William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 2

[584] bringing the dread ordeal of war into disrepute by making it the hasty and illicit resort of all who are angry without reason and aggressive without a cause.

Resolved, That while those who have insanely kindled the flames of civil war are entitled neither to explanations nor concessions, yet to our still loyal brethren of the slaveholding States, we hereby renew our assurance of fidelity to all the compacts and compromises of the Constitution, and in confirmation of our sincerity we point to the records of this municipality, attesting its good faith and its firmness in the discharge of all its public duties, however disagreeable.

Resolved, That while for the sake of our common humanity we earnestly deprecate all needless acts of war, we would respectfully urge upon the President of the United States, and those under him in authority, a vigorous prosecution of the policy already inaugurated; and we entreat them, while making no terms with treason and holding no parley with traitors, so to conduct the public affairs as most speedily to bring the present unhappy dissensions to a wise and honorable conclusion, in such wise demonstrating to the world that ours is alike a Government of equity and of energy, with the clemency but not less with the power of a parent.

Resolved, That his honor the mayor be requested to communicate authentic copies of these resolutions to the President of the United States, and to such other persons or public corporations as may seem wise and expedient.

These resolutions were read twice, and assigned ‘for consideration on Monday next at six o'clock.’ April 19th, One hundred thousand dollars were appropriated for the good care and comfort of the soldiers who may be in Boston. April 22d, It was resolved that for any officer of the city who should enter the military service his place should be kept and his pay continued while absent in the military service. The resolves offered by Alderman Wilson were unanimously adopted, with slight verbal amendments. April 24th, Aldermen Parmenter and Spinney, and Messrs. Brown, Borrowscale, and Roberts of the common council were appointed to take charge of the distribution of military stores. The order concerning city officers who may enlist was reconsidered and referred to a special committee, with authority to consult the city solicitor ‘on the legality of said order.’ April 29th, The mayor presented a letter from William Evans, Esq., tendering to the city the use