Señor Pedro Zeledon to Don Luis Molina

[Translation.]

Sir: Although this government has already paid its due compliments through the minister resident of the United States, I have to say, in answer to your esteemed despatch of the 18th April, ultimo, and the mournful news it contains, that the assassination of the illustrious President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and the barbarous assault on the persons of the honorable Secretary and Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Seward and his son, martyrs of the glorious cause in which they were happily winning victory, have been in Nicaragua,, as well as in all Central America and over the whole civilized world, the source [Page 488] of a general feeling of horror and sadness. Sympathy for the administration of Mr. Lincoln, for the cause he maintained of freedom of the human kind, and with the impulse this same doleful event imparted to the triumphant opinion, cause this government religiously to cherish the glorious memory of the illustrious dead, to heartily hail the providential salvation of the honorable Mr. Seward and his son whom we duly honor, and to behold with the highest esteem, respect, and our best wishes the heroic decision with which Mr. Lincoln’s worthy successor comes forward ready to perfect the sublime but unfinished work which falls to his lot.

The President trusts you have, in anticipation of the desire and well-known feelings of his administration, interpreted them with your usual faithfulness, near the government of the United States; and directs me to authorize you to leave a copy of this despatch with the honorable Secretary of State.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

PEDRO ZELEDON.

His Excellency Don Luis Molina,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Nicaragua, Washington.