Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[136] in aid of those of our brethren who are or may be called into active service, or the families of those who fall or may be disabled in the service, and generally to do every act in behalf of the Bar that may be necessary to carry into effect the general purposes of this meeting.

Resolved, That we hold ourselves in readiness whenever requested, in behalf of any member of this Bar, who may be in service in the Army or Navy of the United States, to assume and perform for his benefit any professional business he may have in charge, and without expense to him.

Resolved, That the members of the profession in the City of New York will stand by the Union, the Constitution, and the supremacy of the laws, in every and any emergency; and to that they pledge their means and personal efforts, as well against aggression from abroad as against efforts at home; and they hold it to be their solemn duty in this emergency to cooperate with the public authorities, State and National, civil and military, in preserving peace and good order, in maintaining good government, in sustaining the Constitution and the legal authorities of the land, in protecting the homes and firesides of our people.

Resolved, That we recognize in the contest in which we are engaged no parallel in the history of the world. Aiming at no acquisition of territory, prompted by no ambition for distinction or power, and impelled by no angry passions, the people of the United States are warring for freedom only against wanton aggressions upon all the institutions which have secured that freedom to us. In such a contest, where the wisdom of the past can afford us no adequate guide, it becomes the lawyer, regardless of the obscurity which so often settles upon moral courage amid the blaze of martial renown, to be firm, true, calm, and active in every emergency, and by a generous self-sacrifice evince at once the ardor and purity of his patriotism. To such a line of conduct we dedicate ourselves, and invite our brethren throughout the State to associate and cooperate with us.

David Dudley Field moved the adoption of the resolutions.

The Hon. Charles P. Kirkland said: Before these resolutions are adopted I desire to say, six months since I lost my very dear eldest son. I have but two left, and the youngest 19 years of age. Both started yesterday for Washington in the 71st Regiment. [Loud cheers].

The resolutions were adopted amid loud cheers.

Subscription papers were at once circulated in the audience, during which the President announced the following gentlemen as the Executive Committee:

Hon. John W. Edmonds,

Hon. Joseph S. Bosworth,

Hon. Edwards Pierrepont,

Henry Nicoll,

Wm. Fullerton,

Luther R. Marsh,

Wm. Allen Butler

Hon. Wm. H. Leonard,

Hon. Henry Hilton,

Daniel Lord,

Dorman P. Eaton,

Richard O'Gorman

Alex. Hamilton, Jr.,

Gilbert Dean,

John T. C. Smidt.

The work of receiving subscriptions then commenced in good earnest — the first sums subscribed being $500, and even these were increased in the latter part of the meeting, when the effort was made to bring the aggregate up to a stated amount.

The sums subscribed made an aggregate of over $25,000.

Throughout, the proceedings were characterized by the most noble feelings of patriotism; and many pleasant episodes occurred, a few of which are as follows:

The Hon. E. P. Cowles stated that he had equipped a son in the First Regiment, but he desired to contribute in addition $100.

Mr. E. H. Owen had sent a son to the war, and he desired to subscribe $100.

The Hon. John Slosson said he had equipped his only son and sent him on to the field. The firm of Schell; Slosson, & Hutchins had contributed $500, to which he would add $100 for himself. He had also three nephews in the service.

Richard Busteed had equipped a nephew and an adopted son, who were now on their way to the scene of conflict. In addition, he subscribed $350.

E. W. Chester said he had not $500 to contribute, but his partner had gone with the 71st Regiment, leaving his wife and family to his care. That should be his contribution. [Applause.]

The Hon. J. H. McCunn, City Judge, in addition to contributing $500 to help equip his own regiment, subscribed $100 to the fund of this meeting.

Judge Pierrepont said that an Englishman desired to contribute his share, $100. He was Mr. Charles Edwards. [Applause.]

A gentleman called attention to the fact that a military company was now being organized among the members of the Bar.

Judge Edmonds said he would revive the recollection that he was once Colonel of a Regiment. [Three cheers for Col. Edmonds were called for and responded to amid loud cheers and laughter.] He would only say that he was about to organize a regiment again, and those who were willing to join in such an organization for home consumption he would like to have remain when the meeting should adjourn. [Applause.] He was 60 and odd years old, but in his ashes were glowing youthful fires. [Cheers.]

Mr. Tom Bennett said he was an Englishman; that he had been endeavoring to get his countrymen together, but had not succeeded. Hie was now ready to join any other regiment and fight. [Cheers for Bennett.]

Mr. Haynor said he had no means to contribute, but he was ready to shoulder his musket and go wherever he was required. He had a large family, but he knew they would be taken care of. [Applause.] He had an only son, and he, too, was ready to unite with a regiment, to do his duty to his country. [Cheers.]