Lincoln Square, Part I

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that Manchester was the world's leading textile manufacturer in the late 19th century and imported most (if not all) of its raw cotton from the souther United States. As such, the American Civil War had a tremendous impact on the Manchester economy and contributed to the Lancashire Cotton Famine from 1861 - 1865. There is a memorial to Abraham Lincoln in a small square not far from City Hall. What I have copied below is from a plaque on the statue and is an extract of an address "from the working people of Manchester to His Excellency Abraham Lincon, President of the United States of America."

Free Trade Hall Public Meeting 31 December 1862

"...the vast progress which you have made in the short space of twenty months fills us with hope that every stain on your freedom will shortly be removed and that the erasure of that foul blot on civilisation and Christianity-chattel slavery - during your Preseidency, will cause the name of Abraham Lincoln to be honoured and revered by posterity. We are certain that such a glorious consummation will cement Great Britain and the United States in close and enduring regards..."

Pretty cool. On another side of the monument is an extract of President Lincoln's repsponse to the people of Manchester. Stay tuned for Part II.