| Title: | Address from the Residents of Amherst Island, Canada. |
|---|---|
| ID | 3990 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | 1861-70/36(2) |
| Year | 1865 |
| Sender | Members of the Free Temperance Association |
| Sender Gender | male |
| Sender Occupation | unknown |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Amherst Island, Ontario, Canada |
| Destination | Amherst Island, Ontario, Canada |
| Recipient | Perceval, William |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | letter of thanks |
| Source | D/906/408: Presented by Mrs. R.J. Perceval, Kary Hill,Downpatrick, County Down. |
| Archive | The Public Record Office, N. Ireland |
| Doc. No. | 9809282 |
| Date | 01/01/1865 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Document added by LT, 13:10:98. |
| Word Count | 899 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Viva Voce [Speech?] To Wm [William?] Perceval Esq L President of the Temperance Association of Amherst Island Be loved and much respected Sir :- The members of the "Free Temperance Association" hail the present occasion as the most appropriate for tendering you their sincere thanks for the energy you have displayed in organizing and making this society. Though indiscriminate applauding has become such a matter of course that a perfect assurance of earnestness does not always command belief, yet in the sentiments which we here express we claim the credit of entire candour. When you our much respected President first adopted measures for forming a temperance society we hailed the matter as a new era in the annals of this; well knowing that the enterprise wanted nothing but a leader possessed of energy and a disposition favourable to the cause; though some parties entertained different opinions; but their have been superseded by others similar to those we now express, which are that we consider it the grand commencement of prosperity in this Township. The change introduced had been of a magical character, and is felt from end to end of the township and many who are not members testify to the same effect. The impression made proves that temperance is no farce, but that direction and great intentions gave characterized it from the outset to the present time; and in no instance has this impression been more felt than in the "Free Temperance Association." The Society is gradually increasing; every meeting witnesses the introduction of new members and it is our opinion as also our candid desire that it will go on increasing until very few are left outside its pale As a natural consequence one change cannot take place without another of a different tendency; so the reform brought about by the members of this society has made a permanent impression on the few legalized resorts of vice in our vicinity where the pernicious fluid is doled out to its victims [and?] adherents. These places in some reports, resemble the delapidated remains of fortresses, which had at one time been the strongholds of some powerful tyrant - and a greater tyrant than that which temperance has to combat never existed, yet he is losing ground in the contest waged against him by its invincible advocates We regret there are so few men of your disposition if they were more numerous the strongholds of intemperance would be less numerous. We congratulate ourselves on having your [plank?] among us otherwise it would not be with us as it is to night, We also congratulate you on the success that has attended your undertaking and, as we are the direct objects of this undertaking we have much reason for doing so. As virtue in many instances is its own reward we must rely on the truth of this maxim on the present occasion, as it is entirely beyond our reach to render you any just recompense for the many benefits we have received at your hand. There is another individual connected with this society by who is justly entitled in the highest degree to many thanks from us, we mean Mrs Perceval, who has taken an active part in furthering the objects you had in view in forming this society. We candidly assure you that we entertain as high opinion of her as yourself; in as much that we consider we are indebted to her for many of the female members which we number. In the event of you and Mrs Perceval being about to be separated from us for a time to visit a land dear to the memory of many here to night, you may be certain that our best wishes shall accompany you. Those who go down to the sea in Ships and do business in the mightly waters behold in an extraordinary manner the work of the creator. But may he who controls the wind and the sea be ever near to protect you, and may that comfort that moved on the face of the waters ere weak human nature existed be always present to whisper words of consolation. Having arrived at your destination may the joys and pleasures which arise from visiting the friends and associates of youth and times your be realized by you in their fullest perfection. Though changes may have come since the time you last saw those dear to your memory you must look upon them as a prelude to a better state of things and as part of the work of Him who orders and presides over all changes from the least to the greatest. Though perfect felicity is unknown in this present world yet we all look forward to one where virtue and vice shall not contend for the mastery and where trouble and sorrow may not enter. When the time arrives for you to return to the scene of your labours among us you shall be greeted by as hearty a welcome as has ever tendered to a person similarly situated. We hope that we shall be able to represent this society in as prosperous and flourishing a state as you this night behold it. But be the ultimate results of this society what they may. We assure you that nothing shall be left undone by us to further its objects. These Mr President are a few of our sentiments which we respectfully present to you for it would be a herculean task to set forth. |
