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

Perseverance Lodge

[Translation.]

Perseverance Lodge, Orient of Paris, May 15, 1865.

Sir: The members of this lodge rejoice in the restoration of the American Union, while they lament the loss of the great man who gave so many proofs of his devotion to progress.

His cowardly assassination has filled us with sorrow, for he was dear to us for more than one reason. Has any living man practiced so well the humane principles inculcated by free masonry? And who is more deserving of the regrets of their brethren?

We ask you to be our interpreter to the President of the Union in the expression of our regrets and sympathies, and in the hope that the great nation of the United States will prosper, in spite of traitors and assassins; for principles outlive men.

In its session of the 6th instant this lodge ordered a triple mourning salute in memory of Brother Lincoln, and resolved to drape their banner in mourning for the space of three months. The resolution was unanimous.

Receive the expression of our most distinguished consideration.

The Venerable,

A. H. MOZIRY,

For Perseverance Lodge.

Mr. Bigelow,
United States Minister in Paris.