New York Herald
April 18, 1861
Yesterday morning a preliminary meeting of the merchants of our city and of the members of the Stock Exchange was held at the Chamber of Commerce, for the purpose of making arrangements for a grand mass meeting of our citizens in support of the war policy of the administration. The greatest unanimity prevailed, and it was agreed on all hands that now that hostilities had been commenced by the South the people of New York, as of the North generally, were bound to sink all their political differences, and to unite as one man in defence of the national flag. After some discussion as to the manner in which the views of the gentlemen present should be carried out, it was agreed that a grand mass meeting be held at three o’clock on Saturday afternoon next, under the Washington Monument, in Union Square and that business people be requested to close their stores an hour or two previously, as well to allow their employees to attend as to mark the critical character of the events that call our citizens together.
The limits of the locality fixed upon will hardly afford space enough for the crowds that will be present. The demonstration promises to be the grandest and most imposing that ha ever taken place in this country. And there is good reason that is should be so; for our existence as a nation, in a great measure depends on the manner in which New York shall speak out on this occasion.