Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1863-03-03

EXEoUrIyE MANSION,
WAsHfNarny JaNuAny 10 1876

WAsnISGToN, JANUARY 10, 1868.
To tie HOrkhgmen Of Manchester:
have the honor of acknowledging the receipt
OF the address and resolutions which you sent to
me on the eve of the new year.
When | came on the 4 Ii of March, 1861,
through free and constitutional elccti n to pre-
side in the Government of the United States, the
country was found at the verge of civil war.
Whatever might have been the cause, or whose
ever the fault, one duty, paramount to all others,
was before me, namely, to maintain and preserve
ut once the Constitution and integrity of the
Federal Republic. A conscientious purpose to
perform this duty is the key to all the measures
OF administration which have been and to all
which Will hereafter be pursued. Under our
frame OF Government, and my official oath, |
could not depart from this purpose ii | would.
II is not always in the power OF Governments to
enlarge or restrict the scope Of moral results
which follow the policies that may deem it ne
cessary, for the public safety, from time to time
to adopt
have understood well that Tie duty of self
preservation rests solely with the American peo
pie. But have at tue same time been aware
that favor or dsfayor of foreign nations might
have material influence in charging and no
longing the struggle with disloyal men in which
the country is engaged. fair examination OF
history has seemed to authorize a belief that the
past action and Influences of the United States
, were generally regarded as having been benef.
cial toward mankind. / have, therefore, reck-
oned upon the forbearance OF nations. Crcum-
stances, to some of which you kindly alude, in-
dueed me especially to expect that, it justice aud
good faith should be praciisel by the United
STATES they would encounter no hostile influence
on the part OF Great Britain. 1t is now a plea.
SAINT duty to acknowledge the demonstration you
have gwen OF your desire that n spirit of peace
and amity toward this country may prevail in
the councils Of our Queen, who is respected aud
esteemed in your own country only more than
she is by the kindred nntOa which has its home
Oil this side of the Atlantic.
know and deeply delporo the suiferings which
the wOrkingmen at Manchester, aud in all
Europe, are called to endure in this crisis 1t hu.
been often ind studiously represented that thu
attempt to overthrow this Government, which
was built upon the foundation of human rights
and to substitute for it one which should resi-
exclusively ou the basis Of human slavery, wa.
likely to obtain the favor OF Europe. Through
the action of our dislOyal citizens, the working
men OF Europe have been subjected to severe
'Tial, FOR the purpose Of forcing their sanction Ia
that attempt. Under these circumstances can
not hut regard your decisive utterauces upon the
question Us an instance of sublime Christian
herolsm which has not been surpassed in any agi
or III any country. 1t is indeed an energetic aud
reinspiring assurance of the inherent power OF
truth, and of the ultimate aud universal triumph
Of Justice, humanity aud freedom. | do not
doubt that the sentiments you have expressed
Will be sustained by your great nation; and, on
the other hand, have no hesitation in assuring
you that you will excite admiration, esteem
aud the most reciprocal feelings of friendship
among the American people,
hail this interchange Of sentiment, therefore
as an augury that, whatever else may happen
whatever misfortune may befall your country OIL