Text of Preamble and Resolution honoring Samuel M. Felton scanned from a typewritten copy in the Smithsonian Archives:

Philadelphia, No. 308 Walnut Street,
April 17th, 1865.

At a meeting of Citizens of Philadelphia and its vicinity, held on the 17th day of April, 1865, Mr. John Welsh was called to the Chair, and Thomas Kimber, Jr., appointed Secretary. The following Preamble and Resolutions were on motion unanimously adopted, and ordered to be published in the Journals of the city.

Whereas, It is now publicly announced that Mr. Samuel M. Felton, -- who, for many years has so ably presided over the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Rail Road Company, and who, during the long and painful ordeal of our Civil strife, has, in that capacity, so eminently and faithfully discharged every duty to his Country and to this community, as well as to the special interests in his care, -- has recently been obliged to retire from that important position, and to withdraw from all public duties:-

And Whereas, It is well understood that rapidly failing health, the result of too great a pressure of anxiety and care imposed upon him during the late public emergency, is the cause of his retirement; - and it is not deemed fitting that so prominent and useful a citizen should, under such circumstances, pass unnoticed and unhonored into the shades of private life:-

And Whereas, It is a matter of official record, authenticated beyond a question, and attested by many, now participating in these proceedings, that to Mr. Felton, more than to any other man, is due the credit of successfully opening the Annapolis Route to Washington in April, 1861; a measure which contributed so essentially to the preservation of our National Capital, after the destruction of the southern portion of his Road by the Baltimore Secessionists:

And Whereas, It was, as we have the strongest reason to believe, mainly owing to the vigilance, energy and skill of Mr. Felton that the plot to assassinate President Lincoln, on his way to the National Capital, in February, 1861, was discovered and frustrated:- a crime, the blackest in our annals, which has at length been unhappily consummated, and has filled the land with mourning:-

And Whereas, - We cherish in grateful remembrance the unswerving fidelity and untiring and watchful zeal, with which, not only in these important instances, but through all the earlier stages of the present great Rebellion, Mr. Felton guarded the honor and interests of his Country, holding all other interests subservient to these; as was shown in his memorable and courageous response to those deluded men, who threatened the utter destruction of the property in his charge, if he continued to transport the National troops - and which we wish here to record:-

"The time has come" said he, on the 17th of April, 1861, "when there must be only two classes recognized in this country, Union Men and Disunion men. For myself I do not hesitate to decide upon my duty in this trying hour; it is to stand by the Government and abide the consequences. I shall therefore endeavor to do, to the best, of my ability, what is required of me. If our Road is disabled, the responsibility must rest upon the wicked persons, who do the deed, and a terrible retribution certainly will await them."

And Whereas - while thus devoting his utmost energies to the service of his Country, it is well known that Mr. Felton determined at the outset of this war neither to accept for himself nor to ask for a friend, a Government contract or office, or any pecuniary advantage, in order that he might more disinterestedly discharge his public duties; to which resolution he has faithfully adhered throughout the whole term of his office.

It is therefore Resolved, That the Citizens of Philadelphia have heard with deep concern and regret that Mr. Samuel M. Felton has been obliged to relinquish the important position he has so long held with honor before our Country, and in this community: and they earnestly trust, that, under the blessing of Providence, his health may be restored by the opportunity of rest and relaxation, now afforded him, from his arduous duties.

Resolved, That in commemmoration (sic) of these eminent public services and virtues, a Committee of gentlemen be appointed, including the officers of this meeting, to prepare and present to Mr. Felton a suitable service of silver plate as a testimonial of our admiration and regard.

Resolved, That a Record of the proceedings of this meeting, and the accompanying Resolutions, be appropriately engrossed on parchment, signed by its officers and the above mentioned Committee, and also presented to Mr. Felton on its behalf.

On motion, Edward W. Clark, Esq., was appointed Treasurer of the fund proposed to be raised f or the purpose above mentioned.

The Chairman having announced the following Committee, on motion the meeting adjourned.

John Welsh
Chairman

Thos. Kimber, Jr.,
Secretary.

COMMITTEE

Wm. D. Lewis

John Welsh
A. S. Boris
G. Macalester
J. Edgar Thomson
Charles I. Dupont
John Ruins
Thos. Kimber, Jr.
Edward W. Clark
George H. Stuart
Hanson Robinson
John Rice
Thomas A. Scott
Frederick Fraley
J. Gillingham Fell
D. B. Cummins
H. S. McComb
Edward G. Knight
Morton McMichael
S. V. Merrick
Philip Quigley
John Tucker
Samuel Harlan
M. W. Baldwin
George Whitney
William Sellers