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

Mr. Odell to Mr. Hunter

New York, April 21, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter of the 18th instant, enclosing a programme of the obsequies of the late President, and inviting my attendance at the religious services at the Executive mansion.

Indisposition having prevented my presence at Washington on this sad occasion, I take this opportunity to assure you that it was with the deepest regret that I learned the great bereavement which, under such heart-rending circumstances, had befallen the late President’s family and the nation. In this regret I am sure his Majesty the King and his government will participate.

Seldom are the living called to mourn the death of a ruler whose noble deeds had gained for him such universal respect and esteem.

I pray you will be pleased to express to the family of the late President the sentiments which I feel on this mournful occasion.

I have the honor to be, with great consideration, your obedient servant,

S. W. F. ODELL

.

Hon. William Hunter,
Acting Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.