Swiss Gymnasts
[Translation.]
Locle,
May 18, 1865.
Sir: I take the liberty of sending you an address
in the name of the Swiss gymnasts.
Have the kindness to be the interpreter to the American government of our
sincere regrets for the loss of the great citizen, Lincoln, and of our
wishes for the happy accomplishment of his work.
Receive the assurance of our best wishes for the success of the cause of the
great nation you represent.
In the name of the Swiss gymnasts:
HENRY GRAND JEAN,
President of the Central Committee.
His Excellency Mr. George Fogg,
Minister Resident in Berne.
[Translation.]
the federal gymnastic
society, central committee.
To his Excellency Andrew
Johnson,
President of the United States:
Locle,
May 5, 1865.
The central committee of the Federal Gymnastic Society, in the name of
the young men of Switzerland, join in the many testimonies of sympathy
which have been sent to you from Switzerland, for the noble cause you
are defending.
The news of the horrid crime committed upon the person of your worthy
President Abraham Lincoln, the great citizen who did so much for liberty
in his country, was painfully received by the sons of free Helvetia; but
his task will not remain unfinished, it will be continued by his worthy
successor.
[Page 587]
A great cry of condemnation arose in Europe, and we join it with all our
soul, hoping the noble cause you defend will yet triumph over all
opposing obstacles.
We address ourselves to you, Mr. President, in the name of all the
sections of the Federal Gymnastic Society, in expression of the
confidence we have in the successor of the noble and virtuous
Lincoln.
- HENRY GRAND JEAN, President.
- ALFRED DUBOIS,
- GUSTAVE VUILLEME,
Vice-Presidents.
- ALEXANDRE COURVOISIER,
- JULES GUINAND,
Secretaries.
- FERDINAND RICHARD,
Treasurer.
