. A. M. At a meeting of the above Council, held May 24th, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whkreas, Abraham Lincoln, known and honored throughout the earth by all friends of constitutional freedom and republican government, was assassinated whilst he occupied the proud position of President of our nation, to which office he had been twice elected by the grateful suffrages of the free people of the United States ; Therefore,- be it — Resolved, That by his death the nation is an orphan. Resolved, That the profound sorrow and universal grief whiclt pervade the land will perpetuate the memory of the eventful career through which he served his country as chief ruler, down to the hist syllable of recorded time. Resolved, That though it is natural for his widow and children to smart with keen anguish of soul at this terrible stroke upon their honored household, and we deeply sympathize and condole with them in all their untold affliction and bereavement, yet we know that the blow has fallen with equal weight on the awe-stricken people of the laud, who will cherisli his memory forever, and claim his name- "As one of the few, the immortal names That were not born to die. " Resolved, That as the loss of Abraham Lincoln is irreparable, we only submit to it because by the decrees of Heaven it is not in our power to reverse tlie infamous consummation of the wicked conspiracy by which he was sacrificed, and his Prime Minister brutally assaulted, and the Republic draped in mourning. Resolved, That we invoke the blessing of Heaven upon his successor, Andrew Johnson, now President of the United States, that he may liave power to restore peace to our distracted land, and with wisdom and holy firmness avenge the murder of the great and good patriot, whose blood baptizes the nation anew to the principles of Right, Justice and Liberty established by Washington, overthrown by tyrants and traitors, and redeemed and perpetuated by Abraham Lincoln. Geo. N. Corson, ^ Thomas J. Reiff, > Committee. Ben J. W. Davis. ) 31 MAJOR RINGGOLD COUNCIL, No. 32, 0. of U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Our worthy Chief Magistrate Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, has been assassinated by traitors and conspirators, whilst engaged in restoring peace to the country; and, whereas, it becomes the duty of all good and loyal Americans to express their indignation against all such acts of violence to the constituted authorities of the land ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while we bow submissively to the will of Divine Providence, we deplore and sympathize with all good and loyal Americans in the loss that has befallen the nation at this critical time, of one who has shown himself capable of guiding the Ship of State through her darkest hours of adversity, and bring her to a haven of peace and security. Resolved, That while we will ever bear in remembrance his wisdom in council, his sympathy with suii'ering, and his forgiveness of his enemies, we must ever adore the goodness and grace of the great Architect of the Universe, who raised him up and having qualified him for his work, lent him to the country in its darkest hour and greatest peril. Resolved, That we stigmatize as wretches and traitors at heart and unworthy to enjoy the blessings of free government, any in our midst who could tolei'ate so foul a deed as that which deprived the United States of its President, and made tlie name of Abraham Lincoln fragrant as that of a martyr and a second Washington, to all coming generations. Charles A. Mitsh, "i Samuel Steinmetz, > Committee. E. H. Barnitt. y David H. Wolfe, C. Attest, Samuel Steinmetz, R. /S, 32 OSCEOLA COUNCIL, No. 34, 0. of U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, This Council has heard of the death of our Chief Magistrate, the President of the United States, who was stricken down by the hand of a cowardly assassin ; and as a testimonial of regard and respect which the American Mechanics have towards him and the Union ; It is hereby — Resolved, That we drape the hall in mourning, and wear crape on the left arm at our meetings, for the space of thirty days. Henky W. Moyer, C. Attest, Fkanklin Whitman, R. S. PULTON COUNCIL, No. 35, 0. of U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously a,dopted: Whekeas, We have heard with deep sorrow and regret that the President of the United States was, on Friday evening, the 14th inst., brutally assassinated in his private box at Ford's Theatre, by the foul-hearted villain, Jolm Wilkes Booth; and, whereas, at about the same time, a murderous attack was made on the Secretary of State, by an unknown fiend, who is supposed to be an accomplice of Booth; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That the members of Fulton Council, No. 35, 0. U. A. M., feel it a duty to themselves and their common country to condemn such unmitigated and unparalleled crimes in this, our free country. Resolved, That in the loss of Abraham LI^■coLN, President of the United States, our country has lost a great and good man; and, that as a mark of respect to our late and worthy President, we drape our charter in mourning for the period of sixty days. Resolved, That we agree with our present President to visit condign punishment upon all traitors. Samuel Kline, C. Attest, Thomas W. Axderson, R. S. 33 DECATUR COUNCIL, No. 36, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of tlie above Council, tlie following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, We have heard Csince our last meeting) of the death, of our esteemed and beloved Chief Magistrate, Abkaham Lincoln, by the hand of an assassin, causing sorrow to all loyal hearts, amidst the rejoicings for national victories, and it becomes us as Americans, to express our feelings in reference to this great national calamity ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while we bow with submission to the will of an inscrutable Providence, believing he has suffered this affliction to occur for our good, as a nation, yet we humbly pray for his sustaining power not only for the nation, but for the widow and children of our deceased President in this hour of deep affliction and sorrow. Resolved, That we trust that the perpetrator of this foul deed, and his accomplices, having in view the murder of those having the affairs of the nation in charge, may be brought to a speedy and deserved punishment for their crimes. Resolved, That in Abraham Lincoln, we recognize "an honest man, the noblest work of God;" his blameless life and pure patriotism has enshrined him in our hearts, and won for him our love and lasting affection. Resolved, That as we regard Washington as the Father of his Country, so do we hail the "illustrious Lincoln" as the "defender and preserver of the country. ' ' 34 Resolved, That we view in liim our political Moses, wlio, having safely brought us by his statesmanship through periods of eminent peril, died on the borders of our promised land of freedom, and we beseech the protection, support, and guidance of Almighty God for his successor, Andrew Johnsox, and pray that in him we may find a Joshua who shall lead and direct us to a full occupancy of the land twice consecrated by the blood of fi-eemen to the cause of liberty, and we would adopt for him, our country, and ourselves, the words of our late Chief Magistrate : " Having thus chosen our cause without guile, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear and with manly hearts." Resolved, That in memory of our late President, and as a mark of respect for the illustrious dead, the above resolutions be entered upon the journal, and our charter be placed in mourning until the first anniversary of his lamentable death, which will be April the 15th, 1866. Wm. M. 'Weckeklt, "J Wm. a. Piper, V Committee. Amos Briggs S V. T. Weckerlt. C. Attest, Geo. S. Sasman, R. S, 35 SPRING GAUDEN COUNCIL, No. 38, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of Spring Garden Council, No. 38, 0. of U. A. M., held at their hall, Fourth and George Streets, April 25, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whekeas, Our nation has been overwhelmed with grief at the sudden demise of our Chief, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States ; a noble, generous, and Christian patriot, whose firm devotion to his country, her Constitution and her Union, has challenged the world for a superior ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That Spring Garden Council, No. 38, 0. U. A. M., in common with our fellow-citizens, do mourn the sad calamity that lias befallen our noble and distinguished President, Abraham Lincoln, who fell by the hand of a cowardly assassin, a martyr to the cause of freedom and human liberty, on the 14th day of April, 1865 ; and while we deplore his loss, we will ever cherish in our hearts his many great and noble virtues, and will revere his memory as the liberator of the oppressed. Resolved, That we drape our charter and emblems in mourning for ninety days, and that a copy of this preamble and resolutions be published in the morning Inquirer. M. Z. Senderling, "^ Thomas M. Locke, > Committee. Attest, Wm. H. Flotd, R. S. John M. Stocker, y Isaac Evekly, C. 36 SCIENCE COUNCIL, No. 39, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held April 18, 18G5, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adoxited : Whereas, A great national calamity has befallen our country, through the deliberate murder, by a dastardly assassin, of Abraham Lincoln, Chief Magistrate of the United States, in whom the country has lost a bright Christian example, a pure patriot and an efficient executive officer; and in whom we recognised "one of the noblest works of God, an honest man ; ' ' Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we do hereby express our utter abhorrence of the fiendish and barbarous act which has deprived us, in the midst of rejoicing, of an able leader and an honored President. Resolved, That we believe, that his blood with that of thousands more of our countrymen who have been murdered by wicked and ambitious men striving to overthrow the best Government which has ever blessed the earth, calls for the execution of inexorable justice to all the leaders of this foul rebellion. Resolved, That we have no sympathy with those who are ready to receive with open arms leading traitors ; and who style their dark deeds of treason, murder, and perjury, acts of patriotism, magnanimity, and pureness of purpose. Resolved, That we do give our earnest support to the present National Executive, Andrew Johnson, who has been thus suddenly called upon to assume the responsibilities of the office. 37 Resolved, That in common with every loyal citizen of the United States, we do sincerely mourn his loss, and tender our heartfelt sympathy to the family and members of the Cabinet of our late Chief Magistrate. Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his memory, the Trustees of this Council are hereby instructed to have our Council Chamber appropriately draped in mourning for the space of six months, and that this Council as a body take part with our fellow-citizens in the "funeral obsequies, as recommended by the municipal authorities. Amor S. Redstreake, James M. Nesmith, Joseph H. Weston, [ Committee, Paul A. Libb, George L. Simpson, James H. Mearns, Q. A. S. Redstreake, R, S, 38 RELIANCE COUNCIL, No. 40, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following- Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adoj>ted : Whereas, The nation has been deprived of its honored Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, bv the hand of an assassin, nerved to the infernal deed by traitors who designed that the Government also should cease to exist, at a moment when by the magnanimity of his leniency toward them he called forth their siirprise ; when he was about witnessing the successful issue of his and his country's eflbrts to suppress a wicked and causeless rebellion, and when his heart so full of kindness, even for his enemies, throbbing joyously with the prospect of peace and united happiness, at such a time he fell, overwhelming the nation with lamentation and mourning ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That the members of this Council deem it a high duty to express their abhorrence of the fiendish act that deprived him of life, and their detestation of those who in any manner were accessory to it. Resolved, That the ft/oocZ o/"^/ Committee. Paul Banxen, R. S. James Devereux. ) 42 MOUNT VERNON COUNCIL, No. 44, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held April 20, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, It has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from our midst, by death, our noble, patriotic, and beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, who was cowardly stricken down by the hand of an assassin, at a time when peace was about to be proclaimed throughout the land ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to the will of Him, who doeth all things well, we cannot but feel the loss, this our beloved country has sustained, in the death of so noble and magnanimous a statesman in this, the hour of victory. Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved family, in this, their hour of affliction, our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, and rt^commend them to the guiding hand and protecting power of Him whom it has pleased in His infinite mercy and wisdom, to remove from their midst, a fond husband, a loving father, and a zealous patriot. ^ . Resolved, As a token of respect to the memory of our lamented President, Abraham Lincoln, that the charter, roll, regalia, and other property of Mt. Vernon Council, No, 44, 0. U. A. M., be draped in mournicg for the space of sixty (GO) days, and that each mf-mber of the.Council be requested to wear a suitable badge of mourning for the same period, and tliat a committee of five be appointed to carry the foregoing resolutions into effect. Frank Ayres, Geo. W. Whidden, Chas. H. Sawyer, \ Committee, Thos. H. Pickering, I Alfred Tyler. J '■I Franklin Ayres, (7. Attest, James W. Rrret>tng. R. S. 43 BADIANT STAR COUNCIL, No. 45, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, lield April 25, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, The Chief Magistrate of the nation, and twice chosen representative of the American people, Abraham Lincoln, has fallen by the hand of a wretched and fiendish assassin ; struck down in the presence of his family, and in the hour of the nation's rejoicing at the triumph over armed treason; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while Ave in common with our fellow-citizens mourn and deplore the sad calamity that has overtaken us, we feel at a loss for words to adequately express our detestation and abhorrence of a crime so enormous and unparalleled. Resolved, That .while we are amazed at the deep-dyed depravity that could prompt such an act, we well know it cannot retard the work of human progress ; but on the contrary will recoil with treble force on its perpetrators and abettors whoever or wherever they may be. Ye foes to freedom and to human rights. Go, stop the sun, reverse all nature's laws, Turn from their course the swift meandering lights ; Arrest the progress, then, of Freedom's cause. Resolved, That after years of hardship and industrious toil from his youth up, ("in * which we behold the personification of the American working man, J) and of care and anxiety in his high position, far beyond the common lot of rulers ; although he was by 44 malignaut liate, and Mind and aimless revenge, cut ofF from that repose from labor so justly his due; it is a satisfaction to know that he lived to see the virtual triumph of the Union cause, to ■o-hich he had so unwaveringly and unflinchingly adhered. Resolved, That in our lamented and honored late Chief Magistrate, we recognize those traits of public and private virtue which shall ever command our respect and veneration for his memory ; and in God we trust, that He will have us as a nation in His keeping, overrule this event for our good, and administer consolation to the stricken widow and her children. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect for the memory of the mighty dead, our flag and charter be draped in mourning for tho space of six months. Jas. N. Calelt, W. M. B. Ball, A. H. COXWAY, H. F. Johnson, E. L. Calely, Jr. _, Committee. Attest, Wm. Wood, R. S. J. W. Stout, C. 45 READING COUNCIL, No. 46, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of tlie above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, At a time when the heart of the nation was made glad, and the loyal citizens thereof were rejoicing over our victories, gained by our gallant soldiers upon the field of battle, when hope Hashed through the minds of all, of a speedy and honorable peace ; we were struck dumb with grief and indignation, when the mournful tidings were heralded throughout the land, that our beloved, noble, patriotic, and God-sent President, Abraham Lincoln, had been assassinated by an infamous and dastard traitor ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we drape our hall in mourning for the space of four years. Resolved, That we deeply and sincerely deplore and sympathize with all good and loyal citizens in the loss that has befallen the nation, of our purest and best friend ; one who has shown himself capable of guiding the Ship of State through the storms of her adversity, and bringing her in safety to a haven of peace and security. Resolved, That in our estimation, as a national man, Abraham Lincoln, stands second to no other of his day and generation, and we believe equal in worth and purity, to the fathers of our country — the immortal Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson. Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with the bereaved family, and pray that they may receive heavenly consolation. Resolved, That the above be sent to the State Council Secretary for publication, as ordered at the last meeting in Lancaster City, Dr. D. Gr. SCHOENEE, 1 Amos Huyett, > Committee. Howard Benson. j 46 RELIEF COUNCIL, No. 47, 0. IJ. A. M, At a stated meeting of the above Council, held May 17, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimouslj adopted: Whereas, The members of this Council have been stricken with profound grief and awe at the sudden death by the hand of a bloodthirsty and parricidal assassin, of AbraHxV.m Lincoln, late President of the United States, at a moment when he had attained the highest pinnacle of renown, when he had crushed the unholy rebellion that for a time threatened to destroy this great and glorious Republic, and had proved to the world the practicability and stability of democratic institutions and popular sovereignty under the most severe trials, when, with charity in his heart towards all, he was earnestly inculcating lessons of mercy and magnanimity on the part of the victorious people towards their vanquished brethren ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That the members of this Council view the assassination of the President, with feelings of mingled horror and detestation as a deed without a parallel on the page of history, as a crime against hunianity and liberty, and shrouding the name of the perpetrator like that of Cain with eternal infamy. Resolved, That while we deplore this terrible event as a national calamitj*, we are not unmindful of the atHiction of the bereaved family of the martyr President, and otler them our most respectful sympathy. Resolved, That while we feel the full force of the blow that has fallen on the nation, we have unswerving faith that the same Divine Power which blessed the birth of this great republic, and which has guided it through paths of peril and carnage to its latest triumph, will conduct it through its present gloom to the enjoyment in the future of unclouded glory, greatness and prosperity. Resolved, That the charter of the Council be draped in mourning for the space of thirty days. Chas. Baker, "i Chas. Banes, J Committee. A. H. Perkinpine. ) V. Reese, C, Attest, Chas. W. Schaefer, R. S. 47 FREDONIA COUNCIL, No. 52, 0. U. A. M. At a meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, We have heard with deep sorrow that Abraham Lincoln, who has filled the position of Chief Magistrate of our nation for the past four years, has been stricken down by the hand of a midnight assassin, and that by his death we are deprived of the services of a noble man, who, by his honesty of purpose and goodness of heart has won the respect and esteem of all loyal persons, it becomes us as American Mechanics to mourn his loss, but while we mourn let us remember that though dead he still liveth ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while we feel our hearts stricken with profound sorrow, we rest in confident assurance that God doeth all things and will still have our beloved country in His holy keeping, and so order the issue of this great calamity that we will all see His goodness in this terrible event which he has suffered to befall our nation. Resolved, That we recognize in this atrocious deed the vile spirit of the rebellion, and heartily express our hopes that the Government will see that the full measures of a righteous retribution be meted out to the. instigators and accomplices of this deed of blood. Resolved, That in Abraham Lincoln we recognize a true patriot, and while memory lasts we will revere him as a second Washington, and justly entitled to be placed side by side with the Father of our Country. 48 Resolved, That we do gympathize with the family of our deceased President in their affliction, prayerfully commending them to God who has promised to be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow. Resolved, That we do pray to Almighty God to protect and direct his successor, A^dkew Joh^sox, in the discharge of the arduous duties devolving upon him, and to give wisdom to his advisors in this dark hour of our nation's trouble, and that this cursed rebellion may soon be blotted from existence, and that peace and prosperity may once again crown our beloved country. Isaiah Ahx, JoHx Server, \ Committee. E. T. Miller, Attest, Geo. W. Smith, Rec. Sec. 49 SCHUYLKILL COUNCIL, No. 56, 0. U. A. M. At a meeting of the above Couucil, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, While rejoicing in the pleasing hopes of peace afforded by the successes of the national armies, the American Mechanics, in common with their fellow-countrymen, have been appalled by the great calamity, which, in the death of the Chief Magistrate has overtaken them, that the ruler of a nation who derived his high office from inheritance or by appointment, and who had used his great trust for the maintenance of the Union, should be assassinated by some victim of his power, has not in the history of human aflfairs been of rare occurrence ; but it has been reserved for this age, so proud of its refinement and its civilization, to furnish the only instance of the murder of an executive chosen by the suffrages of a free people, and uniting as did the late President, a meekness of disposition and loveliness of temper that won the affections of all with whom he had to do ; the audacity of such a crime is without a parallel, as if it were possible to augment the wickedness of his act, the assassin followed it by the cry of sic semper tyrannis of one who is not known to have had a personal enemy in the land, who is not charged with having inflicted a single personal wrong, whose consj)icuous, virtuous and proverbial honesty of purpose was endearing him to every heart, and whose only doubtful virtue was his leniency to his country's foes ; the country looks for any wrong inflicted on the murderer by his victim, but looks in vain ; moved by this visitation of Providence, the members of Schuylkill Council, No. 56, of United American Mechanics, of Philadelphia, in making thiji public expression of the grief which 50 pervades all hearts, recommeud to their fellow-mechanics, a renewed devotion of themselves and their all, to the safety and perpetuity of their beloved country, a hearty and generous support to Andrew JoHNSOx, whom it has pleased God to call to administer the affairs of the nation, a recollection that the life of its most eminent citizens is not an absolute necessity to the great Republic, which cannot, but by annihilation, die ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, By Schuylkill Council of Philadelphia, that we bow in submission to the dispensations of an all-wise Creator, that the feeble efforts of human wisdom are valueless to fathom the great designs of God, that faith in His Providence sustains and encourages us to hope and firmly believe that his eye is watching, and his hand guiding the destinies of our beloved country. Resolved, That, though Abraham Lincoln is dead, the principles of which he was the honored exponent, still survive him, and that his death will serve to cement us in a more determined and united effort to subdue the rebellion that has cost us so many valuable lives, and the expenditure of so much treasure, culminating in the heinous murder of so pure a man, and so excellent a Chief Magistrate. Resolved, That the charter and flag be draped in mourning for the period of 60 days, and the members wear a badge of mourning on their left arm for a period of one month. Robert M. Evans, "] Thos. F. B. Tapper, ] Robert A. Torrence, \ Committee. Samuel A. Heins, George W. Jenkins. John W. Bakcus, C. Attest, George W. Heiks,* R. S, 51 MAY FLOWER COUNCIL, No. 59, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held April 27, ISGS, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, The dastardly and traitorous assassination of our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, at an hour when the nation was rejoicing over successive victories, the prospect of an earlj peace, and the hope of a glorious future for this Union, has stirred the heart of every loyal man of the nation with unutterable anguish ; and, whereas, it becomes all loyal citizens to express their utter abhori'ence of a deed so fiendish, so malignant, committed upon our illustrious President, whose purity of life, whose integrity of principle, and singleness of purpose, with a heart overflowing with mercy and the milk of human kindness, had won for him the affection of every loyal citizen as well as the most profound admiration, even of his enemies ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we deeply deplore the loss of a great and good father, whose purity and singleness has secured a place in the hearts of his countrymen equal to that held by the Father of his Country ; that to his bereaved family and relations we tender our sincere sympathy. Resolved, That while we mourn the loss of the departed, slain in cold blood by the damning hand of an assassin, treason's tool, we take this opportunity to express our ' condemnation of any policy of conciliation towards the men who have also assassinated our brave soldiers by acts of barbarism unparalleled in the history of the world, and who have consummated their crowning act of villainy, by securing at the hands of that cowardly hireling, John Wilkes Booth, the assassination of our noble President, Abraham Lii^coln. Resolved, That in respect to the memory of our deceased President, Abraham Lixcoln, the hall, banner, flags, and other property of the Council be draped in mourning for the space of ninety days. Geo. W. Houck, "J J. Henry Miller, > Committee. J. YOEDY. S 52 CARBON COUNTY COUNCIL, No. 65, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the ahove Council, held April 25, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God for four years past to allow our beloved country to be drenched with patriotic blood and filled with mourning widows and weeping children, the result of a deep laid conspiracy and wide-spread rebellion against the authority of the land and the union of the States ; and, whereas, to all this costly offering, so freely and generously laid upon the altar of liberty, the nations honored head and leader has been added in sacrifice at the instance of treason ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we, with all other loyal citizens, justly appreciating the valuable services of our honored and revered Chief Magistrate, do deeply deplore his death at the hand of the assassin. Resoloed, That while we will ever bear in grateful remembrance his wisdom in Council, his faithfulness in labor, his sympathy with the suffering, his forgiveness under injuries, we must ever adore the goodness and grace of our covenant God and Saviour, who raised him to the country in its darkest hour and in its greatest need. Resolved, That our Council, in connection with other Councils throughout the Union, having entered heartily into co-operation with the Government, not only in fighting its battles, but also in upholding the supremacy of the laws of the Republic, have ever had occasion to rejoice while listening to our sick and wounded soldier's expressions of admiration of our late beloved Chief Magistrate. Resolved, That the widow and orphan children of our departed President have our warmest sympathy, and most earnest prayers for the blessing of God to rest upon them ; that as they retire from the cares and bustle incident to a life in the Capitol of a great nation, to find once more a resting place in their Western home, the compassionate Saviour would accompany them through the journey, and convince their stricken hearts that He can prove more than a husband or a father. Resolved, That our confidence in the stability of the Government is unshaken ; that in the removal of the pilot from the helm, the Ship of State is not turned aside from her onward course, provision having been wisely made for such a contingency. Resolved, That in Andrew Johnson, now President of the United States, we discover a tried friend of the Union, an uncompromising foe of disloyalty and treason, and that to him shall be transferred our confidence, and our prayers. Resolved, That in Abraham Lincoln, we have lost one of God's noblest works, "an honest man." J F, H. MoSER, Simon Smith, ^ Committee. Jacob Sandel. Alvin Strauss, C. Attest, Jacob Sandel, R, S. 54 METAMORA COUNCIL, No. 66, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, In the Providence of an all-wise God, Abraham LixcoLN, the President of the United States, has been assassinated; we, the United Order of American Mechanics, unite with all lojal citizens to mourn the death of so good a man, so pure a patriot, so firm and efficient a Chief Magistrate ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That Metamox*a Council chamber be draped in mourning for six months, as a token of deep sorrow for the national loss, and our regard for the many virtues and abilities of our deceased President. Resolved, That the deep laid plot to assassinate the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and the Commander-in-Chief of our armies, has no parallel in the history of this country or in the world. Resolved, That the American Order sincerely approves all of the acts of our lamented President, and the one that will be remembered most by their children or unborn generations to come, is when he took his pen with one magic, mighty stroke, and signed the great Emancipation Proclamation. Resolved, That though the greatest, wisest, and best of men may fall in our country's cause, our confidence shall be placed in Divine Providence who has placed Ar^DREw Johnson at the head of this great American nation ; we will rally around him and give his Administration of the Government the same generous support i^ bringing traitors, assassins, and treason before the great tribunals of our land, and punishing them to the full extent of their crimes. Resolved, We, therefore, implore Almighty God to protect our President and all of our public officers; grant them wisdom and courage to administer the laws of the land for the well being of all citizens living under our national flag. Pliny Porter, "k D. C. ScHNADER, V Committee. H. E. Hein. J Hewhy G. Mdhl, C, Attest, Pliky Porter, R. S. 55 MINNEHAHA COUNCIL, No. 69, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, It is fitting amid the general outburst of sorrow and lamentation heard on every side, that this Council should freely express, in common with every truly loyal and patriotic organization throughout the land, its sense of the great loss the nation has sustained, in the death of its honored and revered Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincolx, foully assassinated by a dastardly wretch while successfully endeavoring to re-unite these glorious States, riven assunder by the ungrateful hands of Southern traitors; and, whereas, by his death we are deprived of the services of a just and noble patriot, who, by his honesty, firmness, and patriotism, has won the esteem of all true friends of the Union ; we hereby express our sorrow for his death, and sympathize with his bereaved family for their irreparable loss ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, With the noble deeds of our late Chief Magistrate, the friend of liberty and humanity still fresh in our memories, and while we bow in humble submission to the will of the Almighty in this sorrowful dispensation, we are thankful that he has blessed us with the re-union of the States, and pray for strength to sustain them in their unity. Besolved, That though the voice of Abraham Lincoln shall never more be raised in this country's cause, yet his spirit will ever be with us to counsel and encourage us to lead the nation in whose cause he fell a sacrifice lio soon. 56 Resolved, That treason is a curse to any nation and sliould be punished with severity, and although they may escape from all earthly punishment, they will receive just retribution of God. Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his cherished memory, the hall of the Council be appropriately draped in mourning for ninety days. Resolved, That in his Excellency, Andrew Johxson, we recognize one whose record proves him worthy to be the successor of the illustrious patriot for whom the nation mourns, and we, without any hesitation, pledge him our hearty support, believing that to firm, strong hands the people may safely commit the duty of meting out the justice which is due to the enemies of their country. F. J. Adams, Edward Gr. Ebling, Henry K. Gittelman, Amos H. Feger, Damel Settley. Committee. A. H. Feger. C., Pro tem, ■s Lebbeus Homan, R. S. 57 EXCELSIOR COUNCIL, No. 70, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, In the fell blow which has stricken our nation, in the death of our late beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, by the violent hand of an assassin, it becomes us, as a body, recognizing and adhering to the doctrine of universal freedom, as Americans should, to express our heartfelt sorrow at the sudden demise of our Chief Magistrate, who, as the author of a State paper, which places him at the head of Philanthropists, will be hailed a brother by the Christian and civilized world, as well as those who desire the advancement of the American Mechanics ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That this Council, in common with their fellow-citizens of every creed and complexion, do sincerely mourn the loss of Abraham Lincoln, the patriot, statesman, and humanitarian, whose broad and expansive views of human freedom, fearlessly carried into successful operation drew upon him the enmity of those whose hireling tool robbed him of life. Resolved, That the sacrifice of Abraham Lincoln will but be incentive to all loyal Americans to so firmly adhere to his principles and doctrines, that in the coming time, when war has ceased its dread alarms, and peace again hovers over the land, a united people and a pure Government may be ours, an example to all time of a model Republic, and a Christian people. Resolved, That the charter of this Council be draped in mourning for the space of six months. Joseph H. Lambert, G. Attest, Thos. C. Robbins, R. S. . 58 HAMBURG COUNCIL, No. 74, 0. U. A. M, At a meeting of the above Council, held May 13, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, At a time when all hearts were jubilant, from the fact that the Constitution and laws had been triumphantly maintained, and the glorious prospect of establishing peace and concord throughout the length and breadth of our whole country, obtained through the blessing of Almighty God, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and the only potentate we acknowledge to ruje over us as a nation ; and, whereas, all hearts were made sad by hearing that Abraham Lincoln had fallen by the hands of an assassin ; he upon whom the nation has relied through all the dark hours of the rebellion, the exalted patriot, the wise, vigilant, and incorruptible statesman has been stricken down, causing us to bow with sorrow in our hearts, and a nation mourns for her noble son, her second Washington is no more ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we as a Council of brethren express our veneration of the deceased, and acknowledge the debt of gratitude we, in common with our fellow-citizens, owe him, while we deeply sympathize with his afflicted family, with his associate rulers, and tile defenders of our country. Resolved, That we, as a brotherhood, unite in bowing before Almighty God, and humbly confess and repent of the sins which has brought this great calamity upon us; and we implore Him to look in mercy upon us and our nation, and bring us out of our troubles; that He will give strength and wisdom to him who is now our executive officer, and all who are in authority; that he will speedily restore to our nation the blessings of peace and unity, sustained by his all-mighty arm, and that He will restrain the wrath of man, and cause the remainder thereof to praise Him. 59 Resolved, That in oar Leloved President, Abraham Lincoln, we recognize a noble ruler, whose heart was so capacious as to embrace the wliole human family, who extended his sympathy to all, and through a desperate and cruel war, bore aloft the glorious Stars and Stripes, trusting in God that they should again float over a united people, unsullied, and resplendent with victory. Resolved, That having penned the Emancipation Proclamation, by which was broken the chains of millions of the human race, from the heights of victory he was permitted to behold the land of promise, with its beauty and happiness, and the glorious destiny reserved for us as a nation. Resolved, That we cannot refrain from expressing our heartfelt and unceasing thanks to God, who hath given us the victory, through just and good rulers, brave and experienced soldiers, in preserving us from anarchy and foreign wars ; in giving confidence and conviction of right and our duty, enabling us to make so large a sacrifice of treasure and blood for the pi-eservation of our national life, and by graciously ordering every thing, even our defeats and humiliations, that the glory might be given to Him alone. Resolved, That we pray the peace of God may reign in the hearts of the family of the deceased, that the Lord will bless the widow as she bows under a stroke Cwithout his strength^ too great to bear, and that he will embrace her in his arms of love, that he will bless the children, endow them with wisdom, prepare them for usefulness here, and a blessed rest hereafter, that they may appreciate the virtues and example of their parent, and follow in his footsteps. Resolved, That we venerate our heroes, both civic and military, who have fallen in this struggle, and given their blood to maintain our Government ; we will remember their great sacrifice, and honor their memories, and a grateful country will provide for their widows and orphans. P. C. Bauji, ^ Daniel Saul, > Committee. Wjm. D. SnoMO, ) Wm. D. SnoMO, 0. Attest, P. C. Baum, R. S. 60 JEFFERSON COUNCIL, NO. 75, 0. U. A. M. At a regular meeting of the above Council, held June, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Almighty God in his wisdom has seen fit to remove from us our dearly beloved President, who, by his purity of heart and his lofty patriotism, has secured a place in the hearts of his countrymen equal to the Father of his country ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while we sincerely lament this fearful deed, a deed unknown in the history of this country, a deed without a name, that in an unexpected moment, struck down our venerated President, Abraham Lincoln, and that has thrown gloom ^d sorrow over every loyal heart, and while we sympathize with our fellow-citizens, in the severe loss this country has sustained by his death, we bow submissively to the inscrutable wisdom of the Almighty, knowing that his dispensations are righteous and kind, even though they seem to be severe. Resolved, That we sympathize deeply with the family in the irreparable loss they have sustained. Resolved, That treason, armed or unarmed. North or South, whereever it may be, should be punished, and righteous retribution visited thereon, in vindication of the dignity, power, and justice of the country. John R. Lear, ^ John S. Stem, \ Committee. Samuel F. Welden, ) Joseph L. Wismek, C. Attest, John R. Lear, R. S. 61 SPRINGVILLE COUNCIL, No. 76, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held April 22, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty to remove from this life, by the hands of an assassin, our Chief Magistrate, Abbaham Lincoln, we deem it proper to place on record our estimate of the services and character of the illustrious deceased ; and, whereas, we are called upon in common with all true Americans and patriots to express our profound sorrow and regret on the occasion of this great national calamity ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while we humbly bow to the will of Almighty God, who, in His Providence worketh all things for good, yet we deeply mourn the loss of him, who, by his simplicity of manner and kind disposition, has endeared himself to every true American and patriot, and who after he had piloted the Ship of State through four long years of carnage and strife, and when about to enter the haven of peace, was suddenly and violently stricken down without the privilege of enjoying the fruits of his enduring patience and fidelity to the truest interests of human liberty. Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be forwarded to the Secretary of State Council, to be used by the State Council as they see proper. David Gr. Wells, ^ Wm. H. Coulston, > Committee. Daniel M. Scypes. ) Fkancis Latbchak, (J. Attest, Wm. H. Coulston, R. S. 62 SINKING SPRING COUNCIL, No. 77, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held May 30, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, In the mysterious providence of God, the late Chief Magistrate of the United States has fallen by the hand of an assassin ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That whilst we humbly acknowledge that, as a nation, we have deserved the chastisement of the Almighty, yet we deeply deplore the calamity that has taken Abraham Lincoln from the head of this nation, thus removing from us a good, great, honest, conscientious, righteous, and intelligent man, whose earnest patriotism and sincere devotion to the land he loved so well, has won for him the affection and esteem of every true citizen, and has compelled the respect, and in some instances, the unwilling homage of every nation on earth. Resolved, That we are proud to say that Sinking Spring Council, No. 77, 0. of U. A. M., of Pa., has never had within its ranks one disloyal member, or one who was not willing to lend heart and hand and influence to the support of the Grovernment, and that henceforth and forever we will not receive or tolerate among us any one who shall, in any way, by word or deed, evince a want of patriotism, or any unwillingness to give his unqualified support to the Administration of rightful authority in this land. Resolved, That the noble example of our late President shall incite us to emulate liis virtue, to love our country more, to be more determined advocates of right and truth, and to purge from the various offices of trust and profit under our National or State authorities, every man who is not pure, truthful, and competent. 63 Resolved, That althoiigli tlie career of Abkaham Lincoln has been brought to a sudden close, yet we regard his work fully done; his sun has set in glory, and the golden rays of his bright example shall long continue to irradiate the hill tops and valleys of our entire land. Resolved, That we will give our unqualified support to the present Administrative, Andeew Johnson, as the exponent of the principles of liberty and equality we have ever advocated, and that we will transfer to him the allegiance we gave to his illustrious predecessor, and which is due to the Chief Magistrate of this great nation. Resolved, That the charter be draped in mourning for the space of one year, in memory of the deceased. C. N. Hoffman, M. D., ^ John Gruig, v Committee. Nicholas Yocum, S 64 ARAMINGO COUNCIL, No. 78, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held April, 24, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were Tinanimouslj adopted: Whereas, The great God in His unerring wisdom, has permitted the Chief Magistrate of the nation to be stricken down in death by the hand of an assassin, whilst we submit without a murmur against the decree of an all-wise Providence, we are moved by the character of the man to give expression to the love we felt for him whilst living, and the veneration we entertain for his memory, now dead ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That by the death of Abraham Lincoln, the country has lost a wise ruler and pure patriot, a man honest, kind and true, and in whose life and cTiaracter were combined those qualities of head and heart, in such eminent degree as to mark him as the best type among the representative Americans of the present age. Resolved, That the charter and regalia of the Council be shrouded in mourning for six months, and that the foregoing preamble and resolutions be entered upon our journal as part of the proceedings. Walter S. Hartley, James Gill, \ Committee. Samuel Bower. Attest, Samuel Bower, S, 65 ASHLAND COUNCIL, No. bl, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held May 4, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, It is fitting, amid the general outburst of sorrow and lamentation heard on every, side, that this Council should express, in common with every other truly loyal organization throughout the land, its deep sense of the irreparable loss our country has sustained ; Therefore, be it-<^ Resolved, That while we bow to the mandates of Almighty God, who, in his infinite wisdom, has seen fit to remove from our midst our beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, the Chief Magistrate of the United States, who, after piloting our country through four years of suffering and trials, was aboat to reap his reward in the prospect of a speedy and lasting peace ; when, by the hands of a cowardly and bloody assassin, he was stricken down, and thus passed from time into eternity. Resolved, That we deplore the event that has removed him from us, and from the head of the nation, as a calamity as great in its consequences as it is unprecedented in its character ; a country rescued from the hands of traitors who had confederated together for its overthrow; we may well mourn his loss, his goodness of heart and firmness of character, conjoined with his great abilities, renders his loss one that fills our hearts with sadness and veils the future with clouds and darkness. 66 BesolveiJ, Thit we horeb}^ pledge to his successor in office, Andrew Johnson, the new Chief Magistrate of the nation, our full support and co-operation in bringing to a speedy conclusion this unnatural war, and we express the belief that nothing short of stern and unrelenting justice should be meted out to the leaders of this rebellion ; and we moreover pledge to him and his Administration all the support that loyalty and patriotism can bestow, in order that our country may speedily and safely be brought through the trials that may await her. Resolved^ That with the lifeless remains of this noblest martyr to liberty and humanity still fresh in our view, we solemnly declare it to be our belief that treason having defied the laws of God and man, until mercy and clemency #ias ceased to be a virtue, henceforward every one of our country should call for justice. Resolved, That though the voice of Abraham Lincoln shall never more be raised in his country's defence, yet his spirit will be with us to counsel and encourage, guide and protect, leading the nation in whose cause he fell a sacrifice so soon, to pass the furnace blast, purged of its base alloy ; advancing step by step to that proud position and destiny which the prophetic eyes of our martyred father so plainly foreshadowed, and so ardently longed for. Re whereas, it is eminently becoming, not only to pay a tribute due to the memory of our lamented Chief Magistrate, but also, to express our utter abhorrence and detestation of this dastardly crime ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we have no words capable of expressing the grief, the horror, and the indignation, that filled our hearts when we heard of the assassination of our beloved President ; and that even now, we cannot fully realize the calamity that has befallen our country, but feel assured that many years must elapse, before the American Mechanics will cease to mourn the loss of Abkauam Lincoln. Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family, commending them to seek consolation at the Throne of Grace, whereat all may find the healing balm, in every time of trouble. 08 liesolved, That as a mark of vesppct to his cherished memory, we wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That we pledge our hearty support to our present Chief Magistrate, Andrew Johnsox, in all his efforts to promote the welfare of our common country. Jno. R. Hoffmaster, A. Frees, ^ Committee. Wm. Keller, ■1 George Feather, C. Attest, Chas. B. Wells, R. S. 69 ENCOURAGEMENT COUNCIL, No. 89, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held on Monday Evening, May 22, 18G5, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, In the untimely death of the late Chief Magistrate of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, we have been deprived of a pure patriot, an able statesman, and the noblest work of God, an honest man ; and, whereas, under the blessings of Providence, we recognize in Abraham Lincoln, the redeemer of his country, in the hour of its extremest need ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That the murder of Abraham Lincoln has placed on the roll of the noble army of martyrs to freedom, a name, than which, none is more honored, a firm patriot, a wise counselor, a just ruler, a kind judge, "an honest man, the noblest work of God. " Resolved, That, while we bow to the mandate of Almighty God, who doeth all things well, yet we deeply mourn the loss of him, who by his simplicity of manner, and loving kindness, had endeared himself to every true American heart ; and who, after he had guided the Ship of State through four long years of terrible storm, and when about to enter the haven of peace, was suddenly stricken down, before he could enjoy the fruits of his enduring patience, and lasting fidelity to the truest interests of human liberty. A. C. Sellers, ) Isaac V/alp, > Committee. F. J. Haus, y John F. V/alp, G. Attest, Isaac Walp, R. S. 70 ANGELICA COUNCIL, No. 91, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held May 24, 18C5, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Our Chief Magistrate, Abraham Likcolx, was basely- murdered by a cowardly assassin; and, whereas, it becomes all loyal citizens to express their utter abhorrence of a deed so fiendish, and so malignant, committed upon our illustrious President, and at an hour when the nation was rejoicing over succesive victories, and the prospect of an early peace; Therefore, be it. Resolved, That while we, the members of Angelica Council, No. 91, 0. U. A. M., in common with others, sincerely lament this fearful deed, a deed unknown in the history of this country, a deed without a name, which in an unexpected moment, struck down our President, Abraham Lincoln, and which has thrown gloom and sadness over every loyal heart. While we sympathize ;vith our fellow-citizens, in the loss this country has sustained by his death, we bow submissively to the will and wisdom of that Divine Power, knowing that His decrees are righteous and kind. Resolved, That in respect to the memory of our deceased President, our charter shall be draped in mourning, until the fourth day ot July, 1865. Wa. Knauer, "^ A. E. Weitzel, > Committee. Reuben T. Gring. ) \ 71 UNION COUNCIL, No. 102, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, It pleased God on the eve of our national triumph, to permit Abraham Lincoln to be assassinated at the commencement of his second Presidential term ; and, whereas, it is proper that all American organizations should express the deep sympathy and sorrow which pervades the land ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That the members of Union Council, No. 102, of the Order of United American Mechanics, deeply deplore the loss of our honored President, Abraham Lincoln, and sincerely condole with his weeping widow, orphaned children, and bereaved countrymen. Resolved, That as patriots loving our country, and desiring the promotion of the greatest good for the greatest number, we feel that the loss of that great and good man is irreparable, but trust that his martyred blood may prove to be the seed of a mighty power in the land, which shall make liberty and union, one and inseparable, now and forever. Jos. H. NUNGESSER, ^ JosiAH BoLTEN, > Committee. Isaac Markley. S Wm. Custer, (7. Attest, Andrew B. Yerger, R. S. 72 LYKENSTOWN COUNCIL, No. 112, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held April 25, 1S65, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, The traitorous assassination of our beloved President, Abraha3i Lixcolx, at an hour wheu the nation was jubilant over successive victories, the prospect of an early and lasting peace, and the bright hope of a great and glorious future for our country, has filled the hearts of all true and loyal men with horror at the depravity of man, as shown forth in the character of the assassin, and grief at the only too successful issue of the heU-born plots of a traitorous clique ; and, whereas, it becomes us as loyal citizens whether individually or collectively, to express abhorrence at a deed, so dark and so malignant ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That while, we sincerely lament this fearful atrocity, a deed unknown in the past history of our beloved country, that in an unexpected moment, while surrounded by friehds, and all seemed propitious for a glorious and long future of peace and prosperity, struck down our venerated Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lixcolx, and has thrown gloom and sadness broadcast over the land : and while we sympathize with his bereaved family, and our fellow sufferers in this our country's loss, we bow in humble submission to the wisdom of Him who doeth all things well, though his dispensations seem to us severe. Resolved, That we place the foregoing preamble and resolutions on the records of this Council, and that we forward a copy to the State Council of Pennsylvania, for publication, a copy of the same to be sent to the bereaved family of our late President; and that the charter of this Council be draped in mourning for one year. Daxiel Miller, "1 Jahes L. Yoder > Committee. JoxAS Garmox. j 73 NEVERSINK COUNCIL, No. 127, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Council, held June 12, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted : Whereas, The Chief Magistrate of the United States has been stricken down by the hands of a cowardly and infamous assassin, in the hour of the nation's triumph and national goodwill ; at a moment when he had attained the highest pinnacle of renown, when he had crushed the unholy rebellion, that for a time threatened to destroy this great and glorious Republic ; at a time when peace seemed about to crown his work with success, after years of anxious effort, toil, and labor ; Therefore, be it— Resolved, That the nation, by the death of our late President, Abraham Lincoln, has lost a noble patriot, a wise statesman, a friend of humanity, a glorious leader, and a true citizen, whose loss we most deeply mourn. Resolved, That the great principle of the unity of the Republic, which has been defended and maintained by the offering of so much suffering and blood, is rendered forever sacred by this sacrifice of the chosen head of the nation, at the moment of its permanent triumph. Resolved, 'Hiat we feel the full force of the blow that has fallen on the nation, and have unswerving faith that the same Divine Power which blessed the birth of this great Republic, and has guided it through paths of peril and carnage to its latest triumph, will conduct it through its present gloom, to the enjoyment, in the future, of unclouded glory and greatness 74 Resolved, Tliat as a leader in a revolution, (which he had not made, J he adhered as closely to the law, as that revolution permitted. In disaster, he was undismayed ; in success, sober : in the presence of provocation, moderate ; and in the hour of victory, merciful. Resolved, That we have the fullest confidence in the character and ability of our new President, and pledge ourselves to support him to the full extent of our power and influence so that the guilty may be brought to justice, with all the majesty and severity of the law. Resolved, That we tender to the family of the deceased, our heartfelt sympathy in their deep affliction. Resolved, That in commemoration of the deceased, our flag be draped in mourning for the space of six months. John H. Sell, 1 Jno. M. Schonour, > Committee. Charles -P. Moyer. ^ C. B. Fisher, G. Attest, J. T. Stam, R, S. 75 QUAKERTOWN COUNCIL, No. 149, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Our late President, Abraham Lincoln, has fallen beneath the blow of a cowardly assassin, stricken down at a period when his magnanimity and exalted statesmanship had raised the country from the depression caused by four years of bloody war, to a period when the smiling path of peace and plenty was clearly brought to view. He has fallen, and the tears of millions of free born Americans water his grave ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That in the death of Abraham Lincoln, the country has lost a great and good man, one prompted by the purest and best motives, ever solicitous for the best interests of the whole American people, and whose life has been enlisted in the cause of liberty and union. Resolved, That while words but feebly express our deep sorrow, we tender to the American nation, and his grief stricken family, our sympathy in this their hour of great bereavement, and we pray Almighty Glod to avert further calamity from this nation, and to sustain and comfort the sorrowing widow and fatherless children. P. L. Benner, 1 • C. S. Wolff, V Committee. John Wolff. } Enos p. Neese, G, Attest, Milton G. Reitek, R. S. 76 NORTHERN LIBERTIES DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 1, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held May 12, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, The Almighty Ruler, in His inscrutable wisdom, has permitted our nation to be afflicted by the death of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, who was foully mui'dered by the bullet of the stealthy assassin at his back, in a moment of unsuspecting leisure and relaxation from his protracted duties, under circumstances of peculiar and aggravated atrocity ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we feel it a duty, as Americans and as men, to express and put upon record our abhorrence of the deed, so new and unimagined in our history, and so foul a blot upon the age and human nature. Resolved, That in the death of President LI^xoLx, the nation mourns a patriotic leader, a wise counsellor, and a kind hearted friend and father, whose many virtues, public and private, had commanded the esteem and confidence of his fellow men in a degree rarely equalled : the friend of mankind, he fell, a martyr to his honest and enlightened convictions of right. Resolved, That though never mortal had so many and such sincere mourners, we are consoled by the knowledge that he died in the hour of victory: a kind Providence had permitted him to witness the triumph of the wondrous old Flag he revered, and the Union he loved. 77 Resolved, That an injury aimed at the President is a deadly blow struck at the majority of the people, making it the personal duty of every one to do whatsoever he can to hunt down the miscreants and bring them to justice, as far as human justice is commensurate with such a crime. Resolved, That we view the act of his assassination, coui3led with the murderous attempt upon the life of the Hon. Secretary of State, William H. Sewakd, in his own house and sick room, and the undoubted design to include the Vice President and other high officers of the government in a general massacre, as part and parcel of the accursed rebellion, now happily suppressed; and giving the finishing seal of infamy to it through all time. Resolved, That we tender our condolence and sympathy to the afflicted widow and her children : we claim them as the wards of the people, and may God afford them that consolation which none other can. Resolved, That we tender our sympathy to tne ffon. William H. Sewaed, our great statesman, in his personal and family afiliction. Resolved, That we have full confidence in the ability aud patriotism oi President Johnson, and regard him as a man, tried and true, who had the esteem and confidence of his great and lamented predecessor. Resolved, That the charter frame be draped in mourning for the space of six nionthe. James N. Calely, "I Wm. F EASTER, I Wm. Young, > Committee. Chas. S. Obekteuffek, | Thos. C. Robcins. J Attest, Wm. M. Weckerly, R. S. 78 UNITED STATES DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 3, 0, U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held this Friday Evening, April 28, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were read and unanimously adopted ; Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in his all-wise Providence, to summon hence, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, and while we bow with reverence and humility to this manifestation of the will of Almighty Grod, we deem it our duty to join in the general expression of the sorrow all feel in the loss the nation sustains at the hands of the dastard assassin; and, whereas, the deplorable manner of his death, occurring as it did at a juncture, when victory had everywhere crowned our arms, and the fruition of his hopes so near at hand, adds to the poignancy of our grief, more especially when we remember how much of all that was accomplished was due to him alone, whom earth will see no more. During four long years, through good and evil report, he was the pilot whose steady hand controlled the helm of State ; by his sterling honesty of purpose, and genuine kindness of nature, all soon learned to respect him, an d many to love him, as one whose whole soul was aglow with the one pervading object, namely, the union of these States ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That in Abraham Lincoln, as displayed in his public as well as his private life, we recognize a noble exemplar of the principles of our afBliations. As an apostle to freedom, he sealed his devotion with his blood, and weeping millions bless his name ; to friendship he was firm and true, and held out mercy to his enemies. 79 Resolved, That we promise our cordial and hearty support to the new incumbent of the Presidential Chair, and uncompromising lojalty to the Government which still exists. Resolved, That the widow and orphan children of our lamented President have our warmest sympathy, and we would commend them to the tender care of Him, who doeth all things well, and whose ways are inscrutable. ^ 'Resolved, That the charter frame of this Degree Council be draped in mourning for the space of ninety days, in memory of the honored dead. John Marsh, ^ Sam. G. Mactagde, J Committee. James Plummer. J Jo^^athan W. Meaes, Jr., D. C, Attest, Edw. a. Phillips, R, S. 80 INDEPENDENCE DEGREE COUNCIL, Ko. 7, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: WuEREAS, By the inscrutable decree of an all-wise Providence, our beloved Chief Magistrate was removed in the midst of the nation's triumph, by the dastardly hand of an hired assassin ; and, whereas, he was stricken down by the same power which had ineffectually attempted the life of the nation ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, That we will ever hold in abhorrence and detestation, that principle which seeks to degrade labor, by making merchandize of human behigs. Resolved, That as he was sacrificed for his devotion and eflForts to promote the dignity, liberty, and equality of labor, we will ever revere his memory as the world's apostle of freedom. Resolved, That we will emulate the virtues he displayed as an .American Mechanic, that we will strive to practice his honesty of purpose, his iudustrious habits, and his zeal, and earnestness in promoting the welfare of his race. EN > Bexj. Babb/ ' r^^^^^^^^- Attest, Francis Mellex, R. S. 81 LEXINGTON DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 16, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held May 8, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, Almight}^ God in his wise Providence has permitted Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, to be slain by the hand of an assassin, at a time when the nation was rejoicing in the success that had been granted to the armies of the United States over the forces of rebellion ; Therefore, be it-^ Resolved, That this Council has heard with feelings of unutterable horror and grief of the assassination of our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, who was stricken down in the midst of a career of usefulness and honor, a sacrifice to the malignant passions of a wicked rebellion ; we have recognized in him a chosen leader, by Divine Providence, to lead the nation safely through the storms and tumult of civil war and bitter strife, and now, when we are about to reach the long wished-for haven of peace, union, and freedom, it is with anguish no words can describe that we hear that our good and noble President has been taken away by the hand of brutal violence, the martyred patriot of the Republfc. Resolved, That whilst the hero, the patriot, has thus been taken away, we will cherish his name as the emblem of all that is pure and honest in human character, of all that is godilke in man : and as the ages roll by, the name of Abraham Lincoln will stand side by side with Washington, the representative man of American institutions. Resolved, That we feel profoundly thankful to an all-wise Providence that has overruled the murderous designs of the assassin in his attempts on the life of the Hon. William H. Seward, and that this government and people will continue as heretofore to receive the benefit of his wise, prudent, and patriotic counsels. Resolved, That in the hour of national calamity and grief, we rely with confidence on the integrity, ability, and patriotism of Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, and hope and believe that he will prove a worthy successor of the immortal Abraham Lincoln. Engelsert Geiger, ) Wm. Styers, D. C. • H. E. Hein, V Committee. H. E. Hein. R. S. Jeremiah Kline. ) 82 illSING SPRING DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 19, 0. U. A. M. At a regular stated meeting of the above Degree Council, the following Preamhle and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, God in his wise but mysterious Providence has permitted a traitor and assassin to take the life of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, when in the height of his glory, when the hearts of his people were turned towards him in love, gratitude, and confidence, when to all appearance the continuance of his existence to the nation was most necessary, as he seemed to be on the eve of accomplishing his glorious work of reuniting the states for ever. Whereas, It is becoming and right that Rising Spring Degree Council, No. 19, 0. of U. A. M.. should in a public manner express their sentiments in regard to this great national calamity and to manifest, in such a manner as may be deemed proper, their sense of the loss wliich the whole country has suffered ; Therefore, be it — Resolved^ That great and apparently irreparable as has been the loss of the people of the United States by the death of our late Chief Magistrate, we bow in submission to the will of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and desire that we may be enabled ever to bear in mind that God is all -wise as well as all-merciful ; that if He has now grievously afliicted this nation. He has also greatly bles&ed it in the times of our fathers as well as in these latter days ; that it was He who raised the great and wise and good Lincoln to be our President, and that it was He also who removed him from his high and responsible position ; that it was the Lord who gave and the Lord who has taken away. George N. Peifer, \ Henry M. Heffner, > Committee, C. N. Hoffman. ) CONESTOGA DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 20, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held May 1, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, It has been permitted by an inscrutable and overruling Providence, that our lamented President should fall by the hand of an assassin, a martyr to the upholding and preservation of our ■beloved Union, and proclaiming universal liberty throughout the land ; Therefore, be it — Resolved^ That while we bow in humble submission to the Divine will of Him who judgeth all things aright, we, with every true and loyal lover of our common country, feel the mournful privilege of sorrowing for the loss of so great and good a man. Resolved, That in the death of so humane and patriotic a President, our nation is deprived of one of its brightest and purest ornaments, inasmuch as he was so eminently led and guided by the golden rule of justice and mercy to all. Resolved, That we iu unison with the sentiments of the community in which we live, do hereby tender our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family, with a trustful assurance that he has received the reward of the righteous man. Resolved, That the charter of this Council be draped in mourning for the space of ninety days, and that the above resolutions be entered upon the journal of the Council. Jacob Weitzel, "^ Wm. p. 0. Bryon, > Committee. E. E. Snyder, ) W. T. Clark, D. C. Attest, Edwin E. Snyder, R. S, 84 UNION DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 22, 0. U. A. M. At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held May 5, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas. We have learned with profound regret the dastardly and traitorous assassination of our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham LixcoLN, at an hour when the nation was rejoicing over successive victories of an early peace, and the hope of a glorious future for the Union ; and when, after four years of mild and gentle governing, he had gained the love and confidence of all true and loyal people Whereas, By his death we are deprived of the services of a great and good man, who by his clear judgment, simplicity, kindness, patriotism, honesty of purpose, goodness of heart, and statesmanship, combined with other purposes, which eminently fitted him to administer the affairs of the nation; it therefore becomes us as American citizens to express our admiration of his virtues, our deep sorrow for his death, and our sympathy with his bereaved family ; Therefore, be it — Resolved, Tliat though called from among us ere he had witnessed the full consummation of his hopes and labors, yet we rejoice to know that he was permitted to see the dawn of a new era of liberty and union for his country, after a long night of darkness, oppression, and gloom. Resolved, That with the lifeless remains of this noblest martyr to liberty and humanity still fresh to our view, we solemnly declare it to be our belief, that treason liaving defied the laws of God and man, until even the mercy and clemency shown to the traitors has ceased to be virtue, heu'ceforward,' every patriot of his country 85 should call for justice on the miscreants who, with the vilest ingratitude, have so long ignored, insulted, and defied the Union, to whose blood and treasure they owe all of prosperity they have ever attained ; and who, with the arms and means unblushingly stolen from the power to whose indulgence they were indebtad, have so often vaunted their ability to dissolve the Union, in the blood of its bravest defenders. Resolved, That we dfeem the assassination of Abraham Lincoln- the legitimate fruit of the secession sympathies of disloyal men and women in our midst, and we believe " the time has come" when all such base ingrates should be held to a strict accountability for their sentiments. Resolved, That we will ever cherish his memory with grateful and lasting remembrance ; having always regarded him as the father of the people, and the true representative of all that was noble and manly in the American character, and one of ^od's noblest works — an honest man. Resolved, That we greatly sympathize with the family of our much beloved and now deceased President, in their affliction ; prayerfully commending them to the God of all grace and comfort. Resolved, That our Council Chamber be shrouded in mourning for the space of six months, and a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be copied on our minutes. Wm. F. Eckhardt, "] Geo. Hartzell, ■ j B. GiFFORD, i Committee. Benj. F. Brown, 1 John T. Siner. J Attest Geo. Hartzell, 7?, S. 86 Extracts from the Annual Report of the State Council of Penn^a, to the National Council, for the year, ending June 30, 1865. Receipts of subordinates during the year . . . $52,708.62 Percentage received by State Council during the year . 1^777.31 Amount of money paid by subordinates for benefits and relief during the year 18,059.29 Amount of money in treasuries of subordinates, June 30, 1865 . . : 102,497.21 Receipts of Widows and Orphans Fund during the year 3,851.25 Relief paid to widows and orphans " " 1,556.40 Amount of Widows and Orphans Fund . . . 12,261,77 No. of widows of deceased Brothers .... 303 ** orphans " " .... 613 Extract from State Council Constitution, Article X. Sec. 1. All white males, born in the United States of North Ameiica, or its Territories, or under the protection of its flag, shall be eligible to membership, provided they are of good moral character and are not rendered ineligible by the Constitution or By-Laws of a subordinate Council ; but each and every Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of its own members. Sec. 2. All applications for charters must be addressed to the State Council Secretary, signed by at least ten persons, accompanied with the fee for Charter, and $1 for obligation-book to be furnished by the Secretary ; and shall be in the following form, viz. : To the C, V. C, Officers and Members of the State Council of Pennsylvania, 0. U. A. M. ■ The undersigned, inhabitants of , believing the Order of United American Mechanics to be well calculated to promote the interests of American Mechanics and Workingmen, respectfully petition the State Council of , to grant them a Charter lo open a new Council, to be called Council, No. — , of United American Mechanics of the State of ■ , to be located at , and under your jurisdiction. Enclosed is the Charter Fee, $10. ■J'he occupations and ages of the applicants, and the State in which they were born, must be placed opposite their names, and if there be any who are members of the Order, the name of the Council to which they belong must be stated. 87 Sec. 7. Upon an application of seven members of a disbanded Council, or a Council whose charter has been forfeited, with such new applicants as they may obtain, the charter of such Council may be restored by the Board of Officers or the S. C. when in session. They shall receive the property delivered to the S. C. at the time of its dissolution, and shall be required to pay any charges that may be on the books of S. C. against such disbanded Council. Extract from the Constitution of the National Council, giving the objects of the Order. Sec. 1. The objects of this Order shall be : 1st. To assist each other in obtaining employment. 2d. To encourage each other in business, 3d. To establish a sick and funeral fund. 4th. To establish a fund for the relief of Widows and Orphans of deceased members. 5th. To aid members, who, through Providence, may become incapacitated from following their usual occupation, in obtaining situations suitable to their afflictions. Sec. 2. The objects of this Order shall not be altered, unless proposed in writing at a previous Stated meeting, and a copy of the said alteration shall be transmitted to each member of this body, and if adopted, the alteration shall be submitted to the members of the Order for a vote thereon, and if approved by a majority, the alteration shall become part of this Constitution. Officers of State Council, 1864—1865. S. C— H. E. Hein, of No. 66. S. V. C— Wm. Feaster, of No. 28. ■ Jr. Ex. S. C— James N. Calely, of No. 45. S. C. Sec— Wm. M. Weckerly, of No. 36. S. C. Treas. — John Krider, of No. 44. S. C. Ind.— Walter T. Clark, of No. 8. S. C. Ex.— EdwixX E- Snyder, of No. 8. S. C. Pro.— E. P. ToMKiNS, of No. 10. Representatives to National Council. Bethuel Gifford, of No. 15. Christian Sharer, of No. 9. Wm. M. Weckerly, of No. 36. DEPUTY STATE COUNCILLORS. Philadelpliia, 1st Dist. 2.1 Dist. 3cl Dist. 4th Dist. 5th Dist. Gth Dist. 7th Dist. 8th Dist. ' 0th Dist. 10th Dist. 11th Dist. Allegheny Co. Berks Co. Bucks Co. Carbon Co. Chester Co. Cumberland. Dauphin Co. Lancaster Co. Lebanon Co. Luzerne Co. Montgomery. Korthampton. Perry Co. Schuylkill Co. 1864. J.W. Mears, Jr.,ofNo.7. John S. Hemphill, ' ' 43. W. V. Griffith, " 42. J. H. Lambert " 70. W. H. Nicholas, " 15. W. W. Shepherd, '♦ 10. G. D. Bender, " 24. Wm. Wilkey, " 40. James Yocum, " 50. Wm. Craig, " 52. Jos. Weiss, " 4. S. P. Collins, " 49. Wm. D. Shomo, " 74. Wm. H. Dengler, '' 149. Jacob Sandel, '• 65. JohnW. Quigg, " 27. Theo. Willetts, " 3. Dan'l Woodside, " 112. E. E. Snyder, " 8. Wm. C. Fauber, )9. Wm. Custer, " 102. Chas. E. Transue, " 89. Jos. W. Fleming, " 57. Jacob D. Rice, " 55. 1865. S. Steinmetz, of No. 32. Gilbert Cams, '' 14. H. H. Haynes, " 19. A. E. Eldredge, " 11. Wm. Neill, " 9. Goldson Test, " 38. John Campman " 24. re-appointed. Jno. Saunders, " 50. J. A. Sloan, «' 52. Leonard S. Hart, ' ' 4. re-appointed. D. G. Schoener, " 46. John R. Lear, ** 75. re-appointed. D. M. Scypes, " 76. re-appointed. , John Feltz, " 35. re-appointed. J. E. Dougherty, " 59. F. Lauderburn, " 95. G. W. Hallman, " 18. W.W. Cottingham, 13. Jno. A. Baker, ♦' 33. re-appointed. All information in reference to the institution of new Councils in Pennsylvania or in sister States, will be cheerfully given, if inquiry is made of Wm. M. Weckerly, S". C. Sec'y, U. A. M. Hall, N. E. cor. 4th and. George Sts., Philadelphia. \ ' K^>: ii' '".; .. ivu,'^?^:. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 012025988ft LIBRARY OF CO! 012 025 9 y LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ill 012 025 988 A