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

Lodge of the Friends of Perfect Union to Mrs. Lincoln.

undated

[Translation.]

Madam: Some misfortunes are irreparable, and for which there is no consolation; these have fallen to your lot, and the world deplores it.

These are not then vain efforts of comfort we extend to you, but simply the humble tribute of the profound regrets that weigh down our hearts. If the pure and holy life of your great husband made him the favorite of a great nation, his death has rendered him immortal.

The liberator of slaves had to be a martyr! Was not the Nazarene crucified?

Lincoln is now surrounded by a halo of glory that ages can never efface; his name will be forever blessed.

Be resigned, madam, to the inscrutable decrees of Providence, who needed a great soul to accomplish its designs, and fixed upon the man most suited to its purpose.

We remain, madam, with the most profound respect, your very devoted servants.

• The officers of the lodge:
• BOURGUET, the Venerable.
• D. RAYNAL, 1st Warden.
• A. ROLLAND, 2d Warden.
• A. THERODEE, Orator.
• C. THOUBERT, Secretary.
• J. MERIE, Keeper of the Seals.