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

M. Imbert

[Translation.]

Paris, June 9, 1865.

Sir: I was struck with horror when I heard the news of Mr. Lincoln’s death. The illustrious genius and worthy magistrate did not live to enjoy the glory of his great deeds. The abominable crime of his death ought to be avenged. Justice will be done, but unfortunately the most guilty will not receive it; but they will wither like the weeds in barren fields. His memory will be venerated by all nations living; and generations to be born will yield him homage. Bash assassins have spilled a precious blood; but it will cry aloud from earth for vengeance, and its voice will be heard afar.

Horrid slavery is no more. Europe rejoices at it; let the world rejoice. A new order of events will rise, and men will be blessed whose hopes had almost vanished. The black has a right to enjoy liberty as well as life; and now he has it in America.

May the successor of the deceased be worthy of his place, and finish the labor to be done; then the world will chant a chorus of gloria in excelsis, in populo supremo. Amen.

Accept the expression of my highest consideration.

IMBERT,

Ex-Professor, &c.

Mr. Johnson,
President of the United States.