Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV, Appendix to diplomatic correspondence of 1865; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late president of the United States of America, and the attempted assassination of William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, on the evening of the 14th of April, 1865; expressions of condolence and sympathy inspired by these events

Pierre Napoleon Bonaparte

[Translation.]

Paris, April 26, 1865.

Sir: I believe I am fulfilling a duty, but a very painful one, in begging you to accept the expression of the profound affliction I feel in hearing of the death of President Lincoln. The sympathy with which that great man has honored my father’s memory, increases my profound regret. This regret shall be shared by all noble hearts in all countries; and the glorious name of Lincoln, standing by the side of Washington’s, shall be the everlasting honor of your great republic.

With great respect and cordial fraternity, I have the honor to be, sir, your very obedient servant,

PIERRE NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.

Mr. Bigelow,
United States Minister in Paris.